As much as I want to spend time with her, filming has been frustrating with the cameras following me night and day. Parties in clubs I would never attend have been put into my diary, and Blythe has been my escort for most of them.
Even though I do get the odd moment to sneak away and see my girl, it’s not the same as a normal relationship. Watching the sun go down, I grab my phone and hit dial on her number. LA is very different from New York, and I have to say, I miss the East Coast.
“Hey,” Violet answers on the second ring, and just hearing her voice calms me.
“Hi, love.” I stare out at the ocean, wishing she were here. “How was work?”
“Busy. We have a new issue going out today, and it’s been manic. But other than that, I’m missing you.” It’s the first time we’ve been apart since meeting. Since the first time, I saw her and knew I had to learn more about the woman with the colorful hair and name.
“I miss you too,” I tell her honestly. I haven’t missed anyone in a very long time, perhaps even ever. Violet has most certainly given me the chance she promised, and even now, when I’m not next to her, I feel like a different man. “I needed to hear your voice.”
“That’s sweet,” she acknowledges, then I hear a door clicking and a sigh.
“Are you home?”
“Yeah, I just got in. I walked home. Just needed time to think and breathe.” Her voice comes from far away, and I wonder if I’m on speaker.
“Think? About?”
“Everything,” she admits. “This… this thing between us, it’s made me evaluate the job. Your job. I mean, after the weekend away, I feel closer to you.” Her words ease the worry that had gripped me for a moment, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes, and when you’re back, it would be nice to sit down and have dinner, and just be together again.” I can tell she’s hiding something from the tone of her voice. When she’s anxious, she tends to murmur, and there’s a rasp to her words.
“I would be up for that, love. We can cook together if you’d like. But I will warn you, I’m not great,” I admit with a smile on my face, hoping she’ll be able to hear it in my tone.
“I’m not sure I’ll trust you in my kitchen,” Violet teases, and the tone of the conversation lightens. “When do you get back?”
“I’m not sure, but I’ll text you the moment they confirm. Perhaps later tonight we can FaceTime. I’d like to see what you’re wearing in bed while I’m not there.”
“I think that can be arranged, Mr. King.” Her voice is seductive coming across the line, ensuring that the filthy images in my mind are racing wildly.
“Have some dinner, relax, and I’ll call you when I’m in bed, or text me when you’re in bed,” I dictate. Turning away from the window, I head down the hallway and grab a change of clothes.
“I will,” Violet promises. “I miss you.” Her whispered seductive tone doesn’t do anything to quell the ache I have for her.
“Later, gorgeous.” I hang up before she can taunt me further with that rasp and head for the bathroom. A quick shower, and then I’m getting something to eat before my call with Violet. Anticipation has my muscles tense, and the warm spray will hopefully help ease the tension.
If only for a while.
She’s doing things to me I never thought anyone would be able to do. And with every day that passes, I’m falling more and more for her. I wouldn’t call it love just yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those words fell from my lips soon.
24
Violet
Colton’s been more than attentive since the weekend we spent together. Since he had to fly to Los Angeles a day later, we haven’t had much time to spend together.
I haven’t heard from my sister for a few days, and I still need to find a dress. Colton and I went shopping, and we managed to get his suit for the wedding, but I couldn’t decide what would be appropriate for me to wear to the event.
Also, now that Clarissa is back in the office, I’ve been inundated with catching her up with the work I had signed off while she was away. But I’m also excited to have some time off soon. I’m anxious to hear how her trip was, but it’s been a no-go with nonstop deadlines every day.
We’ve both been in various meetings, and I haven’t had a moment alone with her. My focus has been on making sure she can see I’ve handled the office with professionalism, and I was able to sign off all articles in the new edition, including my own interview with Colton and Blythe.
But now, as I stand at the boutique, trying on the third dress, I’m taken back to the night of my prom. The night about which I confessed to Colton in bed after he’d given me two of the most incredible orgasms I’ve ever had.
I twist and turn, taking in my reflection, and decide black is the way to go. I’ve heard its bad luck to wear it to a wedding, but for my sister, it’s applicable. I have a feeling she’d possibly wear black if she had her way. But Mom would never allow her favorite daughter to do that.
I quickly change back into my work clothes and pay for the dress and shoes before heading back to the office. The moment I step foot through the door, my phone rings with Colton’s ringtone.
“Hello, Mr. B,” I tease, earning me a goodhearted laugh from the man who’s stolen my heart. I haven’t told him that yet, but when he gets back, I have a special dinner planned.
“Violet, love,” he greets. “I have my flight booked; I should be landing at about seven.” The noise on the other end of the line is jarring, but his voice cuts through the ruckus. “I’m going to have to go, but I’ll see you tonight.”
“I can’t wait,” I reply, but the line is dead before I can get the words out. My heart sinks at the thought of him with another girl. I told him to take the contract, so I can’t blame him, but even with all his reassurances, my negative mindset takes hold of me and holds me hostage.
I get to my desk and set down my shopping when Clarissa calls to me from her office. Before I make my way in, I grab my notepad and pen and step over the threshold to find Blythe sitting in one of two wingback chairs that face my boss’s desk.
“Blythe, hi.” I smile over at Colton’s agent, but she only offers a slight nod in greeting. Something is wrong. My stomach flip-flops wildly, and I wonder what’s happened because both women look like they’ve swallowed a lemon.
“We have a problem,” Clarissa announces. “Sit.” She doesn’t gesture to the chair, but I take it anyway with worry creasing my brows. “Colton is in LA, he’s on his way back, and we needed to explain the situation to you before you see him.”
“Okay,” I drag the word out, but something tells me my worst fear has come to pass. They look at each other, anxiety painted across both women’s expressions. “I’m a big girl, just tell me.”
“The producers have made sure to build this brand from the ground up. As you know, Colton is the face, the man of the line,” Blythe intones coolly, but there’s a hint of something I can’t quite put my finger on.