Chapter 14
“What do you mean you’re giving your two weeks notice?” Beatrice said.
I shifted in the uncomfortable hard gray plastic chair in front of her glass desk.
“This isn’t working out for me. I’ve been here three months and I do is run errands.”
Beatrice leaned back in her chair and stared at me with her beady black eyes. I had to will myself not to look away.
She ground her teeth. “You can’t just start working with clients. You need to learn the business.”
I was flippant. I could be since I already had another job. I didn’t need a reference from her and I had a feeling that if I asked for one, she would decline my request.
“I’m not learning anything as far as I’m concerned.”
She raised her voice an octave. “We picked you because you had promise out of a sea of applicants. Now you’re telling me we made the wrong choice?”
I jutted my chin out in defiance. “You made the wrong choice by making me a gopher. I could have more than been up to speed by now.”
She waved at the air. “No PR firm will put you directly in contact with clients without experience.”
“No firm or just you?”
I knew I shouldn’t challenge Beatrice, but I felt bold because I already had a job with Fox Asset Corporation.
“Maybe it’s better we part ways. You’ve made a lot of mistakes lately and I don’t think you’re cut out for this type of work. Today will be your last day.”
“Why doesn’t right now be my last hour?”
I rose from my chair before she could say anything and yanked open the door. I didn’t care. I could take the next couple of weeks off and enjoy the waning days of summer while I waited for my job to start with Fox.
My desk didn’t have many personal items that I had brought, just a picture of my family and the card I was given by some of my coworkers for my birthday. I shoved them into my purse and when I looked up, security was standing at my cubicle. Two gray uniformed officers waited for me to grab the sweater I kept when it got too cold in the office and escorted me out to the elevators.
It was embarrassing since several of my former coworkers were gaping as I was led out of the office. I wished Oliver was back so I could go upstairs. It was barely eleven in the morning, and I had the whole day to myself. I didn’t bother with Vlad, taking the subway home instead. I texted Oliver to let him know I was free and could start sooner than expected. He called me a few minutes later.
“They let you go?”
“They had security escort me out like I was a common criminal. I wish you were here; it was embarrassing,” I said, remembering how my cheeks flushed as they led me to the lobby.
Oliver chuckled. “Do you want me to buy Blaze and fire your boss?”
“That sounds like a nice idea but I wouldn’t bother. It’s not worth it.”
“You want to start early?”
I wasn’t sure if I did. The prospect of enjoying the next two weeks relaxing and enjoying what was left of the summer was tempting but I would be bored. I addressed the salary portion of my offer.
“Maybe. Why is my salary so high?”
“Because you’re worth it. You’re Ivy League educated.”
“With little experience.”
“You have your internship.”
“But no other experience,” I protested.
“Are you trying to talk me out of paying you what you’re worth?” he asked.
“I just want it to be fair. Do you pay your other new hires that same?”
“You’re a horrible negotiator.”
He changed the subject. “Will you be at my apartment when I come home?”
“I have to pack a few things.”
“Be naked when I arrive.”
My belly clenched at the prospect of Oliver making love to me. I missed his scent and his body next to me in bed.
“I’ll see.”
He chuckled. “I hope you’re ready for me tonight. I haven’t been in a very good mood the past few days.”
“Why?”
“I’m backed up.”
“You can always jerk off,” I offered.
He groaned. “Nope. The only place I want to come is inside you. That’s my plan for tonight.”
My nipples hardened as we got deeper into sex talk.
“I’m hanging up because you’re getting me hot.”
“Hold on until I get there.”
“I mean it. Hold on.”
“How would you know if I did or not?”
“I’ll know. Just wait for me.”
I grumbled, “Fine. I’ll see you at your apartment.”
We hung up and I went to my room to pack a duffel bag with some casual clothing. I wouldn’t need to dress up for the next couple of weeks. I didn’t want to bother Vlad and took a cab over to Oliver’s. One of the concierges handed me keys to Oliver’s and I went upstairs by myself.
His penthouse was quiet, and my shoes echoed as I walked inside. I was trying to resist snooping, but I had an urge to know him more intimately. I put my duffel bag in the master bedroom, kicked off my shoes and opened the bottom drawer of the island in the closet. I had seen several photo albums there and I pulled one out to page through it.
I saw Oliver in happy times with his parents. They lived in a medium sized white colonial with black shutters. Oliver looked like his father with the same colored hair and deep blue eyes. His mother had been very pretty with long blonde hair to her waist and light brown eyes.
I looked for pictures of his brother Jonah, but I couldn’t find one in the entire album. I wondered if Oliver discarded them. His relationship with his brother was rocky and maybe there had been a time where they didn’t communicate at all. I felt for him because I would miss my brothers if I couldn’t see them.
There were several other photo albums but I put the one I looked at back and closed the drawer. I got up and buried my nose against one of Oliver’s suits. It smelled like him and made me miss him even more. I know I shouldn’t have but I opened the drawers on top of his dresser in the closet. He had two velvet lined ones that held watches, jewelry and rings. I slipped on one of his chunky Rolexes. It was huge on my wrist, but I kept it on as I looked at the rest of his stuff.
Inside one of the drawers was a white velvet box which I removed and opened, inside was at least a five-carat oval ring set into a platinum band. My heart began to pound as I removed it from the box, slipping it on my finger. It was the right size and fit me perfectly. I wondered if this was the ring Oliver planned on giving me when he asked me to marry him.
I quickly took it off and put everything back in the drawer. It was a beautiful August day and I went out on the patio to sun myself. I stayed there until the sun dipped in the sky then scrounged around in Oliver’s refrigerator for something to eat. It hadn’t been stocked because he was out of town. I was in the mood for crab salad but there wasn’t any. Instead, I sliced some sharp cheddar cheese and paired it with water crackers I found in the pantry.
The rest of the night I spent naked in Oliver’s bed, watching television and dozing. He never told me what time he would be home and by eleven, I shut out the light and snuggled into Oliver’s pillow.
“Mmm, that feels nice,” I mumbled.
Oliver woke me with his kisses on my bare shoulder. He stroked my hair and pressed his lips against my cheek.
“You smell good,” he said.
“No different than usual.”
“It must be because I’ve been away. Thank you for granting my request.”
I knew he was talking about my nakedness. He got up and I turned over on my back to watch him get undressed. He was wearing a navy-blue suit, white shirt and light pink tie. Oliver disrobed and shoved his boxers down his hips, leaving everything in a heap on the floor before he slipped into bed with me.
His body was warm and hard. I molded myself against him, kissing under his stubbly chin.
“You need a shave.”
“Should I do it now?”
“Absolutely not. I don’t care if your face is full of stubble. It makes you look rugged.”
“Like a cowboy?”
“Or a smuggler.”
I hugged him, slipping my hands around his stomach and pressing my face into his chest as I kneaded his muscles.
He hummed. “I like that. Today was stressful.”
“Did you get your property?” I asked.
Oliver nuzzled my forehead. “Yes. It took some negotiation, but I got it done.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Don’t you have people for that?”
“I do but I prefer to be involved in the mix.”
“Is this it for traveling for a while?” I asked with hope.
I hated it when he was gone for several days. I needed my space but that was usually one night. More than one night made me miss him too much.
“Unfortunately, not. I have a meeting in Los Angeles at the end of September. You could come with me.”
“I could but my new boss might not let me go.”
“Your new boss definitely will let you go. I’d like to make love to you at thirty thousand feet,” he said, his voice husky with desire.
“The mile high club?”
“The six mile high club,” he said with a chuckle.
“That might be fun.”
“You wouldn’t even know you’re in the air.”
“Where are you putting me?”
“Errands I told you.”
I smacked his arm. “I just left a job because all I did was errands.”
“These are of a more personal nature.”
I began to protest again until Oliver pressed his lips against mine, aggressively forcing my mouth open with his tongue. He fucked me with it and my body bloomed with heat. I moaned loudly, digging my fingers into his arms. Oliver turned me so I was on top of his body. I positioned his cock beneath me and slid my slick lips back and forth.
He groaned. “Fuck, that feels so good. You better take it easy or you’re going to make me come.”
“Isn’t the point?”
“I want to do it inside you.”
Oliver reached up to cup my breasts, thumbing the nipples as I continued moving over him.
“Please, Ryleigh. I want to be inside you,” he begged.
I smiled because he was at my mercy. “How about you let me decide?”
He stroked my thighs with his hands, rubbing his palms across my smooth flesh. Oliver wasn’t the only one who was nearing orgasm. With each stroke, the head of his penis was rubbing against my swollen clit. I couldn’t stop and I sped up my motion until I threw my head back as my orgasm took hold.
“That’s it, baby, come.”
It felt wonderful to let go. I’d been holding back for the past few days. I stopped moving and pressed my chest against Oliver’s. I felt him pulsing between my lips and began to move my hips again.
“Stop,” he whispered.
“You need to come.”
He gently rolled me onto my back, positioning his cock at my soaked entrance before he thrust inside. Oliver went deep and he worked at a steady pace until a few minutes later he was coming with a loud moan of my name. He filled me with his hot semen before he collapsed on top of me.
“It was worth the wait.”
He latched onto my mouth and kissed me hard, stroking his tongue against mine.
“I love you, Oliver.”
“I love you more.”
“Debatable,” I said.
“You want to fight about it?”
He stifled a yawn and for the first time I noticed how sleepy he looked.
“Let’s take a quick shower and go to bed,” I said.
Oliver hugged me, tangling his legs with mine.
“I’d like a repeat of what we just did.”
“Later. I don’t have to work tomorrow,” I said smugly.
“It’s 1:30. It is tomorrow,” Oliver stated.
“We can sleep in.”
“We? I have to work.”
“You’re the boss. You can take a day off.”
“Maybe. Let’s shower.”
Oliver woke me several times throughout the night, and I enjoyed every bit of attention he paid to me. I mulled over telling him I found the ring but then I would have to admit I was snooping through his things.
In the morning, I found him sleeping next to me, curled around my body. A glance at the clock told me it was after nine. I tipped my face up and kissed his chin. Oliver stirred but didn’t wake up. I tried to escape his grasp but he held me tighter.
“Oliver, I need to get up to pee.”
“Hold it,” he mumbled.
“I will not. Let me go.”
“I’m quite comfortable.”
Next, I bit his chin, stroking my tongue against his rough stubble. He didn’t open his eyes. Stubborn bastard.
He held me tighter. “That just makes me want you to stay here even more.”
“Can we bargain?” I asked.
No matter what I did, I would lose. Oliver was a master at negotiation and unless it was completely out of the ordinary, he would outmaneuver me.
“What do you have to offer?” he asked, in total business mode.
“Anything.”
“Leaving the negotiation open like that could be dangerous.”
I tried to wiggle out of his arms, but he wrapped his leg around my hip, holding me in place. “How so?”
“Because I have so many wicked things going through my head.”
“Can we discuss it after I go to the bathroom?” I whined.
“Fine, but I expect you to be agreeable to my terms.”
He let me go and I slipped out of bed. When I came back, Oliver was in the same position I left him. His eyes were still closed when I got into bed, reaching down to stroke the erection I felt pressed against my back when I got up. A rumble came from his chest as I squeezed his steely length.
“Is this part of the negotiation?” I asked.
“It might be.”
“What do you want?” I whispered.
“You know what I want but it’s the position.”
“Just say the word.”
Oliver gently pushed my hand away and opened his eyes, grinning as he propped his back against the padded headboard. His beautiful organ was sticking straight up, beckoning me to climb on.
“This way?”
“It’s very intimate. I want you in my arms when we have sex.”
He held open his arms and I crawled up the mattress and his legs. I positioned myself over him and sank. His thick length stretched me and when he was fully inside me, he bent his knees and wrapped his arms around my back. We rocked back and forth as I smoothed the hair from his forehead. I loved him so much.
“I like this.”
“Just like?”
“Okay, I love it,” I panted. It made me want to say yes and as we made love, it was at the tip of my tongue. I wondered if Oliver could read my thoughts.
“Marry me, Ryleigh,” he groaned.
“Yes,” I whispered.
He froze and raised his head to look in my eyes.
“Did you say yes?”
“I did. I have a confession to make.”
“Am I going to be upset?”
“Maybe.”
“Tell me.”
I could feel embarrassment creeping into my face. “I found the engagement ring.”
He nuzzled my cheek. “That would mean you were in my jewelry and watch drawer.”
“I’m sorry for snooping. I was just curious.”
“If you don’t like the ring, I’ll buy you a new one.”
Right now, I didn’t care about the ring. He felt so good inside me and as I shifted my hips, he hit the perfect spot inside me.
“Shut up and make me come.”
“Hold on.”
I clung to him while he thrust upward. I came a few seconds later and Oliver followed with a loud howl. We held each other as the pounding of our hearts slowed and breathing returned to normal.
”Now you have to be my personal assistant,” Oliver declared, his tone laced with determination.
I arched an eyebrow. ”Why?”
”Because I want you working with me now that we’re engaged,” he explained, his gaze unwavering.
”We have to tell everyone,” I pointed out, shifting the conversation to our impending announcement.
Oliver considered my suggestion for a moment. ”How about we invite them to our home in Southampton?”
My lips twitched with amusement. ”Don’t you mean your home?”
A smile tugged at Oliver”s lips. ”No. We’re getting married, so it’s our home.”
I was touched by his sentiment. ”So, it won’t be included in the prenuptial?”
Oliver”s demeanor turned serious. ”There won’t be a prenuptial.”
I furrowed my brow in confusion. ”That makes no sense. I’m sure your lawyers will insist.”
”I don’t care what they say,” Oliver asserted, his voice unwavering. ”If you leave me, you can take it all. Nothing will make me happy if I don’t have you.”
My breath caught in my throat, my heart swelling with emotion. ”I don’t need your money. I have my own.”
”I’m aware,” Oliver replied. ”I spoke to Anders. You won’t need your money. You have mine.”
I was touched by his gesture. ”When do I start work?”
”Anytime,” Oliver replied smoothly. ”You want to this upcoming week?”
My lips quirked into a smirk. ”I should familiarize myself with my fiancé’s business in case I decide to take it over after we divorce.”
Oliver chuckled. ”You have us divorced before we’re even married?”
I met his gaze with a knowing smirk. ”You have nothing to worry about as long as you satisfy me.”
As our conversation took a heated turn, our bodies moved in sync, igniting a passion that consumed us both. Afterward, as we lay entwined, Oliver”s reminder of his conference call brought us back to reality.
”Let’s get up. I have a conference call at eleven,” Oliver said, reluctantly pulling away.
I nodded, feeling a hint of disappointment ”Does that mean you’re going into work?”
Oliver shook his head with a smirk. ”Nope. I can conduct business from my home office. I have incentive to stay home today.”
My lips curled into a satisfied smile. ”I’m glad.”
Together, we headed for the shower, our bond stronger than ever. Later, as Oliver took his call, I basked in the warmth of the sun on the patio, a sense of contentment settling over me. I was engaged and it made me giddy with happiness. He came out after his call.
“I meant to tell you that I had my contractor look over this space to build a pool.”
I squinted as I looked up at him. “And?”
“He said it’s possible, but it won’t be a large pool.”
“I’d settle for a lap pool. Just something we can take a dip in and cool off. This is a lovely space. Have you ever had a party out here?”
He shook his head. “No. I’m not much for entertaining.”
“I think we’ll have to change that. You should entertain.”
“I’m not a very good host.”
I snorted. “Are you kidding? You’ve been a wonderful host to me.”
He reached into the pocket of his gray shorts and produced the ring I found in his jewelry drawer.
“I think you should be wearing this now.”
Oliver got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I giggled before I said yes, holding out my finger so he could slip it on. It was huge on my small hand and the diamond glinted in the bright sunlight.
“This is so big.”
“Nothing but the best for my fiancée. Should we call your family?”
“That would be a good idea. Sadie and Ty too. I’m having lunch with him tomorrow.”
He pursed his lips. “I know.”
Oliver’s tone was flat. I had a feeling he didn’t like Ty very much. It could be possible he was aware of Ty’s crush on me or the fact that he was digging into my father’s murder investigation, whatever it was, Oliver wasn’t impressed with him.
“Are you okay with that?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Fine. I can’t stop you from having friends.”
“Does it bother you that I’m friends with Ty?”
“Not at all. I know you’re committed to me so why should it bother me?”
“Just checking.”
He fingered the string around my neck. “I like this bikini on you. You’re very sexy.”
I giggled. “Ever the charmer.”
“Shall we call everyone to let them know we’re engaged?”
“Not yet. Let it be our little secret for a day.”
Oliver sat down on the lounge chair and kissed me, caressing my breast with his fingers. I looked up at the buildings around us and felt my face heat. The building across from us had a direct line to the patio.
“What’s the matter?”
“People can see us,” I whispered.
“You’re not naked for heaven’s sake.”
“But your hand is on my breast.”
Oliver gave me a wicked smile. “Should I take you inside and do this?”
“I thought you had work to do?”
“I do but you come first. Are you declining sex?”
“I never said that, but I am a little sore.”
“I have the cure for that,” he said as he licked his lips.
“Later.”
He looked at me shocked. “I get it. I put a ring on your finger and now you’re freezing me out.”
“That isn’t what I’m doing.”
His phone rang before he could answer me. He rose from the chair and walked away as he talked to the person on the other end. I wondered what he was up to.