18. Adelaide
ADELAIDE
“Addy, please talk to me.” Vance sat back down in my now dark living room from the blackout curtains.
How much should I divulge? “When I first started out with City Women, I was dating a guy and had been for a long time. He saw my success and rode my coat tails. When I finally put together that he was using me for my new found money, I kicked him out and he went to the press.”
“And…” Vance squeezed my hand.
“And he told them I was emotionally abusive. He said that I owed him years of therapy and went on to share pictures I’d sent to him with the press.
” This was the part that mortified me. He tanked my reputation and I had to build it back up, brick by brick.
The girls at the office, Marigold, Sophia, Lena and Norah, were all there to support me.
“I’m assuming they weren’t cute couple pictures were they?” He wasn’t asking to be rude, I could tell. He was asking to understand the entire story. I was really wishing that he would have done his Google search. I hated talking about this.
“No. Definitely not. They were nudes. I was an idiot. I thought our love would survive my success and he would accept me. But he didn’t.” I was blind.
“What’s his name?” Vance sounded almost menacing, which threw me off because he was such a genuine, kind guy.
“I won’t be telling you that. You can actually do a Google search for that.
I made a vow after that to be the better person, while still protecting myself.
I wouldn’t stoop to his level and smear his name all over the press or to future relationships.
” They could find out he was a scumbag on their own.
“That’s very…nice of you.” Vance didn’t sound like he approved of my decision, which no one did. He wasn’t alone in that feeling.
“Vance, it’s not your job to protect me.”
The muscle in his jaw flexed again. That was his tell-tale sign that he was irritated and it didn’t take me long to figure that out. “But you don’t deserve to be smeared for him being a dumbass.”
“I don’t disagree with you.” I said politically. “Although I’m curious as to why they are here now. I need to check in with my PR team and I can extend their help to you if needed.”
“I’ll check with Ty. If the press found me here, then they likely found Ty.”
Then my phone started to vibrate, Sophia’s name flashed across the screen. “I should take this. Go out the back. I’ll talk to you later.” I got up before he had the chance to fight me on it and left Vance sitting in the living room.
“What the fuck is going on!” Sophia screeched into the phone.
“Sophia, can you please breathe? I can’t deal with you screaming and Vance asking me questions.” Shit. I shouldn’t have mentioned Vance.
She gasped, “WHO IS VANCE!”
“Vance is Tyson’s friend. The one I went on a date with last night.” I said, exasperated and sincerely hoping he left so he didn’t bear witness to Sophia’s meltdown.
“YOU FUCKED TYSON’S FRIEND!” She screeched again.
I heard snickering from behind me and Vance was leaning on the doorway, because of course he didn’t leave.
“I’m coming over. Press or not.” I heard her moving around then the jingle of keys.
“NO. Sophia, you stay put. You don’t need your name and face out there as well.” I sat down at the barstool and put her on speaker. I didn’t need this today. Not in the least.
Vance stepped up behind me and moved my hair off my neck, then wrapped his arms around my waist. “Sophia can come over.” His low, smooth voice nearly turned me into a puddle.
“WHOSE DELICIOUS VOICE WAS THAT!?” Sophia screeched. Again. She was nothing if not dramatic.
“Quit yelling Soph.” I replied calmly.
“Whose. Delicious. Voice. Was. that.” She said stubbornly.
“Vance. Tyson’s friend.” Vance responded. Sophia gave another screech then her phone dropped.
“I’m coming over.” Then a car started and the line dropped.
“Vance, why didn’t you leave?” I knew the answer, at least I thought I did.
“Why would I leave? That was entertaining.” He nuzzled into the crook of my neck. “Calm, businesswoman Adelaide is stunning.”
“You’d think I was sexy as a homeless woman.” I rolled my eyes.
“You would be correct. I’d take you home and make you mine. Like a stray pussy cat.” Vance nipped at my ear, which caused an unexpected giggle. “You are a fucking queen.” He pressed into my back and I felt his hard cock against my back.
“And you are insatiable.”
“Only for you baby.” His smooth voice was something I’d never get used it.
“What did you do before me?” Vance could not look that good and remain single.
“Celibacy.” He didn’t even get the entire word out before laughing, which caused me to join him.
“Right. I don’t believe that for a second. I saw how blondie at the desk was looking at you.” She was actually undressing him with her eyes. She wasn’t even trying to hide it.
“No fucking way. Not my type.”
“What is your type?” I said quietly. Now I was fishing.
“Independant.” Kiss. “Red haired.” Kiss. “Hazel eyed.” Ear nibble. “Feisty.” Nipple pinch. “Do you like that Adelaide?”
“Shut the fuck up.” I managed to stand up. “You need to reign it in pal. I have bigger fish to fry this morning.” I really needed to focus. Sophia would be here soon and I needed to placate her.
Vance followed me, pinning my back against the fridge. “I can help you relax, Adelaide.” I wanted it so badly. I wanted him to boss me around again. I wanted everything he was offering and more. He put his finger under my chin and tipped my face up to his. “Let me help.”
I had no words. No comment. No nothing. He leaned down and kissed the corner of my mouth, then up to my ear. “Do you want me to help?” Still nothing. “Answer me Adelaide.”
“No.” I finally said. He stepped back, dropping all contact and I felt like all air left my body. Vance was grinning. He knew what he did and was pretty pleased with himself.
“I’ll be snacking on these delicious donuts if you need me.” And just like that he was back to the super chill, loveable Vance who told back pick up lines and took me to get burgers and fries. Not the Vance who bossed me around and made me use safewords.
“Jesus christ on a cracker!” Sophia screeched from the front door. I didn’t even hear her knock.
“SOPHIA.” I barked. “Kitchen. Now.”
Vance stepped aside and that’s when I saw Tyson standing by Vance in my living room. Fucking christ. Can people quit showing up in my living room!?