Page 72 of Broken Headboards
“So that’s why you’resocompetitive? The CEO of Oakmont wants to mark his territory…everywhere,” she swirls her wrist around and rest her chin on her hand, winking playfully.
“You got me,” I tease. “No, really, I’m competitive because I had to fight for everything. Yes, Oakmont is a family business, but I still had to prove my worth. No one believed I could do this, be a CEO and make this business what it is today. Including my father. But here I am. Proving him wrong,” I toss back the champagne and the waiter rushes over to fill it up again.
A few seconds later our food arrives, and it distracts us momentarily, until Tess lowers her fork onto the table and stares at me.
“That’s admirable. The way you worked so hard and built Oakmont with no one in your corner,” she smiles and the warmth from her expression awakens something in me. But I ignore it.
“So, I have to ask. How did you become one of my fiercest competitors?” I rest my elbows on the table, focusing solely on her.
“I’m a woman. And a woman in any business needs to prove herself. Especially in this world. All my life I’ve had to fight tooth and nail for things that were handed to men. That’s why I fight and that’s why I don’t take no for an answer. I got where I am today because of that. It makes me a better businesswoman and CEO because of it. I also love that I can be a positive mentor to the women that work for me and other women looking to make it in this world.” She sips her champagne.
I clench my jaw, trying to keep it from falling open. I am in literal awe of this woman.
“It hasn’t been easy,” her smile tightens, and I see a hint of sadness wash over her.
“Hey, you ok?” I reach for her hand and she stares at it, placing her other hand over me.
“Have you ever wondered why certain things happen? I mean, is there a reason for all of this?” She asks, keeping her gaze at our intertwining hands.
“I guess…” My voice lingers, not knowing where she’s going with this.
“This contest. I’m referring to the whole competition. On the one hand, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For the both of us,” her eyes shoot up to meet mine, and the sincerity in her voice pulls at my heart. “And on the other, it brought us together.”
“And yet, we have to fight against each other,” I chime in, realizing what she’s alluding to.
“Exactly,” her body sags against the table and I get up, swiveling her chair to me as I kneel before her.
I reach up, cradling her head in my hands. “It’s a double-edge sword, baby. I know. And, no matter what, one ofusis going to look like the asshole,” I say. “But tonight, for one night, can we put that aside? Forget how we came together and why we’re here, and just be together? Now?”
She places her hand on my chest and spread her fingers, looking at me with such pain in her eyes.
“This sucks,” she lets out a small chuckle.
“It really fucking sucks,” I say, agreeing with her.
She lets out a sigh.
“Ok,” she whispers. “Let’s be us, for tonight.”
Before she can say another word, I capture her mouth with mine. Passion overriding my actions and I kiss her harder, stealing every breath of hers.
“Let’s go home,” I pull away, standing up and taking her hand in mine.
She springs up, wobbling a little on her feet and grabs her purse. “Let’s go,” she says, breathlessly.
* * *
“Clarendon Tower,” I tell my driver.
Rolling up the partition, my hand slides up her thighs, fingering the hem of her dress. She squirms underneath my touch, but grabs my hand, forcing it up to her panties.
“Touch me,” she orders.
“Yes, ma’am,” I say with as a smug smile.
My hand explores her inner thighs, up to the lace of her panties. Tracing the hem, the wetness of her pussy moistens my skin and my mouth goes dry.
“God, you’re so fucking wet,” I groan.
