Taken (9 page)

Chapter Fourteen

             
I wake to the sun shining brightly on my face. It takes a moment for my mind to really wake up and then I panic, thinking it has to be late morning. Shit, I'm late. I shoot up and turn to the bedside table to see that it's not even seven yet. Relaxing, I lay back and roll to my side, facing Liam who is curled up next to me.

             
I take a moment to study his face. He seems completely at peace, his breathing slow and even. I want to reach out and run my hand through his hair but I'm afraid of disturbing him. I lay there for a few more minutes, committing every inch of his face to my memory before deciding that I really need to start getting ready for work.

             
Liam doesn't stir as I gently climb off the bed and head to the bathroom. Deciding coffee is a must before anything else this morning, I throw on my panties and Liam's white button down shirt that he wore last night, before making my way downstairs.

             
I am completely oblivious to the world around me as my mind swirls around last night and how I wish I could spend every night in Liam's arms. It's not just about the sex either. It's about how he makes me feel. How safe I feel with him. It's still so foreign to me to have such feelings for a man. Feelings that I never even had for the man that I spent eight years of my life with.

             
I make my way to the coffee pot and fill the reservoir with water before pulling two cups from the cabinet. Humming to myself as I do. I turn and place the two cups on the island before catching sight of a woman sitting on Liam's couch, a file full of papers in her lap. I jump the moment my mind registers that I am not alone, my heart kicking holes in my rib cage.

             
“Well good morning.” The woman says, her eyes taking in my appearance. I can see the wheels turning, see her mentally put the pieces together before realization dawns across her pretty face.               “Addison, right?” She asks, sitting the papers on the coffee table in front of her and standing to her feet. She's tall, probably at least five seven, with long blonde hair that is pinned back into a loose bun. Her slender figure is draped with a black, sleeveless dress and her heeled feet click against the hardwood as she makes her way towards the kitchen.

             
When she approaches the island, I pull at Liam's shirt, trying to ensure that my ass isn't hanging out. She gives me a knowing smile and then extends her hand to me. “I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Maggie, Maggie Spencer. Mr. Mason's assistant.” She says, pinning her deep blue eyes on me.

             
“Addison Grant.” I say weakly, taking her hand. She gives it a gentle shake before releasing it and smiling. Where does Liam find his assistants, in the Victoria Secret catalog? I mean seriously, this girl is stunning. My insides twist uncomfortably as once again the question of what Liam sees in me comes to the surface. I will never hold a candle to a woman like this or probably any of the other women Liam has slept with. I try to fight off my insecurities and instead turn my attention back to Maggie, forcing a weak smile.

             
“I'm sorry to have startled you Addison. Mr. Mason and I had a meeting this morning which apparently he has forgotten about. I take it he's still sleeping?” She asks, seeming a bit surprised that he's kept her waiting.

             
“He is.” I answer, finally finding my voice. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” I ask, grabbing the two mugs in front of me and turning back to the coffee pot.

             
“That would be awesome. Thank you.” She says. I don't turn around to face her but I hear her heels clicking as she makes her way back into the sitting room. After telling me how she takes her coffee, I make my way into the room to join her. Handing her a cup of coffee before taking a seat on the opposite end of the couch, making sure not to show too much skin as I do. She takes a sip of her coffee before pinning her eyes on me once more.

             
“So please don't find this completely unprofessional but I have to know. What's it like?” She asks me, clearly catching the confusion on my face before continuing. “You know, being the woman that finally cracked the hard shell of the alluring Christopher Mason.” She says, her smile widening.

             
“Oh.” I say surprised. “Well I mean I haven't really known him that long. Is it that surprising?” I ask, already knowing the answer based on her question.

             
“Are you kidding me? There are hundreds of women that have tried but I have never seen him with the same woman twice. He's always been a bit of a fantasy ya know? A man like that doesn't come along everyday. I can't tell you what it was like when I first started working for him. He was an angel for not firing me with the way I was dressing at the office and blatantly flirting with him. But he was a good sport about it and now not only is he an awesome boss but I also consider him a friend. I'm so glad to see that he didn't just make you up. He's been talking about you for weeks and yet I have seen no sign of you.” She says, stopping to take a drink of her coffee.

             
“He talks about me?” I question, not sure why that surprises me but it does. Liam doesn't strike me as an open book, at least not with me. He doesn't seem like the kind of boss that would share intimate details of his life with his employees.

             
“Shortly after you two met, he made sure everyone knew who you were. That way if anyone saw you hanging around
Bella Vita
or
Serendipity
he could be made aware of it.” She laughs like it's the most ridiculous thing she has ever heard and I have to agree.

             
“That's ridiculous.” The words come out broken. He was having me watched? That explains why every time I stepped foot into
Bella Vita
, he was there. It wasn't a coincidence like he always played it off as.

             
“You're telling me girl.” She says, her beautiful smile stretching across her face. “I knew immediately that it had finally happened. That some lucky girl had finally broken down that tough exterior and found her way into his heart.”

             
I don't comment, feeling embarrassed. Instead, I change the subject back to her. “How long have you known him?” I ask, immediately feeling comfortable with Maggie. While her looks are intimidating, she has the type of personality that just draws you in. Damn it, this girl is perfect.

             
“I started working for him right out of college. He was the only one willing to give an inexperienced young girl from Idaho a chance to make it in Vegas.” She says, smiling at the memory. “Anyways that was three years ago.”

             
“So in three years, he's never dated anyone?” I ask, finding this bit of information the hardest to believe. I know he has told me that but it's different hearing it from someone who clearly knows him so well and that he trusts. Otherwise she wouldn't have access to his penthouse.

             
“Never.” She says seriously. “Honestly, I was convinced he was destined to spend his life as a playboy. Bouncing around from one woman to the next.” She says, an apologetic smile forming on her lips. “But now he has you. I've never seen him act this way about another woman. I mean the fact that you are even here speaks volumes. You must really be important to him.”

             
“She is.” Liam's voice causes us both to jump. I look up to see him coming down the stairs. Bare chested with a pair of jeans hanging so low on his hips that I can see his boxers peeking out from underneath. This man is a god. All tight muscles and rippling abs. I have to mentally force myself not to drool. When my eyes make it to his face, I get the feeling that he's not too happy that he caught us talking about personal aspects of his life behind his back.

             
“Mr. Mason. How nice of you to finally join us.” She says, sitting her coffee cup on the table in front of her and retrieving her files. “I was beginning to think you had forgotten about our meeting this morning.” She says, not the least bit concerned by his surprise appearance.

             
“Sorry Mags, someone kept me up half the night.” He says, his smile growing wide as he locks eyes with me. I stick my tongue out at him and peel myself off the couch, the bare skin of my legs sticking to the leather, as he makes his way down the remaining steps. I try to pretend that it doesn't bother me that he is on such an informal basis with his staff, not missing that he called her Mags instead of Maggie or Ms. Spencer or the way he's dressed in front of her.

             
I turn my attention from him and make my way into the kitchen to put my cup in the sink, jumping when Liam presses up behind me. “Nice shirt.” He whispers before nipping at my ear with his teeth. “I think you should wear this and nothing else the next time you are here.” I can feel his smile in my hair and do my best to fight off my own smile. I am not having this conversation here. Not while his super model assistant sits a few feet away reminding me that I will never be like the girls Liam is probably used to.

             
I swat at his hand, turning to face him. “I have to get ready for work.” I say, giving him a small kiss before pushing my way past him and walking towards the stairs.

             
“As soon as you're ready, I'll drive you over.” Liam says behind me.

             
I wave him off, stopping about half way up the stairs. “Don't be ridiculous, you've kept Maggie waiting long enough. I can get myself to work. It was nice to meet you Maggie.” I say, turning my attention to her, before climbing the remainder of the stairs.

             
The minute I enter Liam's room, I have a mild panic attack realizing that I have nothing to wear. Shit, why didn't I think about this sooner? Deciding to just shower and put my dress on from yesterday, I head to the bathroom. I will have to stop by the apartment and change before going to work which will no doubt make me later than I already am.

             
I step into the bathroom and then stop immediately. My mouth gaping open at the cream colored dress slacks and black sleeveless silk top hanging next to the full length mirror on the far wall of the enormous bathroom. I walk over, running my hands along the fabric. When did he do this? I turn to find a new black lace bra and panty set sitting on the sink on top of a shoe box. I set the underwear aside and pull the top off the box, revealing a very expensive looking pair of black heels. Seriously? I turn to find Liam standing in the doorway of the bathroom watching me.

             
“You bought me clothes?” I ask, shocked.

             
He nods. “I did.”

             
“Liam, you didn't have to do that. I have plenty of my own clothes at my apartment. I could have ran home and changed before work.” I say, turning back to look at the outfit.

             
“I know but I wanted to. Do you like it?” He asks, leaning into the door frame. I turn back and watch his eyes rake up my body before finding my face again. I can't help but smile as he swallows hard and readjusts himself before meeting my eyes.

             
He gives me a sexy smile and then waits for my response. “I love it. It's beautiful Liam. But not necessary.”

             
“It's a gift, now say thank you so I can give you your next one.” He says, his smile going wider. He makes his way across the length of the bathroom before displaying a long skinny jewelry box in the palm of his hand. I look at him for a moment before retrieving the box with shaky fingers.

             
I pry it open, revealing a stunning diamond and sapphire bracelet with matching earrings. I stand there for a moment, not really sure what to say. This had to have cost a fortune.

             
“Liam.” I say, meeting his eyes. He seems nervous, unsure of my reaction. I'm guessing he bought all of this before our little talk last night. I look back to the jewelry. The pieces are beautiful and probably cost more than twice my monthly rent.

             
“I know that none of this is important to you.” He says, lifting my chin with his fingers so that I am looking at him. “But I want to buy you things. Hell, I want to spoil you rotten so you are just going to have to get used to it.” He says, kissing my forehead.

             
“Thank you.” I manage to get out. While I don't want him spending ridiculous amounts of money on things I don't need, I still really appreciate the thought. I like that he wants to buy me things and do nice things for me. I just wish they weren't such lavish things.

             
“Get ready. Dave is taking you to work.” He says, giving my butt a little smack before heading back out of the room.

             
“Why not Charles?” I ask. “He's your driver. I'm sure Dave has better things to do.” I whine feeling overly sorry for Dave. “He's the head of the Security team. He shouldn't have to spend all day driving me around.” I say.