DREAM (11 page)

He nods.

“He told you about my mom.”

He nods again. I sit on the window bench and look out to the backyard. The leaves are starting to change colors and the sun beams off of the yellow, red, and orange colors that are flowing in the breeze.

I clear my throat. “I don’t remember her at all. I wasn’t even one when she died.”

“Your dad told me.” He takes a seat next to me. “No one knows. I never said anything to anyone. Ulrich told me only Leo and Mrs. Stones know the truth.”

“Mom had her first breakdown right after she married Dad. He told me many times how helpless he felt when she would just sit in the corner, rocking, and crying. He said the worst times would be when she locked herself into a room and think if you opened it,
poisons
would come in.

“Dad finally found a doctor to help, and for a while and she was doing well with the treatment and therapy. Then she got pregnant with me. The doctor thought this would help her stay on track because of motherly instinct to do well for her child.”

“That didn’t happen?” Gable asks.

“The opposite actually. When I was born, according to Dad, she didn’t even want to touch me. Mrs. Stones took care of me. Then Mom started doing her therapy again and was doing better. Until…”

“The day she tried to kill you.”

I nod. The tears form in my eyes.

“I guess I threw up or something and Mom flipped out. As least that’s what everyone thinks, because no one knows for sure. Mrs. Stones had been dropping off some diapers and heard Mom screaming. When she walked in, she saw Mom holding me under the water in the tub. Mom was yelling at me about being a dirty child and the germs were going to kill me.” I close my eyes and the tears roll down my cheeks. Gable takes my hand.

“Dad took her to the psychiatric hospital and they claim they checked in on her throughout the night, but it was the morning nurse who found her hanging from the shower rod.”

Gable holds my hand tightly and it’s comforting to have him here. I’ve never told this story out loud to anyone. Dad always told me it was a family secret. Mrs. Stones and Leo never speak of it either. If anyone asks about Mom, I say she died when I was a child. If they asked what happened, I’d say I didn’t want to speak of it. People would nod and say how they understood and change the subject.

“When Dad and I would watch
Gone with the Wind,
he would tell me the happiest memories of the two of them. He thought it was good for me to know that she was really a good person and not just the woman who tried to kill me. I know now she didn’t really mean to and there was more going on with her than they realized. I’ve never held anything against her.”

“Are you saying that to convince me or you?”

I pop my eyes open and look at him. “I’m telling the truth. There’s nothing to convince you or me about,” I tell him harshly.

“It sounded like a practiced speech. I’m sorry if I offended you.”

“I’ve had a long time to deal with this. I really don’t hold anything against her. I wish…I wish I could have been a help to her.”

Gable cups my face in his large, strong hands and uses the pads of his thumbs to wipe away my running tears.

“You were a baby. There was nothing you could have done, Dream.”

“I know, but I still wish it,” I whisper.

Gable drops his hands from my face and gently tugs me into his lap. I rest my head on his shoulder and rest one hand on my back and the other on my thigh. I close my eyes and relax in his arms. With other boyfriends, I always felt awkward sitting in their laps, but not with Gable.

I feel safe. It’s been a long time since I have felt that way. Safe and secure. The tears dry and I lift my head off his shoulder.

“Your shirt is dirty.” I point to the makeup stain. “I’ll get you another one.” I promptly get up and go his closet. The whole left side is nothing but black pants, black shirts, and numerous red ties hanging. They are perfectly spaced on the rack, and I carefully pull one off and go back to him.

Gable has already stripped out of the shirt and it standing there, bare chested. I could stare at him all day. He has one of the best bodies I’ve ever seen. My previous boyfriends were fit, but Gable takes it to another level.

I hand him his shirt and he quickly slips it on and buttons it.

“Have you tried any other colors?”

“Only black works,” he says. “I don’t think people would do a lot of business with me if I came in looking like Boss Hogg. So, I don’t wear all white suits.” Gable smirks.

“Who?” I pretend I don’t know who that is.

He stops adjusting his collar. “You didn’t just say who, did you?”

“I did. Is he a rapper or a DJ?” I continue my ruse, holding my serious face.

“A rapper?” Gables mouth drops. “You’re serious? You don’t know who Boss Hogg is?”

“Nope.” I feel the corner of my mouth twitch.

Gable’s left eyebrow raises, and I can’t hold back the laugh anymore. He shakes his head and chuckles.

“Oh, come on, Gable.” I pat his chest. “Laughter is good for the soul. Besides, we’ve had a heavy day and we need to lighten the mood.”

“We have.” He nods. “Thank you for the laugh.” He rubs his hands up and down my arms.

“You’re welcome.”

He doesn’t release me and he looks perplexed for a moment.

“What is it?”

“I’m wondering why you went to see Larissa today.”

“Do you want the truth?”

He tilts his head. “Obviously.”

I took a deep breath. “I went to talk to her about us.”

He stops rubbing my arms, his expression unreadable. “What do you mean?”

“Calm down. I had her sign an NDA.”

“Smart.” He smirks. “And what did she say about us?”

I open my mouth, but the words don’t come rushing out. Do I tell him what she really said? Or, should I lie? Marriage is about communication and honesty. At least that what I’ve heard.

“I like you. I don’t understand the emotions I’m feeling, and I needed an unbiased opinion.”

“You could have talked to me.” Gable’s deep voice is low.

“I said unbiased,” I whisper.

“You like me?”

“You’re a good person, Gable.”

“Does this have anything to do with last night?” He squeezes my biceps and I release the breath I’m holding.

“Possibly.”

“Did you want me to kiss you?”

I nod.

“I like you too, Dream.” He leans in just as he did last night.

“You should; you’re married to me.” I arch my back a little, gazing into his eyes.

“I like your humorous side.”

I slowly lick my lips and he pulls me to him. His lips brush against mine and I push harder toward him.

We both moan as our hormones take over. I fist my fingers in his hair and he drops his hands to my hips, grasping me hard.

Gable slips his tongue in my mouth and I relax against him. Our bodies, lips, and tongues dance with each other until I pull back. I open my eyes and place my hands on his cheeks, feeling his soft beard.

“I want to do that again.” I smile as Gable chuckles.

Chapter 11

Gable is sitting at the breakfast bar when I come down to grab my coffee before I head to work.

“What are you doing up this early?” I kiss his cheek, as if I do it all the time, before sitting down as Misha puts the coffee in front of me. “Thank you.”

“If you remember, I have a company going public today, and I’m still trying to deal with Japan.” He sips his coffee and turns to me. “What are you doing for lunch?”

“I’m going to be dealing with Jacob and his business today. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing. Did you need something?”

Gable winks and I giggle. We spent most of the evening kissing, and only kissing, in his bed. His hands never left my hips, and even though I thought about his hands roaming over my body, I stopped myself and he never pushed me.

Slow is what I need right now and he’s giving that to me.

I eventually fell asleep in his arms, and we didn’t even change out of our clothes. I woke up with our legs entangled and my head on his chest. When I left the bed, he was still asleep. I guess he went to one of the other bathrooms to get ready.

“I’ve got to go, but if you get time for lunch, call me.” He stands, and I automatically lift my chin for him to kiss me. And he does. It’s quick, and I think it’s because Misha is still in the room.

After one night of making out with him we’re all lovey-dovey now. It’s strange and nice at the same time. My plan was to divorce Gable, but instead I’m kissing him like a horny teenage in his bed.

“Things are getting better, huh?”

I look over at Misha after Gable leaves. “Excuse me?”

“Between Mr. Butler and you, it’s better, right?”

“Yes,” I answer, but I didn’t feel comfortable talking to her about it, and I’m glad to receive the text from Leo he’s here.

I’m not really nervous about today. Not like I thought I would be. Gable gave me an extra boost of confidence after reading my business plan.

When I make to the office to meet Jacob, Mrs. Stones already has everything set up and exactly ten minutes later, he arrive with his four bodyguards.

His sandy blond hair and beard are shaped, combed, and he’s looks like he’s ready to get to business.

“Mrs. Butler, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” He holds out his hand.

“Same to you Mr. Matherson.”

“Please, let’s not be so formal. Call me, Jacob.”

I nod and direct him to my office. I had asked Mrs. Stones to stay for the meeting to take notes; plus, I felt more comfortable with her near me. I start the meeting by handing him the business plan then going over it in depth. It takes a little bit longer than I want, but he keeps asking questions with each turn of the page.

“The only thing that needs to be addressed is my security.” He closes the binder.

“Security?”

“I always have five to six guys at all my companies. They won’t be in your way. I’d suggest you don’t try to order them around.”

“Okay.” My heart is pounding as I look into his eyes. They’re not welcoming like Gable’s. I can see the evil in them.

“Anything else?”

I shake my head. “Just need to sign and pay; I’ll start today.”

“Perfect.” He signs his name and pulls an envelope from his inside pocket and hands it to me. “I would like to be updated on a regular basis.”

“You have my word, Jacob.”

~~~

I’m sitting in the office of the newly acquired Matherson Printing, Inc. I interviewed twenty new potential employees. I’d called an employment agency and had been able to get people in on short notice. Tomorrow, I would be letting some of the current staff go. I was not looking forward to it.

I copy all the files to my flash drive and gather up all my papers to head home. It’s after seven, and Leo has been sitting outside for the last hour. Once the computer is finished copying everything, I shut it down and shove everything into my briefcase and head out of the office.

There are four security guards sitting in the lobby. The largest of the four men stands and opens the front door for me without saying anything. I smile politely and head to Leo and the waiting Lexus.

Leo looks a bit tense, but he remains silent as he takes me home. I answer emails from my phone, and before I know it, we’re pulling into the driveway.

I head to my bedroom and kick off my heels. All I want to do is change into something comfortable and grab something to eat.

I send a text to Gable when I’m done. He sends a quick response to tell me he’s in the kitchen. I rush down to him. I’d thought about him of an on all day. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as the elevator descends to the first floor. When I reach him, he’s in his black pants and black dress shirt without the tie, eating a bowl of soup.

“There’s more on the stove.” He points over to the other side of the room.

“Need anything while I’m over here.” I ladle the vegetable soup into a bowl.

“I’m fine.”

I grab a bottle of water and head over to him at the breakfast bar.

“I’m taking it you had a long day.”

“I did.” I give his cheek a quick kiss. “Sorry about lunch.”

“It’s not a problem. Tell me about your day.”

I tell him all about my meeting with Jacob, the printing company, all the interviews, and the strange request from Jacob about the security guards.

“He’s protecting his business, that’s all. I have security for mine.” Gable stands and takes our empty bowls to the dishwasher.

“I guess, but they are scarier in person.”

Gable turns to me. “Do you want me to send a couple of my guys to shadow you?”

I laugh. “No, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll make sure you’re protected.”

“Gable.” I stand and walk over to him. “If I feel unsafe, I will tell you first.”

“Okay.” He leans down and softly kisses my lips. “I need you tomorrow night for a dinner meeting.”

“I know.” I smile. “I saw it on my calendar this morning.”

He brushes his lips against mine. “Good. Now, I have some work to do. What’s your plan?”

“The same. I’m heading up to my room.” I push against him harder. He moans as his lips capture mine.

It feels right with him. I feel comfortable with his lips on mine as we stand in the kitchen, making out. Nothing’s wrong when I’m in his arms. I let the word
divorce
disappear from my mind and vocabulary completely.

“I have to work.” I finally break off the kiss.

“Okay.” He releases me and I go to my room.

About an hour later, after about four pages of notes, my burning eyes finally give in. I’m tired and can’t look at another number, employee bio, or anything in between.

I turn everything off and I head to the bathroom. Gable’s door is open and his light is on, but he isn’t in there. I decide to send him a text.

When I stroll back into my room, it feels a little lonely in here. I’ve enjoyed sleeping in the same bed with Gable. I’m his wife; and that’s where I want to be. I turn my light off, grab my cell, and go over to his room.

I’m going to bed.

I should have told him I’m in his bed, but I’ll leave that as a surprise.

I’m almost done. I’ll come say goodnight in a moment.

I sit my phone on the end table, pull the cover backs, and crawl in. His bed isn’t hard, but it’s not overly soft like my bed seems to be. I turn off the lights, but the bathroom light is still on and I settle into the bed, curling up on my side facing the door.

About ten minutes later, I feel how heavy my body is and I’m drifting into sleep. I hear the door open and Gable shuffling in. I want to open my eyes, but it’s not going to happen.

“Hey,” he whispers. I feel the bed dip as he climbs in. “What are you doing in here?”

“Do you want me to leave?” I mumble somewhat coherently.

He kisses my cheek and brushes my hair back. “No. I want you to stay right there.”

“Hhmm.”

Gable chuckles and I don’t remember anything else.

~~~

“I’ve never fired anyone before. I felt like scum all day today.”

“Dream, you’re not scum.” Gable kissed the inside of my wrist. “Now, let’s have a nice dinner.”

“I thought this was a meeting.”

“It is, but it’s going to be a relaxing night.” The valet opens the door and I gracefully step out. I pull my coat tighter as the air is cold tonight.

“I thought you two were going to be late.”

I don’t have to look up to know it’s Gideon.

“We’re not late. Let’s get inside. Dream is cold.” Gable pulls me close to him and leads us inside.

The restaurant is quiet and not large at all. Gideon gives the hostess our names and she leads us to the corner of the room. A tall man in dark suit, stands and face us.

“Douglas,” I gasp and step away from Gable toward Douglas Colors.

“Dream.” Douglas gives me a hug. “I didn’t know you were going to be part of the meeting.”

“I thought it would be nice for my
wife
to be involved,” Gable answers with a tone I’ve not heard before. Is he jealous?

“Wife?” Douglas looks at me as I return to Gable.

“Have you been living under a rock? Gable and I were married over a month ago.” I giggle as Gable takes my coat and pulls my chair out.

“I must be. I hadn’t heard.” Douglas sits down. Gable is next to me, and Gideon is on my other side. “I did hear of your father. I’m very sorry. I liked him.”

“Thank you, Douglas.” I smile at him.

“I’m dying to know how you know Mr. Colors.” Gideon jumps in.

“We dated in college for about a year.” Douglas answers him. Gable grips my hand tighter than he usually does.

“Dated? Oh, you’re Dream’s ex-boyfriend and now we’re all here having dinner along with her new husband. This night is going to be fun.” Gideon sips the glass of red wine in front of him.

“Douglas and I ended on good terms,” I inform him. “There are no hard feelings, are there?” I look over at Douglas.

“No, none at all.” He smiles at me.

The waiter comes over and tells us the specials, and I order the fish. Of course, the men all order steak.

Gable quickly gets down to business. Douglas is the liaison for the company Gable wants to buy. I listen to their discussion and hear Gideon trying to sound important and chiming in. I’m not sure Gideon knows what’s going on, but he’s chugging the wine fast.

When the dinner came, Douglas turns the attention to me.

“How’s JE doing, Dream?”

“It’s doing well. It’s taking me a little bit to get used to the fact it’s mine and that Dad’s not with me, but all is well.”

“I had heard it was in some financial trouble.”

“It was.” Gable, again, jumps in. “Dream was able to turn it around.”

With his thirty million dollars
, I thought.

“That’s wonderful. I always knew you were a hard worker.” He smiles. “I should say congratulations though, especially to you Gable.”

“I’m a lucky man to have an outstanding wife.”

“That and you were the one to finally break into Dream-world.” Douglas chuckles.

I stop chewing and my body tenses.

“Dream-world?” Gideon look puzzled.

I swallow my food. “Douglas—”

Before I can finish my sentence, he says it.

“Dream-world is what the guys called Dream because no one could get into her pants. I mean how many girls are still a virgin at twenty-three?”

I drop my fork, and it clanks loudly onto my plate. Gable starts coughing on his wine, and Gideon bursts into laughter.

“Douglas, I can’t believe you.” I clench my teeth as him.

“What? You didn’t keep it a secret; we all knew.” Douglas’ laughter dies down.

“I would appreciate if you didn’t talk about my wife in this manner.” Gable comes to my rescue.

Douglas opens his mouth, but he sees Gable’s face and it’s stone, and he looks dangerous. Douglas quickly shuts his mouth and knows there’s no room for an argument.

Gable turns the attention from me and discusses the business deal more, but I’m ready to leave. I’m uncomfortable, and I feel exposed.

It’s true I don’t hide my virginity, but I don’t broadcast it either. When the waiter comes back and asks if we want dessert, I’m the one that speaks first.

“No, and we need the check.” I know this is Gable’s meeting, but I’m done.

Thankfully, the waiter is quick, and I’m practically pushing Gable out the door. Once we’re outside, the car is summoned for us.

“It was great to see you, Dream.” Douglas hugs me again, and I return it with limp limbs.

“Same here.”
You jerk rat
, I thought.

The Mercedes pulls up and I jump in, opening the door myself. I slam it shut and try to keep my attention in front of me when Gable slides in next to me.