My Exception (My Escort #2) (3 page)

T
he limo driver parked in Michelle and Phillip’s driveway. I was wearing a long comfortable black dress that complemented my curves. I wasn’t sure what to wear as it wasn’t a formal occasion, but Damon mentioned that his father would be there. I had met him a few times at the
Be True
building. Damon had already introduced me as his girlfriend to Mr. Brogardt. But I had never dined with him. I was nervous about making a good impression on Damon’s father.

On top of that, I knew Damon was anxious for what news Michelle and Phillip were going to give us. The impression she had given us over the phone was that she finally had results. I was pained with anticipation.

Their home was a large, yet modest, estate. It had a light, creamy beige to it and beautiful large windows on the two-story home. There were white pebbles all along the driveway, with one large bopple nut tree right at the front of the very green grass. Large black fencing surrounded the property, and the bright lights from within reflected on a small pond at the front. During the day you could see the beautiful colors of the koi fish swimming amongst it.

Between them, Michelle and Phillip were worth a lot. And although they were not ostentatious by any means, their home was still very intimidating for someone such as me who did not grow up with such riches.

Damon pressed the buzzer. Phillip opened the door and shook Damon’s hand. He gave me a hug and a warm smile, inviting us in. In front of us was the beautiful wooden stairs, which reached up to the second floor. On the right, they already had the fireplace burning in their small library. It was considered to be Phillip’s quiet room, but many times Michelle and I had spent hours in there gasping with hysterical laughter as we played some childish board game or another with copious amounts of red wine. On the left was their more formal dining room. Because so many guests came to visit, they made allowances for this when designing their home. This reception room was reserved for receiving more formal guests.

“We were going to set out cheese platters but decided to eat straight away,” Phillip smiled, gesturing us into their family dining area. It was on the other side of their white marble kitchen. “Michelle cooked tonight,” he added. They had a chef for their larger events and for when they had guests of a certain status.

Sitting near the end of the table was Mr. Brogardt. Damon nodded to him in greeting.

Already Michelle was leaning over, placing the last few platefuls of vegetables onto the ten-seater wooden table. “Clover,” she exclaimed with excitement, coming at me with a speed that startled me. “How was your trip?” she asked, enveloping me in a sisterly hug.

“It was lovely. I still have yet to start writing my piece on it though. I did, however, bring you some wine, if you would like to open and share that?” I smiled. She did not look ill, yet there was a distance in her eyes — something had changed. She grabbed the bottle of wine that I had taken out of my bag and gave it to Phillip.

“We’ll open it in a moment,” she smiled, ushering us into our seats around the table.

“Good evening, Clover,” Mr. Brogardt smiled beneath his gray moustache. He looked humble, and very handsome for an older man. I could certainly see the similarity between him and Damon. Although after seeing pictures of his mother, whom had passed away years ago of cancer, I noted Damon looked very similar to his beautiful mother as well. It was at times hard to look at his father and imagine him in his glory days as CEO of
Be True
Magazine. When their mother died, he took a step back from the business, allowing his children to take over. He had never shown an interest in taking the reins back, instead enjoying his retirement and days playing golf.

Phillip sat at the head of the table with Mr. Brogardt to the right of him. Michelle sat down and seemed to gain confidence as Phillip stroked her thumb. I sat next to her, unsure how to prompt her to speak. It was obvious that they had news but were struggling to share it. Damon’s hand reached out for my leg, holding it somewhat firmly. I rested my hand on his in reassurance. I really hoped that it was not cancer. Damon scuffled his chair closer to mine.

Michelle cleared her voice, looking at Phillip again. “So, as you already know, I have been in for some tests and was shocked when we found out what my illness was...”

Damon’s grip became harder on my leg as Michelle’s words lingered in the air.

“Phillip and I are having a child.”

The air went still as we all stared in disbelief.

“It came to us as a surprise as well,” Phillip beamed.

“I hadn’t thought about a life with children,” Michelle blurted out, quickly shaking her head. “I mean look at us; I’m thirty-four. We had never even considered children in our busy lives or, well, children, full stop.”

“You’re having a baby,” Damon breathed. I looked at him quizzically, unsure as to how he was taking the news. He seemed to pale. I too was shocked Michelle was pregnant. She loved her wine and cocktails so much I could never picture her without one. But yet, I was so happy for them all the same.

“Congratulations,” I said giddily. I grabbed her in a tight embrace. Mr. Brogardt shook Phillip’s hand in congratulations.

“My big sister is having a baby,” Damon said, a small smile on his face. “I think I’m as shocked as you.”

“I know, we never considered it either,” Michelle replied. “But because of my age, more issues can occur. And a stressful job can be problematic.”

“How far along are you?” I asked.

“I’m fourteen weeks,” she beamed. “Or that is what they are estimating.” She looked at Damon seriously. “Damon, I will have to step down from my position as CEO, although I could return afterwards on a part-time basis. I don’t know if it is something I can go back to fulltime.”

“You want me to become CEO,” Damon drew out the sentence. I couldn’t read Damon’s expression as he studied his sister carefully.

“I know this is very sudden. But you are the next to inherit the position. And from how you have been running it the last few weeks, I can see you’ll do fine. I will be in all of next week as there are a few things I have to finalise and turnover. But I would very much like to offer you the position, Damon.”

“I am going to be an uncle,” Damon said distantly. Suddenly his expression became very wary. “I thank you for the offer and will accept it happily.” This was an exciting announcement, and far more joyful than what we were preparing for. However, a small part of me felt as if CEO was not what Damon wanted. He was far more capable than anyone else, yet there was a reason as to why he hadn’t wanted it until now. He had no interest at first because of the damage his ex-girlfriend had caused him. He just hadn’t shown an interest in walking out into the limelight of CEO.

I hoped that this was what Damon wanted, and that he didn’t just agree selflessly. I rubbed my thumb over his hand, grabbing his attention. He smiled at me, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

T
he drive back in the limo was silent. We had enjoyed our night and continued with conversation like normal. Damon did not show obvious discomfort, and they didn’t speak much more on the matter of him becoming CEO throughout the remainder of the evening. For tonight we only focused on the joyful news of a beautiful baby entering the world into all of our lives.

Michelle was, as she said, surprised, yet I could see the gleam in her eye of acceptance and excitement. Their lives were to change so much within only a few months. Mr. Brogardt spoke to Phillip a lot, telling stories of when Michelle and Damon were children, and explaining his perception of how to raise both a girl and boy differently.

I had only dealt with my sister Megan’s children, who were both boys. Ethan, now eight, and Christian, now six, were a handful. They were full of life and had so much love for her. Although she was only eighteen when she found out she was pregnant with Ethan, she adapted quickly to the lifestyle of having a child. She was with the boyfriend for many years before giving birth to Christian. Unfortunately that relationship was doomed from the start because of the father’s abusive nature. Finally, only a few months after Christian’s birth, she had the strength to leave him. It was one man she regretted in her life, but never for blessing her with her boys.

It was such an unexpected announcement. I was surprised as to how quickly Michelle had handled the news and adapted to the idea of having a baby. I could tell that it had already changed her. In that moment I questioned what it might be like to have a child. I never had time to truly think of it or even question if I was maternal myself. I had always worked, but so had Michelle. And now she happily was pushing aside her busy agenda as CEO for her unborn child. Such dedication. I wondered if that was something I could do.

I glanced at Damon as he looked outside of the limo’s tinted windows. Streaks of light from the night scene streaked past his beautiful, thoughtful face. I rested my hand on his knee, grabbing his attention. “What are you thinking?” I asked earnestly. I could no longer sit in silence. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but I was pained to see him thinking so hard without letting me in. “Please tell me.”

A defeated smile spread across his face.

“Is CEO what you want?” I asked.

He diverted his eyes from my own to lean over and kiss my knuckles. “My family comes first to me. And I will take on this responsibility. But I worry that it isn’t fair on you, Clover. I don’t want you resenting me because of all the things that may eventuate.”

I raised his chin so he would look into my eyes. “I love you more than anything. And I honestly believe that I, out of anyone, can understand a busy work schedule. I would never hold it against you and never feel unloved. I do not need you to spoil me, Damon, to know that you love me. I can appreciate you being dedicated to both your work and your family. Please never doubt my dedication to that.”

“But so much will change. I have never been hindered by the Brogardt name and have simply stayed out of the limelight. It was easy for me to stay clear of gossip and exploitation. But if I am announced as CEO, I will have to be a part of that world. Clover, I will be dragging you into that world. I don’t know if it is something we are prepared for. I don’t want anything coming between us.” His blue eyes held a very sad expression.

“If this is all you are worrying about, then you should stop. Nothing will come between us. I encourage you to take this position, and I will help you. But only if this is truly what you want. I want you to think about it before accepting it. If you are unhappy that will also influence my own happiness. Do you understand that?”

“I do,” he said, leaning in and kissing me on the lips. “I still don’t understand how in this world I was ever so blessed to have been given you,” he said. He cupped my face and kissed me passionately before I could reply with a witty comment. When our lips parted his breath came out ragged.

“My sister is having a baby,” he mused. “I haven’t had much to do with children. It excites me. I am impatient already to meet him.”

“Him? You think it is a boy?” I asked.

“It most certainly is. I just have that feeling. But I don’t want to disappoint him as an uncle.” He frowned. “What if I am terrible with children? What if he is scared of me?”

“Damon, you will be fine. She still has many months leading up to the birth. So you have a long time to prepare. You will do great.” The limo pulled into the street in front of my apartment building. There was hesitation before we got out. I felt like we could have discussed things like this for a long time. While he opened my door, Damon quickly closed off his open expression. He had been speaking honestly to me and revealing his sensitive thoughts, but now he had covered his feelings once again.

“Will you be staying tonight?” I asked, grabbing my handbag.

“Not tonight, my cupcake, I have a few things to organise at home. But I will see you at work tomorrow,” he answered. He stepped out of the limo, offering his hand out to me.

I said it before I even realised. “How come you have never taken me to your apartment?”

A small smirk crossed his lips and he growled in response. “So many questions, my lioness. Can a lion not have his secret cave?” He brushed it off light-heartedly, but it was something I was confused about.

“I will see you tomorrow, beautiful.” He kissed me passionately, his tongue pooling me with warmth like it always did. My legs seemed ready to give way when he said goodbye.

“Sweet dreams,” Damon said with a smile. He scrunched the back of my hair, kissing me on the forehead before stepping back into the limo. I watched them as they drove off, regaining my breath. The wait in my elevator to my apartment was too long. Already the silence around me pounded with the thoughts of only one question:
Why hasn’t he shown me his apartment, and why am I so irritated by this?