Chapter 4 (Everett)

In the week leading up to the Ball, business was tighter than usual. The holiday season usually brought a spike in profits, but this year, it was nearly double what it was the year before.

Staff were finding it hard to keep up, so I was left to pick up the slack, working hours upon hours of overtime, tucked away in my office, answering conference call after conference call.

To be honest, I didn’t mind it. I liked my line of work. Or rather, I liked to keep busy. There was a part of me that grew anxious every time I was still and had nothing to do. I hated it. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t gone on a proper vacation in over ten years. I just didn’t see the point.

It was almost noon. The 22nd. Just one day before the Christmas Ball. It was the first time I found myself excited to go.

Could it be that Tanya excited me more than I cared to admit?

No.

She was just my assistant.

A stepping stone in my plan to conceive a son.

That was the only reason for my excitement.

Knock. Knock.

“Come in.”

Tanya peeked her head through the door, a smile on her face. “A package came for you.” She announced.

“Bring it in.”

She walked in, hips swaying with confidence.

I had always loved the way she carried herself. Unlike most girls, it seemed to me that Tanya recognized her beauty. She was unafraid to wear tight-fitting clothing, despite her thicker size. I loved it. Her every inch, every curve, turned me on like nothing else. Who needed stick-thin models when you could have a woman with love handles to hold as you make her scream your name.

“Who’s the sender?” I asked, looking up at her, drinking in the sight of her body standing in front of me. She looked divine in her tight black skirt and low-cut shirt. By the gleam in her eye, I was almost positive she was trying to tease me. 

“Gina’s Boutique.” She answered.

“Ah. Then it’s your dress.”

She furrowed her brows in confusion. “But it’s so heavy.”

I chuckled. “Feel free to open it if you don’t believe me.”

“That’s not what I meant.” She blushed, looking a bit embarrassed.

“No worries. But you really should open it. Maybe try it on, see if it fits.”

“What? Like here?”

 
I smirked. “If that’s what you want, I wouldn’t be opposed.” I leaned back in my chair, eyes shining with mischief.

“Um… I think I’ll just open it when I get home if that’s okay with you.” She refused to meet my eye as she spoke.

I loved how she could go from confident one second to adorably shy the next. It made me want her that much more.

Oh, I’d have my fun fucking her alright.

It’d be one hell of a time.

I was already thinking about it, excitement growing between my legs by the time Tanya excused herself and slipped out of the room. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there was something else lurking under the surface. I lusted after this woman, yes, but there was more to it. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, but it was there, getting stronger and stronger with each minute I spent in her presence.

What was it?

Knock. Knock.

“Yes?”

I half-expected Tanya to walk back in, but instead, I was met with a sorry sight.

Nettie.

What was she doing here?

I thought I had gotten rid of her long ago.

Instantly, I got to my feet, teeth locking in annoyance. This was the last thing I needed right now, an insect from my past to come scuttling at my feet.

“What do you want?” I growled.

She frowned. “Is that any way to greet the love of your life?”

“Ha.” I rolled my eyes. “You stopped being the love of my life long, long ago.”

Her frown deepened. “Really, Everett, I don’t know why you always try so hard to hurt me. What did I ever do to you?”

“Don’t play the victim.” I snarled, eyeing her suspiciously as she walked up to my desk, leaning forward slightly, lips pursed into a pout, eyes big and doe-like. Nettie was a master manipulator. She had fooled me once, but she would never fool me twice. “Get out of here.” I barked, hands on my desk in a defensive position.

“Oh, come on, I’m sure this is all just an act. Deep down, you miss me. There’s no denying it.” Like a snake, her hand slithered forward, taking my tie between her fingers. “Because I’ve missed you.”

I grabbed her wrist, grasp tight – too tight.

She winced.

I let go, skin crawling with disgust. At one point in my life, I had been infatuated with this woman, but things were different now. She had betrayed my trust, and that was something not easily regained. “What do you want?” I asked once more, growing impatient. She was up to something, that much was obvious. But, what?

“Can’t a girl just drop by for a visit?” She asked, voice innocent as she rounded the desk.

The distance between us dwindled, her eyes burning into mine. In a second, we were inches apart, her hand on the lapel of my jacket. Her lips twitched into a sly grin, her hips pressing forward to meet mine. “I had an itch I thought you might be willing to scratch.”

For a second, a flare of desire flared inside of my loins, but I quickly extinguished it, hands on her shoulders, pushing her aside. “I don’t have time for this.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“Do you have something you need?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Suddenly, she leaned forward.

Our lips were seconds from a collision when I turned away, looking out the window.

She nearly tripped, gaining her balance by clinging to the desk. “So, that’s how it’s going to be, huh?”

“You should have thought about the consequences before you did what you did.”

“It was one drunk night. One stupid mistake. When are you going to get over it? People fool around all the time. Haven’t you ever heard of an open relationship?” She grabbed my wrist.

I spun around, eyes burning as my fingers tightened around her frail arms. “That wasn’t our relationship. You cheated on me, Nettie. You slept with another man.”

“I didn’t mean to.” She protested. “How many times do I have to apologize? Jeez.”

“Loyalty is everything.”

She rolled her eyes; arms crossed over her chest. “Whatever. I don’t need to put up with this.”

“You were the one who barged into my office.”

“And you’re the one still holding on.” She observed, eyes lowering to my fingers.

I growled, eventually letting go. “Just get out of my sight before I do something I regret.”

“Is that a threat?” She asked, raising an eyebrow in question. “You should be careful. You might be CEO, but that doesn’t mean you’re impervious.”

“Is that a threat?” I countered.

“Maybe.”

My anger rose to a dangerous level. “Get out.” I hissed.

“Alright, alright. I’m going.” Without another word, she swayed her hips, heading straight for the door. She walked quickly as if she were trying to run away from trouble.

I watched her, my gut telling me something was wrong, but, at the same time, I was glad that she finally out of my hair.

Good riddance.

Sighing, I slumped into my chair, reclining back, eyes closed, fatigue setting in. Luckily, it was almost closing time. Maybe today I’d go home on time instead of staying in this god-forsaken office letting work consume my life.

Ding!

My eyes shot open, reading the notification on my phone. One of my biggest shareholders had finally emailed me back. Cracking my neck and knuckles, I prepared myself before I opened my laptop and got back to work.

Halfway through writing a reply email, I noticed that something was missing. I stared at the vacant spot on my desk, trying to remember what had been there before.

My eyes widened.

No.

I dashed for the door, but she was already gone.

Fuck.

I knew she was up to something.

“Damnit!” I shouted, slamming my fist into the drywall.