Catch My Breath (18 page)

Jesus. I stopped chewing to prevent the egg roll from lodging in my throat. I deleted the message, stabbing at the touch screen to make sure it disappeared forever.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, nudging the food on her plate.

I finished chewing. “Nothing.”

“You’re doing it again,” she stated. “That was Nathan, wasn’t it?”

The food didn’t taste good anymore. A piece of shredded cabbage got stuck between my teeth, aggravating the situation. I swished wine around in my mouth to free it.

“Lia, I’m not going to pry or anything, but I’m worried.”

My temper flared. “Worried about what?”

“I think you’re keeping something from me about him.”

She was so blunt I almost dropped the glass. My stomach knotted. “What would I possibly be keeping from you?”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “It’s just a feeling I get every time something like this happens. You clam up. I mean, you brushed me off the other night when I asked you about the gala.”

“I wasn’t in the mood to talk about it.” Tension billowed through the room, stifling the atmosphere.

“Okay, okay, fine.” She put her hands up in retreat. I slumped my shoulders, guilt washing over me. She’d been there for me during my darkest hours, a fierce ally and steadfast force to help me climb out of a never-ending abyss of despair. A lifetime wouldn’t be long enough to repay her for all she’s done.

“Hey,” she brightened. “How about we veg out and watch some ridiculously bad television.”

We cleared the table and spread out on the couch to watch the best of the worst reality shows we could find. The two of us loved insanely stupid programming, so we spent a good chunk of the next couple hours mocking the shows. By the time eleven rolled around I could barely keep my eyes open. I said my goodnights and hugged Stephanie goodbye. I changed into some pajamas and crawled under the covers. I was out like a light within seconds.

The mattress dipped slightly, waking me up. Terror froze me for a second before I realized who it was curling up next to me. In an instant I was securely wrapped in a pair of toned arms. Alastair’s body was warm against my back, a comforting sensation that I happily snuggled into.

“What time is it?” I mumbled, rolling over to face him.

“Late. Go back to sleep,” he answered in a low, husky whisper.

I peeked over his shoulder at the clock on my nightstand.
Two in the morning? Why even bother coming here at this hour?
I listened to his steady breathing, not wanting to bug him with questions, but my curiosity was insatiable as usual.

“I hope you weren’t working this whole time.”

Silence.
Is he asleep already?
Impossible. I couldn’t even hear him breathing anymore. Shrugging off my suspicions, I nestled into the pillow.

* * *

He was too close. His body was too strong. Angry words flew out at me but I couldn’t avoid their wrath. I was immobile, pinned against the wall again. A shadowy figure loomed in front of me, shouting and ranting in soundless bursts. I wasn’t going to let it happen this time. I was going to get away. Plaster cracked and shattered next to me. Bits of white dust circled my head like a sinister crown. I’d lost again. I’d never win…

I shivered, opening an eye. Next to me, sleeping peacefully on his back, was Alastair. Shivering again, I watched his chest rise and fall with each measured, deep breath. I was always so cold when I had that dream, even with the blankets swaddled around me. Deciding to be proactive in my sleepy state, I snuggled against him, resting my head on his shoulder. His body heat definitely helped.

“Hmm,” he hummed, shifting on the mattress. I didn’t want to wake him, so I remained still, listening to the low, sexy grunts he made in slumber. How ironic that I was the one waking up thanks to a bad dream.

“Are you alright, Lia?” His question was encased in a deep, gravelly tone from sleep. My cheek warmed when his fingers brushed against it. “You’re safe with me, you know that.”

Confused by his concern, I slid my hand across the soft cotton t-shirt he wore, resting it on his stomach. Sighing, he leaned his head on mine. I listened as his breathing became heavy and deep before closing my eyes.

* * *

“I’m driving you to work today.”

I stopped smearing cream cheese on my bagel and stared at Alastair. He strode into the living room, smoothing down his tie. The suits this man owns were ridiculous. Today’s ensemble was a navy blue three-piece Burberry. I fought an urge to peel it off him with my teeth.

“Why?”

He shrugged. “It seems like a nice thing to do.”

I finished with the cream cheese and bit into the bagel, never taking my eyes off him.

“Stop looking so suspicious,” he grinned. “I have plans for us tonight right after work. It’s just easier if I drive you and pick you up.”

“You do realize that I don’t get out until seven, right?”

Nodding, he slid into his jacket, completing his stunning ensemble. Abandoning the half-eaten bagel, I gathered my things and walked with him out the door. A Mercedes SUV was parked next to my car. His driver, Paxton, kept a watchful eye as we walked toward him. I was annoyed, but greeted him pleasantly. He smiled and opened the passenger door.

“Good morning, Miss Meyers.”

“Hi, Paxton. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
Especially since I gave the guard Alastair’s name and not yours…

“Official business,” he stated.

Alastair slid into the car next to me, folding his tall frame gracefully into the leather seat. Not saying a word, he grabbed his cell phone. Brows creasing in frustration, he tapped against the screen, either writing an email or a text. I rolled my eyes and watched as the city came to life. Orlando had its own ebb and flow; not nearly as chaotic and frantic as New York, but certainly not calm.

Since I normally drove myself, I never took the time to observe the morning rhythm. Tourists moved at a snail’s pace, but didn’t slow the practiced stream of businessmen and women merging onto the sidewalks. Quite the opposite was taking place in the backseat. Alastair didn’t utter one word the entire time. When the car stopped in front of my building I was more than happy to get out.

“Thanks, Paxton.”

I walked with purpose toward the entrance. Just as I was about to open the door, Alastair gripped my elbow and pulled me aside. I snapped my arm away.

“Let go of me,” I hissed.

“Hey, whoa,” he ceded. “I’m sorry. You walked off so quickly.”

“Yeah, well, you were engrossed in your phone.” I folded my arms.

“I had to take care of a few things,” he said, his eyes hardening. “Make sure you meet me here at seven.”

Oh no, no, no. He will not take that tone with me.

“You,” I poked him in the chest, “are not my master and commander. I will come out when I’m done, and not a minute before. If you don’t like it, I’ll call a cab.”

The muscles in his jaw flexed. Something was going on and I didn’t appreciate being kept in the dark.

“What’s the real reason you wanted to drive me to work?” I glared at him.

“I told you,” he answered calmly, “I’m taking you out tonight and it’s easier.”

Veiled eyes darted across my face. My temper flared.

“Why is Paxton here and how did he get into my complex?”

Alastair stiffened. I’d hit a nerve.

“I’m here on company business. He’s my driver and personal security detail.”

“So how did he get into my complex this morning if I left
your
name at the gate?” I was livid.

Remaining still as a statue, Alastair stared me down. “He gave my name when he dropped me off last night, that way he’d be able to get back in this morning. We can fix all that later if it’ll make you feel better.”

Red flags shot up in unison as we stared at one another.
He’s hiding something
. My instincts were on high alert, petrified at the vast unknown path I was navigating.

“You’re scaring me,” I whispered.

“That wasn’t my intention,” his expression softened. He twisted my ponytail through his fingers. “Don’t be upset. Please.”

Broken shards of distant memories tried to cut into my current reality, taunting me. I knew, on some level, Alastair wasn’t stalking me, but it was all too familiar. The wounds were still too fresh.

“Lia,” he breathed, cocking his head to the side. “You’re overthinking again.”

I bristled slightly, catching a glimpse of his little grin. “So what if I am?”

The corners of his mouth curved as he leaned in for a kiss. Ugh, I’d become
that
girl; easily distracted by a grin and a kiss. My insides liquefied, leaving me at the mercy of his lips. It didn’t even register that we were still standing on a sidewalk in front of a building teeming with professionals on their way to work. I grabbed his tie, holding him close. He slanted his head, deepening the kiss. The world around us disappeared.

“Have a good day, kitten.”

“Thanks, chief,” I called after him.

The morning flew by. We were fast approaching the final week of sweeps, which meant the lure of vacation days and time off was strong. Sydney plopped on the corner of my desk a little after one, chattering away about her daughter’s upcoming birthday party.

“Are you still baking those cupcakes? Violet has been pestering me all week,” she said.

“Of course.”

“Oh! I wanted to ask you what gym you used. Ray’s on a health kick and wants to start lifting weights or something.”

“I’m a member at Pure Fit, but haven’t been in a couple months.” I tapped the pen on my desk. “Is he just looking for general workout stuff or a personal trainer?”

“General workout stuff for now. Who knows, maybe I’ll sign him up for some sessions with a trainer,” she grinned.

“Pure Fit is perfect then.”

A shrill ringing interrupted us. I looked at my cell phone.

“Hey, Steph.”

“Your picture is all over the internet,” she blurted out.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Son of a bitch
. I opened the web browser and searched the local gossip columns and society pages. Lo and behold, there I was, sucking face with Alastair in front of this very building. Someone had been all too eager to whip out their smart phone and snap away.

“Thanks, Steph.”

“If it makes you feel any better, you guys look hot.”

“Not what I was going for, but thanks.”

Sydney eyeballed me as I placed the phone down with a thud. I started a mental countdown to when the entire newsroom would find out. My best guess was five minutes.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

I sighed, drumming my fingers. The caption below the photo gave me hives.

Ratings High: WMZB’s producer Lia Meyers gives the competition a tongue-lashing. An eagle-eyed passer by caught her in a racy lip lock with British media mogul Alastair Holden. His company purchased the city’s second place news station, WTDO, in recent weeks. Meyers recently broke off her two year relationship with Nathan Greyson, son of Florida Republican Senator Kenneth Greyson. Stay tuned…

I almost hyperventilated.

“Oh my God, Lia.” Sydney stood next to me, staring at the screen slack jawed. “Is that really you?”

Grinding my teeth to within an inch of the gums, I responded as evenly as possible.

“Yes.”

“Wow. I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”

“I’m not. We’ve been out a couple of times. It’s nothing to get too excited about.”

I stared at the screen for a few more seconds before closing the page. A brief scan of the newsroom revealed everyone still working diligently. Sydney kept talking to me while she sat down at her desk. Half paying attention, I answered some of her questions. The messaging line on the rundown dinged.

Well, well. So nice of you to grace us with your presence today, Ms. Society Section
.

Rolling my eyes, I glanced up and caught Tyler smirking in my direction.
Great, here he comes.

"You enjoy this crap way too much, Tyler."

“Did you pick him up in a souvenir store?"

“Ha, ha.”

I tried to convince him and Sydney, and by this time the handful of reporters that had gathered around my desk, there wasn’t any need to get all worked up over the photo. It wasn’t a big deal.

Whatever.

Even I didn’t believe the load of shit coming out of my mouth.

Thankfully we had a show to produce, providing a much needed distraction for everyone. I kept my phone with me in the control room during the broadcast. I hadn’t heard from Alastair and was curious if he’d seen the photo. He was such a private person, I’d imagine he wouldn’t be too thrilled. I sent him a quick text.

6:10pm Seems we’re internet famous

6:12pm So I’ve heard

6:13pm Have you seen it?

6:16pm No. But I hear I’m one lucky guy. Everyone is talking about the knockout in the purple dress

6:18pm Knockout? I saw her. She’s alright. And the dress is lavender, FYI

6:21pm Duly noted. Aren’t you supposed to be producing a live show now?

6:23pm I am. I’m a multitasker

6:24pm Focus on your job. I’m coming soon.

He was even bossy via text. I shook my head. I planned to get to the bottom of a few things with him tonight.

The final few minutes of the show were a blur. An excited drone of goodbyes filled the control room. I slipped out and went back to my desk to gather a few things before leaving. For the time being, the inquiry into my salacious morning snog on the sidewalk ended.

Paxton waited for me next to the car. He stood in that casual-but-ready-to-jump-into-action stance; hands loosely clasped below the waist, feet shoulder length apart. He smiled as I approached and opened the door. Alastair scrolled through his phone while I settled in next to him. He seemed relaxed. The atmosphere was much calmer between us than earlier. He slid the phone into his pocket and grabbed my hand, kissing the knuckles.

I let out a huge sigh.