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“I ordered you an Uber, so you won’t have to drive,” I tell him as we stand at the entrance to the emergency room.
“Thank you, son, for everything. Marie and Ialways had a soft spot for you boys,” he conveys.
“I know. We loved her like our own mother. She’ll be truly missed.” The car comes to a halt in front of us and I help Thomas inside. Double checking the address, I shut the door and watch as he rides off. I check my watch and see it’s ten in the morning. I decide to head into the office since there is a funeral I need to plan. I have no clue where to start with that but I’m sure Stormy can make a few calls and get everything settled.Stormy.My thoughts have been consumed since I left her apartment this morning, I haven’t had the chance to call the office or even think about her. But now as I stand here, I’m left with the realization that I need to be near her right now.
I hop on my bike and speed out of the parking lot toward Knight Publishing Company. About thirty minutes later, I’m pulling into the underground garage of the company. The traffic was terrible as usual, and it took me longer to get here. I park, placing my helmet on the seat. I stand at the elevator waiting for it to open as my phone chimes.
Miles:How is he?
Sebastian:He’s tired, so I sent him home in an Uber. He was at least at peace knowing she was no longer suffering.
Miles:Lizzie and I will be flying in tonight, so I probably won’t see you until tomorrow morning.
Sebastian:I told Thomas that we would take care of the funeral arrangements. I just arrived at the office so that I could get started on that.
Miles:Good. I’ll help tomorrow.
I pocket my phone as I climb into the elevator, pushing the twentieth floor and swiping my card. Ifind myself nervous to see Stormy. I’ve never had this reaction to a woman, especially one I already slept with. Normally I’m a one and done kind of guy but the thought of doing that to Stormy makes my heart ache.
The elevator dings as the doors open. I step off and instantly spot Stormy across the room. It’s like she is this beacon of light promising to bring me back to her if I lose my way. I begin walking in her direction as Elijah steps up to her desk. He leans over, speaking softly into Stormy’s ear and I don’t miss the way she leans away from him, ever so slightly. She’s trying to be polite but that’s the last thing I’m about to be. I already told him in enough words to leave her alone. I guess he didn’t get the hint. He needs to keep away from what’s mine. I chose not to dwell on the fact that I have called her mine twice in the span of twenty-four hours. I’ll revisit that tidbit later.
“Elijah, I thought I told you to leave Ms. Brooks alone.” They both jump at my booming voice, having not seen me arrive.
“I-I was just helping her with your schedule,” he remarks, and I look to Stormy who rolls her eyes at him. So, that’s not what he was doing. I’m sure he was trying to ask her out again.
“Sure,” I reply, “Stormy can I see you in my office?” She looks at me and her face reddens. Grabbing the iPad, she stands and follows me. “Close the door behind you,” I instruct as I take a seat behind my desk. I still have on my clothes from yesterday, but I don’t give a fuck what I look like today. I’m exhausted and emotionally drained from this morning. Plus, I don’t have any meetings today where I need to look presentable.
Stormy takes a seat in front of my desk, and Ican’t keep my eyes from lingering on her chest. Her dress is a black low-cut thing that I want to tear from her body. My cock strains against my pants, showing it’s appreciation. Her long flowing hair drapes around her as she looks to me for further instructions.
“I need help with something. It’s time sensitive so everything else can be put on hold for the moment,” I explain.
She looks unsure but unlocks the iPad, waiting to hear more. “Okay. What can I do?” she asks with a hint of blush creeping up her face. I need to talk to her about last night but now isn’t the time. I have to get the funeral preparations underway.
“I need help planning a funeral,” I remark looking down at my laptop as I boot it up. When I look back at Stormy her face has paled. Her lips have parted, making a slight oval shape.
“I, um, yeah, okay,” she fumbles a bit then looks down at her lap. She wrings her fingers together. I’m about to ask her what’s wrong when she composes herself enough with a deep breath and looks at me. “What do you need me to do?” she asks.
“A family friend passed away and I told her husband that we’d take care of everything. We’ll be using Posey Funeral Home but as far as the date, flowers, etc. I need your help.” She nods her head solemnly for a moment then begins typing away. “Oh, and we need to use lilies. Every kind you can find. It was her favorite.”
“Will this be an open casket or is she being cremated?” she inquires without lifting her head. I hadn’t thought about those kinds of details. I’ll have to call Thomas and see what he wanted for Marie. Maybethey talked about what she wanted since she was so ill. For a moment I think maybe Stormy has had to go through this before. She’s asked me something that I’d have never thought to ask. I want her to explain but I have to get this done as soon as possible.
“I’ll have to make a call and find out. In the meantime, just get done what you can.” She nods her head and stands from her seat. Before she leaves I need to mention last night but I’m not sure what to say. “About last night,” I begin.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get right on this,boss.” she replies.Ouch.
“I wasn’t finished with our meeting,Ms. Brooks. Please have a seat.” If looks could kill, I’d be dead in my seat. She plops back down in the seat. “I need to go over my schedule for next week. All meetings need to be pushed back to the following week. My hours will vary for the next week as we get everything settled for Thomas. That reminds me, I need meals sent to him, as well. I’ll email you a list of his diet restrictions,” I thrum my pen on the desk, thinking about what else needs to be done. Stormy looks up from taking notes, waiting for me to continue. “Can you think of anything else that needs to be done in regard to the funeral?” She bounces the iPad on her knee for a moment and then responds.
“The newspaper needs to be notified and something has to be written about the deceased. It needs to involve remaining family members and then you can mention what she was like while she was alive. You need to decide if people can send flowers or if you want a donation set in place in her honor. Also, you need to get with Thomas and see if he wants to add the funeral arrangements in the paper or if you wantto keep those details under wraps for a more intimate setting.” Stormy looks back down to her lap, and I can’t help but wonder who she knew that passed away. I’m all but certain now that she’s had to do this before. She’s too young to have learned this information other than having to do it for herself. I feel like I have cracked a code to the things she keeps locked away. Before I can say anything further, she speaks again. “Is there anything else that I can do for you?” she ask formally, and I shake my head.
“I’ll let you know if there is anything else. Also, I need your cell phone number in case I’m not at the office and I need something. I’ll send word to HR that you will be working overtime this next week. That doesn’t necessarily mean here at the office, but I need you available.” She takes a pen from my desk and a notepad, writing her number on it and sliding it back over to me. We sit for a moment in silence. She locks eyes with me, and I can see the fire burning within them.
“Will that be all?” she inquires with a bite to her tone as she levels her shoulders.
I stand and walk around the desk, leaning against it. She takes a deep breath and averts her gaze from me. “No, it’s not all.” I lean in, placing my hands on either side of her chair. I’m done being her boss. Now, I’m Sebastian and there are some things she needs to understand. “I want to talk about last night.” She turns to face me, our mouths inches apart.
“There isn’t anything to discuss. It was a mistake. I was high on adrenaline after everything happened. That’s all,” she declares, crossing her arms over her chest. The move making them more pronounced than they already were.
“Let’s get one thing straight, Angel,” I whisper into the shell of her ear. “I may be your boss right now but don’t forget who made you come last night until you passed out from pleasure.” I suck her lobe into my mouth for a moment and release it. Goosebumps erupt over her chest and up the column of her neck. A satisfied smile spreads across my face at her visceral reaction to me. I lean back to see her face. Pink floods her cheeks and I’m sure it’s not the only thing flooded.
