by Tiana Cole
“I don’t know.”
I was on the fence.
“What do you mean you don’t know? This is my show. If I want to continue, that’s up to me, not to you.”
I could tell Zeya was angry, but I wasn’t about to stop. Of course it was her show, but I was trying to be logical. I was trying to protect her.
“I’m sorry, Zeya. I’m not trying to overstep my bounds. I just want to make sure you’re taken care of.”
“I can take care of myself, Taylor. I’ve done it my entire life without your help. Don’t think this is the first crap situation I’ve been in. I don’t need to be handled. I’ve got this.”
“I’m sorry.” I was, but not for the reason she thought. “Whatever you want to do, we’ll do.”
“Don’t you get it? There’s no we. We’re not married, we’re not business partners. You’re a guy I work for temporarily and nothing more.”
I lowered my voice, speaking calmly, though my heart was beating loudly in my ears. Had she just said that?
“Zeya, can we talk about this when you’ve calmed down? You’re under a lot of stress right now, and I think we should talk about this later and—”
“No. There’s nothing to talk about.”
I didn’t have to look at Ted to know that he needed the look slapped off his face. I was sure he was eating it up, but I didn’t care. This wasn’t about Ted and the fact that I was hurt and humiliated having this conversation in front of strangers. None of that mattered. Because what Zeya was saying was more important.
And she was breaking my heart.
Chapter 14
Zeya
I avoided Taylor for most of the week, sticking to the kids like glue when he came home from work to avoid an inevitable confrontation. I only had a few more weeks to go on this job, and I would be free of Taylor and have the money I needed to move on with my life. I was tempted to run, to take the pay for the last few weeks and cut my losses, but I couldn’t. I had never run from a rough situation before and I wasn’t going to start now.
Even though this last week had been rough, the children were making such headway, and Taylor was getting better and better at parenting them. In the grand scheme of things, a few more weeks wouldn’t kill me. I just had to make sure that I was never alone in a room with Taylor. If I could do that, I could get out of this with my heart unscathed.
When another week passed and I made it through without being alone with Taylor once, I was starting to think that he’d given up discussing things with me. But I underestimated him.
I woke up one Sunday morning, feeling sluggish and stiff and completely unlike myself. I dragged myself around for a while before I even headed downstairs for breakfast. It was there that he caught me, completely unprepared and alone.
“I was hoping I would catch you before you left,” he said nonchalantly.
I wasn’t buying it, though. I wasn’t a fool.
“I’m leaving after lunch so that I can get a good night’s rest before I record in the morning.”
“I wish you’d reconsider taking the bodyguard with you.”
“I wish you’d let it go. Nothing has happened in almost two weeks, and I don’t see the point in driving Muscles around with me.”
“His name is Abel.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“He’d be crushed to hear you say that.”
I laughed.
“I doubt that. I’ve done my best to make guarding me a miserable job. I thought he’d have run away screaming by now.” I took a bite of my cereal. “But not Muscles. He’s a tough cookie.”
“I wish you’d quit antagonizing him.”
“And I wish you’d quit treating me like a delicate little flower. I’ve got this, Mr. Stephens. I don’t need your help.”
“It’s Mr. Stephens now, then?”
“Look, it’s my fault for getting too friendly. You’re a client, and I shouldn’t have crossed that line. I’m sorry, and I take full responsibility for that mistake.”
Taylor’s face colored almost instantly. If he were any other man, I might have ducked or moved back, but I knew Taylor. He wouldn’t raise anything besides his voice to anyone, let alone a woman. No matter how angry he was, he would keep himself together.
Which was good, because my last words had apparently really pissed him off.
“So now we’re a mistake? What kind of shit is that, Zeya?”
“Our hormones got the better of us. Mistakes happen.”
“It wasn’t a mistake. I made love to you because I care about you. Wasn’t it obvious? Do you think I make a habit of sleeping with women just for the hell of it? Is that all it meant to you?”
“Stop shouting, the children are going to hear you.”
“No one is home. Sonja took the kids out for a special breakfast, and everyone else has the day off.”
“Where’s Muscles?”
“He’s outside checking the grounds. It’s just you and me, and we’re going to work this out. Now.”
He sat down across from me as if that settled the matter.
“I guess you don’t know me the way you think you do. I’m not your employee. I work for myself, and I’m not sticking around to hash this out with you. I’ve said all I’m going to say on the matter. I’m finishing this job up and I’m leaving. It’s just that simple.”
I stood abruptly, pushing back from the table so hard my milk sloshed out of the bowl and onto the table. Then, I fled the room like any sensible, grown woman would do.
Before I knew it, I was in my room, shoving my things into my bag haphazardly.
“What are you doing?”
He was standing in the door, body tense, ready for a fight.
“I’m going home after lunch, like I said.”
“But you’re packing. Are you coming back Tuesday like we planned?”
“Yes, but I’m going to get a hotel or something close by.”
“There are no hotels close by.”
“Then I’ll commute thirty minutes.”
“Why?”
“I can’t stay here.”
“Why not?”
“Are you dense? Because of this. Because of us.”
“So you admit that there is an ‘us’.”
“Don’t look so smug. You know what I mean. I can’t work like this, and I’m not going to have you treating me like that every time you don’t get your way.”
“Like what?”
“Like we’re a couple or something.”
“Would that be so bad?”
“Of course it would.”
“Why?”
I couldn’t answer that. I didn’t know. On one hand, what woman wouldn’t want to date a billionaire? But Taylor was such an alpha male, and after being single for so long, I really struggled with his pushiness. I understood it; men like Taylor are pushy. It’s how they get what they want. But I wasn’t an acquisition. I was a human being, and his money didn’t mean shit if our relationship was a constant power struggle.
I decided to soften my approach. I didn’t want to get into a shouting match with him; I just needed some space. Ever since the death threat, he’d been extra clingy, and having Muscles constantly present didn’t help matters.
“Look, I just need a little breathing room. I can’t think like this, and I feel overwhelmed with everything that’s going on. I’ll be back on Tuesday, and I’ll leave some of my stuff. But, if I decide on Tuesday that I need to stay in a hotel, then I need you to support that. It’s nothing personal; it’s about me and what I need.”
“Oh, good. The old ‘it’s-not-you-it’s-me’ speech.”
His voice was beyond sarcastic.
“Take it or leave it, but that’s how I feel. If you can’t handle that, then you can’t handle me.”
He took a step forward, but I held my ground. He grabbed me roughly, pulling me close and shoving his hands into my hair. Too late, I realized that he meant to kiss me. I held my body rigid, fighting with everythin
g I had not to give in to the need I felt when his lips touched mine. Why did I have to fall for him, of all people?
It was no use, and soon, I had given up the fight. I returned the kiss, hesitant because I wanted so badly not to be in love. Love was complicated, love was rough, and love hurt.
At least it had in the past.
“You kissed me back,” he whispered, his face inches from mine.
“I did.”
“Was it another mistake?”
I expected those words to be harsh and angry, but he sounded lost and a little afraid. I looked into his eyes, searching for the man that the world knew; that brute façade that he put on for all to see. But all I saw was a vulnerable man with his heart on his sleeve.
I closed my eyes, fighting back tears. I didn’t know why, but I was so overwhelmed. Arika would swear I was crazy for fighting this. I was falling in love with Taylor Stephens, loving father, and billionaire. What was the problem?
“I wish I could read that mind of yours,” he said, loosening his grip on me.
I sat on the bed, and he sat beside me.
“You don’t want to. It’s a hot mess in there.”
He grabbed my hand, turning it palm up and tracing his finger along the lines.
“And if I want to know what’s on your mind, hot mess and all?”
“I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”
“Then tell me this, is there a possibility you have feelings for me that are at least leaning toward love?”
I wanted to deny it, but I knew by his tone that he already knew. Why did he have to be so damned perceptive?
I nodded instead, not trusting myself to speak.
“And what do I need to do to avoid pushing you away?”
I took a deep breath. Was it possible that he was really interested in my answer and not just working me over like powerful men tended to do when they wanted something? I really wanted to believe he was being sincere. And I did, because he’d been completely honest with me from the start. He deserved that much from me, right?
“I just need some time.”
“How much time?”
“I don’t know. At least until Tuesday. I need to be alone and think without a bodyguard trailing me everywhere, or you constantly finding a reason to be where I am. I need to think.”
Taylor nodded.
“I can do that.”
“I’ll come back on Tuesday morning.”
“You can wait until the afternoon, if you want. The kids are ready to go back to school, and I think it will be good for them to get into a routine. It’s only until lunchtime, but it’s a start.”
I had to smile at that.
“Is that a good smile?”
“I’m just impressed that you’re taking everything to heart and taking some initiative without me having to force you to. It shows a lot of progress.”
“There are few things I take as seriously in life as the well-being of my children.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“You should find that totally sexy.”
He tried to keep a straight face, but we both burst out laughing.
“At least you’re not too humble, Taylor.”
“Oh good, we’re back to first names.”
“I was feeling really overwhelmed. I’m sorry. I wasn’t feeling my best when I woke up and I’m still feeling kind of off.”
“I hope you’re not coming down with something, though I would like the chance to show off my nursemaid skills.”
“I’m sure you would. Unfortunately, catching things is par for the course when children are involved. They’re adorable little germ factories. I’m sure I’ll survive.”
Taylor wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. I allowed myself a moment to snuggle into his embrace, resting my head on his chest and closing my eyes. It felt good right there, in his arms. He smelled like heaven, and his touch was comforting. I felt like I was home in his arms, and that was a little scary for me. I couldn’t throw up my walls if Taylor tore them down as quickly as I built them.
“There’s one thing I want to talk about before you leave,” he said, his voice so soft and soothing in my ear that I almost didn’t catch what he’d said.
“What’s that?” I asked, trying to keep my hackles down until he got to the point.
“If you feel worried, or if anything at all is off, let me know right away?”
“I will.”
“Do you promise, Zeya? Because this is so important.”
“I promise. I’m taking this seriously, I really am. I just think that the bodyguard is overkill.”
“Everyone thinks that until the handsome white guy takes a bullet for you in the middle of your signature song.”
“Is that a cheesy movie reference?”
“It is.”
I rolled my eyes.
“But the bodyguard is her love interest. Are you saying that you think Muscles and I are meant to be?”
He laughed.
“He can’t guard your body like I can.”
Without missing a beat, he kissed me passionately, and this time I didn’t hesitate to return the kiss.
“Try not to take a bullet for me,” I whispered.
“Only if you promise not to get shot at.”
“Deal.”
We sealed it with a kiss, and with a heavy heart, I packed up the rest of what I needed for the next two days. I sighed heavily.
“You’re going to miss me.”
“I am, despite your modesty.”
I laughed at my own joke.
“I’ll see you soon. I promise not to call you, but if you want to call, I’m here for you. And if you want me to pick you up and bring you home, I’ll be happy to do that.”
“Thank you.”
He led me to the car, kissing me once more before I pulled away. He stood on the porch and waved, smiling though I knew he was struggling. Taylor Stephens was in love with me, there was no question about it.
And I felt the very same way.
Chapter 15
Zeya
“Great show, Zeya,” Ted said, when I wrapped up the last of the prerecorded show.
“Thanks, Ted.”
It had already been a long day, and Ted’s odd behavior wasn’t helping pass the time. He was cordial and kind, which in and of itself was different. But there was something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He was less arrogant and less crass.
Maybe being around Taylor for an afternoon had been good for him. At the very least, he’d been deferring to me more and more, rather than trying to rule with an iron fist. Was it possible that he was concerned that I might leave the studio to become a nanny fulltime?
I didn’t know what the deal was, and I wasn’t about to bring it up. If he had something he needed to get off his chest, he was going to have to broach the subject.
“Are you ready for the live recording?”
“Yes,” I said. “Let’s get it done so I can get going.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with a live show?”
“Of course I am. It’s been a few weeks, and screening has been working. Let’s not worry about it.”
“If you’re sure. I just don’t want to push you.”
What the hell was wrong with him?
“It’s fine, Ted.”
I wasn’t sure I liked this new, kidgloves Ted. Whatever was going on, I wanted the old Ted back. He might be a little rough around the edges, but I had gotten used to it over the years. New and improved Ted needed to go back to where he came from.
The live show went off without a hitch. I handled call after call, getting that rush I loved from being in the moment. There was no setting where I thrived more than “on the spot”. Where most people froze, I shone. Every caller had a unique problem, and I had an even more unique way of fixing it.
“We have time for just one more caller,” I announced, a little sad that the day was coming to a close.
Being with Taylor and has family
had lulled me into an easy rhythm that just wasn’t me. I lived for this; the challenge, the happiness in a parent’s voice when they called back to let me know my advice had worked. All of this was what made me tick. It was time to wrap up this job with Taylor and go back to what I knew and loved.
I didn’t know how that was going to affect our relationship, but if he wanted me, he was going to have to find a way to make it work. I wasn’t about to give up who I was for a man, not even Taylor Stephens.
“Caller, you’re on the air with Zeya Sparks.”
“I’m glad I finally got through. It seems you’re popular today.”
A chill ran through me. I recognized that voice or rather, the disguised voice.
I shot a look to my intern, who was pale-faced and shocked. Had the caller used his real voice when he went through the screening?
“I’m always popular,” I said, “but you seem like a lonely loser. How’s your mother’s basement?”
Maybe I shouldn’t be antagonizing my stalker, but I was done. I was tired of some psycho affecting my daily life. I had a bodyguard because of this fool. I was done being the victim.
“I wouldn’t be quick to be so brave,” the raspy voice came back. “Is my gift there yet?”
“What gi—”
There was a tap on the window, and I looked up to see a courier on a bike, holding a large envelope and crooking his finger to signal that I needed to sign for the package. I waved him in, against Ted’s objections in my ear. This was going to stop, now.
I signed for the paper, ignoring the heavy breathing in my ear as I ripped the tab and emptied it out onto the floor. The contents spilled onto the floor, a single sheet of paper fluttering out of the envelope and resting gently, face down on top of the pile of photographs.
I stared at the photographs, my mouth agape, no sound able to escape. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until my lungs began screaming in pain. How was this possible? This had gone beyond anything I’d ever experienced. I wanted to scream, to hide away. But I just stood there, staring.
“You’re quite photogenic. Too bad you have to die. You’ve destroyed my life, now I’ll destroy yours.”
