The Wrong Time Page 7

  Merlin, who runs my local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, has suggested I rip the Band-Aid off so to speak, and tell Georgia everything. He said he has had similar feelings when he started a new relationship, and once he opened up about his past, he was no longer tempted by alcohol.

  That’s the thing, I haven’t slipped again in three weeks. I’ve had an opportunity to, and it took a lot of willpower to walk away, but I was able to stop myself.

  Perhaps Merlin’s right. It’s just gathering that courage now to tell her, and hopefully, push that feeling of want away for good.

  “Can’t be too careful now. Wouldn’t want my girl injuring herself again.” I smile. “Wait there, I’ll help you.” I hurriedly get out of the car and walk around to Georgia’s door, helping her out. I know she’s capable on her own, but I want to help.

  Georgia’s coming back to work on the proviso she doesn’t overdo it. If I so much hear an “ouch” out of her pretty little mouth, she’s back home on the couch watching Netflix.

  “I’m leaving the crutches in the car,” she informs me.

  “Ah… no, you’re not.” My voice is stern.

  “Adam. I am. It’s embarrassing. I really don’t need them,” she pleads, knowing she’s fighting a losing battle against me. “Plus, you’re going to be late interviewing Steven and Johanna for Zac’s old position if you don’t get moving.’

  “We’re good for time. How are they embarrassing? They are helping you walk. It’s for your own good. Who cares what anyone thinks.” I place a kiss on her forehead. “See how you go today. If you don’t need them tomorrow, then so be it.” I quickly scan the parking garage to make sure no one has seen my action. I need to be more careful with my displays of affection.

  She reluctantly agrees, and I follow her as she walks toward the elevator, her head drooped as though she doesn’t want to make eye contact with anyone. I quickly glance at my watch, double-checking the time, knowing the first interview is at ten.

  As the elevator doors close, I can tell she breathes out a sigh of relief. Fernando’s nowhere to be seen, so she’s already dodged one person, but unfortunately, we have to walk through the main foyer in about thirty seconds, and she won’t be able to avoid anyone there.

  I’ve told Georgia a million times no one will care that she has crutches. Not everyone knows what happened to her. I only told people who needed to know, so basically, Basil and Darius. The biggest challenge with Georgia being back at work is for me not to be too attentive to her. We still have to maintain we’re simply work colleagues and not lovers as much as I want to tell everyone we are together.

  Fucking rules!

  It’s bullshit.

  But I can’t be a hypocrite and break my own rules.

  I can only imagine what Ed would say to me.

  He’s been on my mind a lot lately. I’m convinced it’s because he’s disappointed in me. Not only am I dating his daughter, but I’m living and working with her. Plus, the drinking raising its ugly head again. He’s probably cursing my name in heaven right now, wondering why he left his company to such an unworthy person. I desperately want to make him proud, and I’m determined to get back on the right track.

  After only being stopped by a few people, who genuinely are concerned for Georgia’s well-being, we finally get into the elevator and head up to my floor.

  I’m the first one to admit that while my floor is a little quieter now without Zac and Isabel, it’s a lot less tense as well, making for a much more pleasant working environment.

  As Georgia hobbles to her desk, I’m a step behind, ready to catch her if she stumbles, not that she’s done so yet. Well, that I know of, but you can never be too prepared.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” I ask for what must be the hundredth time. My arms are out, ready to catch her as she sits down.

  “Adam. Stop fussing. Get in there and choose someone amazing to replace Zac.” She slaps my hand.

  I smile at her being officious. Leaning in close to her ear, I whisper, “I like it when you’re like this.”

  Georgia cranes her neck in my direction, and a cheeky smile appears on her face. “I’ll show you later how bossy I can be.”

  My eyes scan for anyone in the vicinity before I take a chance and plant a quick peck on her neck, and quickly walk back to the other side of her desk. “I look forward to that, Miss Gellar. If you need anything today, let me know. I can get someone up here to help you if need be. Isabel, perhaps?” It was intended as a joke, but we both cringe when I say that name, and I apologize for my error in judgment.

  Isabel has been moved to Human Resources, and according to her manager, she’s fitting in quite well. I wasn’t aware of her qualification in that department, which made it odd her being a PA for Zac. Georgia seems to think it was love that kept her in that position for as long as she was.

  Georgia’s eyes flick behind me, and I spin around.

  Johanna is walking toward us, a smile plastered on her face.

  Of any of the candidates, Johanna’s the most qualified. She’s worked under Basil for the last five years, and she’s been earning her business degree after hours. Her recommendations are nothing but glowing, and I have a good overall feeling about her.

  Steven is just as qualified, but I don’t have that same feeling. He was so nervous during our first interview, and that made me think perhaps he can’t handle the pressure. I’m hoping his second interview today will show me a different side to him. He currently works under Darius, and from what he’s told me, another couple of years in his current role would prepare him for the COO role.

  After Johanna asks Georgia how she’s feeling, I show Johanna into my office and close the door.

  Best to get this show on the road.

  Later that day…

  Having interviewed both Johanna and Steven, I’ve now made my decision that Johanna will be my new COO of EG Enterprises. I send out several emails to inform my heads before deciding that I should tell Georgia so she can email HR and any other people who need to know. We’ll let Johanna know tomorrow, and then announce it to the remainder of the employees at the end of the week.

  Not wanting Georgia to get up, I walk to my office door and pull it open. She looks up at me like a deer in headlights, and I smile, trying to calm her. I didn’t even think before I did it, of course, she’s going to still be jumpy, after all she’s been through. She told me her psychologist told her it will gradually get better, but of course, they can’t give her a timeframe because each person is different.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you,” I apologetically say.

  “You didn’t.” She still looks shocked and is holding her cell.

  “Is everything all right?”

  “That um… was the police. Blaze’s case will be going to court next week, and I have to testify against him.”

  I close my eyes and suck in a breath before opening them and walking around Georgia’s desk, pulling her to my chest in a sideward hug. We’ve been waiting for it, but as the days went on, I’m sure a part of Georgia thought they wouldn’t need her statement. She was hoping she’d get out of going to court.

  “Everything will be okay. You’re just going to say what happened, and then we leave,” I soothe, rubbing my hand up her arm.

  “But there’s more. Did you know Lauren was charged as an accessory? Apparently, she was behind the idea to extort the money from you.”

  “What?” I bellow. “Are you serious?”

  Georgia slowly nods her head.

  What a bitch Lauren has turned out to be. Trying to get money out of me because her stupid son has a drug problem. Her sudden reappearance makes complete sense now. Her visits to Mom, finding out as much information as she can get. Perhaps if she had spoken directly to me about it, I may have taken pity on Blaze, but they both can get fucked and rot in jail now for all I care.

  As I’m processing my thoughts about Lauren, Georgia starts crying. I know she doesn’t want to see Blaze again, and the
thought of court terrifies her. I pull her in for a tight squeeze, not caring if anyone notices. I don’t know how else to ease her fears. It doesn’t sit well with me either. The mere thought of having to face that bastard is enough to have me balling my fist, but I’ll be there to support Georgia in any way I can. She can’t go through this alone. I’ve already let her down enough, I won’t do it again.

  I’ll make a call to my lawyer and see if there’s any way Georgia can get out of going to court. Surely, the case is strong enough, and they won’t need her testimony.

  She snuggles into my chest. I love it when she does this. Georgia’s the reason I’m fighting my inner demons so hard.

  “How about we have a quiet night in?” I suggest, and she nods against my chest. “Pizza?” I ask, looking down.

  A smile has crept onto her face. “It’s like you read my mind.”

  “Let me make a few phone calls first, and if you can, could you email HR about Johanna. She’ll be my new COO. But once that’s done, we’ll head home.”

  Perhaps this is what we both need—a nice, relaxing night where we enjoy each other’s company and can zone out. All I know is that when I’m with Georgia, and we’re relaxed, my temptation isn’t as strong. She’s the lead that blocks my kryptonite. While it doesn’t completely make it go away, it’s not as strong when she’s by my side.

  Georgia may be the only person who’s capable of helping me get back on the straight line.

  Georgia

  Adam jumps up from the couch, cell in hand.

  “He’s at the end of the street,” he says like an excited child, sliding his shoes on. “I’m desperate to know if this app is as accurate as they say it is. If so, then I’ll look into using it for a customer we currently have. It’ll add so much value to the company.”

  We’ve ordered pizza, and Adam’s discovered that there is a tracking option on the app, so he’s been stalking the driver and will meet him at the gate. It makes it a little easier rather than the driver panicking because he can’t get in, or even worse, driving off with our pizza.

  I can’t help but laugh at his excitement. He’s always thinking of new things to add to a company, so when he on-sells it, it looks like there was a lot of effort placed into improving the company. Adds value apparently. Who knew?

  We deliberately left work a little early today to try and catch Lucy before she made something for us. Lucy actually looked a little upset when Adam told her we were ordering in and that she should take the food she made home. She told us she already had a meal at home, so we froze it instead and will use it on the weekend.

  “Calm down.” I laugh as Adam grabs his keys from the kitchen and runs out the back door.

  Before I stand, I roll up the leg of my sweatpants and make sure the other is pushed up the same so I don’t trip over them. I use my crutch to stand from the couch before deciding that I’m not going to use it to hobble from the couch to the window. I don’t need these stupid things anymore—I need to wean myself from them.

  All I want is to watch Adam, especially when he’s heading back inside. I know it’s silly because Blaze is locked away, but I still feel uneasy being on my own, not just at home, but anywhere.

  I shower with the door open.

  To me, it’s stupid. I’m a grown woman.

  But it’s as though a state of panic washes over me when I’m on my own, and my mind runs away on me. Deep down, there’s a part of me that always thinks there’s a slight chance that Blaze could get out of jail somehow as much as everyone tells me otherwise.

  It’s now nice to be able to look out the window and see a much more well-lit driveway. Adam had additional lighting installed last week, and while it looks like the house is lit up like a Christmas tree, it makes us both feel much better, especially considering the days are much shorter now, and its dark when we leave for work and when we arrive back home.

  Lucy arranged for someone to clean up the guesthouse, but I asked if she could have all of my things brought to the main house and placed in the spare room.

  After leaving the hospital, I couldn’t go back to sleeping in the same room as Adam. I needed space. Time to think.

  Two days after settling back at home, Adam and I sat down and finally spoke about what happened before Blaze took me. The office incident.

  He apologized over and over, but I needed to know why he threw me out of his office that day and what reasoning was behind it.

  Adam struggled to tell me the reason, but I finally got it out of him. He was worried about my reputation. Apparently, before he started as my dad’s junior, my dad had a fling with his assistant. I had no idea about any of this.

  Dad got caught by a janitor while making out with his assistant. The cleaner told anyone who’d listen. Apparently, Dad didn’t like being the center of office gossip, and neither did his assistant, which I suppose is understandable. She left that day and never came back.

  It was after this incident that Dad made the rule of no office relationships or fraternization.

  Given that Zac caught us, and both he and Isabel are known gossips, Adam was worried that history may have repeated itself. He pushed me away in the hopes that it wouldn’t happen again. Adam didn’t know how to handle the situation, and pushing me away was his first instinct.

  I only hope that when things get tough again, and I’m sure they will, he won’t push me away. I’m not sure I could handle it again.

  This isn’t some fling. He loves me, and I love him.

  I’m slowly trusting him more and more as the days go on. There will come a time when we’ll sleep in the same room again. Honesty and trust are two big things I need in a relationship. Adam understands that now.

  Adam agreed that we’d both feel much better being under the same roof, plus he’s making as much of an effort as he can to prove to me he’s never going to treat me badly again.

  The only odd thing right now is when Adam heads off to the gym every so often when he’s got a perfectly good gym set up here. John, Mac, or Leo, the new security guard, sit with me while he’s gone, which is generally only an hour or so. John mentioned that maybe he’s testing out some new types of weights or a machine to add to his collection. So that does make sense, and I stopped worrying about his absence.

  Adam opens the back door and freezes when he sees me walking toward him, no crutch in hand.

  “Why are you walking? I was going to bring everything to you,” he scolds me while squinting his eyes at me.

  I huff. “Can you please stop? I’m not made of glass. It’s a sprained ankle that’s pretty much healed. I wanted to try and walk on it without the crutch. I’m too dependent on it, and I’m barely ten feet from the couch.”

  Adam places the pizza on the kitchen table and raises his hands in defeat. “Fine. You know best.”

  Damn men and their tantrums.

  I walk over to Adam, snaking my arms around his waist, pulling him close to me. “I love that you’re protecting me…” I start before reaching up as best I can and placing a kiss on his cheek. “Let me try to get back to my normal self. Please?”

  I look into his sea-green eyes and want to melt on the spot. We haven’t been intimate since what happened. Maybe it’s my trust issue pushing Adam away, but he isn’t mentioning it either. I keep telling myself to give it time, but it’s very hard to be so close to the hottest man I’ve ever set my eyes on without wanting to jump him. Even my therapist said that once it happens, it’ll help me move forward with my life, but I shouldn’t rush it. Let it happen on its own. I need to feel the love from him, though, and soon.

  Reaching up, I place a soft kiss on his lips, hoping he’ll reciprocate. To my surprise, he does, and I feel a little passion for the first time in what feels like forever. Moving my arms up his body and around his neck, I pull him toward me, raising up on my toes.

  I wait for the pain to hit, but it’s not too bad.

  “How about I help you back to the couch? No more showing off tonight, all righ
t?” A smile pulls at his lips.

  “Fine,” I mutter in defeat while rubbing my ankle. I know it’s getting much better as the pain is already starting to recede.

  Dinner consisted of pizza, soda, and chicken wings with a yummy barbecue sauce. Naughty food but tastes so good. Dad used to call this ‘food to make your heart sing.’ Even though you know how bad it is for you, something about it can lift your mood.

  Adam asks what I’d like to watch on the television. I shrug my shoulders, not really caring as I have another idea what I’d like to do tonight. I’m lying across the couch, my injured foot perched on the armrest with my head on his lap.

  He puts on The Wedding Singer, and we watch it for a good half hour, chuckling at all the funny parts. But I can’t take it any longer. I’m want to feel reconnected to Adam. I bring my arm up, running my hand down the side of his face. I feel him nuzzle into my palm as I tickle his beard with my fingers. After a couple of minutes, I move down to his shirt and play with the buttons, feeling my way from the top to the start of his abs.

  Working my way along, I try and undo each one with just one hand, but it soon proves too difficult, so I wriggle, trying to flip over without hurting myself.

  The flip itself works perfectly, but I ruin the landing. My hand misses the couch as I turn over, face planting directly into Adam’s crotch. I instantly push myself back and look him straight in the eyes, worried that I’ve either hurt him by headbutting his nuts, or he thinks I’m a complete idiot.

  Who the hell does something like this?

  Adam bursts out laughing, the deep chuckle roaring through the house.