Use Me Page 11

  “Hey, Daddy,” I greeted, coming into the living room where he and my brothers were watching football. Their wives and my mother were in the kitchen getting the pies ready, and my three nephews were doing something somewhere else in the house.

  I’d snuck away from the kitchen because I wanted to talk to my dad for a few minutes. He used to be a police officer and then a detective for Chicago PD for most of my life. He’d retired almost seven years ago, but he’d know what to do. Ethan was currently a detective, but I didn’t think I needed to involve him yet. I just needed advice from my father.

  “Kiddo,” Dad greeted back and draped his arm around my shoulders.

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  I raised up and turned slightly to face him. “When you were on the force, did you have any stalker cases?”

  His steel-blue eyes widened. “Why? Do you have a stalker?”

  I swallowed. “I’m not sure.”

  “What did you just ask Dad?” Ethan asked. I’d assumed he was too engrossed in the game to hear me talking to our father.

  “Its fine.” I waved him off.

  “It’s not fine,” my other brother Carter snapped, joining the conversation.

  I sighed. Sometimes I hated having older brothers. Ethan was six years older than me, and Carter was three. It was great in school until all my friends wanted to date my older brothers, especially when they went off to college. My high school friends loved the fact that they knew college guys. Little did they know that my brothers were assholes. At least to me. Now that we’re all in our thirties, we loved each other, but they could still be jerks. They never missed an opportunity to tease me about something.

  “Who’s stalking you?” Dad asked.

  “I’m not sure if he’s stalking me, but I went on a date with this guy, and the whole thing was creepy.”

  “I thought you were dating Rhys Cole?” Ethan asked.

  “I am. This was a few days ago before Rhys and I made it official.”

  Ethan leaned toward me from where he sat on a loveseat. He’d apparently forgotten about the football game and was now in detective mood. “How was this other guy creepy?”

  I shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”

  “Ashtyn, you better tell us,” Dad threatened.

  “I’m a big girl.”

  “And there’s a lot of sick fucks out there,” Ethan stated.

  “Do we need to pay this guy a visit?” Carter asked.

  I rolled my eyes. “No. I don’t know anything about him or where he lives. I don’t even know his last name or phone number.” I’d thought I’d at least get his phone number on our date, but since that was cut short, I literally knew nothing about him except his first name and that he worked as a nuclear engineer. I didn’t know where either.

  “Just tell us why you asked me about stalkers,” Dad pressed.

  I sighed and told them how Philip was the guy at the bar when I met Rhys, how I ran into him at Starbucks, how I went on a date with him, how he knew about Corey even though I thought I’d deleted all traces of him, and how I saw him slip something in my wine.

  “He tried to date rape you?” Ethan stood, anger lacing his face.

  “I got out of there, so he didn’t.”

  “I wish you knew more about this guy so we could handle it,” Dad stated.

  “I just want to know if he sounds like a stalker.”

  “He sounds like something,” Carter mumbled.

  “If you see him again, you call me.” Ethan crossed his arms. “Even if you run into him at Starbucks again.”

  I nodded. “There’s something else too. I get flowers once a week at work from a secret admirer.”

  “Flowers? What kind of flowers?” Dad asked.

  “Roses.”

  “Are there cards?” Carter asked.

  I nodded. “Yeah. They usually say stuff about how pretty I look.”

  “And you don’t find them weird?”

  I balked at Ethan’s question. “No, I thought they were sweet. It’s nice getting flowers from a fan.”

  “Do you think it’s the same guy?” Ethan kept questioning.

  I shook my head. “No, I’ve been getting them for about a year now, and I just met Philip a little over a month ago at Judy’s.”

  “I suggest not going back to Judy’s,” Dad suggested.

  “Okay. It’s probably for the best.” I could do that.

  “Pies ready,” Mom said, peeking her blonde head around the corner.

  We started to walk toward the kitchen to grab a slice. “Just call me if something else happens.” Ethan squeezed my shoulder.

  I nodded.

  “Yeah, then we’ll go beat this guy up like we used to do to those kids in high school.” Carter smirked.

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Now, it’s a felony.” Dad shook his head.

  “If we get caught.” Carter laughed.

  Me: Are you home?

  Rhys: Almost. Are you?

  Me: I’m sitting in my car.

  Rhys: Are you coming over?

  Me: I need clean clothes. How about we stay at my place tonight?

  Rhys: I’m on my way.

  Ten minutes later, Rhys walked into my building. I was waiting in the lobby talking to Jose, one of the doormen. We had a few doormen who opened the door for us when we arrived or left, delivered packages if they arrived when we weren’t home, and screened visitors who they’d never seen before. It made me feel a little safer knowing we had someone watching the front doors of the building.

  “Hey, Cupcake.” Rhys kissed my lips lightly. “You waited for me?”

  “Just catching up with my good friend Jose.” I winked at Jose and waved goodbye.

  Rhys swung his arm around my shoulders as we walked to the elevator. “How was Thanksgiving?”

  “I can’t wait to get out of these jeans. I ate too much,” I groaned.

  “I did too, but I still need dessert.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to ask why he didn’t have pie. Dessert was always a part of my Thanksgiving, but then I looked up to see him smirking, and I knew exactly what he meant.

  Most women love to shop. Especially when it’s with their friends and they mix in cocktails—at noon. That was on my agenda while Rhys had a game. I needed to buy a dress for the Emmys, and I didn’t want to go shopping alone in fear I might run into someone I didn’t want to see.

  The girls and I decided to shop for my dress first before grabbing lunch. I didn’t trust us to pick a dress for me if we were tipsy. The Emmys were like—well, the Emmys. Each year we walked the red carpet, and then when we got inside, there was an open bar followed by the awards ceremony.

  “I like that one,” Kylie stated as I came out of the dressing room.

  I looked in the mirror and twirled, looking at myself in the knee length, black, halter neckline cocktail dress. It was perfect. Unlike the Prime Time Emmys for the actors of all of our favorite TV shows, I didn’t need to spend thousands on my dress. Granted they were probably paid to wear those dresses.

  I turned to face the other girls. “I think so too.”

  “I agree.” Colleen nodded.

  “You look hot,” Jaime agreed.

  I chuckled. “I’m not going for hot. It’s a work function.”

  “Yes, but your boyfriend will be there.” Jaime sang the word boyfriend, and I rolled my eyes.

  “We’re not going together,” I corrected. “He’s bringing his mom.”

  “So you get to meet the family already?” Kylie asked.

  “Just his mom.” I moved to go back to the dressing room.

  The planners of the event made the seating arrangements, and usually they sat each network together unless there was a special request. We were less than a week away from the Emmys, so I figured Rhys and I wouldn’t be sitting next to each other.

  “If you get her approval, I’m sure you’ll be invited for Christmas,
” Jaime called out.

  I started to unzip the dress after closing myself into the fitting room. “You guys are stressing me out with all this family talk. Let’s go get a drink.”

  After paying for my dress, we went to the Cheesecake Factory where, after a glass of wine, I told them what happened with Philip. Jaime already knew what happened on my date because I’d called her when I was in the taxi heading back to my condo. She had been seconds away from coming over, but I’d told her I was going to see Rhys instead of heading into my empty place. Colleen and Kylie were shell-shocked, but after I assured them that I was okay because I was sitting in front of them drinking a margarita, they breathed a sigh of relief.

  Now that everyone knew, I never wanted to think of Philip again.

  The Emmys.

  Honestly, I just went for the open bar.

  Of course, over the past few years, it was nice to actually get a few awards. If I had a fireplace, I’d display those babies so everyone could see them. Instead, I kept them in my office. I wouldn’t mind adding to my collection. I even wore the same black and white tux every year because I was hopeful that it was good luck.

  Since my parents lived almost an hour from the city, my father drove into town with my mother, and they checked into a hotel—that I’d paid for—where the Emmys were being held. My dad was going to watch TV while we were downstairs. He’d probably order room service and something on Pay-Per-View, but I didn’t mind.

  Ashtyn and her co-worker, Abby, were going together, and we had plans to meet up inside the ballroom. Once everything started, we were probably going to be at different tables, unless my mother talked someone into switching. I wouldn’t put it past her. Once they met, I was sure my mom was going to tell me to marry her tomorrow.

  I rode the elevator up to the floor my parents were staying on, walked down the hall until I found their room number, and then knocked on the door. My dad opened it, dressed in his boxers and nothing else.

  “So not painting the town red tonight?” I teased as I moved past him and into the room.

  He closed the door and followed behind me. “Not a chance. I get to order whatever I want for dinner, watch whatever I want on the TV, and not have your mother nag me to death. I’m staying right here.”

  “I heard that!” Mother yelled from the bathroom.

  Dad rolled his eyes as I asked, “Are you almost ready, Mom?”

  The white bathroom door flew open, and my mom walked out in an emerald colored dress that had long sleeves and went to just past her knees. “Yes. I’m so excited!”

  I chuckled as I kissed her on the cheek. “You look beautiful, Mom.”

  “Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to wear to meet your girlfriend.”

  “You’ve met almost all my girlfriends. Why would this be any different?” I looked to Dad for confirmation, but he wasn’t paying any attention to us. Instead, he was laying on the king-sized bed, his ankles crossed as he flipped through the stations on the TV.

  “Yes, but this is a local celebrity.” She moved to grab her purse.

  “You don’t need your purse,” I reminded her. “We’re going downstairs to the ballroom.”

  “I have my camera in here.”

  “You mean your phone?”

  She pulled out a digital camera she’d had for at least ten years. “No, my camera.”

  I laughed. “No one takes pictures with cameras anymore.”

  “I want to get a picture with Ashtyn.”

  I smiled. “Trust me. We’ll get pictures with her, but we’ll do it with my phone.” I patted the chest of my tux jacket, indicating I had my phone on me.

  “And if you win another Emmy?”

  “I’m sure Ashtyn will have it under control.”

  Mother sighed and put her camera back into her purse. “Okay, then I’m ready.”

  The traditional red carpet was in front of the ballroom with The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Chicago/Midwest backdrop. We made our way down the carpet, stopped for a picture, and then I was stopped by a journalist who wanted to ask me about the Blackhawks’ season. My answer was always the same. “They have a good chance to go all the way.”

  “Want a drink, Mom?”

  “Sure.”

  We moved to the bar where I ordered a beer and my mother ordered a glass of Rosé. As we stood, sipping our drinks, I looked around for Ashtyn. I didn’t see her anywhere. I pulled out my phone to text her.

  Are you in the building?

  The three dots automatically started to dance on the screen.

  Ashtyn: We’re walking in now.

  “Ashtyn’s here,” I said out loud as I texted her back.

  We’re by the bar to the right.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’ll be here in a few minutes. She’s just walking in.” I chuckled.

  Mom turned her gaze toward the front doors, and my girl walked in wearing a black dress that showed her bare shoulders. Bare shoulders that I’d kissed the first night I met her.

  “She’s even more beautiful in person.”

  I nodded my agreement and watched as Ashtyn scanned the crowd in our direction. When her gaze met mine, we both smiled. She said something to her friend and then started toward us. My smile hadn’t faltered one bit in the time it took her to walk across the room.

  “Cupcake,” I greeted, kissing her lips softly. “You know what your shoulders do to me.”

  She shoved me playfully and hissed, “Be good.”

  “I am being good or I could—”

  “You must be Mrs. Cole.” Ashtyn reached out her hand to my mother.

  Mom waved off the handshake and moved to Ashtyn with opened arms. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. And please, call me Claire.”

  “Right. So, Mom, this is Ashtyn. Ashtyn, this is my mother, Claire,” I introduced them sarcastically. I meant to do the introductions before they hugged but seeing Ashtyn in a tight dress that showed a lot of skin was killing me. It was causing me to have thoughts of dragging her in the restroom and having my way with her.

  “It’s nice to meet you too.” Ashtyn smiled.

  “You want something to drink, Cupcake?”

  “Cupcake? That’s a cute term of endearment,” Mother cooed.

  Ashtyn’s gaze flicked to mine, and I smirked at my mother’s words. Yeah, I wanted to lick Ashtyn’s cupcake right about now.

  “I’ll have what your mom’s having.”

  I turned to the bar and ordered a Rosé for Ashtyn while she and my mother chatted about God knew what. Mother was probably asking her how she felt about a spring wedding. They were both laughing, and it struck me that it was the first time my mother had laughed with one of my girlfriends.

  The bartender placed the pink wine in front of me, and after tipping him, I turned and moved back to the ladies. “Where did your co-worker go?” I asked, handing Ashtyn her drink.

  “To mingle with some people.”

  “You know who I’d also like to meet?” Mother asked.

  “Who?” I questioned.

  “Barbara from the evening news. She’s been on for years, and I’d like to just meet her once.”

  “I can introduce you,” Ashtyn offered.

  “Really? I’d love that.”

  Ashtyn scanned the room. “She’s over there. Want me to do it now?”

  Mom looked at me, and I shrugged. “I don’t mind. In fact, I need to visit the little boy’s room.” The women started to move away, but I grabbed Ashtyn’s wrist, halting her. “After you introduce them, meet me by the men’s room.”

  “And leave your mother?” she asked in a whisper.

  I nodded. “Trust me. She’ll talk Barbara’s ear off, and I want to show you something.”

  Ashtyn’s eyes brightened. “I’m intrigued.”

  We parted ways, and I walked out the door in the direction where I assumed the restrooms were. I actually didn’t care. I was going to find a quiet place where I could finally kiss her and
not the sweet-hello-how-ya-doing one I gave her earlier.

  I found the restroom, and instead of going inside, I waited against the wall for Ashtyn. I hadn’t seen anyone go in or out, and when I saw her walking down the hall, I smiled.

  “What do you want to show me?”

  “Well, it’s more I show you mine if you show me yours kinda thing,” I teased, but actually the more I thought about it, and the more I figured no one was in the restroom, other thoughts entered my mind.

  She groaned. “Rhys.”

  “Come on, Cupcake. I’ll make it fast.” She didn’t move, so I walked the few feet back toward her. “It will be like when we were on the booze cruise.”

  “When we were on the booze cruise, people couldn’t walk in on us at any moment. People we may work with.”

  “True.” I ran my fingers along her cheek and brushed her long blonde curls off her shoulders. “But that makes it more exciting, right?”

  “My boss is a guy. What if he walks in?”

  “Then you better not be loud.”

  I took her hand, and she willingly walked behind me. I heard her mumble, “I can’t believe we’re doing this, especially with our co-workers right down the hall.” She stopped. “And your mother!”

  I pressed the door to the women’s restroom open. “Fine. We’ll do it in here.”

  She stared at me for a few seconds while I held the door. Finally, she stepped forward, peeked her head in and then tugged me inside. “Is this going to be a thing when we go out in public?”

  I smirked. “Do you want it to be?”

  Ashtyn bit her bottom lip. “It does turn me on.”

  “Of course it does, Cupcake. The thought of being caught excites everyone. They just don’t admit it.” I pulled her into the largest stall.

  “What if someone who needs this stall comes in?”

  “Then we better fucking hurry now shouldn’t we?” I closed and locked the door behind us. “Take your panties off.”

  Ashtyn hesitated for a moment and then did as I asked. I took them from her, stuck the lace in my pocket and started to unzip my pants. She faced me, her back against the wall and after I slipped a condom on that I had in my wallet, I picked her up and teased her opening with my cock as she wrapped her legs around my hips.