"Nice to meet you, Mr. Adams. Thank you for having me," I offered. I kept eye contact and fought against backing down under his stare. His eyes traveled over my entire body, judging, assessing. He was a big man, with light eyes and a hard face. He was intimidating and I could easily see how he made it in the business world. His stature, clothes, and determined eyes screamed power.
"Nice to meet you, too. Have a seat." He didn't seem pleased, but didn't look angry either. I really wished she would have let me wear the preppy outfit. I felt like he could see right through me and see my future of car work and bar hopping.
"I'm so excited for tonight," Mrs. Adams said, playing with the diamond bracelet around her wrist. She was definitely nervous, and now I see where Kallie got the habit.
"You know, Kallie," her father started. "I promised your mother I wouldn't say anything and I wouldn't lecture you, but I just want to say that I didn't appreciate you running out the way you did."
"Dad-,"
"I would never force you to do something you didn't want to do. You could have quit, but I taught you better than breaking promises and trust. You should have given notice, transferred files, and finished on some projects. I taught you finish what you started and do your best at it. I didn't want you here if you don't want to be. I wish you would have handled this differently."
Kallie nodded and gave him a shy smile. I watched as the hardness in his face broke down, again melting for her.
"You did a great job on the event, honey. It's going to amazing," her mom smiled. She looked a little relieved, and I assumed that was the outburst she was dreading.
The tension eased around us and we began to eat. Kallie picked at her fruit and I had to nudge her to make her take a bite. I knew she was nervous, but I knew today would be a long day. She needed to eat something. Kallie's mom chatted away about a book club she joined and her dad inhaled carbs, occasionally being scolded that he needed to eat more healthy. The man did what he wanted though, shoving muffins and bagels in his mouth.
"Is that your car out there, Ryder?" her dad asked. It was the first direct question to me. I was really hoping I could make it out of here without telling him anything about myself.
"Yes sir," I nodded.
"Year?"
"Sixty-four."
"He restored it himself," Kallie spoke up.
"Is that so?" her dad asked. "You good with cars?"
"Yes, sir. I'm a mechanic." I cringed, realizing how that didn't sound good enough for their daughter. I glanced at Kallie, who was looking at me like I was the best damn mechanic in the world. I got lost in her blue eyes and a smile tugged at my lips. Kallie's dad cleared his throat, so I pulled myself out of the daze and told him the story about the Comet.
The rest of the visit went smoothly. Kallie held my hand, and I would occasionally run my fingers down her back or over her exposed thigh. My nerves were at ease because as much I wanted to impress her parents, I don't really care anymore. Kallie was making me feel like I was enough for her and that was what mattered. I caught Mr. Adams watching me at times, but I let him look. I had a feeling it didn't matter what her dad thought of me. Not to Kallie, and definitely not to me.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Kallie
I let out a huge breath when we cleared my parents doorway. I didn't get nearly the amount of lecturing I was expecting. I was sure it was coming eventually. My parents didn't pry for information about where I was or when I would be coming home. I didn't have answers for them and would hate to have to lie to them.
Ryder drove us to the mall downtown in Tower City. A heavy feeling settled in my chest from being in the parking garage. I had to tell myself that I was here to shop, not to work. Still, the familiar sinking feeling was weighting me down and suffocating me.
"You okay?" Ryder asked once we parked.
"Yeah," I said too quickly. He raised his eyebrow at me. "I get this crappy feeling, like I'm heading to work even though I know I'm not."
"Well, let's just get in and get out," he smiled. I relaxed seeing his face, and we walked to the mall entry.
We took the escalators up to the second floor. I pointed out our store and Ryder stopped to peek inside. I stayed outside, not wanting to talk to any former employees or surround myself with the familiar smells. I tugged him past and we walked into the tuxedo rental store next door.
"Hey, Kathy," I called to the manger. Our stores were next door to each other, and I often referred customers here for their wedding tuxes. She owed me a favor and agreed to get Ryder suited up for tonight.
"Kallie, you look beautiful," she smiled as she walked from behind the counter to hug me. "You brought me a model I see," she winked.
"This is Ryder," I introduced, and then laughed at her. She was older than my mother, but always gawked at guys like she was my age.
"I would disappear with him, too," she tried to whisper in my ear. Ryder chuckled and smiled at me. "Let's get you all measured up. Just make sure you get this back to me in the morning," she told me.
"I promise. Thank you," I said. "Hey, you aren't going to be touching my man inappropriately now, are you?"
She put her hand on her chest and widened her eyes in fake shock before bursting in to laughs. "No, I will have Alan fit him."
"Thank you. I'm gonna run next door," I waved.
"You need your fix?" she winked, fully aware of my lingerie addiction.
"You know it." I blew Ryder a kiss and left him at the mercy of Kathy.
I power walked passed my store and slipped into my heaven. It didn't take me long to find the perfect nude set to wear under my dress tonight. I pretty much had their line up memorized, so I knew what I was looking for. I grabbed a sexy black corset and matching panties to wear for the wedding as well. I made it back to the tuxedo store just as Ryder was walking out of the dressing room with a garment bag over his shoulder.
He eyed the pink bag and a knowing grin spread across his face. He leaned down and planted a kiss near my ear. "Do I get to see what's in that bag?"
"Maybe," I teased as I walked backwards, away from him.
We grabbed lunch at a bar on the corner and went back to the apartment. We only a few hours until the limo would show up to pick us up. My father insisted that we should come in a limo to the event. He said I was the guest of honor and would be treated like one. I left Ryder to entertain himself while I started a long beauty regimen.
I took a long shower, making sure to shave and cover my entire body with lotion. I dried my long hair and straightened it before pulling in up into clips on the top of my head. Several chunks of hair hung loose from the undo, and I curled them into delicate twirls. I applied my make up with aching precision.
I walked over to the walk-in closet and pulled out the dress that I bought months ago for the event. I put on the nude colored thong and slipped the dress over my body. I adjusted the plunging neckline so my breasts would stay covered. The open back didn't allow for a bra, so I hoped with my small boobs, I would be able to stay in the dress.
I looked in the mirror after putting on the nude pumps to complete the outfit. An intricate lace covered the sheer material that clung to my body, pooling around my ankles. The neck plunged low and hung on my shoulders in a halter style top. The back was open and dipped down as low as it could. A slit came up my leg to mid-thigh. It was sexy, but still elegant enough to wear to a work function.
I opened the door and found Ryder standing in the living room. He was dressed in his black tux with a beige vest and white collared shirt. His tie was draped over his shoulders, and his hair was gelled into his signature messy style. I wanted to be the one to run my fingers through it and give it that sexy look. His dark eyes traveled up and down my body and his mouth opened slightly.
"Damn," I whispered. "I would have talked Scarlett into tuxedos if I had known you would look this sexy."
"You look stunning," he said in a low voice. He came to me and gently touched my hip. "You are the most beautiful t
hing I have ever seen."
My heart thundered in my chest and I ran my fingers over his chest. It's the sweet things he says that make me feel he still loves me. When he forgets about keeping me behind his wall, the Ryder that loved me peeks through, giving me all the hope I would ever need. I tied his tie for him and fought to keep myself from attacking him right there.
"You can take this off during the night," I told him. Everyone started to untie and loosen up as alcohol worked it's way through the guests.
"Ivan dropped this off," he said, pointing to a black box on the counter.
"Oh, that’s right," I said, pulling the lid off. "I'm supposed to wear Pandora. Help?" I held up the necklace with dangling diamonds and beaded charms.
He nodded and I turned so he could clasp it around my neck. His fingers trailed down my bare back when he was finished, sending shivers over my skin. I felt his lips graze my shoulder, moving to the back of my neck, before tickling down my spine.
"Ry," I warned.
"Be mine."
I turned to look into his face. "What do you mean?" Please mean what I think he means. I needed to hear him say it.
"I want you to be mine and only mine. I want to walk in there with you on my arm and be able to say your mine."
I searched his eyes. I was always his, no matter what he said or felt. My heart and head never moved way, just my body, and they never would. I loved him even though I knew he wasn't ready for it yet. I nodded as I swallowed roughly. He was slowly letting me back in, and I would take what I could get. He grabbed the back of my head and my knees gave out with the force of the kiss. When the buzzer rang, he pulled away and escorted me down to the waiting limo.
If I wasn't in heels, we could have walked to the party. The event was in a hotel just around the corner and it only took a few minutes to pull up in front. Ryder was a gentleman, helping me out of the limo and wrapping my arm around his to lead us in the doors. I found my parents waiting in the lobby, as they promised they would be.
"He is so handsome," my mom whispered in my ear as she gave me a light kiss on the cheek.
I smiled at her before greeting my dad and watching him shake Ryder's hand. I knew my father didn't warm up to him completely, but I was glad he was biting his tongue. I would deal with him at a later time. Tonight, I just needed to get through this event for them. I followed my parents into the decorated ballroom.
The room was covered in silver and pale blue. Tables were set with china and various glasses. Candles lit the room and string lights covered the ceiling. Music filled the air and everything sparkled. I smiled; it actually looked exactly how I envisioned it.
"Looks amazing. I told you," my mother bragged, giving me a proud smile.
As we walked to our front table, Ryder kept his hand on my lower back and rubbed his thumb across my bare skin. He pulled out my chair for me, pushing me in before taking his seat next to me. Ivan soon joined us, introducing us to his date and completing our table. I watched the guests around the room while my father and Ivan chatted about business.
Waiters were gliding around the floor with trays of champagne, and everyone was decorated in sparkling jewelry. I watched as couples walked in with wide eyes, taking in the design that I’d spent so much time on. A string band sat on a small stage, filling the room with soft music. I had most of the plans set in stone before I left. Ivan only had a few minor details to work out.
Meals were served and I was barely able to eat it all, despite the small serving sizes. The chicken was bland and so were the greens on the side. The menu was something I did not plan; I left that behind. I silently wished for Scarlett's rigatoni or the leftover wings at my apartment. After dinner, my father was announced to make a speech.
He started with the history of Adam's Jewelers. He spoke about how he started as a kiosk on the sidewalks in the city, eventually moving to a small store in a strip on the poor side of town. I smiled up at him, proud of my dad for making what we had from nothing. Even if I didn't want to be a part of it, it gave me the life I had and he was happy.
After telling the crowd about how we opened the second location in tower city, I heard my name. "My daughter, Kallie, took over the business while I had health issues. She was brilliant, determined, and always had an eye for beauty. She pushed us to start offering Pandora in our locations. I have to admit, I was hesitant at first. My daughter never backs down when she has an idea, though. She did all the negotiating and was able to convince this very select designer to find a home in our small, family-run business."
The crowd clapped softly and tears pricked in my eyes. I turned my back on them, on the family-run business, but he still looked down at me like I gave him the world. I blew him a kiss, and Ryder squeezed my hand on my lap.
"So tonight, lets celebrate this milestone for our company. Let's celebrate the hard work and determination of one stubborn little girl, and lets celebrate the fact that the little guys can have big things, too. Here's to a long and lasting relationship with Pandora." He raised his glass and so did the entire room, toasting.
"I'm proud of you," Ryder whispered in my ear as I sipped my champagne.
"Thank you," I told him.
After dinner came the part I was dreading the most. The mingling. The question of what I was doing next with the company was exactly what I didn't want to discuss. I had no idea what I would be doing after the wedding, but I knew I wouldn't be working for my dad. For days, I tried to come up with a graceful excuse as for why. I wanted to say I'm taking off time to travel, or study, but I was never great at lying.
Ryder offered his hand to pull me out the seat. "You are killing me in that dress," he growled in my ear, his breath tickling down my neck and collarbone.
"I can't wait to get out of it," I smiled back.
He shook his head and tugged me around the room. I was stopped by several of my family's friends and associates. Most just complimented my dress or congratulated me. I was polite and tried not to stick around long enough for any questions. Ryder's hand stayed glued to my lower back, and I took comfort in his presence.
"Oh, that's interesting. Whose piece is that?" Mrs. Hut asked, pointing to the bracelet I made from the clamp.
"Oh," I stuttered. "I made it."
"You did?" she exclaimed. "It's great. Very unique and different. People love that these days, especially the younger generation."
"Thank you," I smiled. Ryder's fingers stroked the skin just above the back of the dress, dipping under the fabric to tease lower.
"A Kallie Original. I will be thinking of you when we open our branch in Ohio City. I have been looking for new young designer with some edge."
"Well, thank you," I choked out. I wasn't actually expecting anyone here to like the stuff I made from recycled parts, but she was right; it had a market in today's generation. I liked the pieces I designed and would wear them. I was happy to be in something different and not the same designs we always sold. I said goodbye politely and snuck away from her group.
"Come here," Ryder said in my ear. I let him lead me out of the ballroom and down the hall. He opened a door marked 'coat check'.
He pulled me past the empty hangers and racks before pushing me against the back wall. His lips crashed to mine and I moaned in his mouth. His hands held the sides of my neck as his tongue possessed my mouth. I loosened and undid his tie before unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt. I ran my nails down his skin, pulling out a growl from deep inside him.
"Pull up your dress," he demanded as he lifted me up onto a counter. "I don't want to ruin your makeup." When I continued to stare at him in shock, he gently pulled the fabric up my legs and over my thighs.
"What are you doing?" I asked, breathless.
"I can't wait any longer," he said as he knelt down on the ground.
He trailed his fingers up my legs and gently coaxed my panties to the side.
"Wait," I breathed and put a hand on his shoulder. "I’ve never."
"I know."
&
nbsp; His head moved lower, and then I felt the first lick. His tongue caressed between my legs, tasting and exploring me. My legs shook around him as he slowly stroked and teased my clit. I was panting and squeezed his shoulders as my body tingled. I never felt something so pleasurable and consuming. I can't believe I went this long in life without ever having this experience. The fact that we were in room right outside an event melted away.
"Ryder, I'm going to," I panted, scared of the overwhelming wave threatening to wash over and drown me.
"Come for me, baby. I need to taste it."
The words sent me under, waves crashing over me, taking me deeper and deeper as my head dropped back and I called out his name. His tongue continued to lap at me, sending aftershocks throughout my entire body. I was quivering and weakened from the intensity that ricocheted through me. When he finally stood, he helped me to my feet and smoothed my dress out around my legs. I swiped my thumb over his bottom lip.
"Wow," I laughed.
"I told you, you were driving me crazy in that dress," he smirked. "You look so gorgeous and poised tonight. I'm lucky to have you."
I smiled as his words sunk in, wrapping around me. He stuck his head out the door to make sure the coast was clear before he led me back out to the party.
We spent the rest of the evening drinking and people watching. We moved around the room, hand in hand, and I told Ryder who various people were. I introduced my boyfriend to some family friends and let the champagne lighten my head. The stress I was feeling from earlier had evaporated, and I enjoyed the evening at a ridiculous, lavish event with my boyfriend.
As the party started to thin out, my mother informed us that our limo was waiting out front. I gave her a hug and gave my dad a peck on the cheek goodnight. I giggled on the short ride to the apartment and almost didn't get out of the limo when we arrived. Ryder's kisses were lethal and had the power to erase everything around me.
Once the door closed, Ryder slowly striped my dress off me. The light fabric slid down my body as he inched me back to the bed. I watched as he pulled off his jacket and dropped it to the floor. I unbuttoned his shirt, fumbling and giggling through it all. He pulled the high heels off my feet, rubbing the soreness away.
Impacted (Conflicted Encounters #2) Page 15
