CHAPTER EIGHT
Holly
“Where are you now?” gasped Katrina, trying to peer around my shoulder from her computer screen. “That place looks fabulous!”
I giggled because I was sitting in the middle of Thorn’s penthouse apartment, my laptop perched on the kitchen counter. Although kitchen counter didn’t seem the right description for the giant grey marble slab lined with veins of white and gold. That’s right, gold. This rock had been mined from somewhere special because there was obviously precious metal embedded in the stone.
“I know, it’s amazing right?” was my gentle laugh. “I’m at Thorn’s apartment in Chicago. Here, look at this,” I said, pointing my camera towards the kitchen counter. This thing has gold streaks in it,” I said, voice hushed.
Katrina’s mouth fell open.
“Are you serious?” she sputtered. “Wait, hold your laptop closer, I want to see.”
And obligingly, I propped my laptop up, pointing it just so to give Katrina a good vantage point. Pushing a couple of Thorn’s papers out of the way, there was a clear view of a giant gold vein, a snake worming its way through the hazy cloud of marble.
“Oh wow,” she breathed, clapping her hands. “I have to take a picture, hold on.”
And laughing, I waited as Katrina snapped a couple screen shots, the better with which to marvel over my good luck.
“I’m going to take these photos to a professional for an evaluation,” she announced. “It’s insane, you could probably sell this thing and make thousands of dollars.”
I had to laugh at that.
“How am I going to sell Mr. Evans’ kitchen counter, Kat?” was my droll reply. “This thing has to weigh two tons. Do I just detach it from the wall and carry it off on my back?”
“You know,” she pooh-poohed me, waving one hand in the air. “At the very least, you could melt this stuff and get some gold jewelry made.”
I laughed again. Kat always has these weird ideas. How in the world would I melt the gold that was already embedded in the marble countertop? And why would I do that anyways? But my buddy was already onto the next thing.
“Show me the rest of the apartment, Holly! Oooh, you’re so lucky!” she squealed. “Living in the lap of luxury.”
“Not really,” was my admonishment, even as I swiveled the laptop around. “I’m just staying here until we fly off to our next location.”
“But still,” gushed Kat. “You’re staying with the boss himself? Why didn’t they put you up at a hotel or something? It can’t be that expensive.”
I bit my lip. Because the reason I’ve been staying at Thorn’s pad is obvious. We’ve been having a good time together, on and off the plane. We talk, we dine, we tease, and most of all, we fall asleep together after the most amazing sessions of intimacy. My thighs tensed just thinking back to the sensations, pussy tingling a bit. It was amazing hands down.
But before I could get a word out, Katrina was back at it.
“Show me the living room,” she commanded. “I want to see what else there is.”
And sighing, I got up.
“Okay, okay, wait just a sec,” I said, slowly walking to the airy space. “Okay here we go,” I said. “Sorry it’s a little messy,” was my giggle. “The maid hasn’t come yet, so you’re looking at yesterday’s Chinese dinner.”
It was true. There were half-eaten containers still on the glass table, paper boxes of broccoli beef and General Tso’s chicken. Plus, Thorn had done a little work before eating, so some of his things were scattered about, including some work folders, a couple papers, and some gadgets.
“Sorry,” I apologized again, pushing the leftovers out of the way. Oh shoot, did I just get tangy sauce on some of Thorn’s stuff? Quickly, I picked up the latest iPad, trying to wipe off some of the brown goop. Oh shoot, it was just getting worse, a giant smear appearing across the screen.
But Katrina was her usual queenly self.
“Don’t worry about stuff like that,” she said airily, her finger tapping away. “You have help now, and Chinese food can’t kill the latest gadgets. They make these things indestructible now,” she said authoritatively. “I swear I’ve flushed my iPhone down the toilet twice by accident and it’s still okay. So just put down the napkin and relax.”
I sighed because my buddy was probably right. I was just making stuff worse by trying to clean up. And who knew, maybe Thorn wanted all his stuff in a particular order, and it was being ruined right now. So with a laugh, I stopped. But then my head cocked to one side.
“Kat, are you taking screenshots again?” was my curious voice. “Why are you doing that?”
Her blonde head nodded, the girl a little distracted.
“Because your place is so nice,” she burbled. “The interior deco is amazing and I love that eighteen foot ceiling. I’m going to show my boyfriend so that he has an idea of what top-of-the-line means.”
Okay, that made sense. Thorn’s place was like a palace, down to the giant crystal chandelier and the artwork on the walls. But still, Kat’s finger was going fast. She was getting screenshots of everything, including the mess on the table, which was embarrassing.
“Stop,” I said, holding my hands up. “At least let me clean up first.”
But Kat was relentless.
“No, it’s fine,” she said soothingly, finger still tapping away. “A little mess is totally okay, we can still see how the room’s set up. Now Holly, can you move a little to the left? You’re in the screen right now, and I can’t get that Rothko. That is a Rothko right?”
Obligingly, I stepped to the side to reveal a magnificent blue painting dotted with red. Of course, you could also see Thorn’s laptop on the table beneath it, with a tangle of wires and his mouse still flashing. Why wasn’t it on sleep mode? Well, maybe the machine did calculations even when its owner wasn’t home. Or maybe Thorn was able to use it remotely, plugging in from a far away site. I had no idea. Oh well.
“I think it is a Rothko,” was my slow confirmation. “Don’t mind the mess below, it’s nothing.”
“Oooh!” squealed Katrina, clapping her hands. “I knew it! Yeah, I want Nick to start a fine art collection too, this is going to make him so jealous,” she rushed. “Oh wow,” the blonde burbled, eyes bulging a little as she took in my surroundings. “You’re soooo lucky!”
And I had to agree. Because for the past week, we’ve been grounded in Chicago, and Thorn and I have gotten to know each other when he’s not working. The dinners are amazing, and our time together out of this world. I couldn’t ask for more, floating in a dreamlike state of happiness mixed with ecstasy. Speaking of which, suddenly the elevator dinged.
“Kat, I have to go,” were my rushed words, self-consciously pushing brown curls from my face. “We’ve been talking forever and I lost track of time. He’s back!”
My buddy let out a tinkling laugh.
“No worries,” she burbled. “But you have to show me the rest of the apartment later,” her voice sang, even as I pulled the laptop cover closed, cutting off contact. “You promised!”
But it was too late because Thorn was already in the apartment, his expression quizzical.
“Who was that?” came his low drawl. “A friend?”
I nodded, cheeks flaming. The sight of the billionaire always makes me tingle in a good way, and now was no exception. The vision of that dark hair, his blue eyes and deep, commanding voice made a frisson run down my spine. Plus, the alpha moves fast. I’d forgotten how high-end buildings work. Because Mr. Evans has a full-floor apartment, the elevator opens right into our foyer because there’s no one else on the floor.
Listen to me. Our foyer, like I belonged here. But I’ve been so comfortable and happy that the thought slipped unnoticed from my mind.
“Hi,” was my welcoming smile. “It’s just my friend Kat from back home. I was showing her this place.”
Those dark blue eyes gleamed.
“And?” he growled. “How’d she like it?”
“Well, you know we’re from a not-so-nice corner of Queens,” was my answering laugh. “So she loved it. This is way more fancy than any place we’ve ever seen, and when she saw the gold in your countertop, she wanted me to melt it down to make jewelry,” I added drolly.
Thorn threw his head back and laughed.
“Are you serious?” was his disbelieving guffaw. “Sweetheart, how are you going to tote that marble slab out?”
“I know,” was my answering giggle. “Right? But it’s just Katrina, she’s crazy.”
Thorn shook his head, amusement dancing on his face.
“Plus a little materialistic,” he said wryly. “Don’t you think?”
I made a face at him.
“She is,” I acknowledged, “But Kat’s been my friend for so long, and it doesn’t bother me. Plus, it’s funny, in a way. She dates old rich dudes in the hope that one of them is going to die and leave her a fortune. Can you believe it?”
Thorn’s brows swooped down.
“Oh I believe it,” he said wryly. “Trust me, older men with younger women is common in NYC. Even here in Chicago, you see that May December dynamic all the time.”
I laughed lightly again.
“Well in this case, I don’t think it’s May December. It’s more like January December because Kat’s like me. We’re both eighteen. And guess how old her current guy is?”
“How old?” grunted Thorn distractedly, loosening his tie while hanging up his coat. Even though they was nothing special about what he was doing, the actions warmed me to the bone because they were homey and normal. I felt like we were an old married couple hanging out together, teasing and making conversation after a long day.
“He’s old,” I said pointedly. “Her boyfriend’s really, really old.”
“Oh?” he asked, only semi-paying attention, wandering over to the kitchen now. “How old?”
And I took a deep breath, following him into the space.
“Seventy,” I said with finality. “There’s got to be a fifty year age gap between Katrina and her latest boyfriend. I met him myself, Thorn, and this guy looks like he’s someone’s grandpa. White hair, about this tall,” I said holding my hand up. “With tufts of gray hair sprouting from his nose and ears.” What had been that guy’s name again? I couldn’t remember, although his image was clear in my mind, small and wizened.
But it all seemed so long ago, even though it’d only been a couple weeks. That night with Kat at the bar, meeting her new man. The flashing lights and pulsing music, how out of place I’d felt.
But now, with Thorn it was different. I felt at home, safe and warm, with the future to look forwards to. True, I wasn’t exactly working, seeing that we hadn’t been on the plane in a week. But I was happy here, ensconced in luxury, looking forward to the billionaire’s return every day when things would heat up within nanoseconds.
How quickly things change, the voice in my mind wondered. Before, you were a poverty-stricken girl living with your disabled mom in a one-bedroom apartment. And now look at you!
That was true. Kathy has been on her own the last couple weeks, taking the bus by herself to her medical appointments. But she hadn’t wanted me to come home.
“Go!” my mom wheezed, her expression encouraging on the laptop screen. “Go and enjoy your new job,” she urged. “You’re lucky to have it.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can Ma,” was my soft promise. “You okay in New York? Is Mrs. Langley helping?”
“She is, she is,” assured my mom. “Rita Langley can be nosy but she’s a good cook and she’s been bringing me food every day. And with your new salary, honey, we can afford to pay her for her services. So go,” she urged again. “Enjoy yourself and live a little.”
And with that, I smiled gratefully. Kathy had no idea exactly what I was doing with Thorn Evans. My mom figured I was a standard issue flight attendant with an apron and jaunty cap. She had no idea that I hadn’t worn the apron for ages, instead wearing nothing at all if that’s what Mr. Evans wanted.
So with a sweet smile, I turned to my man.
“Hungry?” was my purr as he opened the refrigerator door, staring at his contents. And with a grunt, the big man shut it.
“Always,” he proclaimed, pulling me close for a kiss. “I’m always hungry for you, sweet thing. But right now, my stomach needs some sustenance.”
Luxuriating in his embrace, I tipped my chin towards the dark man. It felt so good in his arms, warm and safe, that massive bulk protecting me from any threats.
“What about the meal Chef prepared yesterday?” I murmured, nuzzling his lips with my own. “That steak was amazing, and the potatoes the creamiest and buttery. There’s still some left I think, in the back of the fridge.”
Thorn claimed my lips, seizing them in a thrilling kiss. Oh god, this man is my everything, every cell in my being coming alive at his touch. But he broke the contact abruptly, grunting again.
“It was good,” he acknowledged, “but I don’t feel like leftovers. Come on, let’s go out,” he commanded, grabbing my hips and swiveling them towards the door. “I’ll treat you to some fancy Japanese.”
My soul thrilled. I’ve never had Japanese food except for some takeout sushi from the local bodega, and I doubt that counts as real Japanese. Not when you’re eating imitation shrimp and mayonnaise on your sushi. It doesn’t sound right.
So my heart beat fast. Going out on the town with the billionaire? To see and be seen? It sounded amazing after a week together in the apartment. Of course, I wasn’t complaining, but still, it was a nice change.
“Oh sure,” I giggled. “Just give me five. Wait, but ….” My voice trailed off.
“Hmm?” Mr. Evans growled, already thinking of the meal ahead. “What is it, sweetheart?”
And my face flushed then.
“Well, the thing is,” my low murmur came, “Is the place you have in mind real fancy?” came my slow words. “Because I might not have the right clothes.”
Slowly, the billionaire turned to look at me, fixing me with that blue gaze. Hot embarrassment tinted my cheeks, curves quivering. Oh god, oh god. He was used to supermodels who had designer wardrobes, and not someone who got around in jeans and t-shirts most times. In fact, right now I just had one skirt in my luggage, in addition to my flight attendant uniforms. Nothing appropriate for an upscale eatery.
“You don’t have anything?” he growled, confusion in those blue eyes. “What do you mean?”
I took a deep breath.
“I didn’t pack right,” was my hurried excuse. “I just have some casual clothes in addition to my uniforms. We haven’t gone out, so it never came up,” was my lame excuse.
But somehow, Thorn could tell that I wasn’t speaking the truth. The alpha cocked his head at me, just waiting. Oh god, this man knew me so well already and heat bloomed in my cheeks.
“Okay, so that’s not exactly true,” I began slowly.
He nodded silently.
And the words came then. “I don’t have any nice clothes,” was my low admission. “Not anything that would be suitable for what you’re thinking of. I can’t afford it, you know that,” were my quiet words. “Before this job, there was no way we could buy anything nice, and shopping a the local discount stores was our MO. That, or thrift shops, and I don’t mean that kind that’s hip and trendy with fringed leather jackets and high-end designer ware. I was buying used goods that no one else wanted.”
By now, my voice had died almost into inaudibility because the admission was humiliating. How different this must be from what Thorn was used to. The women he usually dated probably had mink coats and floor-length evening gowns that cost four figures. By contrast, I just had my threadbare things, well-worn and shabby.
But I wasn’t going to hide my beginnings. I wasn’t going to pretend to be someone I wasn’t because it was sliding down a slippery slope of more and more lies until you drowned. And so I took a deep breath, looking the billionaire in the eye.
“I’m sorry,” came my voice, more confident this time. “I’m from humble beginnings and going to eat fancy food at a fancy restaurant? Well, I haven’t had the opportunity but I’d love to sometime. Just not tonight,” was my apology, only a slight quaver tinging my words. “I’m sorry.”
But the billionaire wasn’t angry. In fact, his reaction took me surprise. Those big fingers took hold of my chin, forcing me to look into the deep blue.
“Sweetheart, don’t worry about it,” he growled. “I come from nothing, so I get it. It took decades of climbing the ladder to arrive at the top,” he said, gesturing to our lavish surroundings. “And who says we can’t have Japanese? We’ll order in from Ito Kana, it’s no big deal. Hand me my phone,” he commanded.
With trembling hands, I did as he asked, passing him the small gadget. And as the billionaire ordered, my heart flipped over, doing somersaults before melting into a puddle. Because Thorn could have been disgusted. He could have been horrified that I wasn’t a Barbie doll with all the right clothes, the right attitude, prepared for any type of social outing.
But instead, the billionaire knew and understood. And he wasn’t turned off. If anything, the man was only more determined to show me the world, introducing me to luxuries I’d never experienced.
And I can say without a doubt that if I’d been falling in love with Thorn Evans before, then it happened fully then. I appreciated this man. I adored him, and his generous ways. How he didn’t look down on me although the man had every right, as my employer and a man worth many times the sum in my bank account.
But these things didn’t matter to him. Thorn is a real human being with solid values, and money or the lack of made no difference. The fact that he was my superior at work made no difference either. Because as people, we were a match, and the alpha male knew his woman when he saw her.
So hanging up, the big man turned only to see me gazing at him, my heart in my eyes.
“What is it?” he growled. “What’s got you in tears, honey?”
And I flew into his arms, burying my face in his shoulder.
“Thank you,” was my murmur, wetness seeping into his shirt. “Thank you for everything.”
The alpha pressed a kiss to my forehead, holding me tight.
“It’s nothing sweetheart. Like I said, I worked my way up from the bottom. It wasn’t easy, and I certainly don’t look down on anyone struggling as she finds her path in the world.”
I inhaled deeply, our breaths mingling as we stood locked in one another’s arms in the gigantic kitchen.
“I guess I just didn’t expect you to understand,” came my small voice. “You, Thorn Evans, billionaire CEO of a huge empire. I didn’t expect you to empathize with where I was coming from, or the hurdles in the path. Lame as they might be about stuff like clothes.”
The big man threw his head back and chuckled then, revealing even white teeth.
“No, I get it sweetheart. Clothes are important, that’s why I always have mine tailored,” he said with a gleam. “We’ll get you the best of the best too, sweetheart, there’s a lot of ladies’ couture to be had.”
I gasped, eyes wide. Was he serious? But Thorn nodded again, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“Nothing’s too good for my baby,” he growled, voice sincere. “Come on sweetheart, let’s go to the living room to wait before the food comes. Or do you want to keep standing here?”
And my cheeks flared as the billionaire led me out, taking a seat on the low divan next to one another. Suddenly, I jumped up.
“Oh wait, let me clear some of this off,” were my hasty words, reaching for the old Chinese food. “Ick, look how goopy this sauce is now,” was my comment, peering into one of the slightly drooping boxes.
Thorn made himself at home, lounging on the sofa as I cleaned up. And it felt right, to be honest, to have the big man relaxing at home as I bustled about, straightening up.
“You want this here? Or here?” I asked, holding a sheaf of papers in my hand.
He looked at the pile and let out a gusty sigh.
“Fuck, more shit on that China deal,” he said sourly. “Put it with that stuff,” he said, gesturing to another stack of papers on the sideboard. “Just more shit to read.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“You have to read it yourself?” I asked curiously. “Don’t you have an assistant or a lawyer to help you? Just saying,” were my rushed words. “There’s so much, and the print’s so small. How are you going to get through it?”
One black eyebrow went up.
“Good point, sweetheart. But trust me, I’ve learned the hard way,” he said, one big arm propped up against the back of the couch. “You know I started out as a guy with nothing. Literally nothing, selling knives from a suitcase door to door. Not exactly the most glamorous job.”
I stopped while tidying, turning to look at him.
“Like a traveling salesman?” I asked, eyes wide. Wow, the powerful Thorn Evans had once gone door to door?
“Exactly like a traveling salesman,” the billionaire confirmed wryly. “Even worse because now traveling salesmen take flights to exotic locations, selling all sorts of fancy stuff. But back when I started, it wasn’t like that. I walked door to door, peddling my humble wares like a gypsy.”
I stared at him, hands still.
“How did you get to where you are today?” was my whispered question, an expression of awe on my face. “Because you have so much now,” I breathed, unable to believe that Thorn had once knocked on doors on his quest to hawk knives.
The billionaire smiled wryly.
“The hard way,” he quipped. “I learned that you have to do everything yourself until you find good people. You have to take control of every little detail until you find folks you’d trust with your life. Thus, these papers,” he said, gesturing to the piles of stuff. “It’s an old habit because you’re right sweetheart. There are people to read these for me, I shouldn’t be obsessing over every detail myself. But old habits die hard and sometimes, I still feel the need to look over everything myself to make sure it gets done right.”
I nodded.
“I wouldn’t know,” was my slow reply. “But I’ve heard that building a good team is the hardest part of running a business. Is that true? And if you want or need, maybe I could help in some small way?”
The words died on my lips as my cheeks flushed again. Because what was I thinking? There was no way the billionaire was interested in my skills. I was a flight attendant, someone who’d never gone to college, with just a humble high school degree. The people he was used to dealing with were probably PhDs who had years of experience, erudite and knowledgeable. I was way out of my league. Oh god, what had possessed me? Why had those words come from my lips?
But to my surprise, the billionaire didn’t dismiss my offer out of hand.
“Thanks sweetheart,” he rumbled, eyes seizing mine. “You’re smart, honey, and I’ve noticed that. I’m sure I could use your skills somewhere in my business.”
My mouth gaped open then.
“Really?” came my shocked whisper. “I mean, not as a stewardess? As something else? Something white collar even?”
Because that’s my mom’s dream for me. Kathy wants me to ascend the social and economic ladder, getting my college degree and maybe even landing a desk job someday. I’m from a long line of hard-working, salt of the earth people, and there’s nothing wrong with aspiring to a desk job. So the thought of having a shot at something different thrilled me to my soul.
And evidently, Thorn had already contemplated the possibility.
“Yes, sweetheart,” he said seriously. “You’re organized, you’re efficient, and you’re good with numbers. There’s definitely a place in Gravity Holdings for someone like you.”
I gasped. This man was really, truly amazing, and if I hadn’t tiptoed off the cliff before, then I plunged down now, my heart doing somersaults as elation filled my soul.
“Yes Mr. Evans,” was my soft reply. “I’d be happy to work for you in any capacity. It’d be my honor.”
Those blue eyes gleamed, about to say something naughty for sure, but we were interrupted by the ping of the elevator.
“Ito Kana,” called a voice as the doors slid open. “Your Japanese food?”
And with that, the spell was broken. Shooting me another knowing smile, the billionaire got up, grabbing his wallet before striding towards the foyer.
“Thanks,” was his grunt, taking the paper bag. “Come on, honey, eat. I want to introduce you to a new cuisine, this is going to be fun.”
And it was enjoyable with the alpha as my guide. Because Thorn looks out for me, he really does. He cares about me, showing me how to use chopsticks while stirring up a wasabi and soy sauce mix for the sushi.
“Uck!” I shrieked, reaching for my water. “This stuff is spicy!”
The dark man chuckled, popping a piece of squid into his mouth.
“Warned you,” he tossed off. “The wasabi is made from the same stuff as horseradish, so it’s like fire if you’re not careful. Just use less next time,” he growled.
I nodded while chugging my water, putting the glass down to wipe at my eyes.
“That was more than horseradish,” was my gasping cry. “That was pure jalapeno.”
The billionaire laughed then, biting into some shrimp.
“No jalapeno, sweetheart, they don’t use that in Japanese cuisine. But if you like jalapeno, we’ll try Mexican next. How about that, sweetheart? Not Tex-Mex, which is usually what people eat in the United States, but the real stuff. Authentic Mexican with Oaxaca cheese, none of that chimichanga bullshit you get from Taco Bell here. You ready for that? You wanna give it a go?”
And I blushed then, even as my mouth opened eagerly. Because this is what it’s like to be with Thorn. The billionaire opened doors for me, introducing me to new vistas that were previously unimaginable. Anything was possible, from private air travel, to the most luxurious apartments, to a wardrobe of designer clothes, and now this. Different types of food from all over the world.
Happiness suffused me then. I loved this man, his giving, generous nature, and his willingness to take me to new heights. So with my heart in my eyes, I clasped his hands, dropping those blasted chopsticks in the process.
“Yes Thorn,” the words rang musically in the air between us. “Thank you, I’d like that.”
And slowly, as if we were in a dream sequence, the billionaire leaned forwards, capturing my lips with his. A tingle ran through my soul, my heart doing flip flops all over again. Because with this man by my side, guiding me, opening doors, and showing me the way, anything was possible. I’d fallen head over heels with my employer … loving the alpha with every fiber of my being.