Personal Possessions, page 17
“Night, Tasha. I’m finished with this conversation. Have a good life.”
“She’ll never lov-“
Hanging up the phone, I cut her off. Really need to get in contact with Loren and draw something up, possibly a restraining order. I was done.
Despite cutting her off, her words echoed throughout my head.
She’ll never love you. Repeated through my mind like an echo.
What if she was right? I had been wasting seventeen years of my life on someone who would never love me again.
Setting my phone down on the table, I walked to the kitchen to grab a glass of water when I heard the chirp of a message. I wasn’t going to deal with her right now, I knew it was Natasha. The digital microwave clock that read four twenty-two in the morning, told me I needed to go back to sleep, but my mind was restless. I took my glass of water back over to the couch and sat.
Unlocking my blackberry, and pushing the button to retrieve my messages When I opened it I saw Elle’s answer,
“Meet u @ RL mfg 6pm.”
but there, at four twenty-two in the morning, I read the message I had been waiting seventeen years for:
I’m still anchored to you. Completely. Love, Ellie-bean.
The day was busy getting things in order, making sure Sarah and Mary both knew Elle would be accompanying me back, and that she would be working with them. I could tell Sarah wasn’t on board with this plan, but she really didn’t have a choice in the matter.
The morning was filled with my daily phone calls, and bringing Kip up to speed on what I needed him to watch for while I was out of town. I told him that I would be back in two weeks and we would discuss everything that he had found out then. Unless it was a holy hell emergency, I did not want to be disturbed.
My clock was ticking with Elle, I was on a strict timeline to get her to fall back in love with me. I was not about to waste one moment of it on shit that could wait until I got back.
Packing my things quickly, I wanted to spend some time over at the plant before I left. Heading over, I decided to call Rachel and tell her about what was going on. She was quick on the draw to answer her phone.
“Hi,” she said just as if I call every day to speak with her.
“Hey, I just wanted to let you know that Elle will be going back north with me.”
“I heard. This is a good thing, Trev.”
This was a good thing? It was a very good thing.
“I just wanted to let you know that I am keeping my promise to you, and I will be bringing her back.”
I heard her suck in a quick breath, which I thought odd but then I heard her whisper under it, “You have no idea.”
“Is there something I’m missing here, Rach?” I asked thinking maybe I was reading into this wrong.
“You go, Trev. Take her with you, and I will see the both of ya’ll in a few weeks, kay?”
She didn’t answer my question, but I let it go - for now.
“Ummm, ok? Talk with you soon.” I didn’t say goodbye, I just hung up the phone.
I called Kip quickly, instructing him to meet me at Richland Manufacturing at three.
Having gone over everything that I needed to go over up in the main office at Richland, I asked Kip to take a walk with me in the plant area. I wanted just to scan over the employees, see if I recognized any of the men that were with Bubba and Bear that night. We walked looking at faces, builds… anything that would let me know who I was dealing with here, turning up with nothing.
Richland Manufacturing was not the kind of factory that outsourced, so I wasn’t expecting to see new faces appear daily and Richland Georgia was not listed on the “Top Ten Best Places to Live”, so I knew every one of the men, as I’m sure they were well aware of me. But those men with Bear and Bubba that night, I hadn’t even recognized them.
Kip brought me back from my thoughts, he must’ve been thinking about the same thing.
“Don’t see ’em, McHale.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
“Reckon they come from another town?”
They could’ve been from anywhere. I thought to myself, although I would put money down on that thought being a fact that he already knew.
“Keep an eye out while I’m gone, got it? And for God’s sake, watch your back.”
I kept looking around. We knew one of the places where they hung out, but I didn’t want to catch them in their space. I wanted neutral ground, and since we didn’t know where to find them, that looked like it was going to be harder than I thought.
Kip grunted in response.
Calling the rental car company, I told them where the concierge could pick up the car, as well as confirming the limo service that would be taking us to the airport. I had already called and arranged for the pilot so all was taken care of for our departure.
Sitting in the limo waiting for Elle to join me, I couldn’t help but think of us together. Our future. I had vowed that I would not allow myself torture like that. I couldn’t have taken it without losing my mind. But now here I sit, as usual, waiting on Elle. Never thinking this would have ever been possible.
A car pulled up beside me, but I wasn’t expecting to see what I saw. A man, hugging Elle. I know she could see that I was writhing inside by the look on her face. I don’t know who the fuck this man was, but if he wanted to live to see tomorrow, he had better get his fucking hands off of her.
“Kevin, I’d like you to meet Trevor McHale, Rachel’s cousin. Trevor, this is Kevin Harrington, Rachel’s husband.”
I felt the breath leave my lungs as I relaxed, Rachel’s husband.
“I guess that makes us kin now! Nice to meet ya,” Kevin greeted as he took my hand.
“Same to you, thank you for helping Elleny here.”
He seemed pleasant enough, friendly and respectable. I had no issues with that, and I was glad that Rachel had herself a good man.
“No problem, she’s also a part of our family. Ellie-bean, you stay safe. Don’t worry about the kids and watch the um….throat.”
Wait, what? The blood draw instantly waved a flag in my mind, was Elle sick? What was with the “um…throat”?
Elle hugged Kevin and thanked him, as I took a seat back in the limo.
I know my anger was quite evident on my face, and I could feel the heat coming off of me. Why didn’t she tell me she was ill? The trip could’ve been rescheduled. She had issues with informing me of problems, and yet I wanted to be the one to whom she would run to, but I wasn’t. That hurt, because I once was that person. Sitting across from where she sat, I stared blankly at her trying to mask my emotions.
“You ok?”
If she was ill, I would take her home and we could do this another time. She just nodded, as I held out a glass of water to her. Hesitant to take it from me, looking at me as though I was a complete stranger, as if she was fearful of me.
“It’s water.”
Smiling what seemed like a fake smile, she took the glass.
I watched her as she just stared out the window, holding the cool glass between her palms. The look on her face pained me. She looked so sorrowful and cheerless…not like the Elleny I once knew. It felt as though my Elle wasn’t even with us.
“Why?”
My head shot up as I heard her scratchy voice ask me a question, no clue on what she was even referring to.
“I’m sorry?”
“Why did you come back here?”
Turning my head towards the window, I couldn’t look at her and explain to her what tore me apart inside. So I just gave her the quick version.
“Elle, this was my home. I stayed away for almost eighteen years. Years that I felt like I was adrift, everything was always temporary and indefinite. I never made plans long term because I knew I would never follow-through with them. I’ve felt like I didn’t truly have anything. Even though I had money in my pocket and money in the bank, it was all… meaningless.”
“You would’ve never gotten what you have now if you would’ve stayed here in this town, TJ and you know it.”
Oh fuck…there it was my name. She said her name for me. I replayed it, over and over again in my head. Then I realized what she had just said to me. Was she serious? Did she think that all this money was worth what I lost? I didn’t know whether to laugh or yell at her.
“You’re wrong, Elleny, I would have all I wanted if I would’ve stayed in this town.”
Elle didn’t say a word, just sat there and stared at me. Dying to know what she was thinking, I had to ask. “What, you have nothing to say to that?”
Shaking her head, Elle said nothing. We ended up sitting in silence the rest of the way to the airport.
As we reached the airport, I went to speak with the pilot as Elle stepped out of the limo and immediately went to her phone, probably to text Bear that she was still alive and still fully clothed. I returned to see the driver handing our bags over to the flight crew.
I boarded the jet and was met by the flight attendant, Jasmyn, with a glass of champagne and a wink. Unfortunately, she was one of the many members I had inducted into the mile high club aboard this plane, and she was not going to let me forget it. I was going to have to make sure that she found herself relocated to another jet, maybe even another company.
It felt stuffy on board and that was the complete opposite of how I wanted it to feel. Getting up, I adjusted the thermostat, maybe Elle would relax a bit and we could talk. I was hoping for a conversation that was more … intimate. I went to the bedroom, at the back of the plane and grab some of my clothes out of the closet. I hung my suit up, and redressed in more casual clothes before proceeding out to the front again.
“Change much?”
I heard Elle’s voice but noticed she was still looking down into her magazine. She looked fucking delectable in that skirt and heels. I swore to myself that the first time I fucked her she would be wearing those heels, right there.
I was thrilled that she had asked me such an open ended question, because I had such a straight forward answer for her to get her on the topic I wanted.
“Why yes, there are some things that I have changed. Yet, there are some things that have never changed. About me, of course.”
Elle’s head slowly turned and leveled, so that her eyes could rake over me. She was checkin’ me out, and judging by the lust in her eyes, she liked what she saw. Elle gently shook her head, before stiffening her face and closing her magazine. I had to catch myself from saying, “Uh oh…another lecture, huh?” I could see it coming.
“Look, Mr. McHale, whatever you have going on in that brain of yours, let me assure you, it’s not going to happen or even attempt to happen. This trip is strictly for business and nothing more. I have never given you any indication that I am interested in your flirtatious manner nor will I ever. So, if you know what’s best for you, I suggest you go up to the front of the cabin and secure yourself for take-off.”
Oh wow, she was further than I thought she was. Already denying me, and I hadn’t even said anything that would fall into the category of flirtatious. I had a feeling her thoughts were right on track with mine, she just wasn’t going to admit it. And since we were right here, at this point, together, I might as well be the one to say it.
I wanted to make my plans known. Getting down on my knees so that she could see how set I was to making this a reality, I grabbed her hands in mine. Already sporting wood, probably would’ve given anything to take her back into that bedroom but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself.
“Are you done?” I chided, “That was an excellent speech, Mrs. Barker-Jackson, but let me tell you the way it’s going to be. By the time this trip is over, I will have not only fucked you until you’re pleading with me to stop. I will also, taste every part of your delicious body, taking my time and licking places no other man has even thought of licking you. I will drink every bit of you into me because - fuck, how I have missed your taste. My fingers will do things to you that will have you sobbing with pleasure. And the best part,” I let out a low chuckle, “now pay attention, Mrs. Barker-Jackson, what you don’t know and I am gonna let you in on my little secret here , I won’t request any of this. It will be you, Miss Barker-Jackson who will beg me for everything I have just said to you.”
Elle was speechless. She was stuck in her head thinking of all I had just said to her, that she literally didn’t utter a sound. It was amazing, but yet, it was so frustrating. How I wanted to touch my lips to hers, to smell her sweet breath. I thought my cock would bust through my pants. Grabbing her hand, and putting it to my lips to give myself some relief, I needed to taste her somehow and I would have to be satisfied with her hand. Laying my lips to her hand, I ran my tongue over the skin where my lips were sealed. Her taste was the same as when I last kissed her. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the memories. As I kissed her hand, her eyes were locked on mine.
“Oh yes. That’s the taste right there I have dreamt about for the last eighteen years.”
Suddenly, Elle pulled her hand away. I silently laughed and stood up. I had proved my point right there. By the end of this trip, all would be right. She would love me, and I would have my family.
I would have all of my personal possessions returned to me.
“I will leave you with your thoughts, Mrs. Barker-Jackson. Enjoy the flight.”
Chapter 14
I had paperwork in front of me, but Elle was on my mind. I was literally eight feet away from her, but felt a million miles apart. I needed a drink to bring me back to myself.
I walked back to the bar, passing Elle. She look amazing sitting there reading. I must’ve laughed, because I heard her ask me a question.
“Something funny?”
“Just you.”
I wasn’t going to lie. If she would put as much time and energy into supporting my plan as she did trying to avoid it, we would have more time for fucking and less time for fighting, plus she’d be so much more relaxed and not so much of a tight ass.
“Would you like to elaborate on that, Mr. McHale?”
Now she wanted to have a conversation?
“You’re giving great thought to my offer aren’t you?”
I could tell she was getting flustered, as the anger mask got set on her face. She pulled up her sleeves, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Bruises ringed around her wrists. These were small bruises like with a small handcuff, or leather strap. A fucking bruise! My anger went through the roof. I couldn’t even see straight, all I saw was red.
“I will have you know Mr. McHale that I-“Elle attempted, but I couldn’t even focus.
“What the fuck is that?”
I slammed my bottle of water down to the table. I needed to get up and pace, but I couldn’t, I was on a fucking jet that had no space.
“Mr. McHale, I don’t hear or see anything, what did you see?”
“What I see better not be what I’m thinking it is because if it is, someone is going to die and it won’t be a fast death.” Calming down was impossible, the more I thought about those marks, the angrier I got. I couldn’t even punch anything, I couldn’t walk hell, I couldn’t even fuck this anger away.
“Mr. McHale, please….”
I heard her quiet voice plead with me. Fuck that!
“Don’t you fucking Mr. McHale me, Elle! Where did those bruises come from?”
“Don’t you dare think you can pry into my life, these are none of your business.”
She held her wrists up in my face, which just made me even angrier.
“This is the second time you’ve felt that you can just poke your nose into somewhere it doesn’t belong. You’ve been away a long time, Trevor McHale and things have changed. You don’t get to come up to me threatening me with your alpha-male bullshit, cuz all you’re gonna get is a great big Fuck off!”
What the fuck was I doing? I was so angry and I was taking it out on the wrong person. Closing my eyes, I had to push the emotion away. If I ever found out that Bear did this to her and on purpose, he would be dead. But that was for another time, not here…with Elle; this was our time.
I took some deep breaths and calmed down. She was right, as of this moment, it wasn’t my business, but it would be.
We didn’t say a word to each other, we just stared. There was nothing to say. If I opened my mouth all that would come out was shit that would get her defending her actions, and all this clusterfuck would snowball.
“Look, Mister McHale, I apologize for losing my temper. To be quite frank with you, I’ve had a shit night and I’m extremely tired. Personally, I just want to finish out this flight, get to my hotel, take a long hot bath and fall asleep. If there is anything you would like me to work on the rest of the flight, please feel free to bring it to my attention.”
I just kept staring at her. Who in the right goddamn mind would hurt someone so beautiful? She had a heart of gold, she would never hurt someone.
“Glass,” was the only thing I could voice.
“I’m sorry, are you in need of a glass? Here, let me.”
See, she did for others. What the hell would drive someone to hurt someone that was so selfless? I was in shock. Couldn’t even think straight, my feelings were so off kilter I didn’t know if I was coming or going.
As I sat there, I felt her move by my legs as she went to step out into the aisle. I reached up, and grabbed her hand.
“That’s not what I meant,” I confessed to the back of the seat in front of me. I could hear the emotionless tone that came out of my mouth.
“What I said is, your husband should touch you as though you were made out of the most delicate glass. Regarded as if, at any moment you stay in the palm of the possessor’s hands you can just disintegrate into the finest of dust.”
Elle took a step back and sat down in her seat. I had to sit as well.
“Mr. McHale-“ Her breathy response brought me from my thoughts, back to the matter at hand.
I pounded my fist on the armrest that divided us.
“Don’t call me that again, do you understand me? You call me TJ. That’s my name!”
