DREAM (12 page)

Tension is thick between us, and I don’t say a word on the way home. I don’t know why Douglas ratting me out embarrasses me, but it does. Maybe it’s because I’m the virgin sitting in the car, and I’m waiting for someone to make fun of me.

When Bruce drives up to the house, I spring from the car, because I don’t want to talk to Gable. I go to my room and drop on my couch.

Normally, Gable doesn’t chase after me, but this time he does. He didn’t even knock before he comes in. I eye him from across the room and he stares back at me.

“Want to talk about it?”

“No.” I cross my arms.

“I think we should.”

“I’m not in the mood.” My voice is cold.

“I think you’re being silly, Dream.” He comes over to the couch and sits next to me.

“Really? You think it’s silly my ex-boyfriend told my husband that I’m a virgin?”

“Dream, I already figured you were. I mean, I didn’t have proof or anything, but I had my suspicions. We’ve had a great week together. Please don’t let this ruin it.” Gable tugs on my elbow until I release my crossed arms. He takes my hand in his.

“I’m going to take a shower.” I stand up. “You need to change your shirt.” I know he hates sitting on my colored couch because it aggravates his OCD.

“Right now, I want my wife, and I want to make sure she’s okay.” He follows me toward the bathroom. When I turn, I see a twitch in his eye.

Oh, Gable.
He’s trying to fight the OCD urge and I know it can’t be done.

“Close your eyes, please,” I softly beg him. Gable looks at me strangely. “Please.” He does. “Count to ten out loud. Each time you hit an even number, take a deep breath in and out.” He begins, and I run to his closet to grab a clean black dress shirt and head back before he hits number three.

“Open your eyes.” He does and sees I’m holding the shirt. “Change.”

“I…I can’t here.” His cheeks redden. “There’s too much…” he shakes his head.

I know there’s too much color in my room for him. I grab his tie, lead him into the bathroom, and shut the door. I don’t want him to see the colors. His body relaxes in the white bathroom.

“Don’t move.” I order him. I don’t know why I’m so demanding. It could be because I’m hiding my feelings of vulnerability. Maybe it’s to show him I’m not a weak, shy virgin that comes along with the stereotype. Or, it could be that focusing on him and helping him helps me avoid an uncomfortable discussion I don’t want to have.

Gable nods.

I remove his tie first. The simple red tie made of silk feels smooth between my fingers as I place it on the counter. I unhook his cufflinks, and I can feel his eyes on me, watching each move I make. I put them next to the tie.

I slowly, gently pull his black dress shirt to release it from his dress pants, and begin to unbutton each button. One side of my head is screaming to hurry up and get out of the room, but the other side is louder. It’s telling me to take my time, to enjoy the power I have over billionaire Butler. He may have controlled the terms of marriage, but maybe our bedroom wouldn’t be just about him.

Whoa…whoa… I hesitate on the button for a beat.

Bedroom?

Do I want to have sex...with Gable?

Yes, or you wouldn’t be unbuttoning his shirt like this,
one side of my brain yells at me. I feel a rush of sexual desire wash over me.

I’ve only been close two times to losing my virginity. Once, after my prom escort took me to his hotel room and I thought I
had
to because it was tradition. Leo saved me that night; I called him and asked him to come get me. He almost kicked the door in to get me.

The second time was when I was a sophomore in college. I had been seeing this guy, who seemed nice at the time. I thought at twenty, it was time to take that step.

He turned out to be an asshat and I wasn’t ready at all, certainly not with him. I stopped before we went very far.

Now, there’s Gable. My husband.

The urge is running faster and deeper; I want to rip off his shirt and pants, drop to my knees, and show him everything I want to do to him. Gable has treated me with respect and has never pushed me. He has stood up to his brother for me and told me he’ll protect me. He’s told me his secrets. He’s a good man.

I push the shirt off his shoulders and let it fall to the ground. I slowly drag my French tip manicure down his chest to the top of his belt. I unbuckle it and lift my eyes back to his eyes. Gable has a small smile on his lips and his blue eyes are bright. They are dancing around my face. I pop the button on his dress pants and unhurriedly unzip him.

I’ve given a few blowjobs in my day, although not many. Most of the time, the guy I’m with was finished before I really got into it. I have a feeling Gable isn’t the type to be that way.

“Stop.” Gable grabs my wrists.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” he shakes his head. “I don’t want to rush this. We’ve had a long night already.”

“But-”

“No,” he cuts me off. “I’m tired.” Gable turns, goes into room, and shuts the door.

What the hell just happened?

Chapter 12

I tap my nail against my desk. I can’t focus on anything at the moment. Well…except Gable, that is.

Last night, he left me in the bathroom, and I slept by myself. I didn’t sleep much because I’d been restless. When I went down for coffee, Misha told me that Gable had already left.

I pick up my phone and look at the last three texts I’d sent.

Are you still upset?

I’m sorry if I’ve done something wrong.

Do you want to have lunch? You can keep your shirt on. Haha

He still hasn’t responded or called me. I rub my temples and try to figure out where I messed up on last night.

Gable needs to tell me what’s going on. I don’t like that he’s upset at me. I scroll through my contacts and call one person that can get me to him.

“Butler Corp, this is Joy Burns.”

“Joy, it’s Dream. I need a favor.”

~~~

I step off the elevator and Joy greets me

“Gideon’s gone all afternoon on a bunch of stupid errands I made up. I moved some appointments around which gives you one hour.”

“Joy, I owe you one. A big one.”

“Getting rid of Gideon for a while is payment enough. All he does is stare at my boobs. I’ll make sure no one bothers you.” She smiles.

I nod. “Thank you.” I walk past her and open Gable’s office door.

Like the first time I was here, it’s still as white and bright as ever. I scan the room but Gable isn’t there. Joy had said he was. I’m about to turn and leave when Gable comes out of the door on the far left of the room, his personal bathroom.

“Dream.” He tone is confused and a little surprised. “What are you doing here?”

“First, you shut the door on me last night.” I gingerly walk over to him. “Second, you made me sleep alone. I’ve learned I don’t like sleeping without you. Third, you left without saying goodbye to me this morning. And fourth, you didn’t answer my texts.” I stand directly in front of him.

“All of those are true, but they don’t my answer my question.”

“I’m here to figure out what’s going on with you and to say I’m sorry.” I take his hand.

“I have an appointment coming.”

I smirk. “I’m the appointment, and I wouldn’t mind
coming
.” I feel my cheeks redden and Gable bursts into laughter.

“I may like this side of you as much as your humorous side.”

I giggle and guide him to his office chair and I lean on his desk.

“Gable, this past week or so has been wonderful. I thought that we really were becoming…well…more than friends. I know that sounds strange since we’re married, but I know you understand. So, talk to me, please. Are you brainwashing me in my sleep? Maybe you’re slipping me some secret potion into my water. Or have I succumb to Stockholm?” I joke with him, but he doesn’t seem to be into it right now, even though he laughed a moment ago.

He takes a deep breath and holds my left hand tightly. He twists my large wedding ring; I’ve not taken it off since the day he gave it to me.

“Don’t shut me out, Gable. I’m your wife. Aren’t we supposed to communicate to each other?”

“Yes,” he answers me softly.

“I’m right here.”

Gable drops my hand and stands. He walks over his window and stares out there for a moment. I don’t want to push him anymore than I already have. I remain planted against the desk. Several moments pass before Gable’s shoulders drop and he comes back over to me, resuming his seat.

“I wanted to have sex with you last night,” he finally tells me.

“For the first time, and I really mean it, I wanted that, too,” I take his hand again.

“I need to make your first time special, and throwing you on top of the bathroom sink isn’t romantic.” Gable’s voice is firm, but I hear the humor in it.

“Well, it would have been different than what I’ve read about.” I tease him. “Plus, considering we’re a unique couple, it would add to our awesomeness.”

Gable’s dimple appears with his smile. “Awesomeness? Is that how you describe us?”

“Awesomeness. Greatness. Epicness. I can go on and on.”

He chuckles. “There are a lot of ‘nesses’ in there.”

I shrug, still giggling. Gable tugs on me and I sit on his lap.

“I’m sorry I pushed you away. I didn’t know what else to do.” He snuggles his nose into my hair, whispering in my ear.

“Talk to me. I’m not a mind reader, and I know we both like each other.”

“I don’t want to push you.”

“Excuse me.” I lean back and touch his cheek. “I’m pretty sure I took off your shirt and was trying to get into your pants.”

He brushes his lips against mine.

“Did you want me in your pants?” I’m still teasing him.

“I already said I did, but I’ll make it special.” He kisses me, but leaves me too soon.

“Have you been with a lot of woman? You and I have never talked about it, although, we’ve never discussed sex either.” I don’t want to leave his lap. I’m too comfortable.

“Not a lot.”

“That’s not a number. Is it more twenty?”

Gable rolls his eyes. “Much less.

“Is more than ten?”

He shakes his head. “Five. My number is five.” He confirms.

“Fewer than I’d thought.”

“Now, I have a question for you.”

“My number is zero.” I wink.

“I know. However, what have you done with guys?”

“Well,” I focus to our hands entangled with each other. “I’ve done a lot of things, but the big finale. Does that make sense?”

“Yes. Have you been with a lot of guys?”

I quickly think of brief sexual experiences. “Three.”

“More than I thought. I figured it was only Douglas.”

I giggle. “I’m not a prude.”

“Never crossed my mind.” His blue eyes are bright again.

“You want my first time to be special?” My voice is low.

“I want all of our times together to be special, Dream. I really care about you.”

I lay my forehead against his. “I know, and thank you for caring.”

“You’re welcome, and thank you for the same thing.” He kisses me.

I moan with pleasure as my tongues slides into his mouth. He let’s go of my hand and puts it on my thigh. We continue kissing then Gable moves down my jaw and neck. He nips on my collarbone. I lay my head back and release a deep breath of pleasure.

“I wish your skirt wasn’t so tight.” Gable mumbles against my skin.

“The reason for it is because it makes my ass look fabulous.” I giggle again and Gable bites my neck. I squeal with laughter.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Who is bothering us?” Gable grumbles.

“That Mr. Butler is my warning. It’s now time to go back to work.” I pout.

“Thank you for coming over.”

“How about you pick me up at Matherson Printing around five? We could go home and have a quiet evening.” I kiss him quickly.

“I will be there.”

~~~

As the new equipment arrives at Matherson Printing, I’m amazed to see how nervous a lot of the employees look. They almost look scared to touch anything. I try to encourage them and tell them they’re doing a great job, but they’re constantly glancing up at the security guards. I being to realize Jacob Matherson’s name runs deep with fear and angst within the community. I don’t feel comfortable here myself and I understand the their issues.

I check my watch and it’s almost five. Gable sent a text already stating he’s on his way. I told Leo to go home, but he told me he’d wait for Gable to show up. I feel a little safer with Leo out there. I know nothing will happen to me with him nearby.

As the staff leaves, and the guards remain, I retreat to the office for a few moments of silence while gathering up my items. I download all the files to my flash drive, pick up the other files, and shove them into my messenger bag.

“Dream, how are you dearest?”

I look up to see Jacob is in the office with two bodyguards. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Something doesn’t feel right.

“Jacob, lovely to see you again,” I hurriedly finish packing. “Gable will be here in a moment, and I need to get going. Is there something I can help you with real quick?” I keep my voice calm and a fake smile plastered on my face.

“I came up to see the new equipment and to tell you what a great job you’re doing.” He sits down in the chair across the desk.

“How kind of you. There’s still more to be done. Did you get my projected numbers for the next quarter?”

“I did. It seems like it should do well.”

“Yes. The holidays will really push you over, especially with the faster equipment. Customers will be excited to have their Christmas cards more quickly.” I scan the room looking for potential escape routes.

Wait…wait…maybe I’m over reacting. Jacob is a friend of Gable’s and he told me I could trust him. I need to give him the benefit of doubt.

“I’m going to have more merchandise delivered here tomorrow morning. It will be in the back, in wooden crates. I don’t want them messed with.” Jacob’s voice is cold and distant, and…scary.

“I’ll let everyone know.” My heart drops into the pit of soul and my hands become clammy. I know that the delivery isn’t going to be anything legal. I can feel it.

“What are you taking home with you?”

“Pardon?”

Jacob stands and meticulously moves towards me. “What is in your bag?”

“Files and work I need to go over.” I answer.

“You left here the other day with a several files, what were those?” He steps closer to me.

“Old files. Mainly pervious employees and the accounting.” I don’t back up. I stand my ground, no matter how bad my knees are shaking.

“What are you doing with them?” he continues his stalk over to me.

“Seeing where the company went wrong, making sure all the expenses aren’t outweighing the profit, and all the employees’ files are updated.” I clutch my messenger bag tightly.

“What’s with the twenty questions, Jacob?”

My body relaxes as Gable walks into the room and over to where I’m standing.

“I’m simply asking about my company’s files, Gable.” He narrows his eyes slightly.

Gable positions himself in front of me. “Didn’t you hire Dream to do a job and all it entails? I suggest you let her do it.”

“I hired her because you suggested it.” Jacob’s tone is still cold.

“Yes, and if you trust me then you need to trust her.”

“Trust is something you have to earn from me and she hasn’t yet. We all know what happens when I don’t trust someone.” His voice is laced with malevolence and malice.

“First, don’t threaten my wife and second, don’t forget who
you
are talking to.” Gable’s tone almost scares me and they’re nose-to-nose.

I’m nervous about what Gable means and what’s going to happen, but Gideon jumps in between them.

“Now, come on guys. We’re all friends here. It’s late and I’m sure we just want to go home after a long day. Am I right?”

Jacob is the first to back away from Gable, and for a moment, I think Jacob looks a little scared.

“Just make sure those files don’t end up in the wrong hands.” Jacob glances at me before turning and walking out of the office.

“Gable.” Gideon sighs and shakes his head.

“Shut up.” Gable barks at him and it makes me jump. “I don’t want to hear a fucking thing from you.”

Gideon throws his hands up and walks away from us. Gable spins toward me and cups my face in his hands.

“Are you okay?” The concern is written all over his face.

“Yes,” I choke out.

“Do you have everything you need?”

I nod.

“Let’s head home.” He takes my hand and leads me out of the building.

I’m thankful on the ride home that Gable and Gideon are quiet. My blood is still pumping quickly through me from the fear, and I need to calm myself down.

The three of us walk into the house and head straight toward the kitchen. We all need a drink. Misha looks at our faces and quickly pours two glasses of bourbon a glass of red wine for me. I’ve never been so thankful to see wine.

Gideon slams back his drink and gets up to leave.

Gideon stops, his back to his brother and after a moment turns back around to him.

“Do you really want me to express my feelings right now?”

Gable swivels in his seat, crosses his legs, and casually leans back on the bar to stare at Gideon. “Yes.”

“Fine,” Gideon throws his hands up in the air. “I think you’ve lost your touch. I think you’re so busy trying to get into Dream’s pussy that you’ve forgotten who you are. Let’s not forget, you just threatened Jacob Matherson and you and I both know his background. You don’t care about anything but Dream anymore.”