Page 28 of His To Obey

“So why do you want to be a partner?” He changed the subject so nonchalantly I felt like my head was spinning. I couldn’t speak. I was still stuck on him ordering for me and telling me he could smell that I was on my period. Who the hell was Pharaoh McCallum for real?

“Umm, if I am being honest. I deserve it. I mean you seen my resume. I have done a lot, and I mean a lot for the company.” I fumbled out with as much confidence I could muster. He didn’t need to know my underlining meaning for a lot. Scratching the back of my neck I tried to avoid his gaze.

“Yea I have seen it. It’s very impressive.” He eyed me seductively and this damn water was doing nothing to soothe the burn.

“St. Louis is amazing from what I’d seen so far.”

“Yea, it’s pretty dope. I’ma miss being here every day.”

“So, you are moving and running the company?” I asked trying to be as nonchalant as possible. Part of me wanted him there but another part couldn’t handle being in his presence every day. Also, would that mean I wouldn’t make partner? Would he just step in for his mom?

“That seems to be the plan. I am here to get everything squared away so I can devote time there. This sabbatical my mother is forcing us into may be more helpful than I thought at first. You and I will spend two weeks here then I will stay for another week or two and return to shake shit up.” He smiled showing his perfect set of teeth. I just realized my favorite feature of his. No matter how far away from men I stay. I loved a man that took care of himself, teeth included.

“Sounds like a plan. Do you mind me asking why all the changes. I know Mr. McCallum is no longer in the office, but we weren’t told why. If I am being nosey, you can tell me.”

“Nah it’s nothing to hide. He is still a major part of the business. My mom calls him with all the updates, and he is on a call for majority of the meetings. He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis awhile back and it is gradually getting worse. My little sister the one you met in the bakery is his nurse. But moms would like to take some time away and spend it with my pops. You know, like it may be his final days, and she wants to spend it with him.” He shrugged nonchalantly like that wasn’t something tragic his family was dealing with.

“Makes sense now.” I spoke in a quiet tone. Bringing my glass of water to my lips I sipped back my emotion.

“No biggie though. I am here to help.”

Samantha came back with the bottle of Malbec and released the cork from the bottle. We cheered our glasses and fell into a comfortable silence.

One thing was for sure this was going to be a very interesting two weeks.

“It’s late and going to be damn near impossible to find a hotel tonight. I suggest you camp out in my guest room, and I will have my assistant find you a hotel tomorrow while we are at the office.”

We had just left the restaurant, and I was completely satisfied with his food selection. That steak was hands down the best I have ever had. The chimichurri was better than the one I had in the Dominican Republic I had when Autumn and I went on our girls’ trip. And that was the best, I damn near drank the shit all week while we were there. I was full and tired now, damn near ready to fall asleep in his passenger seat. I almost forgot all about me being homeless in another state.

“Ummm that doesn’t sound very professional.”

“Trust me I will be on my best behavior.” My heart fluttered because I believed him but maybe I didn’t want him to behave.

“You sure your girlfriend won’t mind?”

“Cute B. If you wanted to know if I have a girl, the easy way is to ask. But nah, I ain’t got no girl.” He maneuvered through the streets his forearms flexing every time he turned the steering wheel. After a full bottle of wine, I felt relaxed and a little more comfortable being so close to Pharaoh.

“Fine. I need a shower badly.”

“I wasn’t gonna say shit but…”

“Oh, fuck off.” I slapped his arm and we both laughed.

“Nah, I’m kidding. You still smell sweet.” He glanced at me before focusing back on the road. I smiled and I could feel the blush on my cheeks. Who the hell was I right now. Why the hell did this man make me feel so many damn emotions. This couldn’t be normal.

After twenty minutes of R&B playing low on the speakers. Making our lack of conversation feel warranted we arrived at a beautiful two-story town home. It reminded me of the brownstones in New York. Flower beds leading the path up the stairs to the front door and lights illuminating the space. I loved a massive house don’t get me wrong but there was something about a small place with character and purpose. Pulling into the garage he climbed out retrieving my bags before opening my door. He allowed the garage to shut fully before showing me into his place.

It smelt amazing and everything was clean and tidy. His kitchen off to the side was massive for a townhome and nothing looked out of place. So, he liked everything orderly, I like that. I was discovering quickly all the features I liked in a man if I ever allowed myself to date and have one.

“Your room is this way. Get settled in and I will get you some white towels. There are blue ones in the bathroom, but I figure you want white, you know.”

“That’s fine, thank you.” He left out the room closing the door behind him. Looking around the space was nicely decorated with both a feminine and masculine touch. I ran my hand over the smooth dark bedding and soft pillows.

My mind started fucking with me and I started to feel like I shouldn’t be in this man’s house.

“What the fuck are you doing Blythe? You don’t know him. You can’t trust him.” Sitting on the chaise at the edge of the bed my thoughts ran wild of all the things that could go wrong. What if he hurts you? But what if he’s different B? He may be a good guy. A part of me liked Pharaoh and was the most intrigued I had ever been in my life. But a bigger part of me was scared. My past has taught me not to trust anyone.

I didn’t belong in this damn man’s house. For one, I barely knew him and he was my boss’s son, and two, I was ashamed of how he made my body feel. God, I should have been kicking his ass when he ordered for me, but I was so turned on I allowed it. His intent wasn’t even offensive; it was more caring and protective. He was considering my needs without me even saying a word.