Chapter 10
My feelings were hurt as Jen and I got inside of her Range Rover and left the scene. I mean, I didn’t expect Avery not to have a past, but when we would have our deep conversations, he never told me anything about the women and the lawsuit against his company.
I wouldn’t have judged him. However, I wouldn’t have continued with our situation. I wasn’t some pass around or a chick who was desperate for money.
I was desperate, but not that damn desperate to sleep with him and his cousin. Not to mention being embarrassed that half the people at the party were now privy to us sleeping together, since Denver’s loudmouth ass decided to air us out.
As bad as I wanted to quit, I had bills to pay. I would just take a few days to regroup then pretend as if none of this ever happened between us.
“Are you okay?” Jen asked. I didn’t tell her why I wanted to leave so suddenly.
“Yeah. Just tired.”
“I saw the commotion, Lay. You don’t have to lie to me.”
“I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just need to get some rest.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you and Avery were messing around?”
“Who told you that?”
“You just did.” She laughed lightly. “I’m your best friend, and you didn’t tell me?”
“I know you’re my best friend, but I don’t always have to tell you every detail of my life, Jen.”
“Excuse you? Best friends tell each other everything.”
“No, they don’t. Some things we all keep to ourselves.”
“Nah, that’s just you. The stubborn, introverted Sagittarius. You only disclose what you want to disclose.”
“That’s not true. When I was dating Victor, I told you everything.”
“Then stop being stingy with Mr. CEO. I know something happened tonight.”
I sighed. “His cousin was talking crazy to me, telling me how he wanted to eat my pussy, how he knows my walls is soft or whatnot. So, I told him to stop talking to me like that because I’m with his cousin, and he told me Avery didn’t care, .
. . that they share women all the time. I brushed off that statement, but then he rubbed my ass, and that’s when Avery took him in the bathroom and started beating him up. ”
Jen smiled at me, seemingly liking the fact that a fight ensued because of me.
“You got that man in a chokehold. I am here for it!”
“No, Jen. I can’t do this with him.”
“What? Why? He beat his own cousin’s ass over you. Are you really about to sabotage this?”
“He only beat him up because his cousin said how they used to run through all of his assistants together, and even almost got sued because of it. He beat his ass because he got exposed.”
“I’ve never heard of Avery being in the middle of that. Denver, however, has always had a rep for sexually harassing women and having scandals. That’s why he’s rarely at Aromatique unless there is a meeting or something important.”
“I don’t know. It’s just messy right now. I’m going to take a few days off to clear my head. I’ll go back on Monday.” Jennifer pulled in front of my parents’ home, and I hugged and kissed her cheek.
“If you’re not doing anything tomorrow, let’s go out for drinks. Even though I said he was an asshole, all it took was a few weeks with you to turn that man’s frown upside down. I don’t believe he’d be that type of person to someone who had him making up fun days at the office.”
“I hear you, sis. I’ll call you.” I got out of her truck and headed inside.
I didn’t know if I wanted to forgive Avery.
I wanted to believe him because he had been so attentive and the perfect gentleman.
But was the good guy act a ploy to get the panties?
He didn’t need to swindle me into giving it up.
I knew, eventually, things would progress between us, because Avery was fucking irresistible.
I wouldn’t have been able to hold out too much longer but would have been more cautious had he been upfront with me, to give me a chance to decide if I wanted to be down with him or not.
I made it inside my parents’ home, crept down the hall to my bedroom, and fell across my bed, letting out a breath to stop my stomach from feeling queasy.
I hated that I cared so much.
It was a gift and a curse to have such a big heart. Already, I was thinking of forgiving him. Nonetheless, I would not be played like this was some high school bet to bag the most popular girl in school for bragging rights.
My phone chimed with a text from Avery.
I opened it to see what he had to say.
Intro King Avery:
I’m going to give you some time, but I need you to know that I would never treat you like anything less than a queen . . . My queen. I know hearing something like that would have anyone upset, but I would never ever disrespect you in that manner. I just got you, so no one else is touching that.
Every time the devil sees me happy, he tries to destroy that happiness. First my cousin with my business, and now with you. I hope you find it in that empathetic heart of yours to forgive me for not controlling my anger. I was out of line, and I’m sorry for embarrassing you.
Okay, I’m rambling. Call me, baby. I miss you already.
I smiled, placing my phone on the charger, stripping out of my dress, then going into my bathroom to shower and get some sleep.
Four Days Later . . .
I stepped off the elevator with the Starbucks in my hand and some strawberry glazed donuts for casual Monday. I hadn’t spoken to Avery since the incident, and I knew I owed it to him to have a conversation.
I missed him.
I had some time to think about what happened, and I knew I owed it to him to hear him out.
“Mornin’, Lizzy.”
“Good morning, Ms. Layne. Don’t you look cute today.”
I did a spin, showing off my cut-off shorts that stopped mid-thigh and white tee with the word Queen etched across my chest. Gucci slides were on my feet with the crossbody to match.
“Thank you, darling. Here’s your coffee.”
“You know if Mr. West knew you were getting me coffee, he’d have a fit.” She chuckled.
I laughed. “He’ll be okay. See you later.”
“See ya and thank you.”
“You’re most welcome.” I walked over to the table that housed the coffee, putting the donuts down, then going into Avery’s office. I put his coffee on the desk, then powered on his computer. I was about to walk out when I heard the door to his restroom open, and Avery stepped out.
We locked eyes, and my panties flooded, seeing him in all black. Black jeans, black Givenchy shirt, and black elevens.
It should be a damn crime how fine he is .
“Hey,” he said, clearing his throat.
“Hi. I didn’t know you were here this early.”
“Yeah, had an early meeting. How are you?”
“I’m good.” There was a short pause before I turned on my heels. “Call me if you need me,” I tossed over my shoulder. Now that I was in his presence, I didn’t know what to say.
“Layne . . .”
I turned toward him. “I know what you’re going to say, Avery, and honestly, I forgave you days ago.
I just . . . I didn’t want what we had to be ruined by gossip and bullshit.
As far as what your cousin said, I’m willing to overlook that if you promise me that it’s not true.
I really like you, Avery, and I don’t like anyone. ”
“Come here.” He motioned me over to him and patted his lap. I shook my head, but he pulled me by my belt loops and set me on his lap.
“Nothing that bum ass nigga said was true, bae. Not on my end. When my company started to thrive in year two, his ass started feeling himself. He’d always been this arrogant nigga because of his looks, so imagine what happens when a nigga starts getting money.
“Every assistant I had working for me, he slept with them, promising them higher positions with more money. When that didn’t happen for them, they started demanding that he do as he promised, and if he didn’t, they were going to sue him for sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.
” He shook his head, seemingly remembering that dark time in his career.
“Did the lawsuit ever go through?”
“No, because he never did his dirt here. It was always after hours, so they had no proof aside from a few miscellaneous text messages. Still, with him doing that shit, I had to move the financial office next door and have him work over there to keep him away from my staff. I ended up hiring Brian until he moved on. I was skeptical about hiring another woman, but you wowed me with your impressive résumé and all the shit you knew about me.”
“Well, I had a little help.” I giggled lightly.
“I’m glad you did. I don’t want us to stop fucking with each other. I like you a whole lot. I’m trying to see where this goes with us, so I’m hoping you’ll stick around for a while.”
“What about your employees?”
“You’re a big overthinker. I notice that about you.”
“I can’t help it. I know my attitude, and as soon as one of your colleagues or employees say something out of line to me, I’m going to pop off on their asses.”
He chuckled. “Let’s nip this shit in the bud now then.” He tapped my thigh as I stood. He stood and took my hand, leading me out of his office.
“Ave—”
“Shhh.” We walked over to Liz’s desk as she looked up from the computer. “Call a staff meeting. Tell them to meet me in my conference room pronto. They got five minutes, or they’re fired.”
“Will do, sir.”
“And you make sure you come as well.”
“Okay.” He pulled me down the hall to the conference room and made me sit at the head of the table. My heart was beating moderately high as I sat confused about what he was about to do.
“Avery, what are you about to do?”
“Everything’s fine, love. Do you trust me?”
“I think so.”
He looked down into my eyes. “Nah, I need you to confidently say it.”
“I trust you, Avery.”
“Good. Then let your man handle shit.” He pecked my lips just as everyone began filing inside the huge conference room. It took about two minutes for the eighteen plus employees to fill the room. Avery looked around the room at everyone, then began to speak.
“I hope this is everyone because I’m not going to repeat myself again. If it’s not everyone, then make sure y’all spread the word, because like I said, I’m only saying this once.”
“What’s going on?” Emani asked, finally walking inside the room.
“I know what happened at the anniversary party was out of order and out of line. It was family business and should have never happened at that time. In spite of that, I want you all to know that Layne and I are together. No, I’m not removing the policy of no fraternizing in the workplace, but y’all can do whatever y’all want outside of here.
“In here, you come to work and not play. That doesn’t apply to me, though, because, well, I’m the boss.”
“And me! The hell?” Emani blurted. I laughed.
“Anyhoo. If I even hear y’all whispering about what we have going on, you may as well start packing up and getting the fuck on. I already fired one person; don’t make that be your fate.”
“We got you, boss man,” Marvin said.
“Yeah, we’re here for it! You’re so much nicer, . . . no offense,” Jennifer jested. I laughed at her.
“Hey, if she can get him to give us a raise, you have my vote, Ms. Layne!” Phil followed up.
“I think I can arrange that,” I said, looking up at Avery.
He smirked. “Don’t give these people false hope, baby girl. A’ight, that’s all. Y’all are dismissed.” Everyone began dispersing except for Emani and Jennifer. Jen walked over to me as I stood and hugged her.
“I’m happy for you guys, really. My friend deserves happiness, so I hope you give it to her.”
“She’s going to have that and much more.”
“Welp! Get ready to get spoiled, Ms. Layne. His generosity knows no bounds when it comes to the ones he cares about,” Emani offered to tell me.
“Yes, I noticed that,” I replied.
“Jennifer, is it?” Emani asked her.
“Yes.”
“Do you like sushi?”
“E, no!” Avery shouted. Jennifer and I looked between the two of them, and if I didn’t know Emani was a lesbian, I wouldn’t have caught the innuendo.
I laughed. “It’s actually her favorite food, Emani.”
“Oh, really?”
“Baby, stop,” Avery warned as I continued laughing.
“It is,” Jen replied, smiling.
“Let’s go have some for lunch then, shall we?”
“Don’t you have a baby mama or some shit?” Avery asked.
“I’m keeping my options open.”
Jen blushed. “Oh, I’m flattered, but I’m not into girls.”
“Me either.” She winked at her. “I’m hungry, and my brother is boo’d up now. I need a lunch partner. My treat.”
“Um, okay. I can’t deny my favorite food.” Jen and Emani left the conference room as Avery and I laughed.
“She gets on my damn nerves, man.”
“My friend is going to be in for a rude awakening.” I continued laughing as we exited the conference room and headed back toward his office.
“If she knows what’s good for her, she wouldn’t go to lunch with her. I won’t be surprised if you get a phone call tonight with her telling you how she turned her out.”
“Oh goodness! I hope not.”
“I have something for you. I was trying to give it to you the night of the party, but you know how that night ended.”
“Yes, I remember.” We walked into his office, and he went inside his desk, pulling out an envelope and handing it to me.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.” I opened the envelope and pulled the papers from it. I read the first few lines and dropped down in the seat in front of his desk in shock.
“When did you . . . How did you?—?”
“I apologize for invading your privacy, but I couldn’t help it. I want to see you succeed and do all the things you want to do in life, without the extra stress. Consider it an early birthday gift and my way of showing you how much I care about you.”
“Avery.” I didn’t know what to say. There, in my hands, was a letter and receipt stating that my loans had been paid in full. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”
“I know a few ways,” he said, licking and biting his lip with humor playing on his face.
My cheeks heated, and I looked away from him. “I’ll come by tonigh?—”
“Thank you, Jesus!”
I screamed. “Not you, praising the Lord!”
“Baby, I praise Him every day I wake up and get to see your pretty face. I’m trying to see that shit all the time, mama.”
“If you keep spoiling me, you’re going to have to let me do the same.”
“Just give me you. That’s all I ask.”
I smiled and walked up to him, sliding my tongue in his mouth. He instantly gripped my ass and smacked it.
After a few seconds I pulled away.
“Yeah, ya ass better be at my house as soon as you clock out.”
“There’s no clocking out. I work twenty-four-hour shifts with you.”
“You better say that shit.” I laughed as I turned and left his office.