Hold On

“Good girl. Okay, I’m off. No playing with that pussy until I get home, got it? I want it wet and needy when I walk in the door. I left you a new little outfit in your closet I want you wearing when I get home.”

My belly flutters as his eyes fill with desire, then he turns and makes his way out of the bedroom. I never would have understood before Marshall, but I truly belong to him. My body, my mind, my soul. I can’t imagine life without him, and sometimes I think I’m in a dream. I just pray I don’t wake up.

The next hour, I dress, play with Buddha, then get us organized and into the Jeep. Then we head out of town and into the woods, back to the house, my head filled with all the dreams of what has happened to my life in such a short time and all the beautiful things I know are still coming.

Thirteen

Marshall

I’VE ONLY BEEN AWAY from her an hour and a half, but I’m ready to cancel the rest of my day because I can barely breathe when she’s not next to me.

I’ve finished my first two meetings of the day; both went exactly as I planned, and there’s potential for a lot of money to be made. More than most people make in a lifetime. Still, since Emmy came into my life, the thrill of the deal has lost a lot of its luster. Money is great because it allows me freedom and the ability to take care of Emmy the way she deserves. It also makes my mom comfortable, and Dorothy and Connor, too.

But for me? The thrill of the win is gone unless it’s winning her heart, which I plan to do every day from now until they put me in the ground.

I’m in the Bentley on the way to Ruff & Purr to have a quick staff meeting and talk to Bethany about taking the director’s position that was suddenly vacated when I had Carver fired and escorted from the building two days ago.

I thought of doing it myself but figured the indignity of having a service deliver the news and walk him out in front of everyone in the building was better. Besides, I’m not sure if, had I seen him again, I could have refrained from finishing the job I started. If I ended up killing the asshole, I could hardly care for Emmy for the rest of my life from behind bars.

When I pull into the parking lot, I’m surprised to see Connor’s Mercedes in the parking lot. I swing my black sedan into the next space, coming to a stop just as my text tone chirps.

Emmy: On my way to the house. Xoxo

Me: On your way? You’re texting and driving?

Emmy: NO! I stopped to get gas and realized I forgot to message you when we left the house.

Me: Okay, baby. Message when you get there. Send me some pictures of you and Buddha.

Emmy: Okie dokie. I can’t promise he’ll smile.

Me: If he’s with you, he’s smiling even if it doesn’t show. I know, because you have the same effect on me.

Emmy: You do know how to make a girl feel special.

Me: No, I don’t. I know how to make you feel special. Because you are special. Only you. Okay, travel safe. I’ll be waiting for the pictures.

Emmy: xoxoxoxooxoxox

I make my way to the entry and step inside. There’s an older brunette working the reception desk, and she smiles when she sees me.

“Hi. Welcome to Ruff & Purr. How can I help you?”

“I’m Marshall Rogers.”

Her cheeks turn bright pink. “Oh. Yes…you’re early, we didn’t expect you for another hour.”

“I know.” I clear my throat and look around. The place is neat and well put together. The branding is sharp and modern, with a bright green logo with cartoon crayon drawings of dogs, cats, and fish, all in the center with Ruff & Purr in a purple circle, on the wall above the reception desk. “Is Connor Craig here?”

Before I bought the company, I looked at their numbers. I would have bought it regardless because I had a score to settle, but it turns out it’s a solid P&L with a good forecast for growth.

The brunette fidgets with a pen and bites her lip. “Um, yes, he’s been here a couple hours.”

It’s clear that whatever Connor is doing here, she doesn’t want to give me the details, so I’m going to let it go for now. “Good, I’m glad he’s checking in, as well. I want to see Bethany if I can. Where is her office?”

“Um.” She swallows and comes out from around the back of the desk. “She doesn’t have an office, she has a cube, and she’s not there at the moment.”