Page 28 of Inadmissible
“I got you, sweetheart. Please be safe.”
“Yes, sir.”
He chuckled before ending the call. I felt like I was floating back toward the table. This man was so sweet on me, to the point where it made me feel comfortable liking him. The better he treated me, the harder it was for me to go slow, but I was determined to take my time regardless of how much Tristan made it clear he was mine and only mine.
Tristan
Two Days Later
Ifelt like something was off with Taj the whole time we’d been texting today. She said she was okay, but I knew when her responses were off. I studied the woman to know when she was good, bad, and in between. I needed to know what to say and do to make her smile, because it was the most beautiful sight to me. I needed to know when she was sad, scared, or angry so I’d be prepared to handle whatever the problem was. I knew her brother was used to being her protector, but once we made things official, that would be my job. So when she sent me another text that seemed abnormal, I couldn’t resist going out to the patio to FaceTime her.
When she answered, she looked at me briefly and gave me a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she pecked away on her computer.
“Hey, angel. You ready for your flight home?” she asked.
We’d come to Atlanta to do the final fitting for our tuxedos. Since everything was everything, they were going to be shipped next week.
“Yeah, look at me.”
She sighed, and I laughed. Yeah, somebody had pissed my sweetheart off. Picking up the phone, she lifted it to her face.
“Yes, baby?”
“Who upset you?”
Her eyes rolled as she shook her head. I thought she was about to deny it, but she didn’t.
“Gregory. He told me I can’t take the week off for the wedding. I can come but just for three days, which sucks because I will have to make two days my travel days and just be there for the wedding. I wanted to tell you face to face when you came back home.”
“Did he give you a reason why?”
“Well, he said it’s because they are implementing a new policy for vacation time. Instead of us being able to use our two weeks how we want, they are limiting the amount of days we can use per quarter. So I can only use three days a quarter.”
“Have you signed something to that effect already?”
“No, but?—”
“Then that shit don’t apply to you. Don’t piss me off, Taj. You know better.”
She smiled, and that time, it was genuine. “Legally I know that, Tristan, but I already took off a significant amount of time last year. I also am barely in the office because I’m with you three days out of the week working on Martin’s deal. I kind of just accepted it to keep the peace.”
“I understand but no. You’ll be with us the full week, and I wish hewouldtry and say no. I will handle it when I get back. I don’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable doing, and I’ve already peeped the way he talks to you, and I told you I don’t like that shit.”
She massaged her temples and shook her head. “I’m starting to think you’re going to be just as bad as my brother. If not worse.”
“Ain’t nothing wrong with that. I haven’t sat down with your people yet, but your brother is already good in my book because of how he looks out for you.”
“Fine, mister. I will request the full week, only because I don’t want him thinking there’s something between us. I think he already has his suspicions and that’s why he’s been a little moodier than usual. Gregory is smart. There’s a big chance he knows me and Emilia are making moves to leave.”
“That could be the case. I’ll let you handle it, but if he gives you a hard time, promise me that you’ll tell me.”
“I will, angel. I promise.”
“Aight. I’m about to get ready to have lunch with the guys and then we’ll be heading to the airport.”
“Okay. Will I see you tonight?”
“I’d love to see you, honey. Come to my suite. Spend the night with me.”
