Tempo (21 page)

“I haven’t thought that far ahead. Let’s just see where this is going. All I ask is that you don’t give away my office yet.”

Michael returns, looking agitated.

“Everything all right?” I ask.

“Yes, just an unexpected visit from Chuck. You know how he is. He never calls before he comes over,” Michael says. I can see that he is shaken. I play along with Michael and reply, “That’s Chuck. Shall we head out? I believe you had some calls to make.”

We take the elevator downstairs and say farewell to Earl.

“Is there a problem at Tempo?”

“I’m not sure, Chuck and a few of his buddies have shown up and decided to use intimidation as their weapon of choice.”

“Is he intimidating the workers?” I ask. “That could put us behind schedule if we lose any of the crews.”

“It’s under control. We will be back tomorrow. If there is any damage control that needs to be done, we can take care of it then.”

Back at my apartment we order pizza and cuddle on the couch. We decide to have an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie marathon. Michael seems deep in thought. “What are you thinking about?”

“I am thinking about that old elevator. It’s really a work of art.”

“Yes it is and stop thinking about it, there is no place to put it and it’s not for sale. Think of something else.”

He sits thoughtfully for a few minutes.

“You know what has always made me curious about you?”

“What’s that?” I ask.

“You are the first woman that I have ever dated that hasn’t asked me how much money I make.”

“I don
’t care how much money you make,” I say as a matter of fact. “You seem to be doing okay, you’re not wearing rags and you’re well fed.”

“I’m shocked is all. I can’t remember a time where I was with a woman and it wasn’t one of the first ten questions.”

“Were there a lot of women?” I inquire.

“Yes.” He’s not bragging, he’s just being honest.

I frown at his honesty.

“Those are in the past
, but you are my future. Now tell me about your disregard for money.”

“I don’t have a disregard for money, it’s a necessary evil. The thing to remember is that you never need more than enough. You look like you have enough. I am not in need of anything so therefore I have enough. There are so many things that are more valuable than money.”

“You are so right Ms. McKenna, so right about so many things.”

The flight back was uneventful. Somehow Michael managed to secure seats 3A and 3B again. He is so funny. As we exit the plane, he picks up my carry-on.

“What’s in here, a dead body?” Michael teases me.

“No, it’s magazines. When my room got switched all of my magazines got thrown away.”

“What about your portfolio?”

“It’s gone too.”

“Oh that’s terrible, I am sorry to hear that.”

As we emerge from the terminal, Lloyd is standing there waiting for us. Several weeks before, I was entering a car that was parked behind this one. It seems so long ago. It’s amazing what can happen in the span of a few weeks.

“What’s on your agenda today Michael?”

“I need to address the Chuck thing.”

“What’s happening with that? Do we have a crew left?”

“No need to worry, I will get it under control. What about you?”

I don’t want to press him, Chuck is a sore subject with him and I am not going to overstep my boundaries again.

“I am heading to Tempo to make sure that the bathrooms are finished. I also need to take possession of the patio furniture.” Thinking about the patio makes me blush red.

“Where is your mind going Karlie, your cheeks are turning red?”

“Certainly not where it should be.”

“The sign for the patio bar went up today. Let me know what you think?”

“What did you call it?” I ask. My curiosity is piqued.

“You’ll see.”

We exit the car and head into Tempo. Tony is there to greet me.

“Good morning Ms. McKenna, how was your trip?”

“Fabulous Tony how was your break?” He gives me a stern look, he is so serious all of the time.

Michael calls over his shoulder, “Karlie, make sure you stay near Tony at all times, additional security has been hired. Tony will introduce you to your security team.”

This information catches me off guard. Things with the “Chuck” situation must be worse than I thought. Did he just say that I have a security team?

“No problem Michael, I promise to behave.” I give him my sweetest most accommodating smile.

Tony takes me to the lobby where I am introduced to a half dozen men in suits. I can’t remember one of their names. From there I head to the rooftop patio. As soon as I exit the elevator I can see the purple neon sign. The word ‘Shenanigan’s’ is scrawled above the bar in Michael’s handwriting. I can’t help but laugh. I am so in love with that man. He named the patio after our afternoon under the umbrella. I see that my furniture delivery has arrived. I will get a crew up here later to unpack and place things. Everything is really coming together. I try to sneak a peek at Michael’s penthouse, but the button in the elevator isn’t working. The elevator bypasses his floor. I will have to ask Michael about that later. I spend the rest of the day inspecting the bathrooms and checking on the progress of the flooring. I think we are ahead of schedule. Pleased with how the day has gone, I ask Tony and his team take me to my home away from home.

I am in a bathtub full of bubbles when Michael arrives. He doesn’t look like himself. He looks full of tension and worry.

“Do you want to join me?” I ask in my sexiest voice.

“I wish I could, but I have to take care of a few more things. I picked up your ticket for our Thanksgiving trip. I am going to put it on your desk. Don’t forget it’s there. It will be here before you know it.”

Michael kisses me before he walks out of the bathroom.

Before he can exit the bathroom completely I tell him, “I love the bar. It’s perfect!”

“Karlie, I love you and you are perfect.”

After he leaves, I sit and wonder how I ever got to this place?

Hungry, I order burgers and fries for both of us. I am hoping he returns soon.

After the evening news and a nature special on the spawning habits of Alaskan salmon, I hear a key release the electronic lock in the door.

“Hi baby, sorry I’m late. Did you eat?”

“Yes I did
, but I saved you a burger and fries. They’re hiding under the cloche.”

As Michael heads to the table, he begins to remove his coat and tie. He looks exhausted. His eyes look sad. He is trying to carry on a normal conversation
, but I can tell there is something really wrong.

“How was your day?” I ask.

He drags his hand through his hair and exhales. “Do we have to talk about it?”

“No, we don’t
.”

“Good. There will be a press conference in the lobby at ten o’clock tomorrow morning. You should be there.”

“Really, when did you decide to do this?” I am somewhat shocked at this bit of news. Michael is obsessively private, so a press conference is way out of character.

“Today, that’s what’s taken so much of my time away from you. I am really tired baby can we just climb into bed?”

“Of course.” I take his hand and lead him to my bed. For a few minutes there is only silence, then Michael rolls to his side and says, “Never forget that I love you, no matter what okay?

“I love you too silly.” His statement has a desperate feel to it that leaves me feeling uneasy. Michael pulls me into his arms and holds me for what seems like an eternity. I feel safe and loved in his embrace. All of my uneasiness disappears with his touch. His free hand begins to rub up and down my arm, making goose bumps raise all over my skin.
“You’re such a beautiful person,” he says in between ragged breaths. His hands slowly explore my body as if he is trying to memorize every dip and curve. He penetrates my mouth with his tongue and kisses me slowly, reverently. Something about his kiss is different. The heat of it brands me. He is unhurried in his lovemaking, relentless in his assault of my senses. He suckles my breast, making my nipples rise up to greet him. My skin is flushed. The heat of his tongue burns my skin. I have lost control over myself; he controls me. My body is shaking with need, but he calms me with his caress only to reignite me with his mouth. He does this again and again. I reach up to touch him, but he pushes me back to the bed. With nowhere to put my hands, I tear at the sheets. I wrap my fists around the soft material trying to gain control of something. I can’t hold on much longer. I want him inside of me. I need to feel him connected to me. My skin tingles with an energy that runs from my nipples to my toes. Balanced above me, I can see the tension in his arms; the ripples of his shaking muscles as he fights for control. I feel him pressing at my entrance and my hips rise up to meet his. His fight for restraint makes his body shaky and tense. He has reached his limit.  In one thrust he is buried deep within me. My sex pulses around him, its power is unlike anything I have ever felt. The pleasure tears through me like a raging storm. I look up at him and his body is stiff and controlled. He is trying not to join me, but his self-restraint is gone. He drives himself into me and yells my name as his body finds its release. We collapse in a heap, sweaty and satisfied. We spend the night wrapped in each other’s embrace. Just before I fall to sleep, he whispers. “Don’t ever forget how much I love you.”

When I wake up, Michael is gone. He must have left early for Tempo. He did say that he had a press conference at ten o’clock. I definitely want to be there for that. He must be getting ready to announce the grand opening.

I reflect on our lovemaking last night. It was powerful and intense like it always is with him, but last night felt different. There was something desperate in his actions. Putting the thought off for now, I get ready and head to Tempo. I enter the hallway but don’t see Tony anywhere in sight. He normally drives me to work. I check my phone for messages and see that Tony has left me a voicemail indicating that a car will be waiting for me downstairs.

“Ms. McKenna?”

“Yes, can I help you?”

“I am here to take you to Tempo.”

“Where’s Tony?”

“I don’t know Ma’am, I only know that I am you’re new driver and I was told to be here at eight.”

“Hold on for a second.” Just yesterday, Michael told me to stick with Tony like glue and now I have a new driver. Taking out my phone, I text Tony to ask if we have a new plan. The text I get back confuses me.

“Ms. McKenna, your security detail has been removed. Mr. Scarpetti has arranged a permanent driver for you while you complete your work at Tempo.”

What? I think to myself. I fully intend to talk to Michael when I get to Tempo. Something is not right, but I can’t figure it out.

“I will be waiting here at five Ms. McKenna. Here is my card in case something changes in your schedule.”

“Thanks.” I tuck the card in my pocket and set out to find Michael.

The receptionist on the third floor offices informs me that Mr. Scarpetti is not in the building. I dial his number only to have it go directly to voicemail. I leave him a message asking him to call me. I have an awful feeling building in my core.
Something’s not quite right Karlie.
You think? I sarcastically say to myself. With nothing left to do, I go to the rooftop patio to arrange the furniture. Some of the custom lighting has been delivered and installed. It’s breathtaking.

The patio work keeps me distracted until it’s time to attend Michael’s press conference. I stand towards the back, leaning on one of the entry pillars. People are gathering all around me
, but I have chosen a good location. I will be able to clearly see Michael as he unveils his dream. My skin prickles as I wait. I must be excited.

At exactly ten o’clock Michael walks into the center of the foyer where a podium has been set up. He searches the crowd until he spots me. He looks nervous. I attempt to send my support to him by way of a smile. His face is somber and his mouth is set in a grim line. He holds my eyes for just a moment and then he releases me.

“Good morning ladies and gentleman and welcome to Tempo.”

The next few moments are spent describing the casino, hotel and amenities. He has offered a tour of all the public places
, but he informs the press that the hotel is not completed as of yet. He guarantees the rooms will be completed within the next six weeks and promises to invite them back to see the finished product. Looking at me as if to confirm, I smile broadly and nod my head to validate his statement. At that moment, all eyes turn to me. I had hoped to stay out of the press today.

“I am happy to field any questions that you may have for me?” Michael says.

One reporter shouts out, “Why the name Tempo?”

“Tempo is the rhythm and beat of life. My life has a distinct Tempo to it and I wanted to provide a place where people can find their own.”