ChaShiree M.
M.K. Moore
Copyright©2024byChaShireeM
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
CreatedwithVellum
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Epilogue
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthors
MeetingGladisHornerhasbeen…interestingtosaytheleast.WemetoverayearagoatacharityfunctionfortheSavannah GroupHomeandwe’vehadcoffeeatleastonceaweeksincethen.I’veevenhaddinnerwithherandherfamilyseveraltimes. Ilovehowherhusband,Henry,loveshersofreakingmuch Hehidesnothing He’salwaysfindingwaystotouchherorkissher nomatterwhoisintheroom.She’soneofmybestfriendseventhoughshe’sthirtyyearsolderthanme.
“Comeondear Youhavetoletmefixyouup,”shesays,justlikeshealwaysdoes GladisownstheHeartStringsDating Service.Sheclaimstohaveanearlyperfectrecord.Whenitcomestomatchmaking,Gladisisthebestofthebest.Ihaveno reasontodoubtherskills,butI’mfocusedonmycareerrightnow MyfamilyownsHuxleyStudios,headquarteredinAtlanta, butIdon’tspendalotoftimethere.I’mintheChildrenandFamilyprogramminginSavannah,butI’mbeyondreadytomove ontomoreadultcontent.Iloverom-comsandlovestoriesingeneral,butmyfather,thecurrentCEO,stilltreatsmelikealittle girl Despitebeingtwenty-three,hedoesn’tevenwantmetogotopremieresofthosekindsofmovies
“Oh, Gladis, you know I’mnot ready to date,” I tell her. I’ve never been on a date. I’ve never even been kissed, so obviously I’mstill a virgin Currently, my parents are pushing for me to marry Connor Forsythe which I would never do BeforemeetingGladis,Iwouldhavedonewhatevertheytoldmetodo.Asapeoplepleaser,it’shardtosaynotopeoplebut nowIhavethecouragetodosomethings.IfonlyIcouldassertmyselfintheboardroom,I’dbeokay.
“I’llkeeptrying,girl.Youdon’tneedamantosucceedinlife,buttrustme,theymakethingsbetter.”
IlaughbecausewhatelsecanIdo?
Afteranotherthirtyminutesinthecoffeeshop,Iheadtomyparent’shouse,forourobligatorySaturdaylunch,becausethey are justtoosocial toschedule familydinners.The vibe inthe house is weirdas soonas Molly,the housekeeper,lets me in. Molly,thejolliestperson,Iknow,loseshersmiletheinstantsheseesme
“Oh,Millie.”
“Oh,no.WhatisitMolly?”MollyandIusedtohangouteverydayafterschool fromkindergartenuntilIgraduatedfrom highschoolwhilemyparentsworked,andmybrotherswereincollegeoralreadyworking.
“He’shere.”
“He,who?”
“ThatForsythecad.”MollyisfromLondon,andIthinkshethinksit's1813.Igroanandrollmyeyes.
“Whyaretheypushingthishard?”
“Idon’tknow Millie,butyoucan’tmarrythanman,” she whispers as she takes mypurse.Ikiss her cheekandthankher beforetakingadeepbreath,tryingtoclearmyhead.Icanalreadytellthisisgoingtosuck.Thethingaboutmyfamilyisthatwe all appear cold and distant The press paints us this way While it’s true inbusiness, our familylife is muchdifferent My parentsVirgilandMargene,arecompletelyinlove.They’vebeenmarriedfortwenty-fiveyearsbuttogetherforthirty-one.My oldestbrother Michael is thirty He’s followed byStephenwho is twenty-eight I’mthe youngestattwenty-two Bothofmy brothersarehappilymarriedwiththreekidseach.Myparentsarrangedtheirmarriageswithotherproductionstudiofamilies, andtheyaretryingtodothesamefor me Iknow theythinkI’dbehappywithConnor likemybrothers arehappywiththeir wives,butIknowIwon’tbe.Connorgivesmethefreakingcreeps.
Michael,andhiswifeSasha,areexpectingtheirfourthchild.She’sbarelyshowing.Icanhearthemwhisperinginthefront closet It’sahugeroomwherewestorecoatsduringparties It’sdark,butI’mabouttogreetthemwhenIrealizemybrotheris fuckingheragainstthefurthestwall.Ishakemyheadindisgustandbackaway.Icontinuefurtherintothehouse.Stephenand Beckyhave all sixkids inthe familyroom Theyare playingcharades Iwave and sitdownonthe couch Immediately, six kids,aged10to3,piledrivemeintothecouch.
“AuntMillie!”Theysquealandgiggleinunison Ihugandkissthemallbeforetheygobacktotheirgame Beckyissitting onStephen’slap,offintheirownlittleworld.Sure,Iwantthatoneday,butIwanttobeinlovewhenIgetmarried,notpray thatIfallafterthefact.
Theyignoreme,butIdon’texpectanythinglesswhentheyarelikethis MollycallseveryonetothetableandsureenoughConnoristhere.
Igreetmyparents,gettingbighugsfromthembeforeturningbacktothetable
WhileIwasgettingmyhugs,thetablefilled
up.
Adjustingmyglasses,Isitdownintheonlyfreechair.Ofcourse,it’srightbyConnor.Thanks,Mama.TosaythatIhatethis manwouldbeanunderstatement
“Howareyoudoing,HillyMilly?”heasks,callingmebythenicknamethefootballteamgavemeinhighschool.See,I’ve alwaysbeenabiggergirl I,personally,lovethewayIlook,butprettymucheveryoneinschooltriedtomakemefeellikeshit aboutit.ThemoreIignoredthemthemoretheydidit,butIwasn’tabouttoappearweakjustbecausemythighstouchandtits arehuge
“Don’tfuckingcallmethat,Connor,”Iseethe.Ihate,hate,hatethisman.
“Don’tbe like that, Mills. Whenyou’re mywife you’ll learnto speakwithbetter manners,” he says squeezingmyknee painfullyunderthetable Igrabhiswrist,bendingitbackwardjustlikemybrotherstaughtmetodo
“Don’ttouchme,asshat.”
“Ican’twaittobreakyouin,Mills Justyouwait”
Fortherestofthemeal,Isaynothingtohim.Afterlunch,mydadcallsmeintohisstudy.Helikestointimidatepeople,so there are no chairs across fromhis deskfor people to sitin Everytime Icome inhere, Ifeel like a little girl aboutto be groundedbecauseIdidn’tfinishmygreenbeans.Istandthereforalongtime.He’sshufflingthroughpapers,basicallyignoring me.Iknowwhateverhe’sabouttosay,I’mgoingtohateit.
“Youwantedtoseeme,Dad?”Ifinallyaskafterfiveminutesofshufflingmyfeet
“YourmotherandIareannouncingyourengagementonJanuary10thatthestockholder’smeeting.”
“ToConnor?”Isputter,indignantly Mymindisracing Ihavetogetoutofhere WherecanIruntosothatIdon’thaveto marrythisman?
“Ofcourse.Whoelsearewemergingwith,ifnottheForsythe’s.” “ButIdon’twanttomarryhim,”Isay.
“You’lldothisforyourfamily,MillicentMayHuxley.Weneedthismerger.” “Soyou’repimpingmeouttothatwalkingSTD?”
“Don’tbesodramaticandcrass,Millie.You’lllearntolovehim.”
“Idon’twanttolearntolovesomeone Iwanttofallinlove,andIwanttobetheonlywomaninmyhusband’sbed Iwon’t getthatwithhim,”Ispit.
“Growup,Millie.Menstray.”
“Bullshit,” I say, cursing in front of him for the first time. “You don’t. Mikey and Steve don’t. Do you hate me or something?”
“Ofcoursenot,princess Iloveyou,ofcourseIdo Yourmotherdoestoo”Ididn’twanttocry,butIcan’tseemtohelpthe tearsthatarecoursingdownmycheeks.
“Theywhyareyoupunishingme?Connorwillstraybeforetheinkdriesonourmarriagelicense” “He’sassuredmethathewon’t.”
“You’remoregulliblethanIamifyoubelievethat,dad.”
Withthat,Iturnandleavetheroom Mollyiswaitingbythefrontdoorwithmypurseandahandfuloftissues
Silently,Ikisshercheekagain,takemystuff,andwalkouttomycar.AssoonasI’minside,Ipullmyphoneoutandcall GladisbeforeIchangemymind IfIhavetomarrythatasshole,thereisnowayinhellI’mgoingintothatavirgin,notthatI’d eversleepwithhim,butI’mnotstupid.Iwouldn’tstrayfrommymarriage,evenifIdidn’twantit.Whycan’tItellmyparents tofuckofflikeIknowIneedto?
“Hey,girlie.What’sup?”
“Goaheadandsetmeup,”Isay,sniffling. “What’swrong?Areyousure?”
“I’veneverbeensurerofanythinginmylife.”
“It’sdone Givemeacoupleofhours”
WehangupandIpraythatIdidn’tjustmakeahugemistake.
DearGodhelpme.“Areyoulisteningtome,Malcolm?”Mymom’sscreechingvoicemakesmesituplikesheisintheroom withme.NomatterhowmuchmoneyIamassandhowsuccessfulIam,mymomcanmakemefeellikealittlekid.
“Yes,Mother Ihearyou”
“Wellgood,becauseyourfatherandIarenotgettinganyyoungerandwewouldlikegrandchildren.Preferablyoneswith goodbreedingonbothsides”Rollingmyeyes,Ilookupandgrabthebridgeofmynose,annoyedandunabletodoanything “Now,thereisaniceyounglady…”AndthisiswhereIstopher.
“Stop Donotsayanotherword,Mother”Shegaspsaudiblyatmytone,andIimmediatelyfeelregret,butIcannotletthis become another bridal parade. “Ilove youand youknow it. But, Iama grownmanand Ido notand will notabide byyou sendingthroesofwomen,onesthathavenothingtoofferme,Imightaddinfrontofmyface.Iwillfindawife.IfIwantone andwhenIwantone DowehaveanunderstandingMother?”silencegreetsmebeforesheclearsherthroat
“Ishouldsaywe do.Goodday,Malcolm.” She hangs upswiftlyandmygutbegins toache.Ihate disappointingher,but enoughisenough
“Mr.Porter,Johnisonline1.”
“Thankyou,Gwynn.”
“John.Whatasurprise.TowhatdoIowethispleasure?”Imeanthatlightly.Nothingiseverpleasurableabouttalkingto him.Johnisamemberofourboardofdirectors.Hecameupinthiscompanywithmyfather.Heandtwoothersarethesole remainingoriginalmembersandbecausetheirshareissovast,everydecisionImakeisrunthroughthem Myfatherstartedthis companyandhesetitupthatway.Checksandbalancesandallofthat.Whenmyfathersemi-retired,heleftmeinchargeashis onlymaleheir HemademeintotheCEOandbequeathedmemostofhisremainingshareswhichisequaltofiftypercentwith himholdingonepercentasatie-breakershouldIneedit.
Johnistheonewhoalwaysholdsout,tryingtocoaxmorefrommeormakemefollowhislead.Itwillneverhappen,buthe tries,andIcan’tstandhim.“Malcolm,myboy,Iunderstandthereisapartyatyourfolksplaceinacoupleofdays.”
“Thereisindeed.Anannouncementofsorts.”Myfatherhasdecidedtoinvestinaproductioncompany.Heisgoingtobe thenewmajorityshareholderandhewantstomakeaformalannouncementalongwithaparty Myparentswilldoanythingfor aparty.
“Isee Can’twait Thereasonfor mycall dear boyis becausemygranddaughter will beherethatweekendandIwould loveforhertoattend.Perhapsyoucanescorther…”Areyoufuckingserious?
“Ihave a date already,John.Sorry.Now ifyouwill excuse me.” Unbelievable.Iamgettingitfromeverywhere. Knock Knock “Enter”Whenmydadwalksin,Icurseundermybreath Ican'tgetadamnbreak “Son.”
“Father”
“Firstofall,Idon’tcaremuchforanyonemakingmywifecry.”Hisfaceissternashescoldsme,butIcan'tstopmyself fromrollingmyeyes Likehellshewascrying Thatwomanismadeofsteel
“Iwillapologizedad.NowhowcanIhelpyou?”ForfuckssakecanIgetsomepeace?
“Icameheretogiveyouthis.”Hedropsabusinesscardonmydesk.
“GladisHorner Relationshipmatchmakertotheeliteandtheeveryday”Irepeatthesloganonthecard “Amatchmaker?” Hesmirksandnodshishead.
“Youbetyourass She’sthebest Lookherup”Hesmilesandwalksoutthedoor Isitbackinmychairandtakeasecond Seriously?But,Ifindmyselflookingthebusinessupandwow,talkaboutimpressive.ThelistofnamesofHollywoodcouples shehaspairedupisnothingshortofdownright,amazing
BeforeIcanstopmyselfIamshootinganemail.Whatthehellcanithurt?Atthisrate,Ineedtofindsomeonesoeveryone willgetoffmyback. Knock Knock. Itisfuckinggrandcentralstationinhere.“Comein.”
“Sir,IjustwantedtoseeifyouneededanythingbeforeItookmylunch?”Gwynn'squestionisnormal Aquestionsheasks meeveryday,buttoday,thereissomethingelsehiddeninit.
“No Iamfine Enjoy”Shehesitatesatthedoorandlooksatme “Istheresomethingelse,Gwynn?”
“No, sir,” she whispers the lastpartbefore walkingout, lookingover her shoulder and closingthe door. Whatthe hell? MaybeIdoneedawife.Itseemstobeopenseasonaroundhere.
“I’mso glad youletme do this. Trustme whenIsayIfound the perfectmanfor you. He’s uniquelyable to understand the pressuresyouareunder,”Gladissays,andIfeelguilty.Swallowingthickly,Ishakethosethoughtsfrommyhead.
“Thankyou,Gladis Ireallyappreciatethis,morethanyouknow”Ican’ttellherwhyIwantthis,buthopefully,shewon’t bepissedwhenshefindsoutI’musingherandthisgreatguyshefoundforme.MaybeIshouldn’tdothis,Ihesitate,butforget aboutthatwhenshespeaksagain
“Noproblemdarling.Malcolmwill meetyouatMannheim’sattwelve-forty-five,”shesays.“No,Henry,notthatone.”I hear Henry grunt something in response I laugh as they have a little more back and forth I’m used to it though “The reservationisunderhisname,”shesays,lettingmeknowshe’sbacktomenow.
“Perfect,”Isaycheckingmywatch.IhavealittleoveranhourbeforeIhavetodrivedowntown,notthatthere’smuchofa downtown,butthat’swheretherestaurantis
WehangupandIspringintoaction.I’vedatedsome,allblinddatessetupbymymother.Thosesetupscamecompletewith coordinatedoutfitstowear ThisisthefirstdateIhaveeverbeenonthatwasalluptome Insidemycloset,Islidemydresses downtherodandpulloutawhiteblouse.Grabbingapairofjeans,ablackbodysuit,andapairofheeledblackboots,Iget dressedquicklybutpayspecialattentiontomymakeupandhair.ThedriveovertotherestaurantwasuneventfulandIusedthe timetocalmdownandgathermythoughts.
Idon’tknow whatIwas expectingwhenIgettothe restaurant,butMalcolmPorter wasn’tit.RidiculouslyhotMalcolm Porter TheMalcolmPorterwhodatessupermodelsandotherbeautifulwomen Irealizemymouthishangingopen,soIsnapit shut.
“Millicent?”heasks,extendinghishandtome IwishIcouldtellwhathe’sthinking He’slookingatmeintently,butIcan’t getareadonhisthoughts.
“Millie,butyes,that’sme.It’snicetomeetyou,Malcolm,”Isay,takinghishand.ThesecondthatIdo,Iresisttheurgeto snatchmyhand back. After whatseems like forever, he releases me and pulls mychair outfor me. He joins me across the table.
Afterbarelytenminutesofeasyconversation,IrealizethatIcouldlikethisman,butIcan’t ThisisjusttohaveamemoryI canliveofffortherestofmylife.ItalarmsmehowmanytimesIhavetoremindmyselfofthat.Malcolm’snotatalllikethe mediaportrayshimandIknowsomethingaboutthat Theycallmecoldandcalculating,butI’manythingbut He’ssogenuine Hedoesn’ttrytocontroltheconversationandreallylistenstowhatIhavetosay.Heordersalargemeal,despitethisbeinga lunchdatesoIdon’tfeelweirdorderingwhatIwanttoo.
“Ihavetoattendapartyintwodays'time It’sblacktie Wouldyouaccompanyme?”heasksaswelingerovercoffee It’s likeneitheroneofuswantsthisdatetoend.IknowthatIdon’t.I’veneverfeltlikethisbefore.I’mbothhotandcold.Achy. “Yourparent’sannualNewYear’sEveParty?”
“Yes.I’drathernotgoatall,butmymotherinsists,besidesit’sforagoodcause”hesays,rollinghissleevesup.Ifeelmy eyes widenwhenIsee his sexytattoos Theycover botharms andIfindmyselfwantingtotrace themwithmytongue Is he covered inthem? God, Iwant to find out. I’ve always wanted a tasteful tattoo, but I’ve always beentoo scared to get one becausewhatwouldsocietysayaboutme?Mymother’svoiceringsinmyheadeverytimeIeventhinkaboutgettingone.
“Likewhatyousee?”heasks,makingmesnapmyeyesuptohis Ifeelmyblushrisingatbeingcaughtstaring again “Yes,”Iwhisperafterclearingmythroat.HejustgrinsatmeandIforgethowtobreathe.
“I’malreadygoing,butI’dlovetogowithyou,”Itell him,gigglingalittle SincewhenamIagiggler?Hesmilesatme againandIswearmypantiescatchonfire.Hepaysthecheck,andwewaitoutsideoftherestaurantwhileourcarsarebrought upbythevalet Again,theconversationiseasy I’vetalkedmoretothismanthanI’veeverspokentoamanwhowasn’tinmy employ.Gah,Ilikehim.Notonlyishehot,buthe’snicerthanIthoughthewouldbe.
AfterthevalethandsmemykeysandItiphim,IamsurprisedbythesoftkissMalcolmplacesonmylips.Ishouldn’thave been We’dbeenbuildinguptoitallafternoon It’sthebest,sweetestkissofmylife Idon’thavemanytocompareitto,but it’samazing.
“I’ll pickyouupatsevenatyour place”Weexchangenumbers andItexthimmyaddress Istill livewithmyparents I
willuntilIgetmarried.Ihardlyeverseethem.TheyspendalotoftheirtimeinAtlanta. “Soundsgood,”Isay,moredazedthanIwouldhaveliked. Igetintomycaranddriveaway ThefurtherIgetfromhim,themoreitfeelslikeIcan’tbreathe Forsomethingthat’snotsupposedtomeananything,itreallyfreakingdoes.MaybeIshouldcancel?No,I’mdoingthis.I wanthimandI’mgoingtogetthatonedeliciousmemorythatwillcarrymethroughtherestofmylife Forthefirsttimethough,Iwonderifonetastewilleverbeenough…
TwoDaysLater
Fuck.Ican’tstopshaking.Mybloodis pumpingthroughme like a damnoil well thatsprunga leak.Ihave beenpractically jacked up onsomethingsince the moment I laid eyes onmyMillie Callingher mine is a stretchsince she onlyagreed to accompanymetomyparent'sparty,butIcan’thelpit.Everythinginsideofmeistellingmesheismine.Hell,Ihavefucking jackedofftoamemoryofherplumplipsfordaysandtheideathatIgettofeelthemforrealhasgotmeonahigh ThankfuckI amnotdrivingandwassmartenoughtohireacarforthenight.“Ihavethedoor.”Itellthedriver,gettingout.
Standingoutside, Icheckthe buttons ofmytux, lord forbid myparents do anythingthatis notformal. Rubbingmyhands downmypants,Iwipethesweatfromthemandswallow.Crap.ShehasmealltieduplikeIaminhighschool.BeforeIcan touchthedoorbell,thedoor opens.“YoumustbeMalcolm,”saysanolder distinguishedgentleman.Icanseewhereshegets hereyesfrom
“Iam,sir.Itisapleasuretomeetyou.”Holdingoutmyhand,Iamsilentlyprayinghecan’ttellbyhowclammymyhands are,whatIplantodowithhisdaughtertonight
“Porter.Youwouldn’tbyanychancebeVirgilPorter’sboy?”Shit.
“Yes,Iam.”Hiseyesglintabit.
“Isee.SoIsupposeyouandmydaughteraregoingtothepartyyourparentsarethrowingtoannouncetheinvestmentinmy productioncompany?”Damn.IthinkofitfromthisangleonceIfiguredoutwhoshewas.Idon’tknowmuchaboutmyfather’s involvementinthis Wasitwanted/Didhestrong-armhiswayinsidethecompany?
“Yes,Sir.”Thenitoccurstomeheisn’tdressed.“Areyounotattendingaswell?”Surelymyfathersentaninvite.
“My wife is under the weather, and I don’t attend events like this without my wife Millicent will be a suitable representativeofourfamily.”Myteethgrindtogetherattheword‘suitable.Likesheisafuckingstand-inforamoreprominent star.Utterbullshit.Sheisthegoddamnstar.Hell,sheisthedamnmoonandsun.IcanfeelmyshoulderstensingupandIhave to mentallycalmmyself “So how did youmeetMillicent?” His questions sound curious butthere is somethinginthe tone I can’tpinpoint.NottomentionfromthemomentheopenedthedoorhehasbeenstaringatmelikeIaminhisway.
Heclearshisthroatwaitingforananswer,butthenIhearwindchimesinmyears “Malcolm”Ihearfrombehindthedoor Squaringwithherfather,Ipushthedoorbackandstandinginanemeraldgreendress,withsee-throughsleevesandwhatIcan gatherisathigh-highslit,ismyangel
“Youlookravishing,Millie,”Itellher,whisperingbecausemythroatiscloggedwithanynumberofemotionsIdon’twant toconveyinfrontofherfather.Theblushthatcoatsherface,runsdownherneckandtomysupremedisappointmentcannotbe followedtoherchest,sincesheiscompletelycovered
“Whythankyou,Malcolm.Youlookverydashing.”Mychestpuffsoutwithher compliment.Shegrabsher coatfromthe hanger Reachingpastherfatherwhoisstilllingeringanddoingsomethingakintopissingonhisstoop,Igrabhercoatfromher andwalkclosertoher,pushingherfatheroutoftheway.Well…makinghimmovehimself.
“Turnaround,”Itellher,motioningforhertoletmehelpherintoit Themomentitisonher,Iturnherbackfacingmeand beginbuttoninghercoat.Shegaspsatfirst,shockedbymyactions.Shit.SoamI.Ihaveneverfeltthislevelofownershipor possessivenessbefore.
“Icanbuttonmyowncoat,Malcolm”Ilookupandseesheishidingasmile Cheekylittleangel
“Iknow,angel.ButwhatkindofmanwouldIbeifIdidn'tmakesureyouwerewarm?”Icanseetheglowinhereyes,my wordsmakingherfeelsomething Good Thereismorewherethatcomesfrom Makingsuresheisset;shegrabsherpurseand Igivehermyarm.“Let’sgo.”Shenodsbeforeturningtoherfather.
“Goodnight,Daddy.”Hesimplylooksather.
“Millicent.” How did someone so cold, produce this warm, beautiful angel? Questions unanswered but not critical, we makeittothecar.Thedrivergetsouttoopenitforher,butmyinnerbeastwantsnoonedoinganythingforhisangel.
“Iwillopenit,”Itellhim Hishandsgoupandhebacksaway Shecovershermouth,butitdoesn’thidethegiggle “Find thatfunnydoyou,angel?”Iwhisperinherearwhilehelpinghergetinside.Shit.Ishouldn’thavedonethat.Herscent,warm honey,andstrawberryflowsthroughmynoseandnowmycockisfuckingpanting
The drive over is quiet, but not inanawkward way. It is comfortable. The moment I got inand the door was closed I grabbedher handandhaven’tletitgo.Thecar pulls ontotheestate,andIgroaninwardlylookingatall thecars.“Ohwow. Yourparentssureknowhowtoparty,huh,”shesays,aswepullintothecurve.
“Yep.”OnceagainIgetoutofthecarandopenthedoorforher.Herhandsitsinmine.Ican'thelpfeelinghowperfectwe fit Ofcourse,therearephotographers “MissHuxley MissHuxley”Ihearthemshoutinghernameandshestops Handonmy waist,sheturnsusandposesforthecamerabeforewecontinuewalkingin.“Havetodealwiththisalot?”Sheshrugs. “Partofthefamilybusiness”Assoonasweareinside,wecoatcheckandthenmakeourwayintotheparty “Wow”Inod myhead,seriouslyannoyedattheamountoflavishnessandshamelessflauntinggoingoninhere.Irecognizethegovernor,and afewCEOsofFortune500companies.Somestarlets,actors,models,younamethemtheyarehere.
“Millicent,darling.Ididn’tknowyouwouldbehere.”HollywoodmadamForlaniClitxwalksaround,andairkissesher. Myeyebrowgoesup,realizingforthefirsttime,shemightactuallybemorerecognizedthanmeandIdon’tfuckinglikeit.Not becauseIamanegomaniac,butbecauseIwantherattentiononme Period
“Lani,hi.Ithasbeensolong.”Herfriendlooksatmeandsmiles.
“Who’s your friend?” she asks, lickingher lips Millie smiles and introduces us “Wow Whata hunk” Her hand slides downmychest.IlookatMilliepanickedandinneedofassistance,butsheisgettingakickoutofthisandgiggling.
“Lani,leavehimalone Idon’tthinkheisreadyforyou”Jesus
“Pity.Icouldmakesomeseriousmoneyoffhim.Callme.”Sheslipshercardintomysuitpocket,andIdamnnearchokeon air.
“Whatthehell?”Isaytoher,guidinghertotheothersideoftheroom
“Thereyouare.”Ihearmymother'sexasperatedvoiceandturn,pullingMilliefurtherintomyside.
“Mother”Shelooksatmyarms,givingmeaquestioninggazebeforeturningherattentiontomyangel “ApparentlyIraisedanunpolishedmenace.Excusemyson.Youare?”Forfuckssake.
“Forgiveme,mother ThisisMillicent Millicent,thismymotherHanaPorter”Millicentholdsherhandout “Itisapleasuretomeetyou,Mrs.Porter.”Theyshakehands.
“Anyonewhohasmysonclingingtothemlikehisfavoriteplaygroundsnackisdefinitelymypleasuretomeet.”Dearlord, Ineverknow whatthehellisgoingtoleavehermouth Milliegigglesandthatfuckingsoundisgoingtoputmetobedevery night.“Well,youtwomingleandwewillcatchup.Ihavetocontinuetohost.”Shekissesmycheekandthenwalksaway. “Iamsosorryabouther,”Isayescortingherthroughtheroom
“Sheisnodifferentthanmymom.Iamusedtoit.”ThankGod.
Forwhatseemslikeforeverwemingle,dance,andtalktoeveryone,mostofwhomwanttotalktomyangel.Iknowshehas a job as a producer and she is well-knownbythe networks, but Iamnot fuckingdumb. These mensee her, her purityand sunshineandtheywantitforthemselves.“Millicent.”SeewhatthefuckImean.WebothturntoseeConnorForsythewalking towardus Myarmhasnotleftherbacksincewehavebeenhere,soIfeelherbodybecomerigidanditsetsmeonalert “Connor,”Isay,stoppinghimfrommovinganycloser.
“Porter”Hisvoiceisstern,butheisallpissandnovinegar
“Howcanwehelpyou?”Iaskhim,makingsuretosay‘we’.Hiseyeshaven’tleftmyangelthoughanditispissingmeoff. “IwouldliketoknowwhymyMillieishereonyourarmlikeshebelongstoyou.”Whatthehelldidhejustsaytome?I steptowardhim,readytoshowhimsomething,butasmallhandonmycheststopsme.
“Calmdownbigboy. Igotthis.” Her sultryvoice, givingme a fuckingnickname, cools some ofthe ire butnotenough. TurningtoConnor,shesaysinalowvoice “Ibelongtomyself,Connor Nothinghasbeendecided,despitewhatthehellour parentssay.Wewilldiscussthislater.”Hisnostrilsbegintoflare.Iknowhewantstosaysomethingelse,buthethinksbetter ofitandwalksaway
Not sure I can control myself; I pull her into a dark corner. “Tell me what the fuck is going on, angel. Why does that womanizingpiece ofshitthinkyoubelongto him?” Igrowl into her ear, before kissingher shoulder and neck. She moans, movingherheadgivingmemoreaccess “Answerme,baby”Mytonguetrailsupherneck,towardherear “Our-ourparentsaretryingtoarrangeabusinessmergerthatstartswithusgettingmarried.”AroarIdidn’tknowIhadin meemerges Iamdamngladthebandisplaying IsweartofuckIhearglassesshatteratthevibrationmovingthroughme “It’snothappening.Doyouhearme,angel?Youwillneverbehiswife.Tellmeyouknowthat.”Shemewlsalittleandthat is whenIrealize Ihave her leghiked up around mywaist, rubbingmyfull-mastcockagainsther middle “Ican’thear you, angel.Sayit.”
“It-itwon’thappen.PleaseMalcolm.”That’sright,Connor.She’sbeggingforme,andIamgoingtogiveherallofit.
Malcolmallbutdragsmeoutofhisparent’shouseandtothecarandIlethim.
“Staywithme,”hesaysashekissesmyneck.
“Justuntilmidnight,”Itellhim I’mnotsurewhy it’sonlynine,butIknowthatifIstaythenight,I’llneverwanttoleave Icandothis.Icangivethisgodamongmenmyvirginityandwalkawayunscathed.Icanbeamodernwoman,takingwhatI needandgoinghome Easypeasy
“I’llnevermakeittomyplaceandyoursisout,”hesays,alternativelykissing,licking,andsuckingmyneck.Itfeelssoooo good Nothing has ever felt so real so right “Take us to the Tavish, Marshall,” he tells his driver before rolling the partitionbackup.Thedriverdoesn’tanswer,butthecarlurchesintomotion.
“Malcolm,”Iwhine,notexactlysurewhatI’mwhiningfor.
“You’re sofuckingbeautiful,Millie Tell me youknow thatdon’tyou?” Idon’tactually,soIdon’tanswer,Ijustrunmy handsover themassiveexpanseofhisback.“Thisfuckingdresshasbeendrivingmecrazyall night.All thosemendrooling overyou Ifuckinghatedit,butyouleftonmyarm Theyallsaw,”hegrowls,soundinglikeacaveman WhydoIlovethatso much?
Wehurryinsidehisbuilding.Hepunchesinanelevatorcodeandwe’reoff.Onceinsidetheelevator,hekissesmewithso muchpassion,thatmykneesalmostgiveout.“Igotyou,angel,”hesays,andIgetgoosebumps.Theelevatoropensstraightinto thelivingroom.IwassonervousandexcitedIdidn’trealizeheownsthepenthouse.Ofcoursehedoesthough.He’sMalcolm Porter
ThenextthingIknow,I'mpinnedtothewalltotheleftoftheelevator.Bothofmyhandsarelockedinjustoneofhislarger hands above myhead He runs his hand up mylegthroughthe slitinthe side ofmydress His thick, surprisinglycalloused fingerscaressmythigh.Hegroanswhenhemovesmypantiestothesideandrunshisfingersthroughmywetness.Imoanlong andloud.
“You'resowet,angel.I'mgonnadestroythispussyfor anyother man,”hesayspullinghisfingersfromme.Inodlikean idiot,butinthis moment,Icanalreadytell thatis the truth.Mylips devour his.His deftfingers findthe eye hookabove my zipper,andheopensit,thenslidesthezipperdown Mydresspoolsatmyfeet Hepullsawayfrommymouth,leaningaway fromme.Iliftoneheeledfoot,thentheother,kickingawaythedress.I’mstillinmyforestgreenbraandpanties.He’slooking atmelikehewantstoeatmeandGod,doIwanthimto
Withmyarmsstill uponthewall,myassispoppedout,makingitlookbigger thanitalreadyis.Hisalluringgreeneyes roamup and downmybody. Once he sees the garters hangingdownonmythickthighs, he mumbles something, but I can't understandwhathe's saying I'mprettysureIcanhear myheartpoundinginmyears,anythingelseis impossibletohear He pullsthecupsofmybradown,mynipplesinstantlyhardeninginthecoolairoftheroom.Hesucksinabreathbutdoesn’tsay anything HestaresforalongtimeuntilIcan’ttakeitanymore I’msquirmingunderhisgaze Mywetnessisdrippingdownmy thighs.Ineedsomething.Idon’tknow whattodowithmyhands,soIdropthemandtake mybra off,leavingme injustmy gartersandpanties
“What?”Iask,prayinghedoesn’tstopthis.
“Christmaswaslastweek.Imusthavebeenreallygoodthisyeartogetyouasapresent,”hegrowlsbeforehislipsfind mine Ihavetotouchhim,soIhelphimshrughistuxjackettothefloor Iunknothistieandtossittoo Leaningbackfromhim,I unbuttonhisshirtandtossitnext.Hisundershirtgoestoo.
“Whydohavesomanylayerson,”Imoan,frustrated “Patience,”hesays.“We’vegotallnight.”
“Justuntilmidnight,”Iremindhim
“We’llsee,”hesaysasIgethisbeltopen.Hispantshitthefloorwithametallicclankandmypussyclenchesatthesound. Reachingintohisboxers,Ifindhishardcock.
“Oh,shit,”Igasp It’shuge
“Lookyour fill, angel, because like Isaid, I’mgoingto destroyyou.” He is. Iknow he is. He leans downand takes my nippleintohismouth Ihiss HesucksandbitesituntilI’mawrithingmess Hemovestotheotheroneandgivesitthesame
treatment. He moves his tongue downmybelly, stoppingto runhis fingers reverentlyover the lace edge ofmypanties. He dropstohiskneesandhookshisthumbsintothewaistbandandslidesthemdownmylegs.
“Step,” he demands,andIdosoimmediately He places bitingkisses onmythighs before his tongue swipes throughmy folds.IcryoutasIgriphishairsohard.Hedipshistonguebackintomypussy.Liftingoneofmylegsoverhisshoulder,he devoursme Itdoesn’ttakelonguntilI’mcoming,screaminghisnamelikeapossessedbanshee Hestands,lickingmyjuices offofhislips.“Youtastesofuckinggood.”
“It’smyturntotasteyounow,”Isay,steppingoutofmyheels Ilosethegarterbelttoobeforedroppingtomykneesinfront ofhim.
“Fuck,angel.Youlooksobeautiful onyourkneesreadytotakemycock,”hesaysasItughisboxersdownhislegsuntil theypoolathisankles
“Step,”Isay,andhekicksthemaway.Ilookupathimandlickmylips.Hegroans.WhenIwrapmylipsaroundtheangry headofhisshaft,thatgroanturnsintoamoan Imoantooashisprecumhitsmytastebuds Hetastessogood Hetasteslikehe’s mine.No,don’tthinklikethat.
He’stoobigtofitinmymouth,soIusemyfiststostrokehimoffwhileItakehimasdeepasIcan Whenhehitsthebackof mythroat,heshoutsmynameandgripsmyhair,usingmyheadasleveragetofuckmymouth.Iloveit.
Iwhinewhenheabruptlypullsmeoffofhiscock.“Hey!”Isay,gigglingasheall butruns,draggingmealongwithhim, towardthebigbedroominthebackoftheroom Thegiantbedlookssosoft,butI’mthrownonitbeforeIgetthechancetosay anything.He’sbetweenmyspreadthighssofast,thatIhaven’teventakenabreathyet.
“I’mnotcominganywherebutinthatcunt,angel”Iwantthatsobadly;Idon’tthinktotellhimtoputacondomonorthat I’veneverdonethisbefore…Heslamshiscockintome,takingmycherrywithsuchforce,myboobshitmeintheface.
“Ahhh,”Iscream.Thepainisinstantbutjustasquickasitstarted,itebbsintoanintensefullfeeling.I’mbeingstretched and it feels… amazing. He stops mid-thrust. I’ll never forget the stunned look on his face that quickly turns into awe and somethingprimalIcan’tquiteidentify.
“Fuck, angel Whydidn’tyoutell me? Iwould have ” he begins, butIcuthimoff Mypalmtouches his cheek, and he leansintoitafterkissingit.
“It’sperfect,Malcolm Move,please Ineedmore Givemeeverything,”Idemand,andhebeginstomoveagain “You’remine,Millicent.Mine.Thispussyismine.”
“Iknow,”Iadmit.Nomatterwhathappenstomorrow,I’llneverbeabletodothiswithanotherman.Never.
Hefucksmesohard;Ihavenochoicebuttomeethimthrustforthrust.Itfeelssogood.Icomeassoonasherubsmyclit. Heshoutsmynameashecomesinsideme.Hedropsdownonme,exhausted,andIwrapmyarmsaroundhim.Hiscockisstill insideme Hekissesmylips,myneck,mychest,everywherehecanreach
“Fuck,Millie.Thatwasamazing.You’resotight.I’veneverfeltanythinglikeyoubefore.”
“Iknow Itwasformetoo,”Isaykissinghimback
Afterthreemoremind-blowingorgasms,he’sfastasleep.Theclockonthenightstandsays11:59andIknowit’stimetogo. Idon’twantto,butIknowthatIneedto.UsingthenotepadIfoundbythephoneinthekitchen,Iwritehimanote,cryingthe entiretime Idressinsilence,hissnoresoccasionallyringingout Stillcrying,IwalkoutofthehotelandwaitformyUber My phoneringsforthefifthtimesinceI’vebeenoutside.Isuckupmytearsandanswer.
“Hi,Mama,”Isay
“Finally.HappyNewYear.”
“HappyNewYear Howareyoufeeling”
“The flu is no joke, but Calvin Forsyth called your father. They want your answer now. They would like an April wedding.”April,asinfourmonthsfromnow?No.Noway.Notpossible.
“Ineedtime,Mama Please Ineedtothinkaboutit”
“Alrightbabydoll.I’lljusttellyourdaddyIcouldn’treachyou.You’llletmeknow?”
“Yes,”Isay,sniffling
“Areyouokay?”
“Yes I’mfine,”Ilie I’mnotfine,IthinkasIgetintotheUber ThefurtherIgetfromMalcolmthemoreIknowI’llnever befineagain.Hemademefeel likeIwastheonlywomanintheworld.HemademelovehimandIwalkedaway.Burning, bitterregretcoursesthroughmyveins.
Nomatterwhathappensnow,IknowthatIwon’tbemarryingConnor,mergerbedamned
TheNextDay
Hmmm.Mydreamswereamazing.Filledwithmyangelandhow shefeltwrappedaroundmycockinmyarms.Thewayher delicatebreathdraggedacrossmyskinwhileshemoaned,keened,andwhinedforhernextorgasm Hell,thesoundofthehitch inher voice rightbefore she screamed myname over and over, beggingme to stop, butwrappingher legs around tighter to keepmeinsideofher NomatterhowmanytimesthroughthenightIturnedtoher,shewelcomedme,thighsandarmsspread, openingformelikeIbelongedinsideofher.Ido.Speakingof…
Movingmyarmtotheside,IturnmyheadwhenIfeelcoldsheets.“Whatthehell?”Igetoutofbed,naked,searchingthe entireroom.WhenIdon'tfindherinmybedroomorbathroom,Igrabsomesweatsandrushdownstairs.“Whatthefuck?”She is nowhere. “Damnit!” I yell, smackingmyhand into the counter and thenI see it. Anote. Tentatively, I pickup knowing whateveritsaysisgoingtoripmyheartout
Malcolm,
What can I say? I am a coward. I want you to know that last night was amazing. It exceeded all of my expectations and to be honest, so did you. However, my life is changing quite rapidly, and I don’t know if I have room for a relationship and I don’t think I want one. Not yet anyway, when there are so many obstacles I have to overcome. So I am asking you not to come after me, Malcolm. Please. I don’t think I would have the strength to resist you. I need time to think, make decisions, and find my place within my family’s business, and you, big boy, are a distraction. I won’t be home so don’t bother looking for me there. My number is also being changed as I write this.
I won’t forget our night, Malcolm. I know this is going to upset you but remember our agreement. It was just until midnight.
Millie
Myasshitsthebreakfaststoolandthepaperfallsfrommyhands NeverhaveIhadsomethingcomebackandbitemeinthe assasswiftlyandaspainfulasthis.Evenwhenwemadethatridiculousagreementlastnight,mymindwasprotestingit.Iwant forever and I thought I could convince her in the morning, after taking her once more over breakfast. “Fuuuuck.” I shove everythingoffthecounterandscreamatmyownstupidity.
Everythingisrunningthroughmyhead.Theparty,fuckingConnerthedouche,andevenherfatherwhorubbedmethewrong way Thefuckedupthingis,whatdoIdo?Everyfiberinmybodywantstogotoheranddemandsheadmitthereisnoturning back.Iwanthertosayshebelongstome,andIwilldothesame.But,didn’tsheaskmeforspace?Shesaidshehadthingsto take care of And what the hell did she meanshe won’t be home? Like ever? Is she moving? Where is she going? Thena thoughtcrossesmymindandIhavetofightmyselftomakeitgoaway,butsheisnotmarryingConnerthedouche.Right?Then itclicks.
Pickingup myphone Idial the one number Iknow cancall and probablyknows everything “Good morningMr Porter Howareyou?”
“Gladis,goodmorning Iam flustered”Itellherthetruthwalkingthroughmyhouseandrealizinghowemptyitfeelsnow Shewasonlyhereforhours,takingupspaceinmybed,spaceInolongerwanttofeel emptyandalreadyIknow Iwon’tbe abletosleepwithouther
“Didlastnightnotgoasplanned?”
“Itwentexactlyasplanned.”Igrumblethinkingaboutthatstupiddeal.
“ThenmayIaskwhyyouareringingme?”
“Iwouldliketoknowifyouknowhernewnumber?”
“Ah Isee Yes Idoknowit”Thankfuck “Excellent.MayIhaveitplease?”
“No”Whatdidshejustsay?
“No?”
“No.Allofmyclientssignaconfidentialityaswellasanondisclosureagreementwhentheyusemyservicesanditextends
tothepersonImatchthemwith,unlesstheychosetodisclosecertain…information.”Sonofabitch.
“Fuck!”Thecurseisparforthecourse,atthispoint.Igetwhatsheissaying,butIdon'tfuckinglikeit.
“Mysuggestion,Mr Porter,istostartfromthebeginningandmakeitcount”Herpartingwordsbeforeshehangsuplead metobelieveshehasspokentoherinthelastfewhours,andsheknowsofouragreement.Dumbass.Iamsuchadumbass.
I turnand lookat mybed, backinmyroomand the red spot, provingto me she was here and that her innocence was breachedbyme,makesmycockhardandangry.“Damnit!”MyphoneisgoingoffandIknowitiswork.Ijust…Idon’tcare.I mightbeadumbass,butshestillbelongstome Iwillgivehertime,butonlysomuch Eventually,shewillbebackinmyarms andbed,whereshebelongs.
“No,Gladis.Idon’twanttoseehimagain,”Isay,elatedthathe’saskedheraboutme.Whatiswrongwithme?I’mthankful sheletmestayatherhouse,butit’sjusttemporary.Changingmynumberwasimpulsive,butwhat’sdoneisdone.
“Alright,darling ItoldhimI’drelaythemessage Nowtellmewhathappened”Herpatientvoiceissoothingtomyraw nerves.IknowIdidthisshittomyself,butitstillhurts.
ItellGladis,myfriend,notGladisthematchmaker,everythingthathappenedlastnight
Shelistenstomequietly,lettingme getitallout.Itcomesoutjumbledbutshedoesn’taskmeanyquestions,usedtotheover-excitedwayIexplainthings.
“AndthenIleft,”Ifinish,beggingmyselfnottostartcryingagain,butit’snouse Tearswellupinmyeyesandspillover Loveisridiculous,loveatfirstsightisevenfreakingworse.
“OhMillie,you’reanidiot,”shesaysbluntly.
“Excuseme?”Iaskindignantly,butIknowshe’snotwrong
“Look,I’maprofessional,butthatmanhasgotitbadforyou.That’sallI’mgoingtosayonthematter.”
“Ouronenightwasperfectasitwas,”Isay
“I’msureitwas,butdoyoureallywanttodepriveyourselfofalifetimeofnightslikethat,forwhat?Amisguidedsense thatyoudon’tdeservehim.”
“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat.”
“Loveisthemostcomplicatedthingthereis.It’salsothethingthatmakeslifeworthliving.”
“Iknowyou’reright,butIcan’trightnow Ineedtotalktomyparents He’llmoveon Menlikehimalwaysdo,”Isay,but evenasIsaythat,itsoundswrong.Myheartbreaksalittlebitmore.Soon,therewillbenothingleft.
Laterthatnight,Iwalkintomyhouse,catchingmyparentsatdinner Isitdownwiththembutdeclinetoeat,havingeatenat GladisandHenry’s.IdotaketheglassofwhitewineMollyhandsme.
“Thankyou,”Itellher.“Youlookbetter,Mama.”
“Ifeelsomuchbetter,”shesaystakingabiteofhersoup. “I’mglad.Weneedtotalk.”
“You’renotmarryingConnorForsytheareyou?”Daddyasks “I’mnot.”
“Icaughthiminthejanitor’sclosetatworkyesterdaywithoneofmyundersecretaries” “I’mhonestlynotsurprisedbythat,”Isay.
“Ishouldhavelistenedtoyou.”
“Well,Imayhavebeenharshwiththepimpingoutthing,butIstandbyeverythingelseIsaid Hewouldhavemademylife miserableontopofmakingmealaughingstockintheindustry.Speakingof,I’magrownwomannow.Thereneedstobesome changesinmyjobdescriptiontoreflectthat”
“Changes?”
“Idon’twanttodochildren’sprogramminganymore Iwanttoworkexclusivelyonromance”Ipullmybriefcaseuponto thetableandpullouttwopresentationpackets,slidingonetoeachofthem.“Ihavetonsofideas,includingaseparatedivision calledAmour.Thetelevisionshows andmovies weproduceunder theAmour banner aredesignedfor theromanticatheart. The programmingis to be controlled solelybyme and Mama This is what I want to do, and I know it will bringHuxley Productions up fromthe number five slot.” Daddylooks over the materials, notsayinganything. Ilookover atMama, she’s beamingatme Afterafewminutes,Ican’ttakethesilence “Whatdoyouthink,Daddy?”
“Haveyouselectedascripttoproduce?Weneedanexampletoshowtheboardthatthiswillbelucrative.”
“Ihave,”Isayreachingintomybriefcaseagainandpullingoutascriptfor The Duke’s Wife,a perioddrama It’s smutty goodnessthatwilllightupthebigscreen.Perioddramasaresoinrightnow.IlovedthebookandwhenIsawtheauthorwas sellingascriptforit,Iboughtit,usingmyownmoney.
“Alright,we’lltestitout,”hesays,smilingatme Finally.Heseesmeasmorethanalittlegirl.Now,IjusthopeIcanpullthisoff.
FourWeeksLater
I’minmylittleofficetraileronthesetof The Duke’s Wife Theleadactress,CamillaRhodes,threw atempertantrumso thedirectorcalledforanhourbreak.I’vebeenfeelinglikeshitforafewdaysnow,andImissedmyperiod.Itookapregnancy testand now I’mlookingatthe brightpinkplus signstaringbackatme Ishould have knownMalcolmwould leave a little pieceofhimselfbehind.MyhandsgotocradlemystomachandIsmile.Heleftapieceofhimselfbehind.
Immediately,Imakeadoctor'sappointmenttoconfirm Shecanfitmeinthisafternoon WeareonlocationinMacon,soI getintomycaranddrivebacktoSavannah,makingitjustintime.DoctorSandersconfirmsthatI’mpregnant.AssoonasI’m backinmycar,tearsofjoycoursedownmyface.I’mgoingtobeamotherandMalcolmisthefather.Ishouldhaveknownthis would happen He tookme so manytimes bare I just never thought I’d get so luckythe first time I had sex I stare at the sonogramphoto,proofofthebabygrowinginsideofme,foralongtimebeforedrivingtomySavannahoffice.Iwasduehere tomorrow anywayfor a meetingaboutmynextproject, so Idecide to stayintownrather thandrivingbackdownto Macon tonight.
Athome,IthinkofthebestwaytotellMalcolmhe’sgoingtobeafather Idecidetotellhimafterfilmingwrapsupsothat Icantakesometimeoffbeforethenextprojectstartsfilming.IkeepquietaboutitbecauseIwanthimtobethefirstpersonto know.ThisisthebestandhardestsecretI’lleverkeep.
