Goodbye caution, p.38
Goodbye Caution, page 38
“Why?”
“Because you said you were going to keep tabs on them,” I remind him.
“I have, but there’s nothing to report. Stop thinking about it. You won’t have to deal with them for a while anyhow.” He dives into his omelet.
“Gray, I haven’t heard from Stacey in a few days. I’m worried.” I’m not dropping this just because he wants me to. Besides, I know he’s lying. His eyelids are going insane. What’s he keeping from me?
“Maybe she’s busy at her new job,” he offers.
“She got a job? Where?” I’m excited for her, but disappointed she hasn’t called to tell me.
“With Ray.” He looks up to catch my reaction. I don’t offer much of one, and he seems satisfied.
“I’ll call Hazel and ask her what she knows.” I sigh and take another bite.
“There’s nothing to know, Becca! She’s working for him and looking for an apartment. That is it! What are you searching for?” His fist hits the table. I want to tell him I’ll be searching for his purple pants in a minute, but given his anger, I decide it’s not a good idea.
“I’m worried about her, that’s all,” I end up saying, very calmly.
“Becca, I just don’t need the extra stress of worrying about what’s going on out there. I have enough with everything here. You and Morgan are far away from all that nonsense, and that’s all I care about right now.” He grabs my hand and squeezes it.
“What about George?”
“Becca, goddamn it! You are far away and safe on all counts! Let me worry about that stuff!” He continues to raise his voice.
“Grayson, I am not trying to argue with you. You do realize you are telling me to basically not concern myself with my own life? You get a debriefing every morning about my life, and I am left in the dark.” I’m trying to reason with him. I’m pretty sure my efforts will be unsuccessful.
“Your life is here, with your fiancé and your daughter. Stacey, Ray, and George are not your life, just a thorn in the side of it!” Something is up. It has to be, for him to be yelling like this.
“Is the lawyer doing the ad today?” After this question, I’ll drop it ... for now.
“It was done on Friday, sweetheart.” He’s calm again.
“And yet, it’s Monday, and I only know because I asked.” Point—Becca Campbell! I ignore Grayson’s hard glare and finish my breakfast. Instead of sitting in angry silence, I decide to bring our dishes to the sink and wash them.
“Oh Becca, I’ll get those.” Susanna comes over and tries to stop me.
“Please, just let me.” I look to her. I can feel my eyes filling up. I’m so mad. She gives me a sympathetic smile. She must have heard our argument. Christ, who wouldn’t have? He was so loud.
After a few minutes, I feel Grayson’s hand on my right hip. He pushes my hair away from my neck with his other hand. I feel my breath catch. Damn it! Why does he always have this effect on me? Why now, when I’m pissed at him? Thespian Sybecca moved out a while ago. Horny Sybecca is working the pole. Damn whore! Looks like I’m on my own.
“Please stop,” I say as calmly as I can.
“Stop what, sweetheart?” He takes in my scent. Maybe if I just hold my breath ... Grayson chuckles behind me. Bastard! He kisses at my neck and lightly tickles my sides so I’ll breathe. I try to shrug him off and break free, but he grabs my wrist and pulls me back, then pins me up against the counter with both hands. His eyes are wild and a satisfied smirk appears across his lips. He’s totally fucking turned on! What the hell?
He leans in to kiss me. I turn my head.
“Sweetheart, we both know I’m a selfish man. A turn of your head is not going to stop me. The more you fight, the more precarious a position—or, I should say, positions—you will find yourself in.” I turn back to him to tell him where he can go, except ... I’m not successful. He invades my mouth with his tongue. Oh, I hate him! Mmm ... God, he’s delicious. Porn Sybecca steps up to the plate. I give in and take over, making love to his mouth with my own. I’m aggressive and encouraging, then gentle and reluctant, followed by fierce passion and a final bite of his lower lip. He can’t seem to steady his breath. His hands are against the counter on either side of me, as if for support.
I sneak under his arm and slap his ass.
“Have a nice day, Gracie!” I walk out of the kitchen with a smirk on my face and my new “who’s in control now, bitch?” attitude, courtesy of Ghetto Sybecca. Of course, I am smart enough to run to any room but the bedroom. He needs to go to work and stew in that! I wish I could call and talk to Stacey. She would laugh her ass off. God, I miss her.
In the study, I start looking over the books while I wait for Grayson to leave. I love this room. It’s very feminine. Everything is creamy white, from the wainscoting to the built-in bookshelves. The walls are a cream-based red, and the light fixtures are shabby-chic and white as well. So is the couch. I could spend hours in this room. I look at the wall on the right and it’s filled with Renoirs. I love it! I almost feel as if this room was made for me. Which is absurd ... but then again, it wouldn’t surprise me.
I keep looking at the book spines, seeing if anything catches my eye. Oh wow, he has A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I’ve never actually read that book, but I’ve always wanted to. I reach for it. This will be perfect to get me in the holiday spirit. Tippy-toes. Tippy-toes and a jump. Nope. I try to put the desk chair on the platform shelf. Just as I thought, the shelf is too small to support all four legs, but I can do two. If I hold on as I step on, I can steady it on the two legs.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” Grayson snaps as I’m about to climb. He comes over and grabs the chair. “Which book, sweetheart?” He takes my hand to guide me off the platform. I tell him. My choice warrants a smile from him and he retrieves it for me.
“Thank you.” I hold out my hand. He starts to pass it to me, but yanks it back.
“You know, sweetheart, you are very lucky I have a meeting I cannot be late for.” His eyebrow shoots up.
“Really, baby? I don’t know if I’d call that luck.” I run my hands up his chest. I’d better stop. The look he’s giving me tells me he might just fuck me into next week!
“I’ll see you tonight.” I pull his face down to mine and offer a harmless, sweet kiss.
“You drive me mad, sweetheart, on so many fucking different levels. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you.” He grabs my hand and kisses my wrist.
“Oh, Mr. James, surely you know when you are coming with me.” I recycle his comment from several weeks ago. He chuckles a little and collects my face in his hands.
“Oh, Ms. Campbell, how I do love to come with you!” His lips caress mine one final time before he heads out.
“Love you, baby!” I yell after him.
“Love you too, darling!”
I smile. I can never stay mad at him.
Instead of calling Morgan’s school, I dial the number for the B&B. I want to talk to Hazel. An unfamiliar voice answers, which saddens me. I feel like my dreams have been taken from me. I know Grayson is trying to help by making my business flourish and be less overwhelming, but at the end of the day, that’s my baby!
I ask to speak to Hazel, and I’m put on hold. I listen to an ad about the B&B and the store. I didn’t even know we were recording these. When did it happen? Fifteen minutes go by and I’m still on hold. Oh, hell no! I get my cell from my room and text Claudia.
November 12, 2012 8:15 a.m.
Me: Who is working the store desk? I have been on hold for 15+ mins now!
“Becca?” Claudia picks up the phone right away.
“Claudia, who the hell answered the phone? No one should be waiting on the phone like this!” I’m so irritated.
“Becca, I’m sorry. I don’t know who answered. They should’ve said their name.” Claudia sounds just as peeved as I feel.
“I’m sorry everything has been left to you, Claude.” That’s basically what Grayson did by making her general manager and throwing a pile of shit—my shit—into her lap. He just placed a generous bonus check on top to make it all smell sweet.
“Becca, it’s okay. We’re doing fine. I’m doing fine. Grayson has been great with approving any changes I make. Our profits are up. We’re doing more crops. We have an event at the end of the month for a free ‘Make It and Take It’ night for new scrappers. I’m just trying to increase our clientele. We’re running ads and many more tourists are stopping by! We’ve even hired a few more people.”
“Claudia!” I cut her off.
“Yes?”
“Can I ask why Grayson is approving everything? This is my business, so I’m a little confused as to why no one is asking me about any of this.”
“I’m so sorry, Becca. It’s what Grayson instructed me to do. He didn’t want you to have to worry about anything. Please don’t be mad at me.”
I can hear that she is on the verge of tears. I’m like a big sister to her—she’s told me so many times—and I love her like family. She’s been a good friend and employee, rainbow hair and all!
“Oh, Claudia, I’m not mad at you. You are doing a great job and I’m so proud of you. Really, I am! From now on, though, please come to me. Grayson had no right doing that. Now, what else is going on there? Has Stacey moved out yet? What’s up with her?” Claudia will tell me. I know it.
“Becca, Stacey moved out a couple of days after you left. We haven’t seen or heard from her since.” She sounds a little off—shocked, maybe, that I don’t know.
“Has anyone seen her around town?” I was already worried, but now my heart is pounding.
“No.”
I feel as if I may vomit. “Did she say where she was going?”
“No. She just left. I guess she told security she didn’t want them with her, that it was her right to refuse their services.”
“How are Hazel and Charlie?”
“They are visiting family,” she whispers.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, because it’s almost as if she can’t talk.
“Um ... yeah.”
“Anything else strange going on?” I feel like our time is running out.
“Yes, but I can’t say.”
“Security?” That controlling son of a bitch!
“Yes.”
“Okay, ask them if they happen to speak French. But ask like you need help with it.” She complies.
“Vous etes brilliant!”
Yes, I am pretty brilliant. I definitely have my moments, at least.
“Okay, tell me what’s going on.” I’m in complete James Bond mode!
“Il envoya Charlie et Hazel. Il dispose d’une equipe d’experts prendre soin des chevaux. La securite est extremement lourd ici!” I guess Grayson sent Charlie and Hazel away, but she says there’s a whole team of experts taking care of the horses. That’s good if Charlie’s not there. Why is the security beefed up so?
“Claudia, why did he send them away, and for how long?” I knew something was up.
“Je ne sais pas. II ne me dissent pas. C’était le silence meme tous les chut! Becca, que se passe-t-il?Je suis faire peur. Grayson à securite me suit partout trop! Quand vous etes venue à domicile?” Okay, I have to slow that down in my head. She said they didn’t tell her how long or why. It was all hush-hush. She’s got heavy security on her as well. She’s scared and wants to know when I’ll be home.
“Claudia, Grayson is protecting you. These people are highly trained. Do not blow them off at any time. I’m not supposed to come home for a month or so. I’m going to try to get out there sooner, though. I wish I had the answers for you, but he’s keeping me in the dark as well. He’s trying to protect us, but it’s wrong. It leaves us more vulnerable. I will talk with him today. I love you, Claudia. Hang in there.”
“I love you, too.” I can hear her nerves.
“How are your other languages? Don’t say them, because we may have to use them next time.”
“Very good. Once again, I need to remind you that you are awesome!” She giggles.
“Yes, I am. I love him but he can go suck it!” I am pissed! She laughs and we say our goodbyes.
I quickly get dressed and head down to the kitchen, where I find Morgan digging in to her breakfast. It’s almost nine o’clock. Her tutor should be here soon.
“Susanna, can you let Sam know I need a ride to Grayson’s office?” I grab a fresh cup of coffee.
“I’m sorry, Becca. Sam is on an errand a few hours away.”
“Where are the keys to Grayson’s cars?” I ask cautiously and take a sip.
“Um, in the key cupboard by the garage door. Becca, he’s very busy, maybe you should just call.” Oh, she can see the steam coming out of my ears.
“Nope, need to see him in person.”
Just then, the doorbell rings. I head down to greet Morgan’s new teacher. She flashes me a fantastic smile. She must be about twenty-five. She’s of average height, with golden-blonde hair, green eyes, and skin that has been kissed by the sun.
“Hi! I’m Abigail Stern!” She holds her hand out to me. I take it and return her smile. “Mrs. James, I presume?”
“Oh, call me ‘Becca,’ please. And we’re not married yet,” I offer. I don’t know why. She’s very nice, confident, personable, and attractive. I summarize Morgan’s situation as we head toward the kitchen.
Morgan gets up to greet her new teacher. I can see she’s glad Miss Stern is young and very fashionable. Instant hit! I have them follow me to Morgan’s study, which Grayson had built over the weekend. There’s a wall that was made into a blackboard with special paint, plus two desks: one for the teacher, and a smaller one for Morgan. There’s shelving for educational books and two new, shiny computers. Abigail’s eyes go wide, and she looks thrilled. I don’t blame her—I would be, too!
“Well, Morgan can help you figure out what she’s been working on ‘til I hear back from her teacher at home. I have an errand to run. I’ll be back later. Have fun, Morgy!” I give her a kiss.
I grab my purse from my room and head toward the garage.
“Becca, we can’t let you leave,” Melissa states as I look at the keys. There are so many! She seems uncomfortable, and I’m confused for two different reasons: why I can’t leave, and why one person needs so many damn vehicles. Honestly!
“Melissa, I love you and I know you hate doing this, but I am not a prisoner, nor am I a piece of property. I can leave as I choose. I have a question for you, though.” I smile.
“Um, what’s that?” Oh, she’s so conflicted. We’ve become very good friends, but she is under Gray’s employ.
“Which car would you choose if you were pissed off at Ryan and wanted to do something to really stick it to him? I’m not big on cars, so I don’t know which one is his ‘baby.’” I do the air quotations.
“Do you know how to drive a stick?” She arches a brow.
“Yeah, like fifteen years ago, and I wasn’t very good at it.” Ugh, that will probably decrease my choices significantly. I look out into the garage again. Which one of you owns Grayson’s heart? I look around. I’m miffed ... no idea ... damn it! If I were Grayson, I’d be able to figure it out. He knows me so well—better than I know myself sometimes.
Well, he didn’t know that I’m fluent in four languages. Suck it, Gray! There’s no record for him to learn about it, either, since we paid cash. Two years ago, Claudia and I bought some programs to learn other languages for the business—and our enjoyment. We often have conversations to make sure we stay fluent, and I never told him.
I go back to the key cupboard and grab the ones to the BMW X5. I’ve liked that SUV since Prue drove it on Charmed. “You coming?” I ask Melissa.
“Yes, of course.” She follows me. If you can’t beat them, join them! We slip in. It smells brand new. I start up the engine.
“Holy shit—this literally has two miles on it!” I’m wide-eyed. I put it in gear and hit the garage opener. “Can you plug Grayson’s work address into the GPS?” I ask Melissa. She’s on it. My cell plays “Chim Chim Cher-ee”—Grayson’s ringtone.
“Good morning!” I answer sarcastically.
“I am so going to make you pray in French tonight, sweetheart.” I can hear the lust in his voice.
“Aucune priere ne dit ce soir! C’est une promesse!”
“Oh, really? You sure about that?” Damn it—he speaks French.
“Yes, I am pretty sure I will not be saying any prayers,” I snap.
“How do you like your engagement present?” He ignores my comment.
“What engagement present?” My ring?
“The vehicle you are driving. It’s yours. Do you like it?” Okay, maybe a little prayer.
“This is mine?” Goddamn it! How does he know me so well? I went into a garage with ten cars, and chose the one he got for me? What the hell? Way to stick it to him, Becca! Point—Grayson James.
“Yes, sweetheart, it’s yours. Do you like it?” He sounds unsure.
“It’s too much and not necessary.” I feel uncomfortable, actually.
“Becca, you needed a car, and I want you to have your heart’s desire. If I got it wrong, I’ll get you a different car.” He seems disappointed.
“Clearly I needed a car. The other nine you have weren’t sufficient enough!”
“It’s a gift, Becca. Besides, I’ve experienced your driving. Better for you to have your own car and not drive any of my babies,” he teases.
“I’ll have you know I’ve never been in a car accident,” I defend myself, then suddenly acknowledge I’m going twenty miles over the speed limit. Oops.
“Where are you going?” He changes the subject.
“To come see you.” I’m irritated. I know he knows where I’m going!
“Don’t you mean see me, then come?” He laughs at his own wittiness. I hang up, then look over at Melissa.
“Did you know he bought this car for me?” I ask. Her eyes grow wide.
“Uh ... no. Wow!” She launches into a laughing fit. We’ve gotten into a few of these before. I laugh with her, though I don’t know exactly what she’s laughing about. Tears pour from her eyes. I find it pretty funny that she cries every time she laughs. “You spent so much time looking at the cars, and managed to pick the one he bought you! Way to stick it to him, Becca!” She laughs at me. My sentiments exactly!
