Torrid Read online

  I still don’t understand how they haven’t kicked him out, but he’s doing well as a pilot.

  Apparently, all that time he spent around helicopters when he was still a boy paid off.

  He’s very adept, and earned his license in record time.

  Bruce spent a significant amount of time training Evan. He’d probably been in helicopters with Noah since he was far younger anyway, and even Noah has gotten pretty good at being a chopper pilot.

  At least, according to Bruce.

  At twenty, I don't expect Evan to have his priorities in order.

  But, for God’s sake!

  You’d think he could get his shit together for two seconds!

  “He’ll kill you if he finds out you’re smoking in here,” I tell Athena.

  “Fuck him,” Athena shakes her head, moving out to the balcony.

  Evan is lounging in the room where we used to play video games together.

  “What did you do this time?” I ask wryly.

  “Athena called for reinforcements?” Evan says as he raises an eyebrow.

  He comes over for a hug, and tries to give me a peck on the cheek.

  I turn and let him smooch my left one.

  “I’m surprised she didn’t call my father all the way from Miami, Tins,” he says. “You’d think the old man would visit a little more often. And all auntie did was catch me having sex with two women! You’d figure the world ended!” he says, winking.

  The little bastard is bragging about his sex life to me!

  “Is that all?” I feign indifference.

  “There may have been a little cocaine…” he admits, sheepishly.

  “A little?” I roll my eyes.

  “And, we were in Father’s bedroom,” he says, grinning.

  “Evan!” I screech at him. “That’s a step too far!”

  That’s our domain, I think in my head.

  I watch as he gives me a once over his, and voice goes eerily calm.

  “I guess I remember catching you and my dad making out once-” he begins.

  “Stop it,” I say, trying to keep my voice very even.

  I point my finger at him.

  “He-” he starts, but I cut him off.

  I don’t want to talk about Noah.

  I don’t want to speculate about what he’s doing in Miami.

  We’ve been avoiding each other since our last tryst in Venice.

  “Listen, Evan, you know for a fact that the drugs will ruin you! Do you really want to jeopardize your flying career?” I say, trying to put some sense into his thick head. “As for the threesome, you have a bedroom. You should realize better and lock the door next time,” I instruct.

  “Noted, Mistress Whittaker,” he smirks at me.

  “Where are you going all fancy?” he asks.

  “I have to go to my office,” I say.

  I tap my foot, waiting for him to see the light.

  It could be years before that happens.

  “Those shoes don’t look office appropriate. Are you heading somewhere?” he prods further.

  Evan has been trying to sleep with me since he was old enough to hold his teeny boner.

  I sigh.

  “Girls trip. We’re catching the red eye out,” I confess.

  I conveniently leave out where we are going.

  After all these years I didn’t think Evan ever saw Noah and me.

  Noah and I.

  Even thinking about it give me the chills.

  “Just… don’t piss Athena off so badly, ok? Just make sure you don’t anything stupid so that she calls me while I’m in…when I’m not here. Or else, I will come all the way back, to kick your ass,” I say, narrowly avoiding my destination.

  I nudge him with my heel playfully, “Lock your door, stop doing drugs, dummy!” I say.

  I give him a hug and kiss him lightly on his lips.

  “I don’t like drug-taking losers,” I whisper in his ear.

  Then, I squeeze his crotch and wink, evilly.

  That gets his attention.

  I have no intention of sleeping with this immature dope, but I figure I’ll give him something to dream about.

  He’s nowhere near his father.

  Not even close.

  “Yes, ma'am,” he stammers.

  He salutes me.

  “Just one thing…” he says.

  “What Evan?” I ask.

  “If you see my dad in Miami, don’t freak out too hard,”

  What an insufferable little twit!

  He’s grinning like an idiot.

  “How did you know where I was going?” I ask, snapping at him, as I turn to leave.

  “Athena mentioned it,” Evan calls after me. “You might want some of that Afghan Kush I’ve got! You’re wound up so tight your head might explode if it’s bad news at work!” he shouts after me.

  When I get to my office, James immediately calls me into the board room.

  Evan was right; I’m wound up so tight, I’m immediately paranoid I’m about to lose my job, which is crazy because I got promoted.

  I’ve been doing wonders for them as a consultant.

  “Tinsley,” James starts with a smile. “Listen, I understand this will be hard to hear, but we can’t have a Whittaker who holds so much stock on staff. You knew the deal; we talked about this when you first worked for us.”

  “What are you talking about?” I look at him confused.

  I am being fired.

  He’s letting me go.

  “Your father made us aware that you made transfers, and there’s a rather large amount of Whittaker holdings in your name now,” James recites.

  All I can do is stare at my boss stupidly.

  I vaguely recall that my father asked if he could move some of my trust fund around for investments.

  I could care less, figuring it was just more of his moving assets, and didn’t want to bother me with the details.

  I signed the papers for him, thinking nothing of it.

  I didn’t think he would invest anything in his own company!

  That son-of-a-bitch!

  “He did what?” I yell.

  “Tinsley, you were made aware of that clause in your contract. I’m sorry to see you go; you were working wonders for us. Maybe in a few years, you can come back?” he says, sympathetic.

  He holds out a hand.

  I take it, and glumly shake it.

  I want to plead with him, beg for my job, tell him I didn’t even know what my father was doing.

  But, that would look even worse.

  I let my father do whatever he wanted by signing that paper without reading it first.

  It was probably stupid to trust him so blindly.

  “I’m sorry James,” I say, but apologizing doesn't make me feel any better. “I do understand. We’ll work together in the future. Can I send someone along to get my things if you don’t mind?” I say, putting on a bright smile.

  “Of course, Tinsley,” he replies, still friendly.

  James and I hug goodbye, and I leave my key card and identification with the weekend receptionist.

  I have half a mind to call my father and ask him what exactly just happened, but I will not let him ruin this trip.

  Nor, will I let Noah.

  Baffled only for a moment, I'm aware of what to do.

  It will be easy to sell off every single stock and bond Father bought and get my job back when I return.

  I’ll tell the investment bank that I changed my mind; that I was just shuffling things around.

  However, I wonder what exactly my father did, and find myself logging into my online banking.

  My eyes zip across the screen.

  I log out and log back in, then call my advisor, thinking there must be some mistake.

  “There’s no mistake, Ms. Whittaker,” says the Advisor.

  “Your father had the documents with your signature, and he stated that you wanted a seat on the board of Whittaker Energy, and that you were using
your trust fund to do that. He even moved his stock options around to open that seat for you,” he explains to me.

  “Oh, I understand that,” I keep my voice even, “But, I didn’t realize that meant everything would... no longer be there,” I reply.

  “Well, I am glad we were able to be of service! Thank you, Ms. Whittaker, and have a good day!” he says.

  I hang up, and look at the screen again.

  That fucker!

  There’s not a damn penny left.

  “A seat on the board!” I scream at the top of my lungs. “What were you expecting! Why didn’t you ask me!”

  I am ready to throttle the old goat.

  He must see how angry I am, because he leans back in his chair.

  “Tinsley, you would certainly have not agreed. I couldn’t have Bradford coming to me anymore, asking why his future daughter-in-law is working for some crazy environmental organization!” he counters. “This way, you’re part of the company, and your future is more secure. Trust me; I know what I’m doing.”

  I am seething, but I try to calm down. I count to ten, then try again.

  “Don’t you understand what you’ve done to me, this time?” I cry. “I’ve lost my job! I have nothing now!” I say, trying to keep calm.

  I don’t seem to be succeeding.

  “Why did I even bother going to school if you were just going to do this anyway!” I say, knowing that screaming at the top of my lungs won’t even affect my father. “You will ruin me!”

  “Tinsley, this is for the best, when you’re older…” he soothes.

  “I’m twenty-five,” I reply, pointedly.

  “And, you’re still growing up,” he says, shaking his head at me.

  He had better steel himself for the white-hot rage he's about to receive.

  “I am not a child anymore! I’m not nineteen! You can’t just treat me like this!” I yell.

  “It’s bad for business!” he yells back.

  He slams a palm on his desktop.

  “Tinsley! Look at it from my perspective, at least!” he says.

  I look at my Father.

  He’s a wretched, grouchy old man, I see clearly now, and I want absolutely nothing to do with.

  At this moment, every fiber of my being wants to tell him I hate him.

  Taking a deep breath, I instead take the high road.

  “I’m selling those shares; I’m getting out,” I tell him.

  “If you sell them, we'll lose control of the company,” he replies, still shaking his head.

  I wonder if he’s okay?

  That shaking seems out of character for him.

  “What? How?” I stare at him.

  “I moved around my options, but your seat on the board put us in a precarious position,” he tries to explain. “Get it out of your head that you’d be better off selling out. You had better not go selling anything! I'll make damn sure you don't see a penny of that money in court if you do!”

  He's so smug about this, too.

  My father knows I wouldn't sell if it's going to endanger our hold on Whittaker Energy, which has been in our family for generations.

  “You’re insufferable,” I say.

  “You didn’t expect I spent all these years running a business, without learning a thing or two? Do what I tell you, or you will have to learn the hard way! In the meantime, you can still consult with us, if that’s what you want to do. Your life isn’t over,” he says, all business again.

  “Bradford knows nothing about clean energy,” I spit back at him.

  Environmental groups have been increasingly angry over his business practices lately, and if we merge with Bradford, it’s just going to get worse.

  Connor is such an idiot, he’s been telling the press that Bradford Energy is actually helping stop global warming by burning coal!

  “He's depleting the o-zone layer!” I yell. “Do you even read the fucking reports I write?”

  Father grins.

  “It’s nothing, Tinsley. Don’t be so green. So naïve,” he reflects. “You can bring it up at your first board meeting this week.”

  Bastard!

  “I’m going on my trip,” I say, gritting my teeth. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I'm going to pack.”

  “That’s all right sweetheart; you’ve got years of board meetings ahead of you,” he replies. “Oh, and I assume you are taking the Gulfstream? Nice way to save the planet, jetting all over it for fun!” he cackles.

  For the first time since I walked out of Noah’s life, I want to cry.

  15

  Noah

  September 17, 2015

  Not being one to vacation when running a high-powered business, choosing Miami was a good bet because I’m not too far from New York, even though I’ve made a point of staying out of Manhattan as frequently as possible.

  Venice, Singapore, London, I’ve been everywhere.

  I dislike the West Coast, as that’s more of Corban’s scene.

  But he’s here tonight, holding a launch party for something or other, on a luxurious yacht I’ve recently purchased.

  The opulence is unparalleled!

  It’s an exotic, Italian-built job, all modern and sleek.

  It was hand-made to my specifications.

  I marvel at all the high-tech toys, and the helicopter pad on the stern.

  Corban is talking to a beautiful woman.

  She is, however, uninterested in her date.

  I’m guessing her date has paid for her company, because she looks more interested in Olivia’s son than the older man she’s accompanying tonight.

  Corban smirks at the shorter woman, and I watch her blush.

  Then, I notice something extraordinary.

  The girl has extremely light blue eyes, and features that vaguely remind me of Elizabeth.

  Ava?

  Could it be her?

  I blink a few times.

  It’s like I am seeing Elizabeth, all those years ago.

  I move closer to her, trying to see if I still feel like this woman is Ava.

  Even with the brown hair, her complexion and her shorter stature speak volumes.

  If I hear her voice, I’ll recognize her for sure.

  Then again, every blonde with blue eyes could be my daughter.

  I take a few moments to reach the other side of the yacht, but by the time I do the woman Corban is talking to has disappeared with her date for the evening.

  “Figure he was paying her?” Corban asks.

  “Why do you ask?” I say.

  “She was far too gorgeous for him.” he says, raising an eyebrow.

  “That is a woman I would not mind seeing again,” he murmurs.

  He smirks over his glass, “I will say though, the hair didn’t suit her at all. She looks like she’d be better off as a blonde.”

  He takes a sip, looking after where she has gone into through a door.

  “I guess I agree.” I say.

  My ex-stepson has hit the nail on the head.

  “Do you recognize her?” I ask.

  “I’d remember her,” Corban says.

  He pats me on my shoulder.

  “Over there, Noah, I do see someone I remember, though,” he says as he chugs the drink.

  Corban looks at me innocently, and something tells me we are in for a treat.

  I turn around expecting Elizabeth.

  But, it’s not her.

  I gasp.

  Long, lean, tanned legs, and a taut body in a light pink cocktail dress, with a round cut-out on the side, shows off just how toned Tinsley is.

  Still as sexy as ever.

  Her long brown hair is a slightly darker shade than the last time I saw her, but nothing else has changed about her.

  Tinsley is still the same.

  “Tinsley.” I swallow hard.

  We’ve seen each other.

  Naked and otherwise.

  But there have been no conversations about our past together.

  “That’s my
exit.” Corban spies the brunette gain. “Can I get her number? You think I should?” he asks.

  “Not if she’s being paid,” I tell him wryly, my laser focus bearing straight on Tinsley, who stays where she is, not aware that I am mere feet away.

  She is with a crowd of friends, but stands out like a diamond in a box of coal.

  It's only proper to say hello, but I glance at Corban one last time.

  He’s about to cause trouble.

  The brunette’s date is giving him an earful, and she’s disappeared.

  “Hey, hey.” I say as I step in front of Corban, who looks about ready to punch the old geezer.

  “She’s not a commodity you know!” he’s yelling to the man.

  Corban is damn near yelling, his face red with anguish.

  “Corban,” I whisper harshly under my breath. “You don’t even know this woman. Back off!”

  “Well tonight, she is, pal, and she’s MY commodity!” the older man barks.

  “Mother fucker!” Corban yells.

  He lurches at the man.

  Corban has never hit a man in his life, and it takes all my strength to hold him back as the man walks away laughing.

  “Come, my dear girl! Did I tell you about that time in Jamaica, where I was eating lunch with the British Counsel to Chili?” he drones on, the girl hanging off his arm.

  She looks back, with a slightly sad smile.

  Corban’s eyes are spitting fire, and I force him into a cabin.

  I regard the brunette again, only the wig she’s wearing has moved off center slightly, and I watch the blonde hairs underneath poke out before she fixes it.

  Corban was spot on.

  “Corban, we’re on a boat. I suggest you, leave it be.” I lecture. “Everyone here may be drunk, but you can’t go losing your head over a woman you've never even met.”

  Even though that's exactly what I'm about ready to do, myself…

  When I glance around again, the brunette and her companion are gone, and I make a mental note to search for her again.

  It's unfortunate the yacht has remained docked, or else they would've had nowhere to go.

  My point seems to make sense to him as he fixes his jacket.

  “Yeah, you’re right, Noah. I'm a little crazy tonight. It’s just the stress release, from launching this new project. It's like we're finally getting off the ground with this company. We'd be nowhere without your help Noah,” he says.