Here and Now

by Wasowski, Mary

  “I won’t believe after everything we worked for it’s all coming down to a threat. Give me some time to track this inspector down and I will get back to you.”

  I sped away from his property and headed directly to Ed’s office. Someone has to know where I could find this guy. You can’t just wreak havoc on someone’s life and business and be a ghost. He has some explaining to do and I will not leave until I get one.

  It didn’t take long for news to spread. My father had already left two messages and was currently leaving a third. I couldn’t deal with him right now. Before I could talk to him, I needed more information.

  I walked right past Ed’s secretary with her chasing after me as I barged into his office. He didn’t look surprised by my sudden intrusion. “I’m sorry Mr. Fleming, I couldn’t stop him.”

  “It’s fine, Dolores, he’s cleared.” She closed the door behind me and I took a seat in front of Ed’s desk. “I had a feeling I would be seeing you. I’m sorry, Rogan, I just heard about Harrington.”

  “Ed, I don’t want your apologies, I want answers. Where the fuck is Alex Depry?” His eyes went as wide as saucers and then we heard.

  “Standing right behind you and there is no need for that kind of language.” My words were caught in my throat because the voice I just heard sounded familiar to the goddess whose legs were wrapped around me last night as I fucked her.

  I slowly turned around and everything I refused to believe came crashing to the surface with the truth. The person singlehandedly trying to take me down was no other than Blondie. “You?” I shouted. She was obviously caught by surprise because she said the same words back to me.

  “It’s you.”

  “I guess I don’t need to figure out who you are anymore.” The sudden coldness to my tone was a distant memory to the one I used with her last night. I was so lost in shooting cold daggers at her, I didn’t hear Ed interrupt us.

  “Do you two know each other?” he questioned. Still dumbstruck, she remained silent where she stood.

  “Yeah, you can say that.” I looked back at Blondie who I now knew was Alex Dupry.

  “And?” asked Ed.

  “Yes, we’ve met, quite intimately. I met her last night in some dive bar my grandfather took me to for a drink. We left to fuck, nothing more. What I didn’t know last night is that she is the same person that is hellbent on destroying me.”

  “Oh, shit!” mumbled Ed. She had the nerve to look embarrassed when I stood there not giving a flying fuck to her feelings.

  “Rogan, get a hold of yourself and let’s start from the beginning.”

  “So, you’re Rogan Douglas of Douglas ECO Systems?” And she speaks!

  “Yes, in the flesh, or do you need a reminder of what I look like with my clothes off.”

  “Rogan! That’s enough.” Ed bellowed from behind us.

  “No, we are just beginning. I need a minute alone with your inspector.” I demanded instead of asking.

  “Keep yourself in check. I’m going to get a coffee and I will be right back.”

  “Don’t worry, this won’t take long.”

  I waited until he closed the door and then practically rushed her until her back thudded against it. As angry as I was, I wanted just a taste of what she gave me last night. She’s standing here with her mounds of hair piled high on her head and wearing the tightest skirt ever leaving very little to what was hiding underneath.

  “Did you shower after I left? Or just turned on the water for effect? Because I can still smell me on you and it’s making me want to explore your body and take what was so easily given up for me last night.” I practically hissed in her ear as I sucked her neck between my lips.

  She moaned and tried to move out of my grasp but it was no use. My hands were already at the junction of her thighs and confirming what I had suspected—she was dripping with wetness. I moved in and out of her sex while her arousal coated my fingers. I could take her right here and she would let me. As much as I wanted to, I stopped and brought my hand close to her lips before I licked them clean. Her face hardened and that’s when I let her go.

  “Frustrated much? Yeah, I know the feeling lady.”

  “Fuck you!” she shouted as she tried to right her skirt and get control of her breathing. Her face was clear of being scandalized. A look not even Ed would miss.

  “No, fuck you and the game you’re trying to pull on me.” I didn’t give her another chance to flee and again, I was on her before she could run. This time her perfectly round ass was pressed against the desk with me caging her in. “Answer me this, did you know who I was last night?”

  “No, and I wish I never met you,” she hissed.

  “Liar! I don’t believe you. Try again,” I said as I pushed my hard erection against her mound.

  “What? Not knowing your name or letting you fuck me?”

  “It’s definitely not the latter. If it wasn’t for Ed coming back here, I’d have you spread out all over his desk. Now, did you or did you not know who I was?”

  “I didn’t know who you were.”

  “Why did you red flag us?”

  “I think the report speaks for itself.”

  “No, what it is, is crap. You know it and I know it. These reports have already been sent up to the head of the EPA, so unless you want to be brought up on charges for fraud and any number of charges I can hit you with, you better start talking to me. I’m a pretty patient guy but when I’m fucked with, there’s no telling what I’m capable of.”

  “Okay, but not here.” She continued to struggle against me, but it was no use. The more she moved, the more she felt my erection against her.

  “Very well. I expect to see you at this address in one hour.” I pulled out my card and tucked it in between the fullness of her breasts. Before I let her go, I took her mouth in a punishing kiss, not asking for permission as my tongue entangled with hers. “One hour. Don’t be late.” I whispered in her ear but not before taking another taste of her neck and then leaving a mark, my mark where anyone could see.

  “Better clean yourself up, we don’t want Ed thinking we fucked on his desk. I can smell your arousal from across the room and it’s taking all my control to make my legs move so I could walk out of here while I still can.”

  I kind of expected a wise-ass comeback but instead, she remained where she was and panted while her eyes bore holes in my back as I walked out of Ed’s office. He passed me on the way to the elevator as I tried in vain to tamper down my erection.

  “Is everything okay? It looked pretty heated back there.”

  “Just a misunderstanding that will be rectified by the close of business today.” Or tonight in my bed, either choice is fine by me.

  “I’ll be in touch,” I said as the elevator doors closed.

  Yeah, I’ve experienced a few surprises in my life but discovering my hot Blondie was actually the evil inspector I’ve been trying to meet nearly knocked me on my ass. My first reaction should have been to chew her deceptive ass out but my treacherous dick had other ideas.

  I received a text earlier from Emily telling me that she had turned my apartment into decorating central so I knew I couldn’t meet Alex there. Instead, I instructed her to meet me upstairs in the penthouse where I knew we wouldn’t be disturbed. It also had staff at my service which was a plus. I called Hildy and had her prepare some treats and make sure the bar was stocked. I had a feeling I would need a lot of liquid courage to get me through what I had in mind for Alex Depry.

  I took a shower and changed into something more comfortable than my suit. It wasn’t really my style but my father insisted on it if I would continue to be present in the office. The sound of the doorbell rang right on time. When I opened the door the very reason for my discomfort in my lower region was standing looking as tempting as she was when I saw her for the first time in the bar.

  “You showed,” I asked surprised by the tone of my voice. She didn’t look too amused.

  “It wasn’t like you gave
me much choice, so yes, I’m here. Are you going to invite me in? Or are you going to continue to undress me with your eyes?”

  “Yes, and yes, but I prefer a more private setting. Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

  “Why are you being so nice?”

  “Do you think this is nice? Hmmm, I guess I have to work harder on my betrayed look a little better. Have a seat, please.” I gestured to the sectional where she stomped over to. She was quite adorable, I’ll give her that. “Let’s start over, shall we?”

  “Yes, that would be great. The sooner we can get this over with, the better.” The look on my face must have screamed sarcasm, to say the least, because she hauled off and smacked my shoulder.

  “Stop it! What the hell is so funny?”

  “I guess it’s the thought of you believing what’s between us will be over once we get to the bottom of your deception. No, sweetheart, you are mistaken because we are just beginning. Get comfortable because I don’t intend on allowing you to walk out that door,” I pointed over my shoulder. She crossed her arms over her chest in defiance but who was she fooling? I know women and this woman is clearly sexed up and ready to jump me any minute now. I shifted on the couch leaning my head on my hand so I could look at her when I asked her why she would sabotage everything I worked so hard to accomplish.

  “You say you didn’t know who I was when we met in the bar, is that true?”

  “I believe I have already answered that question.”

  “I’m asking it again. Did you know who I was? Because if your answer is yes then the hole you have dug for yourself just got bigger. I don’t appreciate being played.”

  “I did not,” she said through gritted teeth. You know, you are an arrogant asshole. No, I didn’t know you last night and now I wish I never was in that bar, and definitely regretting accepting that drink. The only thing I don’t regret is meeting your grandfather, he was nice, and you are an asshole.”

  “You wish you had regrets but you don’t. Come on, you can do better than that. Where is my wild Blondie that rocked my dick all last night until we both collapsed?”

  “Yeah, you wish. What an overactive imagination you have. You’re hot and definitely know what you are doing in bed but you are not God’s gift, so don’t fool yourself, pretty boy.” I couldn’t help but smile. She was refreshing and I dug that about her even being mad at her.

  “Again, with the laughing? Am I that amusing to you?”

  “Yes, and you’re right. I know who I am, where I come from, and what I look like. It affords me certain advantages that some men may not know. You’re honest and say it like it is which is another quality I do like and respect. So, aside from what I just said which is probably making your head spin, what I need to know is why you waged war on my work. You can’t be working alone and you have no plausible reason as to why you would do this. I need a name so I can go after the real person responsible for fucking with my company.”

  “I can’t tell you. If I do, someone in my family will be hurt and I will not risk that.”

  “But it’s okay to hurt someone in mine? My family’s reputation is at stake along with the innocent farmers that can’t work their farms. Now, as much as I have enjoyed this banter between us, it’s time for answers and you will give them to me.”

  “The report you submitted is clearly false and every red flag is superfluous. Any amateur new to the game will see the difference. Now, before I take that report and send it directly to Washington, I want you to tell me the truth.”

  “I thought you said you had already done that?”

  “I was bluffing but this time I am not. Who the fuck are you? And why did you do this? As much as my dick wants to be inside you again, no pussy is worth my legacy.”

  “Fuck you! Your arrogance knows no bounds. Your legacy? Give me a break. Do you want to talk about legacy? I’ll tell you mine. My father taught me everything I know about hard work, ethics, and yes, legacy and what it means when it comes to family. My father worked his entire adult career answering to the top dogs in his company. He tried to play the game and climb the corporate ladder but when it came to backstabbing and underhanded deals, he took himself out of that circle. He watched from the sidelines as the dirty players benefitted and got rich but at least he could sleep at night.”

  “When he was about to retire a few months back, an envelope with a large amount of cash was left on his desk with instructions to sway the right people to side with Winston Lockhart and his company.”

  “Creekside Orchards.”

  “Yes, the very same. I’m sure you know what great lengths Winston did to hold on to those farms but there was a bigger player in the game that stopped him before my father could.”

  “Lawson Douglas. My father.”

  “Right again. My dad, Ernest, by the way, was his name.”

  “Was? You say that like he’s no longer with you.”

  “Because he’s not, Rogan. When my father refused and turned over the envelope to his superiors, he was ostracized by the department that should have had his back. He lost what friends he thought he had and was under a great deal of stress. I was up and coming and doing well in my current position which made him happy in his final days but it wasn’t enough. He never got to officially retire because he suffered a massive stroke and died on the way to the hospital. I remember saying goodbye to him that morning over cold coffee and a bagel. I didn’t even hug him, I just ran out the door and told him I would see him later.”

  Clearly, the conversation between us had shifted to a direction I never expected. I was at a loss here and wasn’t sure about what to do next. Her back was stiff and instead of trying to comfort her, I got up and poured her a drink. She accepted it and nursed the bourbon while continuing to tell me her story.

  “After my father died, I was inundated with the mountain of bills from his funeral and household expenses. His pension is buried under red tape and I don’t know when I will see that money. I know this must sound far-fetched to you but it’s the truth. This is not unheard of in Washington, it’s practically the norm up there. I still believe there are honorable people that work honestly like my father but this was so much more than that. He was targeted and when he didn’t comply, they made him suffer. I just wanted a fresh start only to find out that my fresh start was bought and paid for by Winston Lockhart.”

  “I don’t know how he did it but he was responsible for me being in the job I hold now. He threatened me and promised to destroy my father’s reputation and mine if I didn’t agree to help him. I was like, come and get me. My father was dead and I was drowning in debt. What more could he do? Well, I was wrong. He falsified documents and painted a not so colorful picture of my father’s life. It would be a total embarrassment and would ruin any legitimate chance at me working anywhere in a federal position.”

  “It was too late to stop your father and the motions he had in play, so another plan was formed which involved me red flagging the farms. If I did this, it would buy Winston some time to plan yet another hostile take-over on those properties and ultimately buy back what he believes your father took from him. Essentially, he did but your father and your company did it the right way. This is just a businessman scorned and is out for revenge to even the score.”

  “And use you to do it.”

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much it.”

  “Okay, so if all you said is true then why the phony report? You had to know that my team of lawyers who I employ at my company would not just sit quietly and accept the failed inspection. We have a stellar reputation and rarely fail at anything.”

  “Yes, I know that Rogan which is why I did what I did.”

  “Okay, I know that now, but your plan failed. I’m guessing because and don’t take offense by this but you are not seasoned yet. You haven’t been in your position for long and may not understand everything that happens in front and behind the scenes.”

  “You submitted your findings that was quickly disputed. You had
to know we would do that. Having said that, once the failed project in question was re-inspected, we would be issued a new report resulting in your negligence.”

  “I know,” she said with no doubt to her tone.

  “So let me understand this. You were okay with deceiving Winston? And further infuriating him?”

  “I knew the risk.”

  “Oh, baby, don’t you know it’s the same play your father did and sadly, lost.”

  “It was a gamble but I thought if my work was judged then my bosses would reprimand me in making the mistakes I did and then Winston wouldn’t have anything left to hold over my head because I would have been removed from the job and it would be handed off to Mr. Fleming.”

  “I guess that’s why Ed is so in the dark over this matter. I believe you, Alex, and I am very sorry for your loss. I know it can’t be easy living with what you have been through and now to be blackmailed into committing a crime.”

  “A crime?”

  “Yes, what did you think you were doing? Do you even realize how many laws you have broken here? Forget about your career, you may face jail time over this.”

  “Oh, my god, I can’t go to jail. This is not my fault, Rogan. I was trying to do the right thing without blowing my cover to Winston. Don’t you see that?”

  “I do but tell that to the same pricks that destroyed your father’s career. They can’t be trusted but I can, and so can my father. We can help you.”

  “How? When the mighty have already fallen.”

  “You haven’t met Lawson Douglas, and you need to have a conversation with my grandfather, Roman. They are fearless and very badass.”

  “Come here, Alex,” she did without hesitation. All my earlier anger was now gone. I wrapped her close in my embrace and brushed the hair away from her face.

  “Tell me something. Last night in the bar and going home with me, is that something you do often?”

  “No, never. I told you, it was me experiencing life outside of the safe box I have been in. I never did anything reckless in my life. My father raised me all by himself and I was sheltered for most of my teen years. The one and only time I snuck out of my bedroom window to go to a party with my friends, I was caught with a blaring flashlight in my face. I never made it out of the backyard.”