A Dominant Man (11 page)

W
hen lunch rolls around, I’m in a crap mood and urgent need for time to unwind. I head to Chase’s office where lunch is already waiting for me.

“What did you get for us?”

“I was in the mood for Mexican food. Is that ok?”

“Yeah, perfect. What did you get me?”

“Beef burrito,” he says, giving me a mischievous grin and cocked brow.

“Oh jeez, you’re a pervert.”

“You love me for it, Miss Pervert.”

“Yeah, I do. Thanks for the grub.”

I sit on the other side of his desk and dig in. “It sounds like the new office is ready as of next week. You’d better enjoy your final days of being within walking distance of work. If you want, I’ll drive you.”

“Yeah, that would be stellar,
” I reply with little interest.

I know I don’t sound enthusiastic, but it’s hard to wake up and harder still to pretend I’m not dying inside. On top of it, I need to formulate ways of avoiding Damian at the new building.

“What’s on your mind?” he asks with a tilted head and a curious face.

“Personal life not so hot, we’re meeting
Jules for drinks, and work sucks,” I mumble the middle part of my sentence.

“What was that?”

“Work sucks?” I look at him with my I’m-sorry face.

“Don’t play with me.” His tilted face has a nauseated expression.

“Will you come with me to have a drink with Jules and our friend Sloan? Please?”

He lets out a long, exaggerated sigh and
leans back in his chair, arms crossed. He’s like a child whose mother is making him play with a girl he knows to have cooties.

“Yeah, sure,” he whines out. “She’s going to be on me all night.”

“Come on. Her brother died. She needs support and your pretty face. Plus, there will be booze and me.”

“Ok, ok. You had me at booze. I’m not sorry that piece of shit is gone, and I still don’t regret what I did to him.”

“I know. I’m glad I’m not the only one who saw what he truly was. Everyone keeps saying what an amazing guy he was. How kind and caring he was.”

“Are you going to the funeral?”

“Yeah, I need to, for Jules.”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course. She needs me.”

“You’ve got some
balls of steel in those panties. I don’t know how you’re going to make it through the service without wanting to scream.”

“I probably will.”

“Well, at least when you freak out and cry no one will think anything of it,” he chuckles out.

“Great. Thanks,” I say dryly.

“Come on, kid. Let’s eat.”

W
hen five arrives, I feel emotionally and mentally drained. I meet Chase in the front lobby. He looks good in his black slacks and dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbow.

“I didn’t notice how dapper you look.
Jules will be all over that,” I remark, waving my hand through the air, scanning over the length of his body.

I laugh at him, and he joins in. “You suck,” he chuckles.

“You ready?”

“No, but let’s get this show on the road.”

W
hen we arrive, Julie and Sloan are already waiting, settled at our usual booth. Chase sighs as we head over to them, and Julie’s face seems to brighten when she spots him.

“Hey guys, right on time. We just ordered a couple rounds for the table.”

Julie ogles Chase with such fascination while I hug Sloan and respond, “Thanks. I’m ready to relax.”

He leans in and
shakes Sloan’s hand, introducing himself, “Chase.”

He shoots her a sly smirk,
and she seems to melt. “Sloan,” she responds in a trance.

She’s definitely been bit by the
Chase bug. She giggles, and Julie nudges her in the arm when Chase isn’t paying attention, giving her a look as if to say back-off.

“Fine,”
Sloan mouths as she rubs her sore bicep. The shots arrive, and we proceed to get smashed.

A
s Chase predicted, Julie is on him like cops on a jelly donut. She’s allowing the tequila to make her brave. The golden liquid that burned in the first few shots, slide down easily after the sixth. The hot liquor warms my belly, making me feel fuzzy, and honestly, a tad bit randy
. I wish Hunt were here. Oh god, what I wouldn’t do to him. I’d probably take him right here in the booth.

I slip back into the cushion and listen to the music. The Virgins are blasting from the bar speakers.

“I’m going to use the restroom,” Chase announces, scooting out of the booth and stumbling a bit. Julie watches him as if he were leaving forever. Sloan gets up to take a call, giving Julie and me a few moments to talk.

“How are you,
Jules?”

She speaks, and it’s obvious she’s smashed, “Sshitty, I’m crying nonstop, and my parents are (hiccup) wrecks. This is a nice ch-change. I’m kinda messed up, which is helping (hiccup) to feel numb.”

“Me, too,” I giggle.

I peek down at my watch, which is a bit blurry. Almost nine.

“How you been? What the hell’ss going on with Damian?” she asks, alcohol slurring her drunken words.

“I’m m
-miserable. I haven’t seen him since the other night…I told him…to leave. He wouldn’t apologize for attempting to con-control me, and I flipped…told him I didn’t want the relation(hiccup)ship he offered.”

Shit.
I’m not doing much better. In fact, I might sound worse.

“What a fucking asshole. We should chop (combination hiccup and burp) off his dick and throw it
over the Golden Gate. What kind?”

“What?”

“Relationship.”

“Oh…
He doesn’t want…a real commitment. He wants a fuck-toy.”

“I s
still think we should go with my plan.” she replies, picking up a shot glass off the table and placing it to her lips, only to discover it’s empty. She flips it over and shakes it slightly, as if a few magical drops would still remain. “Bartender!” she calls out, shot glass swaying as she holds it high in the air, “Another round of your finest booze!”

We laugh long and hard.
A moment later, Chase walks up smiling, brows creased. “What’s so funny?”

“S’nothing. Just being silly,” I reply, tears spilling down my flushed cheeks.

I spot Sloan talking to a tall cutie at the bar. She’s twirling her fingers in her cherry red hair, giggling, and stroking his tatted arm.

Chase
slides into the booth, and we continue to talk and consume more shots until I’m feeling woozy. I think I drank one too many. I’m starting to feel hot from the thick, stale air in the bar. I need to get some fresh air before I ralph.

“I’m going out front for a breath(hiccup)er.”

“I’ll come with you,” Chase offers eagerly.

“No, that
’s ok.”

“I can go with
. I’m going home,” Julie yawns. “Goodnight, Chase.”

She grins sweetly.

“Goodnight.” He gives her a nod.

We collect our things and say goodbye to Sloan, still flirting it up with the cutie at the bar.

“You’re leaving already?” She pouts.

“Yeah, too drunk,” Julie replies, wobbling a little.

“Alright, get home safe.”

She hugs us, then we shakily make our way out of the crowded bar, breaking free into the dark night. The chilly air hits my cheeks, and I realize how drunk I actually am.

“My ride’s here. You ok?”

“I’m dandy. I’m going to head home. Goodnight, ssweetie.”

“I’ll see you
on Sunday. Let me know what hap(unidentifiable noise)pens with Damian. Night.”

“I can already tell you…Nothing.”

“You’re wrong. Love you.”

She gives me a considerable hug, and we wobble a little.

“I love you…too. You’re in my thoughts.”

“Thanks. See you (hiccup) in a few days.”

She stumbles to the cab, falls in, and she’s off. I take a few abysmal breaths, hoping to sober up. My vision’s starting to blur, and my head’s spinning.

“Hey there, sexy…how are you doin’ tonight?”

A guy in his late thirties is standing in front of me, obviously wasted. The smell of alcohol secretes from his breath and every pore, making me feel sick to my stomach.

“Not good.”

He moves closer. “What’s the matter, honey?” he slurs out, bobbing all over the place.

“Could…could you back off, please?”

He flings his arms around my waist, bringing his body against mine. I’m daunted, drunk, and ready to pummel his ass but decide to give a warning first. I push him away, but he drags me back into him.

“Get off,” I snarl.

“Come on, honey. You like this. Relax.”

The smell of booze
and stale cigarettes is ripe on his breath.

“GET THE FUCK OFF ME!” I growl, shoving at his chest and face when he tries to come in for a kiss. My vision is fading into blackness.

Oh no! Not now! I can’t black out while this scumbag is trying to have his way with me.

The last thing I observe is a large fist smashing with bone-crushing force into my molester’s jaw and him falling from the impact. I can’t hold on. My last thought is of
Chase, my hero. It goes black, and I’m out.

I
slip in and out of consciousness, allowing quick glimpses, flashes of his broad chest as he carries my sagging body. He opens the door and takes me inside the apartment. I realize something feels different about this. It’s in his touch and smell.

The apartment is dark. Objects edges are visible from the outside light, but in my blurry state, I still cannot make out what they are. I pass out again in his arms heading down the hall to my room.

When I come to, I’m lying on my bed, legs hanging over the side, and he’s strutting into the bathroom. He’s only a hazy, dark silhouette framed in the brilliant bathroom light.

I hear the medicine cabinet opening and the rattle of the bottles. The room is swaying, and my vision comes in and out of focus. The light turns off, and my dark hero comes back out.

“Take this,” he commands as he extends his hands out to give me Tylenol and a glass of water.

“Bossy,” I mumble.

I sit up at the edge and gobble down the little white miracle workers. I feel the zipper on the back of my dress open, and he slides it off my shoulders. He retrieves the empty glass from me and sets it on my side table.

“Lie down and lift your ass.”

I sloppily fall back and lift my rear as he slides it off the rest of the way. Once again, I am half-naked in my garter and underwear. This poor boy has been taking care of me as if I was a weak child, but I am far too wasted to care at this point.

He lifts my legs, running his long fingers along the calf, and places my heeled feet on his chest, removing the turquoise pumps one at a time. There’s an erotic aspect
to it, but I shake the thought and chuck it up to me being drunk.

His hand unhooks my garter straps and rolls down my stockings unhurriedly, strong hands caressing my skin. My breathing’s harsh. My heart’s pounding. I lie there confused by my reaction to his touch, but before I can make too much of it, he places my legs back on the bed.

“Sit up and lift your arms.”

I rise, and he cl
othes me in a comfy T-shirt, sliding his hands up the back to unhook my garter belt and remove it. I lie down, and he covers me with a blanket. I hear his hard steps on the wood floor, moving toward my bedroom door. There’s just enough light to make out a tall mass walking away from me.

“Don’t leave. I don’t want to be alone...Will you hold me?”

He comes to an abrupt halt, hesitating for an instant.

His coat and shoes hit the floor as he strides back over to me. A second later, he’s tucking himself along the back of my body, curling a protective arm
around my stomach, and brings me into him.

“Goodnight,” I sigh and ease
into his comforting, warm body.

“Goodnight,
Gabrielle.”

Charity Case

I
wake the next morning, hoping to find Chase lying next to me, but only his bodies imprint remains. I feel exceptional, which I have no right to after last night. I squint at the clock, it’s seven thirty.

I jump out of bed and go
into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, but there’s a fresh one waiting for me. I pour myself a cup and take a sip. It’s not as strong as last time. It’s perfect. Just the way I like it. I head back into my room to get ready for the last day of the workweek. The weekend is welcome and feared because idle time is thinking time.

W
hen I arrive to work, Chase is already in his office. “Hey. Thanks for last night.”

“Yeah, no problem. She wasn’t too terrible.”

“What? No, I meant that guy and taking me home.”

“What the hell are you talking about? I thought you went home after saying goodnight to
Julie.”

I feel the color drain from my face.
“You didn’t knock the drunk out or take me home?”

“No. What drunk? What happened?”

“Some drunk got too touchy-feely, and I thought you defended me. I didn’t dream it. There was coffee sitting in the pot this morning.”

“Sorry, kid. Not me.”

“But if it wasn’t you, then…”

I pause when I realize it was Damian. My heart hurts, and last night starts to make a lot more sense. The way he d
emanded rather than ask or the erotic feel of his touch as he undressed me. He called me Gabrielle. He’s the only one who does. The only time anyone uses my full name is when I’m in trouble. Other than that, I’m simply Ellie.

Oh, crap! He saw me half-naked!

“Damian?”
Chase asks.

“Yeah, I think so. I don’t understand how or why?”

“He was obviously there to see you and most likely witnessed it going down. As far as the why, I told you he’d do everything in his power to get you back. When the girl he wants is molested, you better bet he’s going to rectify that problem.”

I don’t know what to think about it, so I opt to bury myself in work instead.

I
t’s another banner day. Olivia is still acting catty toward me, but I suppose I shouldn’t have tried to take her man. I keep my head down and hustle. I just need to make it to the end of the day, and I’ll get to see my mom. We’d made plans earlier this week to find dresses for the gala.

When I leave for the day, Caleb is waiting for me
out front. He has silver hair and kind, sad blue eyes. Caleb is a reserved gentleman, about my parents age. He’s been their driver for over twenty-five years. He drove my parents and I home from the hospital when I was only a few days old. He’s more like my uncle than anything. He’s a member of our family and a loyal one at that.

“Hey! Did Mom send you?”

“She wants me to drive you to a new boutique she found. I do whatever she asks.”

“I know. Thank you.”

He opens my door for me, and as I’m stepping in, I notice the sporty black car again. I take a moment to stare down the mystery driver and then climb into my parents silver Cadillac.

W
e drive up to the boutique, and I hop out to go inside. My mom is already there wearing a beautiful mint green, toga style, chiffon, full-length gown. She’s wearing the hell out of it. The color brings out her hazel eyes, light blonde hair, and the glow of her golden skin. She’s admiring it in the mirror when she spots me walking up.

“Hey, Mom.”

She spins and strides to me. “Hi, honey,” she greets. “What do you think?”

“You look amazing,” I gush.

She hugs me and plants a kiss on my cheek. “I’m glad you like it. I found the perfect dress for you. Wait until you see it. You’ll die.”

One of the sales girls brings me this black melting into silver silk mermaid gown, with a short train. The neckline is straight across the collarbone, w
hich is so Audrey, but the back on the other hand, is so Marilyn. It drops revealing my bare flesh to just under the arc.

“It’s stunning. I love it.”

“Well? Go try it on.” 

I rush to the fitting room and close the royal blue velvet curtain. It fits my curvaceous figure perfectly, and I feel beautiful in it. I prance out to the mirrors.

“Yes. That’s the dress. Mr. Damian Hunt will go bonkers for you in that.”

I r
oll my eyes and let out a sigh. “I’m not going to the charity with Damian. I invited Chase.”

“M
r. Hunt’s attending the charity alone. Why you aren’t going together is beyond…”

“Damian’s coming? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Terror fills me. I feel sick from the mix of fear and excitement. I miss him and regret what I said, but I’ve felt too ashamed to call him. I know I’ll have to confront him about it and last night.

“I assumed you knew.”

“Why?” I ask, panicked.

“What?”

“Why did you invite him?”

“It would be rude not to extend an invitation, being it’s his charity.”

“It’s his charity?” I squeak.

“Yes. He’s quite the philanthropist. He’s heads many of the charities your father and I donate to.”

“Of course he does,” I mumble to myself, becoming skeptical of my decision to end our arrangement.

“What happened between you two?”

“I think I screwed up.”

“Listen to me. Whatever the issue, when he sees you, he’ll forget all about it. Instead, he’ll be all over you the rest of the night. I guarantee it.”

“Mom,” I chastise, “Could we pretend for one moment we have boundaries...Anyway, I don’t think he will. Things are complicated between us.”

“Trust me. I could see in those photos, the boy has it bad for you…Speaking of pictures, why was he leaving your apartment after midnight?”

“He came over to comfort me after the news about Nicholas. That’s all.”

“Yes, terrible tragedy. He was too young. Anyway, you be careful how you let a man comfort you.”

“Oh, Mom, stop.”

“All I’m saying is don’t give it all away upfront. Let him chase you a bit.”

“Mom, please. I don’t want to talk about this.”

“I’m here if you do.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” I mumble. “Why haven’t I met Damian at any of the functions?”

She looks away, clearing her throat.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Her eyes shoot over to mine, trepidation emanating from them. “Mom, spill it.”

“Your father never wanted you to meet him.”

“What do you mean? I thought he was good friends with him.”

“He is, but your father didn’t feel it would be a good idea to introduce you two. He has a reputation and a preference to blondes. Marshall didn’t want him to attempt anything with you.”

“Well, that plan backfired…I’ve heard about his reputation, but I have one, too, so it would be hypocritical of me to judge him based on gossip and hear say. You know how the tabloids are, once they sink their teeth into you, they don’t let go”

“Personally, I never felt ill toward the boy. I think he is quite charming and generous. He just needs the right girl to show him the way.” She takes a good scan of the stunning gown and shakes her head. “Yes. That’s the dress. You look breathtaking in it.”

I peek at the tag…
FOUR GRAND! Damn it, Mom
could be sneaky when she wants something
.

“It’s too expensive. I wouldn’t feel right.”

“I’m buying it for you, and that’s it. I’m not going to argue with you, Ellie.”

“You knew how much it was
and I would fall for it once I tried it on.”

“Yes, I counted on it. It’s my benefit, and I want you to look appropriate. Sue me.”

“I may take you up on that, for constantly meddling in my love life.”

“Stop
teasing…I hope Chase has a nice tux.”

“Yeah, he does. He bought one for magazine functions. He won’t disappoint.”

S
he accompanies me home, poor Caleb forced to listen to her go on and on about my love life the entire drive. He’s a very calm, patient man, but hurt one of us, and he’ll take you down. He taught me how to defend myself after my relationship ended. He’s a second Dad to Maya and I. Caleb means a lot to me, to us.

“We’re here, miss.”

“Enough with this miss nonsense. It’s Ellie.”

“Yes
, miss.”

“Fine, have it your way…for now.”

I shoot him a smile in the rearview mirror.

“I’ll send
Caleb to pick you up at six. We’ll be here at two to pick you up for our hair appointment. I love you, darling.”

“I love you, too.”

“Goodbye, Caleb.”

“Have a good evening, miss.”

Oh god.

I hug my mom and jump out of the car.

I
stay in and invite Julie over, but she isn’t in the mood to leave her parents. I decide to make myself a cup of noodles, read, and hit the sack early for much needed sleep. I’ve had that nightmare almost every night, except one, making it impossible to sleep straight through the night.

I skip the shower opting for one tomorrow morning before the appointment. I slip into my favorite
lavender flannel PJ’s, crawl into my cloud-like bed, and drift into a deep sleep.

I
wake to the rain beating on my window, pouring down in sheets. The kind of day you lie around, doing absolutely nothing. However, I have a whopping day ahead of me. I let out a long annoyed moan and slap my hands over my face.

I don’t want to deal with Damian, and maybe I won’t have to. He’ll probably avoid me at all costs. I’m not sure he still wants me. He hasn’t called or made any attempts of communication. On the other hand, he did save me the other night. Why was he there if not for me? I wish I hadn’t overreacted the way I did. No
w, I’m going to face my problem and Hunt, head on
.

I shift my head towar
d the clock, it’s already ten. I finally caught up on sleep. There’s four hours before my mom arrives for our appointment. I eat brunch and whip up two batches of chocolate chip muffins. I bake one to present at the funeral tomorrow to Julie’s family and one for me. While they’re in the oven baking, I read a few more chapters of a juicy erotic novel I’m in the middle of. I take the muffins out to cool, and I do the same.

I take a brisk, cold shower, making sure everything’s still smooth, in case tonight goes well. Damian’s never far from my thoughts. I’m nervous about dealing with him, but I know
Chase will be there to give me the support I need. The reassurance is beginning to settle the acids boiling in my stomach.
I’ll make it through tonight and take it from there.

When I get out and dry off,
I notice it’s not pouring rain anymore, only a light drizzle, almost a mist. I put on jeans, a black tee, gray chucks, and black pea coat. I wrap the muffins, storing them in the fridge, grab an umbrella, and head downstairs to meet my mom.

She’s waiting for me in the Cadillac with Caleb holding the door open. I sprint toward the car and clamber in. “Don’t run, darling. You don’t want to get sweaty.”

I want to get sweaty alright, with Damian.

“God forbid I break a sweat. It’s good to see you, too, Mother.”

“I’m sorry. How are you feeling?”

We talk of how I should style my hair, the gala, and Damian, figuring out how I should handle this evening. She informs me, the gown and shoes were messengered to my apartment building.

I
enjoy my shampoo. It allows me a moment to clear my head and relax. I get a hair trim and add golden highlights. For a hairstyle, I chose a low loose bun letting my wavy hair showcase itself.

“Oh, Ellie, it looks lovely,” Elizabeth gushes.

She looks incredible. Her light hair is styled in a tight, braided chignon. It is truly a work of art.

“You’re pretty fab yourself.”

She smooches me on the cheek and goes to pay for our hair. I thank Rhonda, my hairdresser, and follow my mom out. We both huddle under my umbrella as we make a mad dash for the waiting car at the curb.

“Mom, you shouldn’t run. You’ll g
et sweaty,” I comment mockingly, once were in the car.

“Shush.”

W
hen I arrive back at my building, the gown and shoes are waiting for me at the lobby desk. I thank Ben and head upstairs. When I glance up at my door, from digging for my keys, there’s a folded note taped to it. I pluck it off and open it, finding only one word.

Tonight