Always Have, Always Will, page 17
“Damn! Thank you, cuore mio.”
“For what?”
“Loving me enough to go toe to toe with her.”
My heart literally flip-flopped. “Always have. Always will.”
He hauls me against him, kissing me breathless.
“I’ll go after your appointment tomorrow,” I whisper against his neck.
His deep exhale tells me it isn’t what we want but what we should do.
Chapter Thirty Four
August
Part of me wants to stay in this bed with Caroline, in our little cottage bubble, and hope the issues outside fade away. I know it isn’t reality. Reality sucks! We recently took our relationship to a romantic level. Now I need to send my heart away for her safety—security issues caused by my family name, but mostly my mother. Even though she made a poor choice attempting to arrange a marriage, I highly doubt Phyllis would physically harm Caroline.
I wiggle beneath the sheets and set my mouth on the curve of her neck, the middle of her shoulder blades, and once further down her spine before a soft moan surrounds me.
“I know waking up together is new, but I’m going to miss it while we’re apart.” My lips still against her skin.
“Me too.” Her voice is soft.
I continue my downward quest, kissing my way over every inch of her back, the curve of her butt, to her toes. The subtle movements and sighs urge me to hurry, but I plan to take my time. When I reach her ankle, I roll her flat onto her back and climb up her gorgeous body. I slow my ascent to tease her core with my tongue and fingers. Her hands fist the sheets as she’s captured by the sensations rippling through her body. I continue upward. I savor her lush breasts, nipping, licking, and teasing her before setting my lips on hers.
Her hand slides between us, circling around my length. The soft touch of her hand on my hardened shaft and Caroline’s deliberate, sensual strokes bring me to the edge. I slide out of her grip, leaving a frown on her face. The moment the tip of my length grazes her heated center, she pulls her lower lip between her teeth, and I know I’m forgiven. I push forward with smooth thrusts. Her inner walls pulse around me in a steady rhythm.
I suck one of her pert nipples into my mouth and tease her swollen nub with my other hand.
“Auggie, don’t stop. That feels….” Her words fall away as her body shudders and her orgasm takes hold of her.
Watching her fly apart is to date the most exquisite sight I’ve ever seen. I follow her into the abyss of pleasure soon thereafter. I collapse over her and roll us to our sides. Curving my body around hers, I memorize every inch of her body against mine. While I know it’s the right decision, I don’t want her away from me ever again, which is something I plan to solidify once we’re back together again.
“Everything is going to be fine eventually, Auggie.”
I exhale slowly. She’s my rock and knows when I’m not handling something well. “I truly hope so. More accurately, I hope it doesn’t get worse before it gets better.”
She turns in my arms, her gorgeous eyes now level with mine. “What do you want from all of this? What is the goal?”
“I want you and a solid location for my restaurant.” My answer clear and emphatic.
“How do we make those goals happen?”
“I need to loop in my father, perhaps ask him to release the restrictions from my trust a little early, find a location sooner rather than later, and build a home for us.”
“One step at a time. Do you want me to come to the restaurant with you before your appointment?”
“Yes, but only because I don’t want you to be alone in case my mother shows up.”
“I’ll get ready and pack while you make coffee and call your father.”
“Caroline, I’m—”
“I know. I’m scared too. Please know the last thing I want to do is leave you, especially now, but it’s safest for both of us. I love you, Auggie, always have.”
“I love you, Caroline, always will.”
After another long, sensual kiss, I slide off the bed while Caroline moves to the bathroom. I start the coffee before checking my messages and calling my father. With a deep breath, I dial.
“Good morning, Dad. How are you and Eloise?”
“Good morning, Auggie. We’re well. How can I help with your mother? How is Caroline holding up?”
“I’ve known her a long time. She’s putting on a brave face for me. I’m floored Mother would do such a thing. I mean, her words were harsh enough, but to slap Caroline is way out of line.” I fill my father in with Blaine’s information and Gordon and the lease at 1459 Fifth.
“I’ll be frank. I didn’t realize Greenleaf held the lease. At a minimum, I would have kept the property to prevent Margaux from having anything over your head.”
“I appreciate that, but it doesn’t really matter. Gordon didn’t share the fact the restaurant was in the red, so much so he’s underwater on the lease and has been for months. As such, even though I can, I won’t bail him out.” If my father realizes I have the funds, he doesn’t indicate as much.
Caroline enters the kitchen and finishes our coffees.
“I gather Margaux is unaware of your career plans and your relationship with Caroline.”
“As I explained, she’s attempting to prevent me from purchasing anything other than 1459 Fifth. So far, she hasn’t been successful. Given what we’ve learned from Blaine, we’ve taken additional precautions to protect my search for a location. Margaux told Gordon she would stop the eviction if he brings me back to 1459 Fifth. I haven’t shared with him yet, but I don’t plan on returning. I’ll fix Ocean Cliff as he requested, but otherwise, I’m finished. When I know for certain I’m wrapping up here, I’ll resign. I would prefer to keep that knowledge close for now. As far as Caroline and me, Mother is having us followed. We haven’t hidden the fact we’re a couple in public. The two of us out and about wasn’t unusual before our first actual date considering we have been best friends for more than half our lives.”
“Fair enough, what about her security?”
I exhale sharply. “Caroline is like Noelle and Savannah. She doesn’t want personal security. We’re compromising and she’s going to Maine later today. I’m hoping we won’t be apart for too long.”
“I’m sure it isn’t going to be easy on either of you.”
“No, it won’t. Can you release my trust to me without Mother’s consent? I’ll be honest, I’m simply trying to cut any ties I have with her.”
“One of the provisions of the divorce settlement removes Margaux as your trustee completely. Do you need the funds?”
I’m shocked, not only it was included but Mother let it go. On the other hand, it explains why she’s so hell-bent on remaining in my life even if it’s tertiary like holding the lease. She needs money.
“Thank you for including the provision. No, I don’t need the money. If it’s only you acting as the trustee, then it can stay until I age out. Please take this next question at face value. Is it possible she’s broke?”
My father stifles a chuckle. “I know you and your siblings are aware our marriage was a business deal. As such we had a substantive prenuptial agreement. Margaux left our marriage with what she came in with plus her acquired assets like her jewelry, clothing, and a home. She opted for the penthouse on 45th Street where we lived early on in our marriage. I suppose the answer to your question is she likely feels broke.”
“It’s why she wants me to buy it. She wants some of your money back.”
“That’s an entirely plausible explanation for her actions.”
“You can choose not to answer this question—would you do it again? Marry for business, not love?”
“When I agreed with Thorsten Thomas to merge our families with Billie, I would have said yes. Now… the only good thing from my marriage to Margaux was the four of you. I realize Billie isn’t biologically mine, but she’s still my daughter. Knowing what I know now, I would have left once you were in boarding school. My relationship with Eloise is based on care and mutual respect. I’m glad you and your siblings were able to find loving partnerships despite the poor example we provided for you.”
“You may not realize it, but you did provide us with a stellar example. It wasn’t you and Margaux though.”
“Salma and Henry,” he answers.
“Yes. I’m glad you found Eloise. When this is over, I would like to get to know her better.”
“I am as well. She would love to get to know you and your siblings as well.. What can I do to help?”
“The only thing you can do is let me know if you hear anything that would be helpful.”
“Of course. If you need anything else or if you change your mind about your trust, let me know.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“You’re welcome, August.”
I end the call, set my hands on the island, and let my eyes close. Caroline slides her arms around me, resting her head on my back.
“That sounded civil and productive.”
“It was. How much of it did you hear?”
“Most of it. Do you want me to take your car and leave the rental with you?”
“It makes sense. I can use yours when I go back to New York.”
“Go get ready or you’ll be late.”
I kiss her and hurry through the shower before shift.
Chapter Thirty Five
Caroline
It’s been quite some time since I hung out with Auggie at work. I pack my e-reader and laptop into my tote to keep myself busy. When we arrive, Auggie notes the staff parking lot is full.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” Maybe I missed the whole purpose of Auggie being here instead of in the city.
“Yes. It means Collette is making progress.”
“Good.” It can only be good for him. He’ll be able to advance toward his own goals instead of working for Gordon on his.
Ocean Cliff is similar to 1459 Fifth. It’s a fine-dining establishment with white linen tablecloths and modern décor. Auggie takes my hand and leads me into a small office. He moves a side chair closer to the desk and kisses me. After setting his files and phone on the desk, he checks his email before heading into the kitchen.
I settle into the chair and pull out my e-reader. I downloaded a few books on publishing children’s books during my research. Like Auggie and his brothers, I need a solid plan before I jump into anything. Cash created a plan for Pemberton and even used a coworker to seek out his opportunity. Auggie used Cash’s head for business when he created his plan, but his own capital. I don’t recall how Sam started Morgan Insurance.
This part of the research is mostly how to get a finished book published. I already have a concept for the book, a target reader, and how it will incorporate high-frequency words. My worry is getting an illustrator and to print.
A little while later, Auggie and Collette step into the office. He brushes his lips across mine before introducing her.
“Collette, this is my girlfriend, Caroline. Caro, this is Collette, my classmate from culinary school. She’ll tell you she finished higher than me in the class rankings.” The volume of his voice drops a bit. “She would be telling the truth.”
Collette laughs. “Pleasure to meet you in person, Caroline. I recall Auggie talking about you constantly during school. However, I gathered you weren’t a couple then.”
“We started dating recently after a strong nudge from me.”
Auggie shakes his head. His phone rings, and he excuses himself from the office.
“How do you like Ocean Cliff?” I wonder if she’s planning on staying. It would certainly make Auggie’s life easier.
“It’s a wonderful change of pace from Los Angeles. Plus my aging mother needs my assistance.”
“Oh my! Is she okay?”
“Yes, she’s getting older and needs help with some tasks, like handling her finances and keep appointments straight. She’s in the Boston area, so this distance is much more manageable.”
“It must be comforting you were able to find a position which will work for you and your husband.”
“It will eventually. He won’t be able to come back east for a few more months. He’s an engineer with an aerospace firm. They’re working out the logistics of him working remotely and how much travel he’ll need to do to maintain his position.”
“It’s great his firm is working with him.”
Collette laughs. “It’s a family business. He’s hammering out details with his sister and father. They can’t say no.”
I chuckle softly. “I see your point.”
“I should get back into the kitchen. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“You as well.”
She leaves the office, and I wake my e-reader to continue reading. Moments later Auggie steps into the office and closes the door. He’s angry and ready to explode. I’m on my feet with my arms tightly around him before he utters a word.
“What did she do?” I know this has something to do with Margaux and the Connecticut property. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Nothing else could possibly anger him this much.
“I have only been angrier with her once, and that’s when she dared lay a finger on you.”
I tighten my hold on him. His hands wrap around me, and he presses a kiss to my head.
“Somehow she got to the owners of the Connecticut property I was supposed to see today. According to James, my realtor, the owners are no longer interested in showing it to me today or ever. When I pressed him, he indicated the owners performed some due diligence research and decided I wouldn’t be a good fit. There’s only one person who would do that. Margaux.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too. The location may not have been the one, but I have earned the right to see it and decide for myself. The fact my own mother is destroying my reputation by spreading lies about my relationship with Gordon and my demeanor with my staff is most hurtful the aspect of this situation.”
“I know.”
“Plus it means she has even more information about my plans than I originally thought.”
“I’ll leave now.” The words fall from my lips. Hiding the pain behind them is virtually impossible. Hiding the pain this is causing from Auggie is also impossible.
“Cuore mio, I could never properly apologize for the horrible things my mother has done to you and continues to do to us. I will fix it and be back beside you as soon as humanly possible.”
I inhale his crisp, spicy scent which hasn’t faded yet and look up at him. The only other time I’ve seen this look on Auggie’s face is when I asked for space at Billie’s wedding. It’s a tortured look which will never disappear from my mind. The only difference now is separating is for my physical safety not protecting my heart. I know for sure driving away will tear both of us to shreds.
““I’ll call you when I get to Billie’s.”
He leans down and seals his lips over mine in a possessive kiss. The angst and feelings are a lot to handle.
“This is only temporary,” I assure him, and myself as well.
“This is the absolute last thing I want.”
I clench my teeth and fight the tears forming in my eyes. “Me too.” Before I lose control of my raging emotions, from the love I have for Auggie to the disgust and downright hatred for Margaux, I step out of his embrace and gather my tote.
Swiping the fallen tear, I reach for the doorknob. Auggie lays his hand over mine. The front of his body pressed against the back of mine.
“I will fix this so we can move forward with the life we want together.”
“I know.”
Auggie presses a kiss to the curve of my neck. “I love you, Caroline.”
“I love you more, Auggie.” Always have, always will. Before the tears finish falling, I twist the knob and head straight for Auggie’s car. I peel out of the parking lot. The threatening tears are now flowing rapidly down my cheeks.
It isn’t until I’m almost out of Rhode Island before I’m calm enough to call Billie to let her know I’m on my way. Then I call the only person who could possibly understand. Nana. Her marriage was what I want mine to be like. I was young, but I remember the looks of longing they shared, the inside jokes, and communicating without words. We could have a similar marriage. The issue is how to get there.
“Hi, Nana. How are you today?”
“I’m fine, but you don’t sound well.”
It’s crazy she knows me so well. Almost as well as Auggie. “I’m not. Not truly.” I fill her in on the latest happenings with Margaux and her canceling Auggie’s showings.
“There is truly no depth Margaux won’t sink to, is there?”
“I don’t think so. I wish I knew her end game. She can push back against Auggie all she wants; he’ll stop looking and take a break from working.”
“It might be the best way for August to get her to back off. Make it seem like she already won.”
Nana has a point. If Margaux thinks Auggie has stopped looking, she may back off ruining his reputation, or at least trying to ruin it.
“Where are you?”
I sigh. “With everything happening with Margaux and his job, Auggie… we felt it would be safer for me to be away from the city and him.”
“I understand. I won’t ask where you’re going.”
“Thanks, Nana. I don’t mind the change in location, only we’ll be apart again so quickly after deciding to be a couple.”
“A love like you share with August will weather this storm too, sweet girl.”
“Thanks, Nana. Love you.”
“Drive safely. Love you too.”
I end the call and smile. No matter how awful I feel and for whatever reason, Nana can always make me see the bright side.
Chapter Thirty Six
August
This has gone far enough. I don’t care if my mother feels as if she’s broke. She made her choices. Now the consequences are hers to bear. Not mine. I won’t allow her to impact my professional future nor my future with Caroline.
