Chapter 15
I was up all night, thinking about Ian. He plagued my every thought, my every dream, and completely invaded my existence. There wasn’t a second that I wasn’t thinking about him. I threw on some sweats and drove to Ian’s house to change for work. As I walked through the door, Andrew was walking down the stairs with two women following behind him.
“Morning, Rory,” he said with a wide grin.
“Tell Ian thanks for last night.” The woman with the long black hair winked.
“Morning, Andrew,” I replied as I walked past him up the stairs.
My stomach was twisted in knots at the thought that Ian was with one of those women last night. I shook my head as I rummaged through the closet, pulling out a short, black skirt and a fuchsia-colored shirt. I headed downstairs and, as I walked into the kitchen, Charles handed me a cup of coffee. Andrew was sitting at the table, eating eggs.
“Hey, sunshine, you’re looking good.” He smiled.
“Is Ian out for a run?” I asked.
“Yeah, but I don’t know how after last night. That boy has to be exhausted. He probably only got a couple of hours of sleep.”
“Well, I’m glad the two of you had fun,” I said with a smirk. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.”
I was bothered by the fact that Andrew was so smug. I got the impression that he didn’t like me very much. So far, I was not impressed by the people in Ian’s life, with the exception of Adalynn. I walked into the study and sat down at my desk. I looked at the flowers that were displayed beautifully and smiled as I took in their scent. There were some more contracts sitting on the desk that needed to be typed up. I turned on the computer and got to work. A while later, Ian walked in with a smile on his face.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said as he walked over and kissed me on the head.
“Morning,” I replied without even looking at him.
“Uh oh, what did I do now?” he asked.
I figured I better play it cool because I was in no mood for an argument.
“Nothing. Why would you ask me that?” I said as I looked up at him.
“Just the way you said ‘morning.’ I got the feeling that you were pissed off at me.”
“No. I was just concentrating on getting these contracts done. Why would I be pissed off at you? I haven’t seen you since yesterday.” I smiled.
“Just making sure. Anyway, I have a few things I need to give you and go over with you today.”
He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a bankbook and card. “I opened up a bank account for you in your name only. Your checks will get direct deposited in there. Here’s your bankcard to use. I told you that you’d be getting health insurance, so I’ve added you to my plan and your medical card should be coming soon. Since I won’t be needing you every day, I’ve decided that you’ll have Tuesdays and Thursdays off as well as the weekends, unless I need you to travel with me. Sound good?”
“Thank you, Ian. It sounds great.”
He shot me that sexy smile and sat down at his desk. I turned back to my computer and resumed what I was doing. I didn’t want things to be awkward, especially after what he did for me, so I asked him how his night was. I wanted to see how much he would tell me, if anything.
“How was your evening last night with Andrew?”
“It was good. We had a great time.”
I bet you did. “I was surprised to see him here this morning.”
“He had too much to drink last night and his car was here, so I just told him to stay.”
“He seems like a really nice guy,” I lied.
“He is. Like I told you before, we’re like brothers.”
I didn’t say another word because I didn’t want him to start to get suspicious.
“How was your evening?” he asked.
“It was good. I watched a couple of movies and then tried to get some sleep.”
“Did you have the nightmares again?”
“I sure did. In fact, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to call Dr. Neil and set up an appointment.”
“That’s a good idea, Rory.”
I took my phone from my desk and stepped into the guest bathroom that was next to the study. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, and I needed to get out of there. I sat down on the toilet and called Dr. Neil’s office. I told the receptionist who I was and that Ian had spoken to Dr. Neil already. She set my appointment for later that afternoon. After I collected myself, I walked back into Ian’s study.
“Well?”
“I have an appointment this afternoon.”
“Good. I think it’ll be good for you. Now, come here for a moment,” he said as he held out his arms.
I walked over to him and he pulled me onto his lap. “One more day,” he whispered as he traced my lips with his finger. “One more day and I’ll be inside you, f*cking you, and giving you the most pleasure you’ve ever felt. And you’ll be giving me the most pleasure as well.” He smiled.
The pit of my stomach fell deeper. The thought of those women walking down the stairs crept into my mind. I brought my hand up to his face and gave him a fake smile.
“After your appointment with Amanda, I’m taking you somewhere for the night. Because once the clock strikes midnight, you’re mine,” he whispered as he kissed my lips.
“I thought I accepted this job on my terms, and my terms clearly stated that there was no flirting or kissing during work hours.”
“F*ck your terms. You’re here and you’re too hard to resist.”
Damn it. Damn him. Damn it all to hell. Why does he do this to me? Why does he have such a hold on me? “Where are we going?” I asked, as I was curious to know where he planned on taking me.
“My yacht. You don’t get seasick, do you?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been on a boat before. I guess we’ll find out.”
“You’ll be fine and I have some medication on board in case you do get sick.”
“I didn’t know you had a yacht. You never mentioned it before.”
“I guess there wasn’t the need to.”
“Is there anything else you may not feel the need to tell me?” I wanted to see if he would talk more about last night.
“No. I don’t think so. Is something bothering you, Rory?”
“Not at all. I’m just wondering what else will pop up that you didn’t think to mention.” I smiled.
He lifted me from his lap and set me on the edge of his desk. “One day, I’m going to take you right here on top of my desk,” he said with seduction.
“It better be after work hours, Mr. Braxton.”
“Oh no, it will be during work hours, Miss Sinclair. I have a tendency to break all the rules.”
He smiled, kissed me on the head, and told me he had a meeting to get to. “Good luck at your appointment, and I’ll see you back here later for our night together.” He winked.
F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. Suddenly, I didn’t care about him being with another woman last night. He wanted me, and he wanted me bad. Nobody had ever wanted me, and for him to come along and tell me how beautiful I was and pay me so much attention; of course, I was going to fall head over heels for him. This was one area that I needed to talk to Dr. Neil about. I hopped off the desk, went back to my seat, and finished up the contracts. I went upstairs to the bedroom to see what I could pack for tonight. The thought of being on a yacht with Ian excited me. Just the two of us, out in the open ocean, without any distractions. I would have him all to myself and that made me happy.
****
“It’s nice to meet you, Rory. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Dr. Neil. I appreciate you being able to fit me in today.”
Her office was beautifully decorated. It was made up of beiges with burgundy accents. I took a seat on the leather couch while Dr. Neil sat in the leather chair across from me.
“Why don’t you tell me what’s going on,” she said.
I began telling her about my childhood and Stephen. We were in deep conversation, and before I knew it, our time was up and our session was over.
“We have a lot of ground to cover, Rory. I would like to see you at least two days a week.”
“Thank you, Dr. Neil. I think that would be okay.”
“Good. Now I don’t want you to worry because we’re going to get those nightmares to stop. Would you like me to prescribe you a sleeping pill?”
“No. I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I’d rather not start taking medication.”
She smiled at me as she walked me to the door. “I’ll see you in a couple of days”
I walked out of her office, feeling pretty good. Even though I had told Ian about my past, it felt different when I talked to Dr. Neil. I pulled my phone out of my purse when I got into the car and sent Ian a text message.
“My appointment just ended. Going to stop by my apartment to pick up a few things. I’ll be over soon.”
“See you soon. A few more hours left.”
When I pulled up to my apartment, I noticed there was a piece of paper taped to the door. It was a notice from the city that the building was being shut down for safety issues, and I needed to find a place to stay until further notice. Shit. Shit. Shit. Are you kidding me? I ripped the paper off the door and walked inside. I looked at my phone and dialed Ian.
“Hey, is everything okay?” he asked when he answered.
“You’re never going to believe what I came home to,” I said, distraught.
“Rory, calm down. What happened?”
“My building is being shut down for safety issues, and I have to move out until further notice.”
“Is that all? You had me scared something bad happened.”
“Ian, this is serious! What the hell am I going to do?”
“You’ll stay with me until it’s okay for you to go back. It’s only temporary.”
Ian was right. I always had a room at his house and this was only temporary. “Okay, I’ll see you soon,” I said as I hung up the phone.
I grabbed the big duffel bag and started packing it with everything I thought I’d need. I grabbed my laptop, put it in the car, and drove to Ian’s house. As soon as I pulled up, Ian walked out and grabbed my bag from the backseat.
“Welcome to my home, Miss Sinclair. I hope you enjoy your stay and that your needs are fully satisfied.”
“Shut up.” I laughed.
Ian chuckled and took my bag upstairs. I followed behind. When I entered the room, there were five bathing suits, all bikinis, spread out on the bed.
“What’s all this?” I said as I walked over and picked up the black one first.
“Some new bathing suits for you to choose from. I really don’t think you’re going to need them, but just in case.”
“You think of everything. Thank you, Ian.”
He smiled softly as he grabbed my hand and brought it up to his lips. “You’re welcome. We leave in about ten minutes. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
****
I stood in front of the docked yacht and stared at it as Ian walked ahead of me.
“Rory, are you okay?” he asked as he turned and walked back to where I was standing.
“I’m fine. I’ve never seen a yacht before and I just can’t believe it. It’s amazing, Ian.”
He chuckled and grabbed my hand. “Come on; wait until you see the inside.”
We stepped onto the yacht, and I felt like I was entering a whole new world. I couldn’t help but stare at the fine furnishings and beautiful woodwork.
“I could live here,” I said.
“I’m glad you like it.”
A man dressed in all white came to the living area and took our bags. “Good evening, Mr. Braxton.”
“Good evening, Roland. This is Miss Sinclair.”
“Very good to meet you, Miss Sinclair.” He smiled as he bowed slightly.
He took our bags and walked away. I looked around and tried to take it all in, but it was difficult. I felt like I was in a dream and that I was going to wake up any second. Moments later, another man, also dressed in white and wearing a chef’s hat, told Ian that dinner was about to be served. Ian took my hand and led me up to the top floor of the deck where a table was elegantly set for two. Sitting in the middle of the table were beautifully lit candles that flickered in the night air.
“Ian, I—”
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked as he pulled out my chair for me.
“Beautiful isn’t the word for it,” I said as tears sprang to my eyes.
“We’re going to start with a wonderful dinner and then we’ll have a couple of drinks on the lower deck while we stare at the night ocean,” he said as he sat down.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner. It was probably the best food I’d ever had in my life. When we were finished, Ian took my hand, grabbed the bottle of wine, and led me to the deck below to some lounge chairs that sat facing the ocean. The crew told Ian that everything was set and then he dismissed them. We set sail and it was just the two of us on board. I could get used to this real fast. Ian came back and wrapped a sweater around my bare shoulders.
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled back as he sat down in the chair next to me.
“How did you come to have all of this?” I asked him as I took a sip of my wine.
“I guess you can say I’m a smart businessman. I get that from my father.”
He had to go and mention his father. The thought of that man burned my skin. I would’ve been happy if I never had to hear about him again. Ian got up from his seat, walked over to a small table, and picked up a remote. Suddenly, “Unchained Melody” started to play. He walked over to me with a smile on his face as he held out his hand.
“Would you like to dance, Miss Sinclair?”
I removed the sweater from my shoulders as I took his hand and he led me to the middle of the deck. We began to dance to the song that played when we shared our first dance together. I hated to say it, but that song would be forever etched into my heart. Ian and I stared into each other’s eyes before he leaned in and softly teased my lips. He pulled me closer as I teased his lips back. I watched him slowly close his eyes as he pulled me into him, wrapping his arms tightly around me as we swayed back and forth to the slow melody. The song ended and Ian looked at his watch. A smile graced his face.
“It’s after midnight,” he said as he picked me up and carried me down to the bedroom.