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Adrian’s smile seems to light up the dining area. “Are you just now learning that, Ms. Parks?”
ADRIAN
The city blurs by, a streak of grays with splashes of colors as Noah speeds up down the avenue. It’s late, far too late given I have an early morning meeting with the executives of a company based overseas. There’s no doubt in my mind that rescheduling it would not go over well.
Leaning forward, I spread my knees, resting my elbows there and stretch my back, feeling the pull of it in my spine. Without thinking, I stare at the empty seat beside me, where Suzette was yesterday. The corners of my lips pull up, remembering how she squirmed, how easily she gave in. How she melts for me. And how much she loved it.
Today was hell. Meeting after meeting and when she texted that she had plans tonight, I can’t deny I felt loss. With her, I want every moment I can get. This evening held precisely none of them.
“Mr. Bradford?” Noah calls back, peering at me in the rearview although he doesn’t use the intercom.
“Yes?” I answer him and then lean back in the seat, resting my head and meeting his gaze in the mirror.
“Shall I make it a habit of keeping the divider up between us when Ms. Parks joins you?”
The hum of the night surrounds us as I consider his question. There’s no judgment; it’s honest professionalism.
Something I’ve lacked today.
“I think it would serve us all well if you did, and I apologize if anything made you uncomfortable recently.”
“Nothing at all, sir, just thinking of your lady.”
Your lady.My brow rises, but my phone buzzes in my hand, interrupting my thoughts. There are only a few numbers I allow this late at night.
My father:Did Wyatt send you the contract?
My eyes roll back in my head as I inhale long and steady. My father is friends with his, and that’s how we became acquainted nearly a decade ago.
My phone buzzes again:Dale’s here and we were wondering.
Dale is Wyatt’s father, rather protective but a supportive man.
I text him back quickly:The lawyers have it atm.
It occurs to me then that Suzette has yet to message. I’m quick to type a message but then I delete it. I try another that’s less … domineering.
I prefer for that role to be played in person. Just as I finish typing her a message asking if she’s home,a message comes through from my father, followed by one from her.
Suzette:Just laying down for bed and thinking of you. Thank you again for last night.
I ignore my father for a moment, choosing to message her:The pleasure was all mine.
She doesn’t waste time replying:You lie, Mr. Bradford. I enjoyed it immensely.
With a satisfied hum, I sit back and see my father’s messaged twice.
The lawyers will be fine with it.
Are you working this late? Please tell me you’ve cut back.
He’s been on me for years now to work less. With the team in place and fewer projects, although they’re costlier and more rides on their success, I’ve been able to slow down, little by little. Small steps toward a more “sustainable lifestyle,” as my father refers to it.
Just got back from a date actually.I text him the white lie. It’s not exactly truthful, but it will make him smile.
“Is that her?” Noah questions from the front. Again not using the intercom, and it takes me a moment to understand he means Suzette.
“Ms. Parks?”
