Chapter 15 #3
“You know you’re going to have a hard time leaving the teaching to your employees, don’t you?” Craig teased.
Ember laughed. “I know. Julio and Marie were great today, but I couldn’t help joining in.”
“What do you think Julio’s issue was today?”
Ember sighed. “Honestly? I think he’s a little homesick.”
Craig snorted. “Homesick?”
“Yeah. This is his first time out of California, and you have to admit Texas is very different from anywhere else in this country. Everyone saying ‘howdy’ and ‘y’all.’ All the friendliness is a little weird for those of us raised in California, where most people are assholes.”
She felt Craig’s chuckle reverberate through her body. His arms were wrapped around her chest and she was using him as a backrest. They hadn’t bothered turning on the TV as she was too excited to tell him about every second of her day.
“Texans are pretty friendly for the most part,” Craig agreed. “Do you think Julio has any resentment at all?”
Ember turned and looked up at Craig. “What are you really asking?”
She saw him sigh before he said, “The woman who was looking into the IP addresses of some of the nasty comments said a few came from Killeen. Julio hasn’t been here long, but there were several threats posted on that last picture you put up, and he was here when that happened.”
“You think Julio might be behind some of the nasty letters and stuff I’ve received?”
Craig met her gaze, which Ember appreciated. “I don’t know who might be behind them. It’s easy to make a fake account on social media and make up a fake name. Which in turn makes it easier to be threatening. It makes people feel as if they’ll never be found out.”
“It’s not Julio,” Ember said firmly. “We’ve trained together for quite a while now, and I think I’d have sensed some sort of resentment in him if he had it out for me.”
“And full disclosure and all that…Beth is also going to be doing background checks on the people you hired to provide security around the gym, as well as Alexis, Samer, and others your parents hired.”
Ember sat back against Craig, appreciating his transparency. “Do you really think it’s all necessary?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Ember had a feeling that was what he’d say.
“I know you want to live a normal life, but you aren’t normal.
You’re Ember Maxwell. The fact that you’ve been able to do as much as you have around here without the press descending is a minor miracle.
I love that you want to do some good in the world, but it’s na?ve to think that no one will be hoping you fail.
That there aren’t people who resent you because you’re pretty and rich. ”
“And Black,” Ember added.
“Yeah. That too. Being with me probably isn’t helping you any.”
She turned in Craig’s arms again. “What are you saying?”
“Just that we both know there are those who don’t believe in interracial relationships.
They think white people should stick with white people, Black with Black, Asian with Asian.
It’s fucked up, but some can’t get their heads around the fact that we’re all still human.
It’s all about what’s on the outside rather than the inside for those types. ”
“Well, those people can fuck right off,” Ember said with a huff as she settled against him again.
She hugged his arms around her tighter. “I know I was raised in a privileged household, in the white-washed world of Beverly Hills, but I’m well aware of racism.
And discrimination. I’ve experienced it firsthand.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t see the goodness in people as well.
I can. I think there are more people who are good and kind and truly believe the phrase ‘love is love,’ than those who refuse to believe people different from them have just as much value.
“Do I think there are problems in our society? Yes. But I also believe there are more good cops than bad. That there are more people who embrace their gay, lesbian, and transgendered children than those who shun them. That there are more people willing to stand up to injustice than those who are willing to turn their heads and pretend it doesn’t exist. I know there are people who want me to fall on my face.
Who loved that I didn’t medal in the Olympics.
Who are saying it’s because I’m Black, and that I got what I deserved and I shouldn’t even have tried to compete in a ‘white sport.’ But screw them! ”
Aware she was ranting, but not able to stop, Ember shifted so she was straddling Craig’s lap.
“And if they want to come after me because of who I love, let them. I’ll stand on the top of the White House steps and scream to the world that I love you before I’ll let someone tell me it’s unnatural.
Or that I’m spitting in the face of my heritage.
I love being Black. I’m proud of it. I wouldn’t want to be white. ”
She took Craig’s head in her hands and leaned in close.
“I know you don’t think I’m taking the comments and threats seriously, but honestly, it’s not because I’m not concerned; I’ve just become somewhat numb to them.
There will always be people who hate me for one reason or another.
I can’t let their issues take over my life.
I have to live and act in a way that makes me able to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
And helping disadvantaged kids is what’s driving me.
Okay. I’m done,” she said as she blew out a breath.
Craig smiled and took each of her hands in his and kissed the palms.
Then she said, “No, actually I’m not done.
One more thing. If you want to look into the backgrounds of everyone I hire, I’m okay with that.
Not because I think they’re secretly trying to sabotage me, but because I’d be stupid to completely dismiss that possibility.
You’re right, I am Ember Maxwell. I may not have wanted to be a household name or famous, but I am, and I can’t change that now.
I’m okay with you doing those checks because it means you care about me.
Because it means you have my back…and it feels damn good. ”
“I’ve definitely got your back,” Craig agreed.
“But do your best to watch out for yourself at the same time. Pay attention to your surroundings. You’re right, there are people out there who would love to see you fail, or who might want to become famous in their own right… by killing the Ember Maxwell.”
Ember nodded soberly. “I will.”
“That’s all I can ask.”
“Can I see the info this Beth person digs up on my employees?”
“Yes,” Craig said without hesitation. “It’s not my goal to keep anything from you. I happen to believe that knowledge is power. And if they have nothing to hide, then it’ll all be okay.”
“Craig?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for my mini-celebration.”
He grinned. “You’re welcome.”
“I can’t remember the last time someone went out of their way to do what you did for me tonight.”
“You can expect a lot more of that kind of thing. I love seeing you lit up and happy.”
Ember fingered the top button of the shirt he’d changed into when he’d gotten home from work.
She popped it open, and saw him swallow hard in response.
Smirking, she leaned forward and licked the hollow in his throat she’d just exposed.
“Is my celebration over? Or do you have more surprises in store for me?” she asked coyly.
Without a word, Craig abruptly stood, making Ember cry out in surprise as she tumbled back to the couch. Then she laughed as he hefted her into his arms and started for the stairs.
“Maybe later, like ten years from now, I’ll be able to withstand your teasing…but I can’t right now,” he said.
Ember wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in, taking his earlobe between her teeth.
She knew what that did to him and was hoping she could push him over the edge.
She wanted him to take her hard and fast. Then later, maybe she’d get a chance to give him a blow job.
He claimed he couldn’t handle her mouth on him because he’d blow too soon, but perhaps after he’d had his first orgasm, he’d let her play. It was her celebration, after all.
“Should I be scared to know what you’re thinking?” Craig asked as he carried her into his room.
“Oh, no,” she said with a grin. “You should be excited.”
“Lord help me,” Craig said as he lowered her legs so she was standing by the mattress. “Strip, woman.”
And she did.
Hours later, as Ember closed her eyes in contentment, she couldn’t help but feel bad for all the bigoted people in the world who might have missed out on their perfect match because they couldn’t look beyond outward appearances. “Love you,” she whispered against Craig’s bare chest.
“Love you too. Sleep.”
Grinning at his bossiness, but loving him all the more for it because he had her best interests in mind, she did as he ordered. She slept. Deeply and with the knowledge that she was loved.