“I’ll call you later,” she said, hurriedly grabbing her purse from the couch. She gave me one last look before slipping out the door, leaving me naked and reeling on the couch, wondering what the hell just happened.
Chapter 39
Gabriella
My heart was pounding in my chest as I quickly rushed down the stairs, the railing slipping through my fingers as I tried to steady myself. I wasn’t sure if it was over what had just happened between Chandler and me, or the fact that my father had called right after, worry in his voice. The timing couldn’t be more strained.
Every part of me wanted to stay on that couch, wrapped in Chandler’s arms. It was like we were in our own little bubble of bliss, unaware of the outside world and uncaring of the mess of our lives. The only thing that mattered was us three. Him, me, and our baby. We had finally gotten to a place I never knew I wanted so badly with him, and now it was being ripped away.
I knew I had to get to my father, though. Whatever had happened was something bad for him to finally break his cold front and call me back. Still, the look on Chandler’s face as I hurried out the door, still wearing my long moo-moo dress, was that of confusion and concern. I wish I could give him answers, but I had none myself. I just hoped he would still be there when I got back, so we could get back to where we were.
Down at the curb, I quickly hailed a cab, peering up at the second floor of my apartment, wondering what Chandler was doing up there. I pictured his naked body and internally cursed my father for butting in to my sex life, when I was very willing to go for round two. I would have stayed on that couch all day and night, if it meant Chandler was there with me, touching me in that way only he could.
A pulled up to the curb and I yanked the door open, quickly giving the driver the address to the office building. My legs shook slightly as I slid into the backseat, my body was still weak from the orgasm that had run through me. It was one of the more intense waves of pleasure Chandler had given me, and I wondered if it was because of how different this time was for us.
We had really been connected, not only physically but emotionally. It wasn’t just sex. It was making love. I could see it in his eyes and feel it in the way he kissed me. Helovedme. He had said it himself and then showed me in the way he touched me. Sitting in the cab, I realized I hadn’t said it back. I wondered if it was because I didn’t feel the same, but deep down I knew. In hating him all these months, I grew to love him. I couldn’t wait to get back to him and tell him, but I knew we had all the time in the world. We were together now.
I smiled to myself as I looked out the window, the buildings passing in a blur. I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time, despite whatever I was walking into with my father. I felt like I could take on anything. My life was finally coming together, and though it was far different from what I had pictured for myself at this point in time, I was excited for it.
“Miss, we’re here,” said the driver, breaking me from my thoughts as he looked at me through the rearview mirror.
I looked out the window and saw the Harold Enterprises building towering above me.
“So, we are,” I said softly. I had been so wrapped up in the future, that I forgot about the present. I rummaged through my purse for my credit card and handed it to the driver to pay. I noticed an ultrasound photo I had missed and smiled as he charged my card. Soon, I could get back to Chandler and this new life we were starting.
My hope turned to worry as I entered the lobby of the building. Security and the lobby attendant were whispering frantically. They hardly noticed as I approached them, but soon snapped their mouths shut when they spotted me. I raised a questioning brow, but they just gave me nervous smiles and waved me through. I should have changed into business attire because the last time I was here, I was in my pajamas and now I was in what looked like a house dress. Too late now.
I strode for the elevators and hit the button, stepping inside the doors that automatically opened. I felt sick as I watched thefloors tick by, wondering what the hell I was walking into. The lobby had been empty of its usual employees. It felt like a ghost town, except for security and the lobby attendant who clearly knew more than I did.
When the elevator doors open, I was met with an office swarmed with men in suits, and not a single familiar person in sight. I wondered where everyone was, and who these people were rummaging through desks and carrying large file boxes back and forth. They didn’t even notice me as I walked past them in search of anyone I knew. In search of my father.
As I walked down the hallway, one man in a suit stopped me.
“May I help you?” he asked, as if he belonged here and I didn’t.
“Um, yes.” I swallowed hard. “What’s going on? Who are all of you?” I gestured to the men bustling around him, wearing serious expressions on their faces.
“We are with the Securities and Exchange Commission,” he said firmly.
Why the hell was the SEC here? My stomach did a flip, and I clutched it tightly, fearing I might throw up all over this stone-faced man.
“I-I’m looking for my father. Penn Harold,” I stammered.
He gestured down the hallway toward the conference room.
“He’s with his attorney.” A hint of a smile touched his lips, as if he was enjoying this.
I lifted my chin slightly and continued walking down the hallway. I passed by my old office, and grimaced as I watched SEC agents opening and closing the drawers of my desk hastily. I turned to my left and saw them doing the same thing to Chandler’s old office. It wasn’t right. None of this was right.
I walked faster and burst through the conference room, finding my father sitting at the head of the large table with his attorney by his side. He looked like he had aged ten years since the last time I saw him, which made my heart sink. I had put him through enough lately, and now this SEC investigation wasn’t helping. He wasn’t getting any younger, and seeing his face drained of color and the etches of his wrinkles even deeper, I felt scared.
“Dad! What is going on?” I rushed toward him.
He looked like he might cry as his eyes landed on me. Henevercried. I knew it had to be bad. But he blinked a few times to gather himself. He put his hand up to stop me from doing what I wanted, which was throwing my arms around him.
“Gabriella, please sit,” he said sternly, motioning for the chair next to him.
I did as he said, thankful for the chair as my knees felt like they might give out. He murmured something to his lawyer, and I just wanted to shake him. I needed to know what was going on.
