Chapter 26

Air!

I need air and a walk to clear my head. So much happened in the short span of 30 minutes. Nothing happened yet but he put down so many demands I’m just not able to process them all. He wants me to leave my house and the entire life I got there. Ok I don’t have much of a life but that is my home. Everything I own is there. And to come to live here in the city. For a while. Week or two until we sort our situation. Or he gets bored with me – which I would deem as a more probable outcome. I know that I’m the opposite to the type he usually dates. Look at Adele, perfect style, well-travelled, eloquent, perfect companion. And look at me, most of my time I spend in my head creating stuff or thinking about creating. I’m not focused and tend to run heaps of things all at once. Most of them never finished. Why would he be with me. Sex we had is out of this world, but I expect that for him it is not anything special.

How long does he want me to stay? Where is this apartment, he wants me to stay in? Where is my car? Where is the key to the apartment, how am I going to get into it? I forgot to ask all of that running out of his office and out of the building.

I see his black Lamborghini Ursus pulling up curbside, right where it left me. Adam gets out of the car and waves to me. I approach him although I still need more time and would rather take 15 minutes to walk.

“Miss Ace, I am supposed to take you to your house, help you pack and drive you to the apartment.”

“Ok Adam.” I’ll go with the flow. If I’m going to run a business, I cannot shut myself in my house. The collaboration with Liam is a great opportunity to learn from him. I’m fascinated with his brain as much as with his body. Him being the main investor in my company is a different thing. I don’t feel good about that.

“Madison!”

I hear somebody call my name, turn in the direction of the sound expecting some of my old colleagues, only to be pleasantly surprised finding the caller is none other than Timothy. He is at my side in few moments, biggest grin stretching across his face. Adam steps back giving us some space.

“Hi Timothy!” I great him politely, but in no mood to chit chat.

“You are still in town?” he asks.

“Yes. I had a work thing this morning.” I reply to him turning my back to the Carver building because light reflecting of it burned my eyes.

“You look amazing. Business look suits you.” He looks me from head to toe.

It is a miracle how men react to a simple knee length black pencil dress and high heels. Almost like it is a universal unconscious fantasy. More likely it is a product of the adult industry where all adult movies featuring businesswoman, have their main female protagonists wearing a black pencil skirt and a white blouse. Poor bastards are preconditioned before they even know what is going on.

He on the other hand is more a casual type in his dark jeans, sweater, and a suit jacket. Totally my type. He would be utterly cute - but in a universe where Liam didn’t exist. Or at least the universe where I had the guts to decline coming to Pipers’ party and we never reunited. Once you go Liam, you’re spoiled for all other men.

“You look handsome too, kind sir,” I joke in return, my spirit rising.

“Are you staying in the city? We could have that coffee we mentioned. If you would like?”

“Miss Ace, you forgot your keys.” I hear behind me. Distinct annoyance lacing that sentence.

Of course, when I turn, I see Liam standing behind me. If looks could kill, I would be dead now. And Timothy too. “Thank you, Mr. Carver,” I say politely as I take the keys from his outstretched hand.

“Don’t you have a meeting?” I ask him when he continues just standing there.

“Mm hmm…” he hums and crosses his hands not moving.

Why does this man insist on putting me into unpleasant situations!? I just do not get it. Turning back to Timothy I find my biggest smile. The poor man has done nothing wrong to deserve such a cold shoulder from Liam. “There is a possibility I will be staying in the city for few days, so let’s catch up some other day.”

Timothy looks at me and at Liam, knowing smirk on his face. “No problem. Call me and we’ll set something up.” Lifting a hand, he greats Liam goodbye, turns around and walks away.

“What was that?” I say to Liam in a hushed tone as I turn to him.

“I forgot to give you the apartment keys. Aaaand I need to get back to my meeting.” He responds coldly. “And we will talk about that coffee later.”

“No, we won’t.” I respond and start walking towards his car.

“Madison!?” he calls me. “You are being disrespectful again. You know what that means…”

All my anger shifts as I look back and find him grinning. Both of us burst into wholehearted laughter.

“You’re ridiculous Carver.” As am I because I continue to play his games.

“Go get your things. I’ll see you tonight in the apartment when I’m done with work.”

Before I’m able to react, he is in front of me, gives me a peck on the lips, turns around and heads back into the building.

****

Having Adam around while packing was a blessing. I used the ride home to call Dylan and Piper to let them know what is going on. Told them I was renting the apartment from Liam because I guess that is the deal here. One more thing we didn’t discuss. He has multiple properties which he rents out. He even has a separate company for that. It shouldn’t be an issue.

Anyhow, while I was busy collecting my things, selecting what I will need for the office. Adam covered the pool, made sure all windows are closed and locked and packed the car. We emptied the fridge and the pantry for all perishables. I may be back in few days, but in any case, I’ll rather buy some more things than get back to a house full of moldy rotten things.

I made us some quick lunch, just sandwiches nothing fancy and in the process, I got a new friend. Adam started calling me Madison, at least now when we are alone. I tried to engage in conversation about him a few times but didn’t get much. He has been with Liam for past 2,5 years, ex-military as I guessed and has no family. He complimented my security system and offered to keep an eye on the house remotely via the system while I’m in Denver. He is one of those people who possess tremendous physical strength and warm voice with a caring tone inducing trust, like an older brother would. I’m speculating here because I don’t have an older brother. No siblings whatsoever. This is what I imagine it would look like. I share the security system credentials with him.

Hours later we are done, packed and on our way back to Denver. Sinking in the plush leather seat in the back of the car, thoughts rush through my head. Liam, the thing we have, going out of my comfort zone… Two days ago, I knew who I was, how my day will look like and I was on the familiar ground. Today I packed a part of my life into a stranger’s car to be driven to a stranger’s apartment where I’m supposed to live for some time. Although we spoke about few days, why do I feel like this is going to be longer. Adrenalin peak is subsiding making me question this stupid, rash decision.

What do I know about this man, about Liam? Very few personal things. His business record is well known and accessible. On the other hand, his private life is not. He has a dark side to him. And girls…I’ve seen a bunch of pictures of Liam with different girls. And more than few with a particular one. He changes them a lot. We can have fun but it is a given that is not going to last. What than with my business? His investment? What will happen when he gets bored of me and wants to move on. My company is more important than a short fling.

My mobile pings.

How is everything going? – he asks.

We are on the way back. Almost in the city. – I reply.

Great. See you later. – he adds.

The car slides smoothly through the afternoon traffic when I notice familiar structures. We are going back downtown to the Central Business District.

“Adam? Are we going back to the office?”

“No. I’m taking you directly to the apartment. It is near the office in the Spire building.”

My mind was so focused on packing what I need, so that I forgot to ask where the apartment is. Since I have my car, commute is not a problem. I just didn’t worry about it.

“That apartment is used for business partners?” I ask.

“I do not know, but Mr. Carver owns several apartments in that building.”

Of course, he does.

We enter the garage and moments later park right next to my Mini. Two young guys wearing matching black suits greet us there. I take my handbag and my laptop while they don’t let me touch anything else. The elevator takes us to the 16th floor and Adam quickly finds the unit. Fishing out the keys – from the bottom of my bag – I unlock the door.

We enter and instantly I’m blown away by the view. The entire wall of the living area is one big glass wall looking onto the streets below. It is beautiful and makes me feel like I’m flying. Hoovering above the ground, suspended in the air above the city. This must be even more amazing by night. Apartment has a minimalistic vibe. It is evident that nobody lives here because it more resembles a hotel room than an apartment.

Living area is open space – just as I like it. Kitchen with a big island facing the living room, surrounded by few highchairs. Small but cozy dining area with a good size dining table and six more modern transparent chairs. Opposite of that is the living room area. Huge U-shaped plush sofa is facing the inside wall and the big TV mounted on it. Long dresser under the TV and the two small side tables by the sofa are the only furniture there. The hall towards the door and the bedroom holds a nook with a desk and a monitor.

Boys bring all the suitcases and carry them into the bedroom. They gracefully disappear to collect the remaining things. The bedroom is essentially one big bed. Room itself is asymmetrical and the walls are cut in various inclinations. Most definitely not a usual square box. Bathroom is adjoining to the bedroom and right next to it an enormous walk-in closet with bunch of shelves and racks. Well enormous from my perspective. My childhood room was pretty much that size.

I hear the boys are back and join them in the living area and find only Adam there. The fact he collected and packed fresh fruit from the house and thought to bring it here, makes me smile. Like a brother. He notices me looking.

“It felt wrong to throw all that if we are bringing you to an empty apartment.”

“You are right.” I answer.

Rummaging through the kitchen cabinets I find something that could be used as a fruit bowl and I arrange the fruit.

“We are done. Here is your car key and the garage key.” He hands over the keys alongside a note with written info about the apartment floor, unit number and garage parking space position. “I will collect you tomorrow morning in front of the building,” he tells me.

“Collect me for what? Where are we going?” I ask confused.

“To take you to work,” he responds serious.

“You must be kidding!?” I exclaim. “It is literally five-minute walk to the office and that is if you take the longer way.”

Adam smirks and looks at the floor. “Mr. Carver mentioned…”

“I’ll talk with him …” I cut him off and instantly feel regret for my reaction towards him. It’s not his fault. “I appreciate your help today. There is no way that I would have been able to do it all myself in one day. But this is too much.”

“I’ll let you talk with Mr. Carver and sort everything out.” He responds, says goodbye and leaves.

Suddenly I’m left alone in the deafening silence of the apartment. Standing in front of the glass wall, looking down at the city, I can only conclude how I in fact missed the city. Not in a conscious way, but now that I’m here, I’m glad to be here. Like the return of an old friend. The only difference is that this apartment is incomparable to the small apartment I was renting in Harvey Park few years ago.