Girl Crush (Redwoods Book 1) Read online

  He dismisses me and I hurry to my office. It’s not until I close the door that I take a deep breath and try to calm my nerves.

  The rest of the day goes smoothly and I’ve gone over all the paperwork on Preston Incorporated and the only thing that I’ve noticed about his business is its very family oriented. I’m sure Mr. Vaughn’s already figured that out, but so far there’s nothing else I can think to use to get him to come to us. Maybe having Mr. Vaughn talk about how Vaughn Enterprises is family oriented we can sway him a little more. The other company could do the same so I plan on going through the paperwork one more time.

  I shut down my computer and shove the file in my bag so I can look through it more tonight and head out, all the while keeping my fingers crossed I don’t interrupt anything again. I didn’t, but I didn’t get away scot-free either. As the elevator dings and opens I hear Mr. Vaughn, “Hold the elevator please.”

  I walk in and hold the doors open as he gets on. When the doors close I realize I’m inside a small confined space with a man who does things to me I can’t explain, not to mention he’s my boss and I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I look at him out of the corner of my eye and see him staring back at me. My cheeks heat up and I’m sure my face is bright red. Having his eyes on me sends a current up and down my body. I rub my arms trying to stop the chill and shift my body slightly away from him. I swear I hear a low growl escape him but neither one of us says anything.

  The elevator final dings telling us we are on the ground floor. He motions for me to go out first and I feel his eyes on me as I walk toward the door.

  “Miss Marks, wait.” He says.

  I turn around and look at him. “Yes?”

  “Let me walk you to your car, please.” He states.

  I nod and continue walking out the door. When I get to my car I look up at him, “Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight, Kerrigan.” He says and pounds his hand down on the top of my car. I shut my door and wait for him to walk away before backing out and pulling away. I look in the rear view mirror and see him watching me drive away.

  The whole day has felt odd and off so I decide as soon as I have dinner I’m going to take a nice long bath and relax then look over the paperwork again to see what I can find that I missed before.

  Tuesday pretty much went the same as Monday and after looking at the file over and over I’ve practically memorized everything about Mr. Preston and his company.

  Mr. Vaughn calls me into his office right when I was getting ready to leave, “Miss Marks can you please come to my office.”

  I grab all my notes and the file, knowing it’s the reason he called me in there was to go over what I’ve learned before walking into his office.

  “Have a seat, Miss Marks. Tell me what you’ve found out about Mr. Preston and Preston Inc.

  “Well I’m sure you know all the business information and finance numbers. I also know by just looking through his financial information Vaughn Enterprises would be the best fit. We can manage everything more efficiently than our competitor, but you need to convince him that he would benefit more from us and that we have the same values in this company as he has in his.”

  “And what do you suggest?” He asks.

  “Work his family into it. He’s all about involving his children. I did a little research on him that wasn’t in the file and I know he has five children and all of them work at Preston Inc with their father. He’s been married to his wife for almost fifty years and they were high school sweethearts. I personally think you need to use that route. I wouldn’t go in there guns blazing talking figures with the man, I would go in and talk family. Maybe even use that Vaughn Enterprises values family just as much as they do.” I see him run his fingers across his chin, thinking. I only hope he doesn’t think I’m a complete idiot with this idea.

  “So you think family is the way to get Mr. Preston to transfer all the company finances to us?” He asks with a little doubt in his voice.

  “I do, but I can see you’re not sure about it, so what do I know. I’m just a recent college graduate and this is really my first case I’ve been involved in. So, I guess all I can say is go with your gut when you’re at that dinner with Mr. Preston and his wife. Hell, maybe even invite his children. I get the feeling that he doesn’t make any decisions without them anyways. Save yourself some time.” I say wiping my hands down my skirt, suddenly feeling nervous.

  “I think I will do that. Thank you, Kerrigan.” He reaches for the file folder the same time I go to hand it to him and our fingers touch and we both gasp and I pull my hand away quickly.

  “Will that be all, Mr. Vaughn?” I ask, needing to get away from him and fast.

  “Yes, have a great evening and make sure to get a goodnight sleep, we leave first thing in the morning.” He says.

  I nod and head toward the door.

  “Miss Marks, not that I need to tell you anything but I thought after what happened on Friday that I would give you a heads up that Lucia will be joining us on this trip and I didn’t want you to be caught off guard or see anything you don’t want to see.” He says and quickly turns around toward his desk dismissing me.

  I walk quickly out of his office, practically running back to mine and grab my things as quick as possible so I can’t get out of here. I don’t know why I’m so bothered with him telling me she’s coming along, I guess I really don’t understand why. Maybe it’s to be his dinner date with Mr. Preston and his wife. Yeah, that’s got to be it. Of course I wouldn’t be joining in for dinner, I’m just the assistant. I don’t understand why that suddenly makes me a little upset. Trying to shake that feeling I walk out of the elevator and bump into Ruth and Stella walking out.

  “Hello ladies, how are you both doing tonight?” I ask them.

  “I’m wonderful, Kerrigan.” Ruth says.

  “I’m good, but we should be asking you how you’re doing. Are you feeling any better? You look better.” Stella asks.

  “I’m feeling a lot better. I’m glad it was only a twenty-four bug especially since I have to accompany Mr. Vaughn on his business trip tomorrow.”

  “That’s right, I heard about that. It would be amazing if Vaughn Enterprises could land this account.” Ruth says.

  “Okay, so I have a weird question and if I’m out of line please let me know. Is it normal for Mr. Vaughn’s girlfriend to join him on the business trips?”

  The both look at me with weird expressions before answering. “It’s okay, I know I’m completely out of line, you don’t have to answer. I know he’s the boss and can do whatever he’d like.”

  “No Kerrigan, you can ask anything when you’re not sure. I know she’s joined him on a couple of occasions when he’s needed a dinner date.” Stella says.

  “Oh okay, I was thinking that was the case. Forget I asked.” I rush out and head out the door of the building.

  “Kerrigan.” I spin around and face Stella and Ruth. Stella continues, “Is there something that upsets you about her joining you guys? Did she do something to make you feel uncomfortable?”

  “Oh no, no, not at all. They can do whatever they would like. I’m just here to assist. Have a good night ladies.” I say, trying not to show any of this bothers me. I hear them both say good night and then they start talking lower as I walk away.

  I eat some dinner and practically crash right away. I don’t know how I’m feeling about the trip, it’s only business but every time I’m near him my body has a mind of its own and my mouth says things before my brain can tell it not to. I don’t know what it is about him that makes me feel strange, and I don’t know if I want to know. Ever since moving here everything seems a little off. Not in a bad way, just a way that seems familiar yet completely new.

  I get ready for bed and lie down thinking about what’s been running through my mind lately. I also make a mental note to call my parents and check in. They weren’t happy I moved so far away from them but in the end they couldn’t st
op me from following my dream. They always taught me to go with what feels right, and after a few arguments about why moving here was wrong, I finally told them this is what I wanted and needed. Thinking back to them now I feel like they were hiding something from me, and they tried their hardest to keep me from coming here. If it wasn’t for the comment I heard my dad tell mom that it was bound to happen sooner or later, I would probably still be arguing with them. Maybe I will try and see if I can get anything out of them. I know at least my mom was from here because of the photo I found of her but I could never get it out of her.

  I startle awake, sitting up I wipe the sleep from my eyes. Every night the same damn dream plays over and over, it’s not a nightmare. It’s more like a vision or maybe a memory. That boy with the amazing eyes is always there. It’s impossible that it’s a memory from my past though. Isn’t it?

  Before climbing out of bed I decide to send my mom a text to let her know how things are going. Grabbing my phone from the night stand I begin typing.

  Me: Hey mom just wanted you to know that everything here is going great.

  Mom: That’s wonderful, nothing out of the ordinary?

  Well, that’s an odd question. That feeling of everyone knowing something that I don’t creeps up on me.

  Me: Nope, not unless you consider a reoccurring dream out of the ordinary.

  Mom: Dreams about what?

  I consider how much to tell her. I mean it’s not like there’s much to tell, but she’s been so weird about everything to do with Redding. I decide on the truth to see how she responds.

  Me: I’m always a little girl, playing by a tree when a puppy runs up to me. Then when I look back down it’s a little boy and the puppy is nowhere to be found.

  Mom: Hmmm. Do you know who the boy is?

  Me: I always call him DJ and he calls me Buttercup.

  Minutes pass by before my mom replies.

  Mom: That’s certainly an odd dream, maybe it will pass. I’ve got to go to work now. Be safe, love you.

  Me: Love you, too.

  I can feel it in my bones that she knows something and isn’t telling me. I’m almost certain that my dream is a memory, and one my mother doesn’t want to discuss any further. She sure was quick to end our conversation after I mentioned the names. What the hell is going on?

  Oh well, I don’t have time to dwell on it right now. I need to shower and double check my luggage to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Once I’m dressed and ready to go I grab my suitcase and head out of my apartment to my car. I load my luggage and then make my way to work.

  First person I see when I walk into the office is none other than Lucia, looking spectacular as always. I’ve never seen her look any other way and it eats me alive with jealousy. I would give anything to be her for just one day. Of course, she greets me with a mega watt smile and for the life of me I can’t help but smile back at her she simply has this effect on me. As bad as I would like to hate her I simply can’t. Mr. Vaughn comes out of his office and asks us if we are ready to leave for our trip. I’m thankful that he came out when he did, because no matter what I feel awkward around Lucia, kinda like the ugly duckling.

  When we get to the airport I’m not all that surprised to find out that we would be flying on a private jet. Watching Lucia and Mr. Vaughn interact makes me wish even more that things were different. Or that I could be different. I think that is what bothers me the most, the fact that I wanna change who I am to have what she has. I’ve never questioned myself before. I’ve always been just me. Plain Jane, what you see is what you get. Ugh, this is driving me crazy. Thank God this is a quick flight.

  There is a car waiting to take us to the hotel when we exit the plane. The only thing on my mind at this point is to get out of Lucia and Mr. Vaughn’s presence and getting some time alone to clear my head. When we arrive at the hotel the bell hop takes our luggage to our rooms. I let Lucia and Mr. Vaughn know that I’m going for a walk before asking him for my room number and a key.

  The warm air feels wonderful on my skin as I step onto the sidewalk. Taking a deep breath I try to slow my racing heart. I don’t know what it is about Mr. Vaughn that drives me absolutely crazy. He has a fucking girlfriend, for goodness sake. From the way they act toward each other, they’ve been together for some time. But my mind doesn’t seem to care on bit about that. I want him. I want to be her. I don’t understand what is happening to me. I’ve never in my life been so envious of someone else. I’ve never tried to obtain something that I knew belonged to someone else. So, why now, what makes him so damn special?

  Turning back in the direction of the hotel, I try my best to make myself think of anything other than Damon fucking Vaughn. By the time I reach the room and insert the key I’m so lost in saying the alphabet backwards that I don’t even notice them until it’s too late.

  “Fuck me harder D.” I hear her moan.

  My body reacts before my common sense has time to kick in. My feet begin moving toward their open bedroom door. I’m frozen to the spot, riveted by what I see. Neither of them seems to have heard the suite door close behind me, nor does it seem that they heard me walk up to the door. They are both so engrossed in each other. It’s the hottest most erotic thing I’ve ever seen. Lucia is bouncing up and down on Mr. Vaughn. Even though I can’t see his face I can hear the sounds coming from deep in his throat letting me know that he is enjoying it as much as she is. Hell, I’m enjoying watching. I guess I can know add voyeur to my list of what the fuck is going on with me.

  Punish me. Take it all out on me.” Lucia moans again.

  Seriously who the hell says stuff like this during sex?

  His hand that was gripping her hip begins to rise up her body until it reaches the back of her head. Gripping her hair in his hand, he pulls her down toward him and I watch as he bites her neck.

  I’m instantly dripping wet watching the force he uses on her. I rub my thighs together trying to get a little friction to relieve the pain between my legs.

  After letting go of her hair he cups her breasts and she throws her head back and I watch her grind down harder on him.

  “Ride me, make me come.” He says to her as she grips his shoulders and squeezes.

  “Faster, Lucia, ride me.” He groans.

  “Aw, fuck, D. I’m gonna come.”

  His hand disappears in between them and I hear Lucia moan even louder. Their breathing escalates. I take it as my cue to get the hell out of there. I don’t know how I kept watching them, but there’s something about him that pulls me to him. At least this time he didn’t catch me.

  I don’t know how long I sit in my room replaying the events that just unfolded before my very eyes, when a knock at my door pulls me out if my trance. As soon as I approach the door I know instantly who is on the other side. Before turning the handle I take a deep breath and release it trying to calm my body as much as possible before opening the door.

  “Yes?” I ask Mr. Vaughn as soon as the door is opened enough for me to see him standing on the other side.

  When my eyes reach his face I see his nostrils flare. Meeting his eyes I catch the shift in color again before he turns his head and clears his throat. When he turns back to look at me he has his normal stoic expression in place.

  “I just wanted to remind you that dinner is at seven, we will be leaving here thirty minutes before that.” He states before he turns to walk away before I’m able to respond.

  Without thinking I reach out and grab hold of his arm. Currents of electricity race up and down my entire body as I stand there in shock, staring at my hand on his arm.

  “Did you need something Kerrigan?” He questions softly.

  “I… um...” I shake my head trying to clear the fog. I’ve never heard the softness in his voice before.

  Yes, sorry. I didn’t realize I was accompanying you to the dinner.” I say, completely caught off guard by the fact I’m going with him and the reaction my body is having.

  “Why wouldn’t you?” H
e asks still using that damn soft voice that’s doing nothing to calm my raging hormones.

  “I well...” God dammit, what the hell is wrong with me? “I just assumed Lucia would be accompanying you.” I say, while releasing his arm.

  “Well you assumed wrong, you are my assistant, not her. You are the one who researched this company; therefore you are the one to go to dinner.” He starts to walk away and turns back to look at me, “Be ready by six thirty.”

  Well shit. I didn’t plan on having to go to dinner. I don’t have anything to wear. Wait, what the hell, I’ve never cared before, so why now?

  After I close the door behind him, I go over to my suitcase hoping that there is something decent in there to wear to this dinner. Even though I usually don’t care what I wear or what others think of my clothes, I want to make a good impression on these potential new clients. More importantly I want Mr. Vaughn to notice me.

  As I rummage through my suitcase all I can think of is the look on Bryce’s face every time he sees me in one of my outfits. I really don’t want to see that reaction tonight. I begin throwing clothes over my head, trying desperately to find anything that I can put together worthy of proper dinner attire, when my hand lands on a folded piece of paper on top of a white box. What the hell is this? I didn’t put that in there.

  Unfolding the paper I recognize Bryce’s handwriting.

  I pull the box out and quickly open it. Inside I find the most gorgeous, yet simple, black dress. Pulling it out of the box I hold it up to my body and go to stand in front of the mirror. The dress lands right above my knees, with a small scoop neck and thick straps.

  I turn and look at the clock and realize I have about two hours before I need to start getting ready. I can’t believe Bryce done this for me, he is the best. I grab my phone and pull up his number so I can send him a quick text.

  Me: Thank you for the amazing dress, ur a lifesaver

  I get a response almost immediately from him