Chapter 2 #2
“Baby, don’t be so hard on yourself and take it so seriously. It's just a job.” He grabbed our plates and utensils and took them to the kitchen.
Those words struck a nerve in me. He had no idea how hard I worked my ass off to get “just that job,” or the disrespect that I endured until I made a name that most of them, not all of them, could respect at the end of the day. The ones who didn’t respect it knew enough not to fuck with me.
“I mean, at the end of the day, you have to let it go.”
“Well, I hate to break the news to you, Collier, but it’s more than just a job.
It’s someone’s life that I possibly destroyed today.
The same way you felt about the people who didn’t get paid, is the same way I feel about this situation.
The only difference is that you were able to straighten that shit out and get those folks paid.
This person can never go back to life as they knew it. ” I was heated.
“Guess what, Chanel? In the end, they did get paid, and so are the wealthy athletes that you interview. So you shouldn’t waste too much time on it.” He walked up behind me from the kitchen. “I need you to relax. It’s Friday, and we need to unwind from the long week we’ve had.”
Collier massaged my shoulders and neck to help me relax. “In two weeks, we’re going away to Sorrel Island. Just you and me for four days of relaxation, fun, peace, sex, and all the tropical drinks your heart can take.”
I moaned. “That does sound good,” I whispered.
A tiny voice in my head reminded me that was exactly what Zoe “Muffin” Santoro had done—go away to an island for tropical drinks, fun, and sex—and that was what was breaking her husband’s heart. I had gotten my hands soiled in the commission of trying to strike a fatal blow for a story.
Collier’s lips moved over my jaw, neck, and shoulder as he alternated sucking me in those places with kissing me in those places. My eyes grew heavy, and all I wanted was to climb into bed and go to sleep. I felt bad because I wasn’t in the mood for sex tonight.
Yet, I couldn’t find the words to tell Collier that, as he moved in front of me and untied my robe. His cold hands cupped my breasts gently before he lowered his head to take one into his hot mouth.
Every now and then, Collier would stare into my eyes and mutter, “Relax.” I knew that he could feel the tension in my body. I could not erase the burden of guilt that I carried.
Even as he moved between my thighs, stroked my core, and slid his fingers inside, I was numb. He grabbed my legs and pulled me down the length of the couch. Pushing my feet up and over his shoulders, he rested between my thighs before he lowered his head.
My hand rested absently on the top of his head as he ate my kitty.
It didn’t bring me the pleasure or the relief that I needed.
Nothing could break this stupid spell I seemed to be under.
I knew that I had handled Ashton with the wrong intentions.
Whereas some of those athletes deserved some of the stuff that I hit them out of nowhere with, he didn’t.
I could tell that Ashton was honestly a good guy.
No scandal had ever been associated with his name in all the years he played in the league.
Shit, I had to make it up to him. I had to apologize, but I wasn’t sure that he would take my calls after what I had done. “Oh, Ashton.” I sighed sadly.
“What did you just say?” Collier asked, jerking from between my thighs.
“I’m sorry, Collier. I just cannot relax and get that situation out of my mind. I wish I could, but I know the shit that I pulled was foul. I’m sorry. I wasn’t calling you some other man’s name. Just feeling bad is all.”
The anger on his face didn’t dissipate, but he did relax his clenched fists and jaw.
“You said Ashton. Are you talking about Ashton Santoro?”
There was no point in denying it. He was the only one in the league named Ashton.
“Yeah.”
“What’s going on in his life?”
With a sad smile, I answered, “You know I’m not at liberty to say.”
“Who am I going to tell, Chanel?”
“It’s not about that, Collier, and you know it.”
“This is bullshit. You just called me another man’s name, and you can’t tell me what’s going on with him. You’re always protecting these athletes more than me.”
I sighed and sat up. “Of all people, I would think you would understand. As a payroll exec, you’re obligated to protect confidential information relating to your staff. I have that same obligation.”
“I’m tired of your excuses of why it’s okay for you to put them before our relationship.”
Resting my elbow on the back of the couch, I professed, “We’re not in a relationship, Collier. We’re just dating. “
“It’s time for me to leave now.”
“Collier, wait.” I called half-heartedly after him as he walked to the door.
“There’s nothing more to discuss. Tonight was the final straw. You called me another man’s name, Chanel.”
“I apologized, and you know it wasn’t like that.”
“I don’t know.”
I grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped it around me as he exchanged the disposable house slippers for his street shoes. “Don’t you think you’re overreacting, Collier?” I asked as I walked to him.
“No. I don’t. Let me ask you this. Have you been screwing Ashton?”
Disbelief and anger coursed through me as I thought about the rumors of how I got my stories. “What? Hell no, Collier. I’m always a professional, if I’m nothing else.”
“Yeah, okay. Tell that to someone who cares. You need to get your shit together, Chanel.”
He slammed the door on his way out of my apartment and out of my life.
“Damn, I didn’t even get an orgasm out of this evening.” I groaned.