Chapter 47 #2
“When did you two get chummy?” I mutter angrily. I know she made him an offer, because she came to me first and that’s the only reason I tolerated her. She’s driven, talented, and knows what she’s doing, but she also respects me and the other managers. She will go far.
“Not chummy, per se, but I like her.” My eyes narrow, and he rolls his. “Respect her. Fuck, Noah, tone down the possessiveness. I’m not leaving you, especially for a vagina.”
“Never,” I correct. “Amanda is a problem. I’ll deal with her.”
“Don’t. Let her throw her tantrums. I can think of better things we can do.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I sit up, as does Noah Jr. Mackie’s hands slide down my chest as he stands, and my heart pounds. “Like getting out there to practice,” he teases, and then he runs out of the door.
My bellow of annoyance follows him.
“Stop fussing,” Mackie grumbles and steps in front of me, straightening my tie for the tenth time.
When his hands slide away, I mess it up again, and his eyes narrow on me as he straightens it so tight, it almost chokes me.
His hands stay on me though, pressing against my tux jacket.
It’s all black, like the tie, but my hair is slicked back and my shoes are shined.
I even have on my family watch and ring.
I look like the heir of this multimillion-dollar company, and Mackie seems to like what he sees.
Not as much as I do though.
His matching black suit jacket tucks in at his waist, showing a tiny expanse of chest, since he has no shirt on under it.
His pants are pressed and black, just like mine, and lead to some heeled boots that almost put him at my height.
He looks incredible, but it’s his fucking waist and ass I can’t stop touching.
He looks good enough to eat, and I plan to.
My hand slips around his back, grips his waist, and yanks him closer so he falls into me with a grunt.
“Noah,” he warns, “remember the rules.”
“No, baby, they were your rules. I have no plans to follow them, especially with you looking this good,” I murmur as I lower my head and brush my lips over his ear.
“I’m going to feel you up all night so they know you belong to me, because they are going to want to touch and they can’t. I’ll kill anyone who tries.”
“Noah,” he says, pushing me back, but the look he gives me only makes me harder.
When I saw him dressed earlier, I texted my contacts and ordered thousands of dollars’ worth of similar outfits, just so I can see him in them every day.
Don’t get me wrong, I love it when he’s dirty and in my clothes, but there’s something about seeing him dressed like this that drives me crazy.
Shaking his head, he moves to my side, but I tug him closer, earning another warning look that only makes me grin.
He’s so cute when he’s angry. I want to kiss the shit out of him.
He slaps my hands away as the door opens to the elevator, admitting more party guests.
I nod and step back so we are behind them, finding the top level already pressed.
My father rented the entire hotel, but the top floor is the main part with its rooftop and ballroom.
The door shuts, and we start to rise again.
My hand slides up Mackie’s thigh to grip his ass.
His gaze burns into me as he tries to smack me away, but I keep facing forward as he grumbles.
A couple looks over their shoulder and I smile.
They return the gesture and turn forward as I grip his cheek and pull him closer, unable to help myself.
They chatter in front of me, but I ignore them as I slide my hand across his cock, and his eyes slant at me as I lean in and lower my head.
“I’m going to need you in the bathroom, or a spare room—hell, a fucking cleaning closet—as soon as we get up there. ”
“Not a chance.” He pulls away, annoyed as the couple turns again. “Your dress is lovely,” he says, embarrassed as they look between us.
“Um, thank you.” She turns forward, her back ramrod straight, and they are silent, sensing we are doing something back here. I cough to cover my laugh as Mackie glares at me and steps away, as if he doesn’t trust me not to do it again.
Clever boy.
The door finally opens, and the others rush out.
Mackie tries to follow them, but I grab his hand and tug him with me.
I know what we said, but I can’t resist. I want them all to know he’s mine.
He fights me, yanking away, but I hold it tighter, and he finally gives in.
I already feel the eyes on us and hear whispers, but I ignore it as I turn to the left and toward the ballroom.
The huge screens full of my dad’s face and company information lead the way, as well as the steady stream of party guests.
“Isn’t that his son?”
“Who is that with him?”
“I thought they were estranged.”
“I thought he was engaged to Amanda.”
“Noah, let go,” Mackie whispers.
“Not a chance.” I squeeze his hand and tug him closer. “Ignore them. The only thing that matters is me, okay?”
I can feel his anxiety, but he trusts me and lets me lead him into the ballroom, only to stop. “Holy hell, your dad spared no expense.”
“Not when it comes to this, or our wedding,” I reply as I look around. There must be three hundred tables with a fancy, five-course meal to come. I spy three bars, and in the back is a large stage with screens on either side. A band in the back corner plays a soft melody as couples dance.
“Welcome to the high life,” I tease, and he must sense how much I hate this because he leans closer despite the stares.
“If you’re good and don’t murder anyone, I’ll do that thing you like with my mouth later.” My eyes widen and swing to him, and he smiles.
“Shit. Deal,” I mutter.
“Mackie!” My mother rushes over and kisses his cheeks. “You look incredible.”
“Standing right here, Mother,” I tease as I kiss her too.
“You always do,” she says, but she takes Mackie’s arm. “Let’s find Royce. He’s been waiting for you.” I watch her drag my boy away and follow after.
“You look beautiful, Mrs. Fletcher,” Mackie says softly.
She flutters her hand, giggling. “Such a gentleman. I feel old surrounded by all these young beauties.”
“They might be young, but you are timeless,” he replies, and I smile at how good my boy is at this.
“You flirt.” She giggles as she winds through the chaos to the top table, where my father talks with some of his board members. “Darling, Noah and Mackie are here.”
“Noah.” My dad claps my shoulder. “Looking dapper.” His eyes land on Mackie, and he yanks him into a hug. “Thank you for coming.”
“Like I would miss it,” Mackie says as he pulls away. “I’m glad you went with the red flowers we picked. They definitely fit better.” My eyes widen, and my dad laughs.
“You didn’t know? Mackie helped me with the final details of the event.” He winks as he holds Mackie. “Gentlemen, this is Mackie, the man I have been telling you about.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” A chorus of responses come, and I try to remember their names, but I’m useless, though I’ve probably been introduced many times. “I hear you are a driver,” one remarks.
“I am. I work with Noah,” he replies softly. “You are on the board, are you not, Mr. Williams?” How the hell does he know his name?
The man’s eyes widen, and a smile blooms across his face. “I am! I love cars. I own a vintage garage. If you ever want to take a look, just let me know. I’d happily let you drive any of them.”
“That is very generous, Mr. Wiliams. I would be honored,” Mackie says sweetly, and they all melt.
“I must admit, I’m new to this type of party, so please take care of me tonight, and I’ll make sure to win my next race if you want to bet.
” They laugh, and I simply stand behind him as he charms the guests until they finally wander away.
He winks at me as I help him into his seat. “How did you do that?”
“I asked your dad for help,” he admits. “I know how important this is to him and you, so I wanted to do well.”
“I fucking love you,” I say as I grip his jaw and stroke it, uncaring who is watching. Who else has ever cared so much about not just me, but my family, enough to do all this?
Nobody but my sunshine.
“I’m so glad you both came,” my dad tells us, and we turn to him, since we were lost in our own little world.
“Thank you for inviting me,” Mackie says as he looks around. “This is incredible. You must be so proud of how well your company is doing.”
“Oh, well, it isn’t really me anymore, it’s my incredible staff, but thank you.” My dad’s smile is wide. He looks so happy that I feel like utter crap for the son I have been.
“It isn’t. They wouldn’t be here without you. A team is only as good as their leadership. It’s obvious they love and respect you,” I add, and his eyes widen in shock.
“Thank you, son,” he replies softly, and Mackie squeezes my hand, offering me a proud smile.
“Oh, that reminds me!” My dad pulls a box from his jacket and slides it toward Mackie. “A present from us both.”
Mackie’s eyes widen as he looks at the gift, which is a very distinct black-velvet jewelry box. “Father, you can’t get my boyfriend jewelry before I do,” I admonish.
“Then you should have been quicker,” he retorts. “Open it, Mackie.”
Mackie spares me a look before opening it, and we both stare, wide-eyed, at the necklace carefully placed inside.
Our family crest is pressed into a medallion inlaid with diamonds. It’s easily worth a few million and doesn’t even surprise me. What does is that my dad is giving it to Mackie. “I thought gold would match your skin tone more than silver. I hope that’s okay, but I can always change it.”
I don’t tell Mackie because he would freak and give it back if he knew how expensive it was and also what it means. My father would only give the family crest to someone he intends for me to marry. Even my mother didn’t get one until I was born.
“It matches your ring.” He looks at me, and I smile softly, my throat tight. “Is the symbol important?”
“It’s our family crest,” my father explains. “I would love for you to wear it, as I’m sure Noah would as well.”
“Oh, I can’t accept this,” he protests, but my dad shakes his head.
“Please.” That stops Mackie’s objections. “It would mean a lot to an old man like me.”
Manipulative bastard. So that’s who I get it from.
“Okay, thank you,” Mackie says, carefully removing the necklace. “It’s beautiful. I’m honored.”
He still hesitates, staring at it, and I wonder if he’s panicking about wearing it, but then I see the start of tears in his eyes and realize he’s just touched.
“Baby, it’s okay,” I promise, and he nods, still staring at it.
“Amanda,” my mother greets, sounding far less welcoming, and I sit up. She’s lingering near our table, wearing a slight smirk on her lips.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher.” Her eyes flash to me. “Noah, you are looking handsome, and wow, we match.”
I go to answer, but Mackie’s hand covers mine and he turns to her.
“Amanda, nice to see you again. Your dress is lovely. I’m sorry we forgot to send you our color scheme for matching outfits.
That shade of black isn’t quite right, but who would notice?
” His smile is pure evil as I bite back my laugh.
“Babe, can you put this on for me?” He offers me the necklace, his eyes on her.
Amanda’s smile drops as I place the medallion around his neck.
It shines brightly, perfectly fitting between the gap in his suit.
He fingers it, making sure she notices it.
“Thank you again, Royce and Carina. I love it. I’ll proudly wear it.” He spares Amanda another look. “I think I saw your seat somewhere over there, dear. Don’t let us keep you.” Dismissing her, he leans into my father. “Tell me all the names of the people I need to remember.”
The look on her face is priceless, and I have to turn away to hide my laughter. I expected him to be intimidated and overwhelmed. After all, she’s used to these parties, and she knows everyone, but if anything, he’s owning the room, and he knows it.
God, I love this man.