Surprises. Want or Not?

EMMA

“Carly’s waiting for me to confirm about tonight at the club. I haven’t even replied to her text yet.”

“Hey, Vi, do you recognize this number?” I show him the unfamiliar number on my screen.

“Nope, I don’t. Just open the messages and see who it is.”

I decide to leave ~those~ messages for later.

First, I reply to Carly: “I’ll meet you at the club tonight at nine. Wear your pink dress and I’ll wear my yellow one. It’ll look great on you. Miss you—B.”

Then, I see a text from Dean.

Dean

Hi Ems, I am coming to New York in a few days. Can we meet up? I miss you so much? Love Deanny.

Damn, if Dean shows up, Diablo will definitely find out we slept together. That would mean trouble for both of us. But I’ll deal with that when it comes. Right now, I’m actually excited to see Dean again.

I’ve been working non-stop lately. It would be nice to take a break and spend some time with him. I just need to make sure Dean and Diablo don’t cross paths.

I quickly send a reply.

Ems

Deanny, I am so happy to hear from you. I have missed you too. Let me know when you land so that I can meet you at the airport xoxo.

Dean

I will be landing in four days. I will send the flight number and time closer to the time. Oh and Ems, I think about what happened between us daily, are you still with that fucking idiot?

Ems

Deanny, please don’t start. I have moved in with him. What happened between us is very special, something I will never forget. I treasure it in my heart but it cannot happen again.

Ems

Please move on from it. I thought we agreed to be friends only. I need to see my friend and not a man that thinks he is in love with me.

Dean

I am your friend but I am also still in love with you, something that will never change.

Dean

If you are only willing to give me your friendship, I will take it, for now, looking forward to seeing you. Love you.

Damn, I was hoping he’d moved on by now. But a part of me is glad he hasn’t. I know it’s selfish.

We’ll just deal with whatever happens when he visits. I can’t afford to lose sleep over what-ifs.

Finally, I open the messages from the unknown number. As expected, it’s Alex.

How the hell did he get my personal number so fast? And why is he texting and calling me like a clingy boyfriend?

Alex

Hey beautiful. After eleven tries to phone you I am guessing you either know it is me or are too occupied with your boyfriend to answer your phone.

~11:05 p.m.~

Alex

Are you thinking of me when he is thrusting in and out of you?

~11:07 p.m.~

Alex

I am sorry if I punched you too hard in the stomach. I will make it up to you 😉

~11:07 p.m.~

Alex

Are you ever going to answer my calls or texts?

~11:10 p.m.~

Alex

Fucking hell woman. Just answer already. I cannot get you out of my mind.

~11:23 p.m.~

Alex

I wish it is me lying next to you in bed right now.

~11:30 p.m.~

Alex

Disregard the previous message. I finished a bottle of whiskey waiting for any response from you. It is just drunk texting.

~11:31 p.m.~

Alex

You are an amazing woman and fighter. I wish I could have dethroned you tonight as the best. It would have been an honor. Your bodyguard is very loyal. Do you need another loyal puppy?

~11:33 p.m.~

Alex

Fuck!!!I am not even sure why I said that. To be honest I am not sure I will be able to keep my hands to myself if I work for you.

~11:40 p.m.~

Alex

Will you consider it though?

~11:40 p.m.~

Alex

I sound pussy-whipped. Just forget it.

I hand my phone to Levi so he can read the messages. When he’s done, he hands it back to me, grinning from ear to ear.

“Looks like you’ve got a new fan, Ems.”

“But do we need more help, Vi? Our business is growing and honestly, I can’t manage with just one bodyguard anymore.

“You’re irreplaceable, Vi. You mean the world to me. But you could teach him things that we don’t have time for. We’re already stretched thin.

“I don’t want to lose the control and power we’ve worked so hard for. Maybe we need an extra hand. What do you think?”

“I agree we need more help, Ems. But I’m wary. I don’t want you to give him the wrong idea. And the way you were looking at him yesterday? I saw the look in his eyes.

“It’s the same look Dean, Diablo, and m—” He stops mid-sentence, taking a deep breath before continuing, “give you. I’m worried he might fall for you when he’s just here to work.”

“Vi, what were you about to say before you stopped after Diablo’s name?”

“Nothing, Ems. Just drop it, okay?”

“He won’t fall for me, Vi. I’ll make it clear that it’s strictly professional. Can you work with him? Can you teach him what I need?”

“Yes, and yes, as long as he knows that I’m the only one who really knows you. Promise me, Ems.”

“Promise, Vi.”

Can I keep my promise? Alex is damn attractive. Am I just making things more complicated by offering him a job?

Dean’s already on his way. I have a feeling Levi might have feelings for me, and if Alex’s texts are any indication, he’s definitely interested. I just hope I can resist any advances.

I’ve never been the type to jump from one man to another, but being surrounded by all these attractive men is tough. Not that I plan on acting on my desires.

Emma

Levi will send you an address to meet me tomorrow when we can discuss the terms of your EMPLOYMENT. Just so we are clear, you will be working for me not fucking me.

Alex

As long as I work for you, I will be happy. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.

What have I gotten myself into?