Chapter 38
It’s been two months since I left the hospital. And it’s the first day I’ve returned to work. I’m no longer in pain or taking any medication. I walk with a slight limp, but the doctors are adamant it will correct itself in time. Time heals all wounds, they keep reminding me.
I just wish it was faster.
Walking through the glass doors into Spencer’s Health brings me joy. I walk to the elevator and take it up until I arrive on my level. The walk to my desk turns to a shuffle. The emotions of returning are relief and excitement. I dump my bag on the desk and walk straight up to Dalton. He swivels at hearing my approach. I’m not in my usual work pumps because they hurt my hips when I tried them on this morning. So I went for a pair of black closed toe flats.
He scans me quickly before he stands up out of his chair. I open my arms at his hesitation. He smiles and we hug.
“It’s so good to see you. How are you feeling?” he asks, pulling back, but his hands stay holding my shoulders to get a good read on me.
A small laugh leaves me. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure you’re okay to be back at work?” He drops his hands from my shoulders.
“Yes. I need the stimulation. Being at home was fun,” I say, biting the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from smiling too wide. Memories of the last two months suddenly replay in my mind. Jeremy spread me wide and sank himself deep into me. Many times, I didn’t even bother getting dressed for the day. There isn”t a surface we haven’t been on in his house. But it wasn’t our mind-blowing sex, it was the little things like leaving his phone at home or in another room. He’s way more present with everyone around him.
“Fun?” he asks frowning.
“Yeah, I spent the two months in holiday mode. Watching too much TV, physio, and reading a lot of books. Which was great but I’m ready to return to work,” I explain.
Jeremy also needs to find a new passion. Well, other than me. I know he stepped down from his company, but he has a lot of knowledge to offer. I don”t want to see him waste it. He just needs to find the work/life balance, but we can work on that together.
“Well, I must admit, picking up your slack has been annoying,” Poppy adds from behind Dalton.
She walks up with a smirk. I open my arms and we hug.
“Welcome back,” she says.
“Don’t be too soft on me you two,” I say when we pull out of our hug. I point between the two of them. “I mean it.”
“You won’t get soft from me. I know how capable you are. If anything, I’ll push you more,” Poppy says with a sparkle in her eye.
The words excite me. I’m ready to get back to it.
“Let me check my emails and then do you have time for a debrief. I need to know where we are with things.”
“Then we can handball them back to you,” Dalton adds.
“Yep.” I say, returning to my desk and taking a seat to fire up the computer.
“Shit. I can’t remember my login details.”
A loud chuckle comes from Dalton. “Trust you to do that.”
Poppy stays silent, but I can imagine her rolling her eyes.
I flick through my desk, remembering I scribbled them down somewhere on my first day.
In a drawer, I find a notepad with the login details.
“Got it,” I call out to both of them.
“I’m glad. Now get to work,” Poppy adds.
Clearing out my emails takes hours, but after that, I take a well-earned break. I make coffee and grab a blueberry muffin and an apple. Inside my lunch bag I see a white piece of paper.
I scrunch up my face as I pull it out. What is this?
I unfold the note and read.
Star baby,
After work, instead of going home, I’ll pick you up. I have a surprise waiting for you.
Remy
P.S. I love you.
I pull out my phone and quickly type out a message.
Nova:I still have five hours of work. Can’t you give me a hint?
Jeremy:A new place for us to christen.
Nova: You didn’t buy a new house?
Jeremy:No. But you know I would if you wanted to.
Nova:No, don”t be silly. Your house is amazing.
Jeremy: But it’s not ours.
Nova:It is. Wherever me and you are together is a place to call ours.
Jeremy: So you like the table where I make you squirt?
I look up feeling a rush of blood flood my cheeks. I’m blushing as if someone is reading this over my shoulder, witnessing how turned on I am by his sexting.
Nova:I’m at work.
Jeremy:So? I’m assuming you”re on a break. You don’t answer your phone unless it”s a break because you”re such a good girl.
His words cause a deep ache within me. This is going to be a long five hours. I’m glad it has been so busy I haven”t had time to breathe because; otherwise, I’d struggle the rest of the day.
Nova:You’re killing me.
Jeremy:I promise I’ll let you come so hard in the new place.
I trust that Jeremy wouldn’t push boundaries I don”t feel comfortable with. He isn’t a man that likes to have others watch me. He wouldn’t be into it. The one time in Bentley”s yacht was as far as he would go. Well, unless I asked, which I’ve never tried, but I’m not keen to right now.
Nova:I’m going back to work now.
I tuck my phone away and drink the rest of my coffee and eat my muffin and apple then head back to my desk.
I’ve had my debrief with Dalton and Poppy, who handed over all my clients, and I began working on the priority clients.
A new email pops up at 3p.m.
I open it when I see it’s from Mr. Spencer.
Nova,
Welcome back. I hope you’re settling back in. Can you come to my office for a chat?
Bentley Spencer
Spencer Health
I quickly type a response.
Mr. Spencer,
I’m feeling great. Glad to be back and working. I will head upstairs now.
See you soon.
Regards,
Nova
“Guys, Bentley wants to see me in his office.”
“Now?” Dalton calls out.
“Yep,” I reply as I stand and leave my desk.
“Good luck,” Poppy calls out.
I walk to the elevators and head to the top level. It’s funny how stepping into an elevator after a car accident like mine has changed me. I’m no longer fearful or anxious about stepping into it; however, cars make me hold my breath and give me a try not to vomit type of feeling.
I lost one problem and gained a new one. I hope in time I relax about driving again.
I leave the elevator and his personal assistant says he’s waiting for me.
Arriving at his door, I knock. He’s facing the windows looking out over the city. It’s a nice view, but he still irks me. I can’t put my finger on why, but it doesn’t matter because just as I suspected, I barely have to deal with him. Dalton and Poppy are wonderful, and the work I do is truly exceptional.
Like a dream career. But worry swarms my gut and has me wondering if Bentley is about to deliver bad news. I’ve been off early into my contract. I’m sure he’s pissed off.
At the sound, he swivels in his chair. He sits reclined with an ankle draped over the other, wearing a cheesy smile.
“Nova,” he says and sits up, dropping his foot and then standing.
“Mr. Spencer, you wanted to see me?” My voice is a tad shaky, giving away my fear of losing my job.
It’s not like I’m worried about paying for my parents’ house or giving them money. But I do love working. I want my career. If I lose it today, I have to go and find a new one, which would be difficult right now as I’m still recovering from the car accident. I want to stay here.
I know I’m a great asset. I just hope he doesn’t throw me out without giving me a chance to prove myself.
“Yes. Take a seat.” He gestures to the seat in front of his desk as he sits on the side of it.
I move toward the chair. His eyes drop over my dress. I see nothing has improved in the last month, except he doesn’t rake his eyes over me for as long. Still annoying, but right now I want him to put me out of my misery more than I want to call him out for being a jerk.
I take a seat and my hands automatically grip the chair. I’m waiting for the blow.
“I want to inform you…”
Here we go…
“Your position here at Spencer Health is safe.”
I exhale. “What?”
“Fern has decided not to return after her maternity leave is up. Leaving me a gap to fill. I’d like to offer you that position.”
My mouth opens and closes before I’m able to speak. “Yes. I’d love that. Thank you so much.”
“Right, well then, it’s yours.”
“Will you give me a contract?”
“Let me call HR and get one organized for you.” He stands to turn around. He picks up his phone and talks to HR to draft up a contract for me.
He hangs up. “They will have it ready soon. If you want to head down there, before you head back to your desk.”
“Thanks, Mr. Spencer.”
His phone rings.
He looks at the screen.
“I must get this.” And the way he says it has me thinking it”s a personal call.
I stand and practically rush out of his office. More than happy not being the center of his attention now.
I leave on a high. I don’t even remember the elevator ride down to HR. When I step out, they, in fact, have it ready for me to sign.
I walk away with a copy, and I can’t wait to tell Jeremy. I think about calling him, but I’m an hour away from being finished at work. Then I can see him.
I’ll wait to tell him. I have so much work to catch up on anyway.
Walking into my office, I wave my contract. “You two can”t get rid of me now.”
They both turn their heads and stare at me in confusion. They are waiting for me to explain.
“Fern resigned and so Bentley offered me the job and I officially just signed the contract.”
Dalton claps. “Congrats. This is awesome.”
“I’ll miss Fern, but Nova you deserve this,” Poppy adds with a quirk in her lips.
“Thanks, guys. Well, I better get back to work. I only have an hour left and there’s still so much to do.” I step to my desk with the contract laid out, so I can look at it as I work as a reminder of what I’ve achieved.
As I finish work for the day and say goodbye to Dalton and Poppy, I call my parents. When I inform them about the new contract, my dad and mom are filled with joy. I promise them we can have dinner tomorrow night to celebrate—Jeremy included, obviously. Mom enthusiastically offers to cook up a feast. Dad says he’s feeling better, still tired, but the fluid has settled and the chemotherapy is proving effective.
I know the reality is we aren’t out of the woods yet, but as a family, it’s better than hearing the alternative.
As I hold the phone to my ear, I see my man waiting for me. He leans his tall solid frame against the car. His ankles crossed and his hands in his suit pockets.
The motherfucker has the nerve to smirk with one of his panty-disintegrating smiles.
“Remy,”
“Hi, baby,” he purrs. “You seem extra happy to see me?”
“I am, and I’ve also got some good news.”
“Damn it. Here I was thinking only I could make you light up like that.”
“You do, but this isn’t everyday news.”
His brows pull together.
“Bentley gave me the full-time accounting position.”
“Congratulations, baby. You know I hate the guy and want you to work with me, but I gave the company to Harvey.”
“No, things happen for a reason. This was supposed to happen and so is your step down.”
He grumbles.
“What?” I ask.
“I think I might buy another hospital.”
I smile. “Yeah. What made you decide that?”
“This one is close to my heart,” he murmurs across my lips as his lips touch mine.
“Oh really?”
“Mmm. It involves more ICU beds and trauma wards.”
I part my lips, but he swallows my breath, and of course, kisses me so my brain can no longer think. All it can do is follow his direction. My hands skim over his broad shoulders, up to his neck, and into his hair.
When he finally finishes kissing me, he speaks. “Every time I think of that time, I get so damn emotional, and I just have to have you. Remind myself that you’re really here.”
“I’m really here.”
He kisses me hungrily. I swipe my tongue in his mouth. Enjoying the way he kisses me back.
“What are you doing?” I ask when I take a breath. Seeing everyone around on the sidewalk. I peek out the corner of my eyes, watching people stare or shake their heads as they pass.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re getting attention.”
“I don’t care about anyone else,” he says.
“I do.”
“Why?”
“I’m jealous of others looking at you. You’re wearing a suit that looks like a second skin. You’re hot and you know it. Then you flash me a sexy smile after sexting me all day.”
“You don’t like our texts?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I just find it hard…to concentrate.”
“Okay, what if I promise to keep it PG during office hours.”
He runs his nose across the pulse on my neck.
“Yeah,” I reply, shakily.
“Let”s get in the car and I can give you the surprise.”
I sigh.
He chuckles. “I promise to relieve you when we get there.”
“But other—”
“We’re alone there,” he cuts me off.
“Oh.”
“Get in the car, baby, before I show you how much I’m yours and no one else’s.”
He pulls back and I feel unsteady on my feet from the air without him in it. He holds the car door open for me and I climb in. He slides in beside me.
“How far away is it?”
“Ten minutes. Close to home.”
“Home?”
“Yeah, the one we share. The one I gave you a key for.”
“Not to borrow? I thought I’d go back to the girls?”
His lips twitch. “There”s no fucking chance your living with anyone other than me. If you’re my girlfriend, you live with me where I can treat you like one.”
“I love living with you. But I wouldn’t mind a dog.”
“A dog?”
“Yeah, I want a golden lab or a golden retriever.”
Yeah, I picture my man cuddling one of those and I swear if we weren’t busy right now, I’d beg him to find one to buy now.
Kids and marriage aren’t on our agenda just yet—but it might be fun to start out with a fur baby. I want to fill the house with a cat and dog and anything else he’ll let me have.
I haven”t had a pet since I was a little girl. The last one passed from old age. I’m so ready for a new dog.
“Let me think about it. And research what kind of dogs they are.”
I smile and settle into the cool leather seats, thinking about him holding a puppy and welcoming the coolness on my overheated body. His hand grabs mine and he entwines our fingers together.
Ten minutes later, we arrive at a building that looks no different to any other luxurious one here.
We get out of the car, and I follow him to a door.
He hands me the key. “Open the door,” he instructs.
I don’t bother arguing, I just take the key and open it. Inside, I can hardly believe my eyes. It’s a fully-equipped gym. Red rose petals all across the floor. Bunches of red roses along the sides.
I hold back tears. As I walk in farther, I gasp at the boxing setup. My fingers touch my wobbly lips.
What the hell? He did this for me…
“This is yours, baby.”
“No one else”s?”
“Maybe me if you’ll let me use it.”
I raise my brows at him. “You bought this for me, and you want to ask for permission.”
“Of course. I bought this, so you didn’t use that dingy fucking one.”
“Oh, so now who”s jealous.”
“One hundred percent, baby. I don’t want anyone checking you out when you’re sexy and sweaty.”
I screw up my nose at the vision. “It’s not a sexy look.”
“I beg to differ. The flush on your cheeks and the sweat on your skin reminds me of when I fuck you. The spent look is hard not to want another round right after I just made you come.”
We stand face to face. I’ve looked over the incredible private gym and now I want him. I’ve been on edge all day.
I drop to my knees.
“Baby.”
“Shh, let me thank you,” I say as I reach out and grab his belt.
“I didn’t buy this for you to please me. Even though you on your knees makes me want to watch you gag trying to say thanks.”
There he is. My man. The one pre-accident that wasn’t scared to be rough.
“Please,” I beg as I unzip his pants.
He’s rock hard beneath his briefs. I can”t get him out quick enough. His thick hard cock bobs and the precum that”s glistening on the end makes me lick my lips. I bring him to my mouth and open.
He fucks my mouth the moment his cock hits the back of my throat and he doesn’t stop until I have tears running down my face and he’s coming so hard he spills out of my mouth.
Now that”s what I missed.
Rough and unhinged Remy.