Chapter 32
CARLIE
Ishut and lock the door the second Lawson crosses the supply room threshold. He’s crowded me by the door before I have a chance to catch my breath.
I’m starving for this man.
He hauls me up the door and it rattles.
“Fuck,” he grinds out.
Warm hands manhandle me, carrying me on his hips across the room. My ass hits the copier, and I am all hands in his hair, legs wrapped around his waist. My heel falls from my foot as he devours my mouth and litters kisses down the column of my throat.
God, a girl could get used to this . . .
But the chances of getting busted in this small office are high. Somehow, the thought drives me wild. “Laws, give it to me, please.”
He chuckles, his lips vibrating against my neck. “So fucking needy, Princess.”
“Our window will close if we take too long.”
He groans, flicking the buckle of his belt before spreading my thighs. Notching at my entrance, he holds my gaze with his. I take his face in my hands, and my lips part as he gives me every inch.
My head falls back. He flicks a button on my blouse, pushing my blouse aside before his lips capture my nipple.
“Oh god, Laws.”
He slams into me, every blissful stroke sending me higher.
The door rattles under a knock.
“Hello, is someone in there?” Nadia calls, her words slightly muted by the door.
“Oh shit!” I whisper.
Lawson’s forehead presses to mine, the cheekiest smile tugging one corner of his delicious mouth up. “Fuck, Princess. This ain’t going to last long.”
Right now, that’s probably a good thing.
He thumbs my clit as he rasps, “Come for me, baby.”
I explode around him, and he groans through his release, his hands gripping my hips with force.
I pant through my next words. “She’ll be back with a key.”
“Yeah, probably.”
He doesn’t let me go. Despite the fact we are most likely seconds away from being busted, I don’t want him to, either.
“Carlie,” he breathes.
“I know, Cowboy,” I whisper, but guide him backward with my hands on his chest. Sliding from the copier, I fix my skirt. He readjusts his pants and belt and runs a hand through his hair.
The door opens and I spin on my heel, grabbing the first item I can reach.
Toilet paper.
Fantastic.
Laws chuckles at me before taking a few random stationary items from the shelf as the door pops open. Nadia’s face turns stunned, then melts to disappointment as she sets her shoulders back. “Sorry, are you done? I need the copier.”
“Yeah.” Lawson clears his throat. “Just needed these.” He holds up the folders, and are those highlighters? Whiteboard markers, maybe . . .
Why do I care?
“Okay,” Nadia says, eyeing the toilet roll in my stupid hand.
I force a smile and walk from the copy room like the carpet is on fire. Lawson is hot on my heels when we run right into Serelle.
“Carlie. Lawson. My office, now.”
Turning back and marching for her office, she beckons us with a finger over her shoulder.
“Shit,” I whisper, shooting Laws a worried look laced with annoyance.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” His hand brushes mine.
I put space between us.
Fuck. God, I’m so stupid. I’ve broke every fucking rule I’ve ever had. I can’t lose this job. I can’t do that to Mills again.
We file into Serelle’s office and sink into the chairs in front of her desk.
She leans back in her chair and steeples her hands with a frown.
Fuck.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“When were you going to tell me the scope of this gala you’re planning?” Her gaze alternates between Lawson and me. “I mean, that’s incredible, but what happens when the funding doesn’t meet the expenses?”
I have to do my best to tamp down the hysterical laugh that wants out. She’s worried about the size of the gala.
“The Met has donated the space. The catering has been funded, and the remaining service providers were within budget.” I hold her gaze.
“Oh, wow. I didn’t realize you had connections to the Met. Color me impressed.” Serelle’s hands slap the desk with enthusiasm.
My body sags with relief, but I try not to let it show.
Lawson glances at me with a smile. “Actually, it was a team effort. My sister worked in events before she decided to stay in Montana. She’s been helping plan.”
“Oh, well, that’s wonderful. Let’s hope we can raise the funds to keep you both on board for the next year.
” She slaps her armchair and leans into the desk.
“Funding has always been an issue. I’m glad you found a creative solution for this.
But I’m not surprised. I hired you both with this potential in mind, and you’ve proven me right.
I won’t keep you from your work.” She nods, dismissing us.
I rise and walk from her office.
She’s proud of us.
And we’re lying to her.
In multiple ways.
Withholding the real financial situation of Serenity House. Plus the fact that Lawson and I are . . .
What exactly are we?
As I make it back to the fish tank, I’m in a trance of disbelief when I drop into my chair. I face-plant into my hands and groan.
We are so fucked.
If this doesn’t work out, we are royally fucked.
I will be a princess standing in ruins. Who knows if my cowboy will still be by my side if this all goes sideways.
Itry—and fail—to hold my composure as the Anna freaking Winston waits for me at the entrance to the Met. Life goals officially accomplished. I can die happy now.
Last night’s snowfall litters the ground, and I hug my coat closer with one hand as the wind decides to pick up.
Mills tugs at my arm, which hers is looped through. I was so starstruck, I forgot I invited her to come along this morning. Someone has to keep me grounded. Besides, she put up a convincing argument.
Apparently, she’s old, and to deny her the chance to meet a woman like Anna Winston would be the cruelest of sins.
“She’s so elegant, look at her.” Millie nods, excitement lighting her sweet face as she wobbles her way up the steps. I hold her steady, calculating each stride I take to keep her safe.
We ascend the steps to the museum, and Anna’s face breaks into a smile. “Carlie, lovely to meet you.” She extends one fine, manicured hand, and I shake it. My mouth moves, but I can’t form a coherent word to save myself.
“Hello,” she says to Millie. “I’m Anna. Come on in. Let’s make a start on curating a space for your gala, shall we?”
Millie’s mouth actually gapes, and now I feel less stupid for not uttering a word in the presence of one of my lifelong idols.
“Say something,” Mills hisses at me.
Like what? Shit, I missed my window. We walk behind Anna as she leads us into a large open foyer. The biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen stands on the central platform, strangled by lights and decorations. An oversized star illuminates its top.
Still following Anna, albeit a little slower as I look around in awe, we pass under archways lined with festive garlands and through double doors into a grandiose room.
I’ve been to the Met before but never during the holiday season.
It’s stunning. It’s breathtaking.
Millie and I cross the threshold into the event space. Inside is spectacular, with a high ceiling, large floor space, and steps flanking the entire far end of the room with a stage.
“Oh wow, this will be perfect,” I say, and Anna turns back.
“I thought so, too.” She offers me a smile, making me relax. Millie slides her arm from mine and wanders around the grand space, touching the walls and the trim, gazing through the large, tall windows as she eyes every detail. Kid in a candy shop.
“Are you sure this will be available for the twenty-fourth? I wouldn’t want to put you out, being such short notice and all,” I say, the waver in my voice too audible for my liking.
“Of course. I booked it for Serenity the minute I spoke to Ruby about your event. I admire what you’re doing for the city. For the women of New York.”
Holy shit.
Now I can die happy.
“Thank you,” I breathe. But it’s not only me, it’s the entire team. Lawson and Serelle play just as big of a role in Serenity’s success as I do. “Really, it’s a team effort. We are trying to make the House thrive, not simply survive.”
Her face falls, tugged down by the most elegant frown I’ve ever seen. “Is the House in trouble?”
Ah, the moment of truth. The split-second decision I have to make whether to lie to the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, or to spill the beans. An entire can of messy, hideous legumes that could have Lawson and me fired should they get back to Serelle before we’ve solved this problem.
“A figure of speech, I guess. I think we can do more to help the women of this city. As we should.”
A tight smile stretches her lips. “Well, in that case, may I suggest some activities for the night to help with your fundraising goal?”
“Absolutely, that would be incredible.”
We chat back and forth about possible options for the night’s entertainment from prizes to donation options and more. Her knowledge on big events like what we are trying to pull off is impeccable. No wonder she and Ruby get along like a house on fire.
“Have you known Ruby long?” Anna asks.
“No, she’s actually my coworker’s sister-in-law.”
“Ah, another cowboy, hey?” Her smile is almost cheeky. Apparently I’m not the only one who finds the whole cowboy vibe attractive.
“What time can we be here on the 24th to finalize preparations?” I ask, changing the subject.
“As soon as we open at nine.”
“Wonderful.”
“Is there anything else you need to know?” she says, handing me her card. I stare at it and its gilded front lying in my hand. Millie appears by my side, slipping the card between her fingers as she looks it over.
Do not lose that, Mills.
“I think we’ve covered everything. Thank you. And thanks again for fitting Serenity in.”
“Oh, my pleasure. Say hello to Ruby for me, will you?”
“Of course.”
“Now, I have a board meeting, but feel free to look around and make your own plans. Best of luck for your event, Carlie.”
My hands are shaking by the time she leaves us alone in the event hall.
“Holy motherfucking shit,” I utter.
Mills cracks up. “You did great, sweetheart. I loved watching you in your element. You really are good with this stuff.”
I roll my eyes at her, and she pats my cheek like the little old lady she is.
I clutch her hand briefly before taking a final turn around the magnificent space that will be ours for an entire day and evening.
I walk the steps up to the stage, imagining the fundraising layout.
The tables lined up. A space for dancing just below as the evening draws on.
The musicians will be to the left of the stage.
The donations table, inconspicuous and small, will be by the door to catch folks on their way out.
And of course, a Christmas tree to encourage gifted donations for the women and girls. That should be in the center . . .
I sigh and smile as I cast one last longing gaze over the space.
No wonder Ruby loves doing this. The hope and potential have my body abuzz with something I haven’t felt for years.
Excited to bring happiness to people.
Excitement, period.