AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Beth,” Harrison starts as he stands from his desk and walks toward me. “I don’t, in any way, want you to feel uncomfortable on this campaign, or with me—” he says, but I cut him off before he can continue.
“I don’t.” The words are swift from my lips, and a smile pulls at his. He doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable, he makes me feel wanted.
“How do you feel about being with me twenty-four-seven? Because my words earlier are true. I want you with me. Every step of the way.”
I know he is asking me for more than just work. He wants to spend time together, a lot of time, and I can’t help the smile that is now forming on my lips, because I want that too.
“I think I can manage you,” I say, my eyes meeting him in a challenge. His nostrils flare, and his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. The tension in the room escalates… again.
“We will have cameras on us all the time. They will be relentless. You will be judged. Fairly or unfairly, the media will comment on your appearance, what you do, what you don’t do.” He looks worried, a little crinkle in his forehead showing me his concern.
“I can handle it.” And I can. I have already been to hell and back in my short life, a few photos with a billionaire is child’s play.
“I will protect you. Whatever you need, I will give it to you. I will always have your back.” He nods to me, ensuring the words penetrate, and they do. He’s got me. He won’t let me fall. I feel that truth deep in my core.
“I believe you. I will have your back too,” I offer, wanting him to know that I will do whatever I can to support him.
He steps closer to me, just as close as we were before, and leans down to whisper in my ear.
“And tomorrow night… I want you with me. At the event and after. Tomorrow night… you are all mine,” he grits out, his warm breath teasing my sensitive skin, the sensation reaching my nipples that peak under my blouse. As he pulls away, I look at his smile, which almost disarms me this time. I swallow then, letting his words soak in. Anticipation for what he is promising seeping into my bones.
“Tomorrow, I will be all yours…” I say back to him, and his eyes alight. His jaw clenches slightly, and I hold my breath. The words we both said leaving no room for questions. He wants me and I want him.
There is a knock on his office door, so I take the opportunity to grab my things and leave them to it. I need air, coffee, and to swap out my panties, because one more look from Harrison, and I will be a puddle on the floor.
15
BETH
As the afternoon sun hangs low in the sky, the makeup artist finishes up my look with a swipe of gloss on my lips.
“There, all done and looking ah-mazing!” she gushes.
“Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.”
“You haven’t even looked at yourself! Here,” she says, stepping to the side so I can get my first glimpse at myself in the full-length mirror. I am momentarily stunned as I look at the woman staring back at me.
“Wow…” is all that comes from me as I stand in shock because I do look amazing. Natural, yet glamorous. Like an enhanced version of myself. My hair is so shiny and vibrant; I had no idea it could ever look like this. It is striking as it falls down past my shoulders in soft waves that rival any shampoo commercial. My body is held tight, wrapped in a classic black gown. which covers everything but makes my curves so smooth that even I want to touch them. My shiny lips are reflecting the lights from the ceiling, and my black lashes are so long they throw shadows on my cheeks.
“Wow is right. When Harrison calls, I run, but on this occasion, I am glad I did. You look perfect! Such a natural beauty.” I smile at her kind words.
“Does he call you to dress women often?” I ask, and internally cringe as the question leaves my lips.
“No. Never. Usually, it’s for his brothers’ dates or maybe his mother. But you must be special, because you are the first woman he has ever let me near!” she says, laughing, and I laugh with her, even though my stomach is doing crazy flips right now.
“I just can’t believe this is me!” I peer closer into the mirror, wondering if I can see anything remotely obscure, but I don’t. I am styled and everything is in place and exactly where it should be. No frizzy hair, no ice cream stained top. From the tips of my toes to the top of my head, I look and feel beautiful.
As the makeup artist leaves, I grab my cell and snap a photo to send to my dad. I am surprised I get a decent shot at all because my hands are shaking, my nerves running sky high. The thought of Harrison has been on my mind all night.Be with him at the event and after, his voice replays over and over. I shaved every area of my body for tonight, and I smell like I bathed in roses. Although I want him, I am a little anxious. And given the fact that Harrison and I nearly kissed in his office yesterday, I am a ball of nervous energy about to unravel.
We effectively remained professional over the last day, being together and both remaining focused, but his parting words still linger regardless.
I grab my bag, checking for the third time that I have everything as I try to sort through my racing thoughts. This event is something that needs my full attention, and I need to make it my priority. Harrison and I both do.
My hotel room phone rings and reception tells me that my car is here. Not wanting to keep Harrison waiting, I rush out and get in the elevator, all while trying to both act professional. This is work, not a social event, and I’m praying that my heart will stop racing, so I can appear elegant for once in my life.
It takes approximately two seconds for that to fly out the window, though. As I rush out of the elevator, I run straight into a hotel staff member carrying a tray of room service. Red curry, by the look and smell of it, is now all over the floor. I gasp, my hands rushing to my chest.
“I am so sorry!” The words rush out of me almost without thought, the need to constantly apologize for my clumsiness almost second nature.
