I stare at my computer monitor, but my brain won’t process the information. The only thing that my mind keeps doing is playing yesterday’s event repeatedly. Not only his actions are running on an endless loop, but so are his words, along with my lack of response.
The look of anger boiling out of him when Nathan told him about my regular appointments. If he only knew where I go all the time, he would probably run for the hills. However, that secret is one he must never find out about.
I take a bite out of my bagel. A soft moan falls from my lips as the strawberry cream cheese hits my tongue.
At least I stopped on my way to work this morning and got something to eat. I have to say that this hits the spot.
As I’m taking another bite, Dotty walks into my office. “So, you left early again today. I was going to ask if you ate anything, but I see you stopped and picked up something. 
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I run my hand through my hair and march across the room. How dare she prevent me from seeing her? I couldn’t even get past the front desk today. I groan as I get to the end of the room and turn back the other direction, while running my hand through my hair again. The hotel room door opens. I glance up as I continue marching across the room and sigh, as Ryan kicks the door shut with his foot while his hands are full of bags. The aroma of burgers and fries fills the room, but for once, it doesn’t smell appetizing to me. He shakes his head. “Why did you even go there? Didn’t we talk about trying to use the project and partnership as a way to get her to see and talk to you? You know you are digging yourself a hole by doing this.” He walks past me to the coffee table and sets the bags down. I shake my head as I continue pacing. “I don’t know. I just had to see her
I slowly scan the restaurant. I don’t trust Connor at all. I never know where he will try to talk to me next. The last thing I need is for him to ruin my lunch by suddenly appearing in front of me and making some wild remark about wanting to work beside me or something like that. As I scan through the area again, Dotty taps her finger on the table. “Stop it, Deanna. He isn’t here. Even if he was, I don’t think he would cause a scene. Now, stop this and let's have a wonderful lunch. Mom gave me strict instructions to make sure you have a good meal today. You have been working through your lunches and eating only small amounts of snacks and not any proper food. You need to stop it.” Even though I want to look around the place again, I stop myself from doing it. The corner of my mouth curls downward as a sigh slips from me. “I don’t mean to worry anyone, but I’ve been too worri
I aimlessly stare out the SUV’s passenger window while the music blares and Dotty sings off key along to the old songs. I can’t help but to smile at not only the old songs, but all the memories that come along with them. I still can’t believe that we snuck away without being followed. Well, I hope he hasn’t followed us, but when I look behind the vehicle, I don’t see any familiar cars back there. Earlier, Dotty didn’t even give me any time to change my mind. As soon as we got back to the office, she talked with Cliff and Nathan about our vacation, and they both agreed that I needed one. They almost pushed the two of us out of the office and back to the house. It wasn’t long after that when we hopped in the black SUV, which is normally parked in the back of the garage. She maneuvered through the tight area and went out the back way. I breathed a sigh of relief when we got to the street and it was al
My hand tightens around my phone as I hold it up to ear as I grit my teeth. “What do you mean you don’t know where Deanna is? How do you not know?” The P.I. clears his throat. “Sorry, sir. I was sitting outside the house waiting for them to leave, but they never came back out. I’ve checked around the company. Some staff knows nothing, but I was lucky to find a few that told me that her and Dotty took some days off for a vacation. However, I’m still not sure how they got past me.” Idiot. A bumbling idiot. From the couch, Ryan looks across the hotel room at me and mouths, “What?” I take a deep breath and shake my head as I look down at the floor and turn my attention back to the P.I. on the phone. “Is there anything that you can tell me? You’ve been monitoring her for several days now. There has to be something that you can give me.” Ryan gets up off the couch and walks towa
I look over the top of my wine glass as I take a sip and scan the crowd. This is exactly like how I remember these stupid, boring events are. I don’t know why father said this is a celebration for BW Fashions, because it looks like any other high society event. The same people are all dolled up. The women try to outdo each other with extravagant dresses and heels so high they should be declared weapons. The men aren’t any better. They walk around with their noses in the air in the most expensive suits money can buy. Even my father does the same thing. However, I’m sure I’m going to be lectured for wearing one of my everyday business suits instead of a tuxedo. Well, I don’t even want to be here, so I’m not taking the time to find a tuxedo. However, from the people occasionally looking at Ryan and me and giving us the once over, I’m sure some nasty rumor is spreading about me. Here’s a news flash
I lean back in the lounge chair in my string bikini and close my eyes while I lay with my legs slightly open for optimal exposure. The sun’s rays soak deeps into my body, almost warming me from the inside out, while the gently breeze dances around and caresses my skin. Not surprisingly, it happens to now be a shade darker than the first day we arrived. I don’t want to admit it, but this has been relaxing. However, this is our last day. Cliff called this morning letting us know that we have another meeting with WW Enterprises, but this time only with Ryan. Connor isn’t able to make it. I breathed a sigh of relief, but I can’t rejoice yet. A small part of me knows Connor won’t give up yet. Since we have little time left in our small oasis, Dotty and I are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. First thing tomorrow morning, we will make the long trip back home. Surprisingly, a part of me wishes we could
Dotty smiles and turns towards the shore while I get up, not wanting to hear any of it.Anger pulses through my veins with each step as I march into the house and head straight for the bedroom. I slam the door behind me, stopping only long enough to lock the door before I stomp over to my bags and grab some clothes.As I go to step into the bathroom, Dotty’s playful voice seeps into the room. “Oh, she wasn’t feeling well, so she went inside for a while. I’m sure she will come back out when she is feeling better.”Not feeling good. Not even close.I walk into the bathroom and close the blinds, making sure no one can see inside. I grumble under my breath and curse my friend. However, in the back of my mind, I know she is doing this to help me move on, but I would rather move on in my own time.I untie my bikini strings and let the tiny bits of fabric fall to the floor
I cross my arms over my chest and take a deep breath.Why can’t my father understand what I’m trying to say? I don’t care what his plans are. It still doesn’t negate the fact that I legally can’t be married to more than one woman at a time. Plus, I don’t want to be married to anyone but my current wife, even if she isn’t talking to me right now.I glare across the room at my father as he sits on the couch, with my mother beside him. Luckily, my brother and his wife aren’t home right now. I don’t know if I could take all of them again. That horrendous company event was enough for a while.My father slides to the edge of the couch and matches my glare with one of his own as he points his finger at me. “The deal is final. There is no backing out of it. You have no choice.”I raise an eyebrow and snort. “No choice.&nb