Chapter 26
Kyle
It had been one week since Vanessa and I ended our arrangement and became a real couple. We hadn’t spent one night alone. She was either at my place or me hers, but as long as I woke up with her by my side, I didn’t care whose bed we were in.
Yesterday was her Thanksgiving. Being from Canada, ours was in October. Jude and Luca, never celebrated the holiday. Now that Jude was married to Brae, I found it hilarious that the poor bastard was stuck with the in-laws eating a turkey Brae’s dad killed himself with pride.
Vanessa had no emotional ties to the holiday. With a father who was all about his new family and a mother who was off frolicking in Florida somewhere with her bitter divorce club, my girl admitted her last Thanksgiving involved bad takeout and a Sons of Anarchy binge… she had a serious Charlie Hunnam crush.
So, that was basically what we did. For most of the episodes, I voiced I didn’t see the draw. But then I got into it and couldn’t wait to finish the series to find out how it ended.
Tonight would be the first time we would be hanging out with our friends as a couple. “Nessa, are you ready to go?”
I stood in her living room waiting for her to get changed out of her work clothes. Once again, she had a shitty week at work and was delayed because her boss needed her to drop off his dry cleaning or something equally ridiculous.
When she appeared, she had on dark denim skinny jeans, a blue top that made her tits look amazing, and a pair of come-fuck-me heels that made me want to stay home.
“How do I look?” She pivoted on the balls of her feet, slowing down to give me the perfect view of her ass. Ever since I told her I thought she had a great one, she was sure to emphasize it as much as she could. “Stunning. If we weren’t meeting our friends, I’d opt to stay home with you looking like you do. But, they’d probably come here and fuck up my plans anyway. So, let’s go. Just know that when I get you home, that ass is mine.”
She leisurely picked up her purse off the chair. “Promises, promises.”
Before I could give her a witty retort, or bend her over the side of the couch, she patted my chest and walked out of her apartment. A tightening behind my zipper caused me to look down at my jeans with a sigh. Silently, I promised my dick that I’d make it up to him.
The journey from her place to Dispatch was comical. We each kept our hands and lips to ourselves, knowing one slip-up would have us back in her apartment and forgetting our friends.
We walked into the bustling bar. Cassie had texted Vanessa to tell her they had a large table in the back. I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heartbeat accelerated, because it had. This was it, our coming out. After tonight, there would be no hiding, sneaking around, or pretending we were something other than what we were—two people in love and not afraid to show it to the world.
Before we made it to our friends, I noticed various men checking out my girl. Not that I blamed them, but in a caveman-esque move, I released her hand and tossed my arm around her shoulder.
She glanced at me with a quirked brow. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, just making sure these hornballs know you’re taken. Is that okay with you?”
“Yup, it’s more than okay. Besides, the only hornball my eyes see is you.”
“As I should be,” I said with a nod and a firm kiss to her full lips.
When we finally made it to where our friends were, I released my hold on her. Desiree sat next to Jude and Brae. His arm was draped over his wife’s shoulder, and the way he held her left hand, putting her sparkling diamond on full display, left no doubt who she belonged to. Then there were Luca and Cassie sitting across from them.
Desiree’s face lit up when she saw us. “Hi, you guys!” Two chairs were left, one next to Cassie and the other at the end of the table. Well, that wasn’t going to cut it. Luca met my narrowed glare with a snarky grin.
“Move, Benedetto.”
“Say please,” he ball-busted as he shifted to the empty seat. Cassie then moved down, allowing Vanessa and I to sit next to each other.
As soon as our asses hit the seats, and we shrugged off our coats, the waiter was at our table. “What can I get you?”
I turned to Vanessa and said, “Babe?” Luca let out some sort of stifled chuckle—probably because of my term of endearment. “What?”
He shook his head and raised his palm. “Nothing. Proceed.”
Unfazed, Vanessa said, “I’ll have a margarita, no salt.” Then she turned to me, laying it on thick for our friends’ viewing pleasure. “Sweetie?”
I gave her a quick wink. “I’ll have a Labatt’s Blue, bottle not draft.”
“So.” Brae smiled at both of us. “What’s new? Did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? Vanessa, did you spend it with Charlie? Did anyone else join you?”
If she wasn’t so damn cute I would have laughed. I knew she wanted us to come right out with some sort of formal announcement that we were officially a couple. Brae and Jude were the only two who knew of our epiphany. Brae had been relentless this past week with her impatience. Tonight was a compromise of sorts. We had told her we’d let the gang know soon if she stopped bothering us.
The whole thing was ridiculous since everyone sitting at the table most definitely knew, making me wonder which Soren cracked. My money was on Mrs. Soren.
“Yeah, I joined her.” Deciding to indulge Brae, I threw my arm around Vanessa and said, “Well, everyone, we’d like you all to know that the two of us are now off the market.”
“Who’s the lucky guy, Vanessa?” Luca asked with a grin on his face.
Rather than answer, Vanessa fisted my shirt and pulled me toward her until our mouths fused together. Getting lost in the moment, I speared my fingers into her hair. Our tongues moved in unison, and when she moaned in my mouth, I wanted nothing more than to go back home.
Jude cleared his throat as the waiter appeared with our drinks. “Why do they get to do that?” he asked Brae, who ignored him.
Vanessa swiped under her bottom lip with her finger before taking a sip of her margarita. She then smiled at Luca. “Any more questions?”
“Nope.” He lifted his bottle of beer in the air as a silent toast. “Tanti auguri,” he said in his native tongue.
“Thanks, Benedetto.” I lifted my beer toward Brae and winked before adding, “I have no doubt you’re next on her radar.”
His eyes cut toward Brae, and he held his free hand up in mock defense. “I can get my own woman, thank you.”
“I’ll give you six months before I interfere, Luca,” she said with authority.
“Great. I’ll mark my calendar.” He followed his eye roll with a smile.
“Cleary, thanks to my wife I no longer have to be indebted to you for meeting Brae. You’re welcome,” Jude quipped.
I considered his admission. “Fine. We’re even now. You don’t have to name your first born Kyle, unless you want to make him a lucky bastard.”
“Yeah, no.” Jude lifted his beer and tipped it my way. “But the name Luca sounds like a good fit for Soren, though.”
Asshole.
“Well, I’m very happy for you both.” Cassie beamed, as did Brae. The woman couldn’t contain her excitement, and if I were Luca I’d take her threat very seriously. Jude was right, and it was really thanks to Mrs. Soren’s meddling ways that we were together sooner rather than later.
We all fell into comfortable conversation. Every once in a while, I’d steal a kiss, just like Jude had done so many times with Brae. Now, I understood why. Before I fell in love, I thought he was just a sap. But now I knew he just wanted a taste of her every chance he got.
“So, V, how was work this week, any better?” As soon as Des asked that question, I knew Vanessa’s mood was going to shift and not in a great direction.
She gave a one shoulder shrug, “It sucked as usual. I honestly don’t understand how he’s even successful. He’s not nice to anyone including some of his clients.”
“Just say the word and you can quit on Monday and come work for me,” Jude said casually, but I knew he meant it.
I knew my pal wanted to help, but the way Vanessa looked as though she was contemplating his offer didn’t sit well with me. I needed to put a stop to it. I didn’t want to put her on the spot or anything, but she belonged at my company.
“Did you all know that when Vanessa and I were in California she was instrumental in finding the right spokesperson for my company?” Jude smirked at my obvious rebuttal. When no one said anything, I continued. “Well, she was. So much so, that I offered her a job. She’s a natural in the perfume industry. She even created her own scent in my lab, right, babe?”
Vanessa slowly nodded her head.
“Oh, is that the perfume you’re wearing? What’s it called? I’d love to buy one if it’s for sale.” Cassie leaned over and gave her a sniff. “It’s so pretty on you.”
A blush creeped up Vanessa’s cheeks. “No, I only wish I was this good. Kyle made this for me, it’s called Nessa.”
“Wait, you have a perfume named after you?” Brae let out a sigh. “That’s so romantic and such a cute nickname. I’d flip if someone did that for me.”
“I’d be happy to create a scent for you.” Jude cleared his throat, and I ignored his glare. “But, if Vanessa comes to work for me, she can do it for you. Wouldn’t you, Nessa?” I tossed in her name for added effect, just wanting her to be happy.
“Well, I don’t think I’m at the point of creating a perfume for Brae yet, but I do need a change.” She looked at Jude. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m going to decline. I’d hate it if I took a job at Soren Enterprises and it not working out. I couldn’t bear the thought of it coming between me and Brae, so I’ll work for Kyle.”
What did she just say?
Luca started laughing, clearly hearing the same thing I did. “Did she just imply that she wouldn’t care if a job came between you and her, Cleary?”
“That’s not what I meant,” she explained.
Wait… she’s going to work for me? “Vanessa, are you saying you’re coming to work for me?”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
I pulled her into my arms. “I’m so glad. I can’t wait to have you on my team.”
Cassie clapped her hands with vigor, “See V! I knew you’d find the job of your dreams.”
The waiter came by and I ordered another round for everyone on me.
Vanessa
For the first time since I started working for this asshole, I didn’t dread dragging my ass into the office on a Monday morning. In fact, I practically skipped my way from the lobby to my desk.
“Miss Monroe!” he bellowed the moment he heard me pull open a drawer to deposit my handbag.
I snatched my notebook off my desk and stalked into his office while still wearing my coat. “Good morning, Mr. Boyd. Did you have a nice weekend?”
His head snapped up as his beady little eyes narrowed. “It was fine.”
“That’s wonderful.” I sat, smiling the entire time he glared at me. “Before we get started, I’d like to say a few things if you don’t mind.”
“We have a lot to cover, and since you’re so behind I think it’s best we don’t waste time.”
I feigned a pout. “Oh, I understand. But, you see, I’m quitting. As of right now, without giving you two weeks, without warning.” I crossed my leg over my knee and smiled pleasantly. “You’re a nasty man, and I wish you the best of luck trying to replace me.” I stood and tossed my notebook on the center of his desk. “You can pass this onto your new slave. I don’t mind her seeing every truthful thing I wrote about you.”
His face turned bright red with fury. “Sit down, Miss Monroe. You aren’t going anywhere.”
Ignoring him, I walked to the door and folded my arms. “Or?” I prompted. “You’ll fire me? Oops, too late.”
“You will never work in this city again. You can forget a recommendation. You work here for the next two weeks or I will be sure your next employer knows what an unprofessional employee you are.”
A natural, care-free laugh escaped at his threat. “Good luck with that…” You asshole. “I will not be sitting back down, but I can bend over before I leave so you can kiss my ass.”
I didn’t bother to look back at him. With purpose, I strode over to my desk, grabbed my one picture, my handbag, and my—‘There’s a chance this is wine’ coffee mug. With a wave to my now former coworkers, I smiled wide and said, “See ya,’” before hightailing it out of the hell I was forced to endure for too many damn years of my life.
Kyle knew I planned to quit today, but he didn’t know I’d be walking out, too. That decision was made in my shower this morning.
I hailed a cab and recited Kyle’s lab address to the cabbie. I hadn’t felt this excited over my future in a very long time, and knowing Kyle, he’d want to be part of this unprecedented emotion I was feeling.
The city streets were clogged with commuters running late, combined with bridge traffic, it took far longer than I hoped to get to Cleary Laboratories. By the time I made my way into his building, my knees were knocking from a combination of nerves, anxiety, and adrenaline.
I announced myself to the first floor receptionist, and she looked up with a knowing smile. “You’re Vanessa?”
“Um… yes,” I replied, wondering how she knew me.
“Mr. Cleary is on the fifth floor. Would you like me to call him?”
Showing up during his workday could cause a disruption that I didn’t want. I couldn’t assume he wasn’t busy or in an important meeting. Internally, I had decided while here I was indeed his employee, and the only way this would work is if we kept those lines of professionalism intact during the work day. “Um… no, thank you. Would you mind calling Frederick instead?”
“Not at all.” She did as I asked and then motioned toward the posh seating area facing her desk. “Make yourself comfortable. He’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Frederick appeared through the elevator doors as they slid open. “Vanessa. He hadn’t mentioned you would be coming today. I assumed you’d be joining us in two weeks.”
Impressed that Kyle had filled Frederick in, I stood and smiled shyly. “He doesn’t know. I’m here to let you know, as your new apprentice, I’m ready to begin now. I no longer have any obligations with my former employer, and I’m all yours.”
A genuine smile lit up his handsome face. “That’s awesome… and I could definitely use the help. Let’s get you set up and started. Welcome to Cleary Laboratories.”