Truth Meets Love Read online

  She didn't answer so I left her a voicemail from Tyler's cell phone. It was the same night Tyler and Dez met. He was a new bouncer at the club I had worked at as a bartender for the last two and half years. I introduced them when Dez and I came in to check out my employment refuge during our Birthday Bar Hopping on my night off. We were tipsy when we arrived but thankfully we had eaten loads of pasta dishes at Casanita's Italian Grill before that stop, so we didn't tip the sloppy drunk scale too soon in our evening. Once we arrived at the bar called the Underground we proceeded to get hammered and Tyler babysat during his shift.

  After the infamous voicemail message, Dez made him take us to Coldstone Creamery, where we stumbled and giggled while talking the pimple-faced kid behind the counter into letting us come around and decorate my red velvet and strawberry cheesecake ice cream layered cake for my birthday. We took it back to my place to continue our celebration, and we must have all passed out in my bed. I woke up in the morning with a raging headache and a mouth full of awful. Once I was able to focus, I sighted a pair of hairy feet poking out from under the covers at the foot of the bed. I sobered up immediately. I was more than relieved when I turned my head and saw it was Tyler's face in my bed behind Dez's. He must have fallen asleep snuggled up to her in the spoon position.

  On the voicemail to Ally I must have unloaded all my bottled-up resentment and anger. I couldn't tell ya what I said. I was a bit intoxicated--or a lot, really--and I can't remember much of that night. I do remember Dez held on to me and provided her wobbly fist pump when I said something she felt was Cloud Punch Worthy.

  Mom had left a return voice message on Tyler's phone the next morning, likely after receiving mine. In the message she told me that she understood my anger with her and that although I might never understand her choices, she always did what she thought was best for me. She hoped I can forgive her someday. She also mentioned that she had met someone and was living in Monterey, CA. She provided her address and her home phone number in case I ever wanted to contact her or come visit.

  My professional life started taking flight once I graduated from college with a Finance Degree a few months later. Mr. Greyson had become a huge benefactor to the University about two years prior--about the same timeframe Dez and I met. Once I completed my Bachelor's degree in Finance with a technology focus, I was awarded a graduate level scholarship and internship within his company.

  It was bittersweet. We found out Dez was pregnant with Mace the same week I started my MBA courses and had accepted the internship with them. Tyler proposed the minute she told him she was pregnant and said it just gave him an excuse to do it sooner. He said he would have asked her to marry him the first night they met if he thought she would say yes. Thinking back, I actually recall him telling me that night on my birthday, when Tyler watched her dance with some guy at the club the night had they met, "I hope that little prick is enjoying that dance with my future wife because it is last one he is going get!"

  They eloped to Vegas that weekend and we conducted an official Marilyn Monroe-themed wedding ceremony. Dez was adamant that they be married by a woman dressed as Ms. Monroe. I had picked out a halter top dress that flared out just above the knee. It was my attempt to keep with the theme and channel Marilyn's famous skirt flying picture in that white ensemble she had worn.

  I had only been at Greyson Capital officially two months into my internship when she told me they had found a stage 3 tumor in her right breast. Life and the fucking lemons… not even worthy of the tequila!

  Dez and I used to chase our tequila with pineapple wedges and sing karaoke in my living room. When we could no longer focus clearly enough to continue to read the words, we just made them up as we went along. My rendition was "Breathe" by Faith Hill. I replaced the original version with lyrics I created impromptu style that told the true story of a boy that almost suffocated me with his huge mouth in junior high during my first kiss. Dez laughed so hard her margarita came out her nose and made her eyes water. The stain is still on the underside of my couch cushion, where it will stay forever. I showed it to Mace, too. I tell her stories about Dez every chance I get.

  At Dez's insistence I kept focused on my plan and I completed my internship and the MBA program, courtesy of Greyson Capital Inc. I finished it when Mace was about 9 months old. At that point I was offered and I agreed to sign a five-year employment contract with stock options. At age 24, after finishing out my internship, I became the youngest and only female VP in the company.

  Dez got a chance to see me become something I had worked hard so hard to attain. I got to see her take her chance at becoming a wife and a mother. All of our dreams were coming true.

  Until we lost Dez to breast cancer the following year, two days after Macey's second birthday.

  "Good morning Mr. Greyson," I say as he squeezes me in a strong hug and I swear about considered applying a kiss my forehead. Instead he pushes back and pulls a long velvet box from his pocket. I stare at it, blinking like a small deer catching itself staring at oncoming headlights. I am not quite sure what to say, so I don't say anything. I absently open the lid of the box he has pressed into my hands like he was anticipating me pushing it back to tell him that I would be unable to accept whatever the contents. The curiosity is killing me, though. I have never been given jewelry before. I can't lie; the excitement and warmth of the gesture, no matter what it is, almost makes me tell myself to grow up and stop making such a big deal about it.

  It is a watch--by the looks of it, a very expensive watch. The face and wristband are lined with diamonds, jade and cobalt gems. Flowers and now the watch. I had never received flowers or jewelry prior to today. I always told myself that neither were really that important. However, I can't help the knot that forms in my chest just looking at the watch. Before I can formulate a response he quickly explains, "It is from the Board as gift for your dedication. It is also in celebration of your newly-appointed position. Please accept our gift as a thank you for all you have done to make this company a success and my extreme gratitude to you for your services over the years."

  I just give another wordless nod and once I finally register that I am standing in the office of my billionaire boss who just offered me praise, a gift and a hug, I stammer out, "Thank You! I have never received such a beautiful gift. It is absolutely exquisite. I feel honored, Sir. It has been a pleasure to work for you within in this company and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity. I look forward to a very long and successful career within Greyson Capital, Sir."

  Mr. Greyson raises his hand and gestures behind me "Hadley, speaking of your longevity within the company, I would like you to meet Ben Harrison. He is the head of the Legal Affairs department at Greyson Capital."

  I swing my gaze behind my shoulder and see a polished, almost pretty, man sitting on the coach with numerous stacks of highlighted paperwork starting to rise off the couch. He smiles and stretches out his hand to me in greeting. I move to approach and return the gesture when our eyes meet and I see the navy blue of his and dirty blond wavy hair that slightly falls over his right eye as he smiles warmly. I am lost in those pools, and there is something slightly mysterious and cautious in that smile.

  This man is a yuppie for sure… but yummy. Within seconds I surmise that he spends more time getting ready for work in the morning than I do. That is not natural for a man--or at least, my type of man. He's attractive, yes, and I will appreciate the view nonetheless.

  I catch myself about to gaze down from his eyes to his mouth. I lick my lips. I take a hastier step than necessary toward the couch and sitting area. I trip on the corner of the rug and fall into Mr. Harrison's outstretched arms. He holds me up and pulls me into him to steady me. His breath is hot against my ear. My arms are pinned tight against his chest. I am thankful for the barrier to my chest, as I am sure the girls are peaked and completely aware of his body against mine. His warm breath is invading every other pore in my body. He smells like fruity musk--too much cologne for a man, but hi
s chest and arms are solid.

  Get a fucking grip! I am such a klutz. I need to get laid. NO! I know what I need. I need two hours in the loft to allow the music to take me to more pleasurable places, where errant thoughts assault my senses. The increase in blood and sensations that pulse through me calms me and helps me put all the shuffled note cards in my mind in order.

  I awkwardly recover my composure. I settle back to at upright position, supporting myself, and then apologize to Mr. Harrison for my falter. He grins, most likely recognizing my redness in my high cheekbones, and offers me an out to ease the tension I am sure is traveling off me in waves.

  "Anytime you need a shoulder to fall on, I am your man. It is a pleasure to finally get a chance to work with you. I have heard so many things about you, and now I look forward to seeing you in action for myself. I can already confirm with the utmost certainty I will enjoy the view across the table during early morning closing meetings much more now. No offense, Old Man." He never takes his eyes from mine.

  I cringe instantly at that reference. Great… just another C-cup with a pert backside. I feel a wave of heat start to stoke in my belly and I push it down. I decide to work it out later. I manage an amicable wordless smile back to Mr. Harrison.

  Mr. Greyson responds by shrugging toward Ben with a small smile. "I can't say I could disagree that point. Hadley, Ben handles all of our sensitive matters regarding highly compensated and senior level members of the company. He is also responsible for creating and overseeing the execution of all closing documents, specifically for mergers and acquisitions. He is here to work out a new employment contract with you, and you will be working with him very closely on closing contracts for the Mathis project. I would like to meet you Monday evening for dinner to discuss details surrounding transitioning that process to you. I need to spend time in the New York office for the government contracts review with the security teams. Ben will be on hand to review the newly-drawn employment agreement we have drafted, and then I will be flying out Tuesday morning."

  I knew this part was coming. The five-year employment contract was expiring. I also knew there would be additional responsibilities within the role that was created for me. All attractiveness and most likely genuine comments from Mr. Harrison aside, he does seem like a trusted resource to Mr. Greyson and a very polite and professional man. I will need to keep my focus on my responsibilities and show more respect for his experience and level of position within the organization.

  My inner trucker awakens and I can't help the remarks that run across my mind. Who the fuck am I kidding? I am going to enjoy looking at that splendid frame each morning at closing meetings, too. I am just going to do it from a distance, so his cologne doesn't gag me.

  I excuse myself to get ready for my presentation. I scold my inner child for getting distracted by the show of praise the gift and the fruity law man! With all the excitement, I had almost forgotten completely about it! I am thinking when this day is over I am going to require strawberry cheesecake ice cream after a loft visit and a hot shower…

  Chapter THREE

  Hotel California

  Hadley-

  After stopping off at Home Depot for paint and other supplies, I had a brief consultation with Evan, my DIY consultant. He's 20 and a few months ago I bought him and his buddies a case of beer as payment when they helped me out with installing a new tub and shower in my master bath, obviously not realizing he was underage. I wondered why their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when I handed it over with two large pizzas! Evan looks older and is very knowledgeable about building and structural design. He is in his second year of college and his dad manages the store. He helped me carry my materials to the car. I now think I have everything I need and more to freshen up the vacant unit before the showing tomorrow evening. I went against Tyler's wishes and chose to do the work myself for all the necessary repairs. I also wanted to spruce up a few things prior to renting the unit out, considering this tenant was going to actually pay rent.

  After backing up my Tundra pickup to the front step of the empty unit, I climbed up in the back of the bed with my dress clothes still on and unpacked the supplies.

  Tyler strolls out, shaking his head and groaning, because he knows that he doesn't have the conscience to allow me to do all the work without volunteering to assist in the effort. He is always hounding me about taking time to kick my feet up. Needless to say, the loft space was custom-built on its own level above my second floor that has two more bedrooms. The master is on the main level. The only entrance to the roof and loft space is through my unit. He knows I dance for exercise purposes but not all the specific details or history. He feels like I do not take enough time for myself and I am always spending my time and effort on my career and other people's happiness. Tyler was adamant I could afford to hire out some assistance to perform the repairs. He tried to convince me that I would more than make back the investment with the influx of rental income I would be getting from the new lease. Especially considering its previous tenant, Shelby, didn't even pay any rent or utilities.

  Speaking of Shelby, a couple of weeks ago was her wedding reception. I was the honorary Matron of Honor. They eloped to the beach in a private ceremony last month. However, they had a big reception before leaving on their honeymoon. My kind of wedding. No ugly dress, bitchy bridesmaids or bridezillas. I never understood why people spent thousands of dollars on the wedding hoopla. In my mind if the marriage itself is good enough, who needs the overpriced ceremony? I wonder if there has ever been a study done on the longevity or happiness level of married couples based on the amount of money spent on the ceremony.

  I get the justification for having a big a reception--that part makes sense to me: party with friends and family to celebrate the blessed union. I think Shelby and Marcus did it right. More importantly, I know they are right for each other.

  I had fun--maybe too much. I was shit-faced, which I don't do all too often. I needed to unwind. Emily, Tyler's sister, was in town and was my designated driver. Tyler went home with Macey earlier in the evening. I was three sheets to the wind and I was tired of always feeling alone—actually, always being alone and never knowing the feeling of being in love. Although I was extremely happy for Shelby, it was hard to watch her so happy with Marcus and not want that for myself. I just wanted to feel wanted, maybe pretend I had love, even if it wasn't real. I didn't want meaningless sex, per se, because I am not a cock-seeking tramp. I have never had a one-night stand or let men's attention validate my worth.

  She did.

  Luke, my ex-boyfriend from my college days, had been my only "experience" to date. What a shame, because that fact all on its own made you want to get back in the saddle, to prove to yourself that there have to be other cowboys that can offer a better ride. I didn't want the hassles of a relationship. If I was being true to myself, I also didn't want to risk the chance that the next guy I actually might have fallen in love with would end up with the neighbor in my bed, too, and just use me. I didn't love Luke but I was humiliated and I felt stupid used and betrayed. At the time I told myself that I needed to be more selective in who I allowed to have that kind of power over me in the future.

  I didn't need a boyfriend or a husband. I just needed to feel wanted, without risking my heart in the process. It had taken me awhile to get her all patched up. I didn't want to press my luck and risk aggravating an old injury.

  In a weird way, my prayers were answered. Maybe it was Dez knowing what I needed by sending me a sweet, lick-worthy and definitely "Had-worthy" specimen. It started as a dance with a complete stranger in the hallway outside the bathroom at the reception hall.

  When I got inside the door of the bathroom, there was a line and it was too bright and stuffy in there. I decided to stand outside the door and wandered up the hallway while I waited. The hallway was dimly lit and my brain was foggy and slow. I began to sway to the familiar instrumentals leading into the Hotel California, playing loudly from the ballroom and echoing p
ast my ears in the hall. This great-smelling guy pressed up behind me. He glided his hands, dragging his fingers softly down until his fingers were laced over mine. He didn't try to take over or lead; he just moved with my motions, asking me to lead him and take him to the place I had escaped to before he touched me.

  My body is buzzing from the warmth and sensation of his fingers on my skin. I calm my jumping heart… he is not trying to paw me or get aggressive. His warm and solid body is pressed to mine. It felt… AWE… there are not words.

  I pull our clasped right hands up to my stomach as I move my hips to the beat up against his front. I smell the fresh air and cinnamon he projects from his body now surround me. He puts his face to my hair just behind my ear and he inhales a deep breath. I get goosebumps as the air he was holding in is forced out. It swirls past my ear, down my neck and between my now damp, shaking chest. The beat continued to pick up. I tilted my head back into his chest. He was tall, and he lowered his head and pressed his lips and alternately licked and kissed up my neck to my ear. I melted into him, and I was lost in that moment.

  I knew I must have been squeezing the fingers of his left hand pretty hard. He pulled it out of my grip with a deep chuckle in my ear. This, to my short-lived disappointment, caused him to drop my earlobe from his teeth. He now had his left hand at my hip, and he pulled me hard into his front.