Page 20 of Promise Me Forever
“In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to walk into the gallery this morning. I’d take a few more days off and we definitely wouldn’t be out of bed.” While she showered, I made a pot of coffee, doctoring it up how she likes it, not too sweet but not too bitter. Indy also had the forethought to do a grocery order, because I surely didn’t think about it. The few breakfast items, lunch fixings, and drinks came in clutch this morning. I’ll have to outfit the rest of the place after I drop her off at work. I’ve got high hopes to get the shop area set up for the day, then start my own work tomorrow.
“Gotta say, seeing you in a tight skirt, pretty shirt, and high heels isn’t a bad deal, either.” I make light of the situation as we make our way from her place, where we had to stop for her to get dressed. I met her best friend, Alex, for a mere second before she had to fly out of their shared apartment. Man, these women inthis city are on the grind, and I see it with firsthand experience with the woman sitting in the passenger seat. Indy wiggles in her seat. The action makes her skirt slide up, showing me more of her shapely thigh. It should be illegal with how hot she looks.
“Are you saying you like me in this more than in your clothes or naked?” A low growl vibrates through my chest. I’d definitely prefer that, and I’m already holding back on the fact that I don’t want anyone to see her in the clothes she’s wearing. Don’t get me wrong, she’s covered; still doesn’t make it any easier letting her leave without me by her side.
“Cherry, think it goes without saying I prefer you naked or in my hoodie without a stitch of clothing on, but seeing you like this adds a whole other element, too.” We pull into the parking lot. “Stay there. I’m getting your damn door.” I’ve had to get on her ass relentlessly about that. Seems like the dicks before me never took care of Indy the way they should have, which works for me, because I’ve got her now.
“I’m staying in my seat, and duly noted on the hoodie.” She sends me a wink, and I’m up and out of the truck, walking around the front. The outside air is sharp, people are rushing, engines running, and the world is already demanding shit from everyone. I open the passenger door, and Indy slides out. My chest tightens. The words are on the tip of my tongue to tell her how I really feel. The only thing stopping me is her needing to get into work and me not being able to show her or be able to celebrate it in the form of our bodies slick with sweat and my cock tunneling in and out of her body.
“Glad for it, cherry. You ready to go in?” She gives me a nod, takes one last sip of coffee, and turns around, her ass sliding across my dick. Goddamn it, I’m rethinking walking her into work now.
“I am now,” she replies, looking over her shoulder with a coy smirk.
“Later this evening, I’m going to pay you back, cherry, and you’re gonna love every minute of it.” We move away from the truck, my hand landing on her lower back after I close the door behind her and hit the lock button on the key fob.
I feel the change in her, armor going up, sharper, and work Indy is in her place. I don’t fucking like it, not at all, and I’ve yet to even open the door to the gallery.
“Ready for this?” she asks me, when I should be asking her.
“Yeah, cherry, but the question is, are you? You don’t have to deal with anything you don’t want to.” I’m not sure what the sudden change is or if this is normal when Indy walks into work, but I don’t fucking like it.
“I know.” She glances at me, yet I can tell she’s thinking something along the lines of,I will anyways.Of course, she would. This is who she is, and while my protective instincts rise, restless and ready, I know Indy well enough to know that she’ll handle this, head fucking on.
We walk into the gallery. It’s all glass, steel, and clean lines. Honestly, it looks more like a museum, entrances and exits and empty. The sunlight is the only bright spot in this instance and is outlining Indy, catching her hair just right, which radiates a bit of happiness instead of having this sinking feeling in my gut.
“Good, you’re finally here,” who must be Miranda says by way of greeting. All sharp lines, sharp suit, and sharp expression.
“Miranda, this is Toren. Toren this is Miranda,” Indy introduces us. I hold my hand out to shake hers, only being cordial because this is Indy’s boss. My woman is not fragile, she’s not uncertain, she’s taking this situation by the balls and showing me that she can take on anything by storm.
“Nice to meet you.” The words taste sour on my tongue. Playing nice isn’t my strong suit, and this wasn’t at all what I came to expect, but I’ll do it for now, for Indy.
“Oh, sorry. Yes, it’s nice to meet you as well.” For someone who seemed to need me more than ever, she sure has a funny way of showing it.
“Miranda, this is T.N., as in Toren Navarro.” The lightbulb clicks in her head once Indy reiterates who I am. Our hand shake is over, and I’m watching it all unfold. The authority and control leave her. Still don’t mean I gotta like her, not when my woman clearly gets the brunt of her personality.
“Right, do you mind if I steal Indy away for a moment? We have a few things to go over. Please feel free to take a look around the gallery.” Miranda clearly didn’t like Indy’s response.
“Miranda, I’m going to give Toren a tour, and then I’ll meet you in your office.” Indy’s voice didn’t rise. It didn’t need to; it’s clear and concise.
“Excuse me?” Miranda blinks in confusion.
“I just walked in. I want to make sure Toren sees the place, figures out what pieces to create for the space, and then I’ll get started on what needs to be taken care of.” Good for Indy. Good for fucking me because I think I’ll stick around a bit longer after she shows me around just in case.
“Make sure that you do. We’re behind as it is,” Miranda says with a sneer. It’s time for me to wade in.
“I can leave,” Indy says before I can interject.
“You wouldn’t.” My girl’s back bone must not be something her boss is used to seeing.
“Try me.” Indy shrugs.
“She’s not the only one.” I step forward slightly, protecting not only Indy but myself. There’s a reason I read the contract more than a few times and had provisions made. “I’ll go right along with her.” I finish the statement without a drop of hesitation. I see the shift in Miranda, calculating, flipping back and forth on what she might say. “I might’ve signed the contract, but the money hasn’t been spent.” Her jaw tightens. “And youknow there are clauses. Two weeks, I can pull out and keep my anonymity” It hits exactly where I intended, maintaining control of the situation.
“You’re overreacting.” Miranda tries to diffuse the conversation in some weird, concocted form.
“You’re overstepping,” I say with finality. A beat of silence stretches through the three of us. Indy exhales beside me, but tension leaves me by only a fraction.
“Come on, let’s take that tour,” Indy breaks through. Miranda nods, realizing that she’s defeated. Thank fuck. I’m happier than shit to know that I’ll only be working with Indy. Miranda’s a certified grade-A cunt.
