Protecting Lyndley (10 page)

Ky

“Are you sure there isn’t
anything
I can do for you?” Sheena was perched on the edge of my desk trying to get my attention.

“Sheena, you seriously have to start backing off. Your husband has already warned me.” I was amazed at my persistence in pushing her away. Usually I would be all over someone like her.

Sheena pushed herself angrily off of my desk and scowled down at me. “Are you sure you’re not gay?”

I let out a loud thunderous laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me right now? Just because a happily married man
doesn’t
want to sleep with you, doesn’t mean they’re gay.”

“Well in my opinion they are, and happily married, my ass.” She started making her way over to the door and I let out a sigh of relief.

I annoyingly rolled my eyes in her direction when I thought it was time to actually stand up for my “fake” wife. “And for your information Sheena, yeah we are actually
happily
married. Just because you and your husband aren’t, doesn’t mean everyone else is just as miserable.”

“Whatever!”

I turned back around in my chair and decided to call and check on Lyndley. I knew she was probably busy, but something inside of me felt the need to hear her voice. The phone rang a few times and just when I was about to hang up, someone answered. Someone who wasn’t, Lyndley.

“Fashionably
Yours, this is Kristy. How may I help you?”

Seriously, again?
“Hey Kristy, it’s Ky. Is Sarah-“ She ended up cutting me off before I could even finish my sentence.

“She’s indisposed at the moment. Y
ou want me to have her call you as soon as she is available?”

I wasn’t positive, but something about Kristy’s tone of voice had me on edge.
“Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks.”

“Of course.”

I sat there staring at my work phone perplexed. I knew the more overbearing I got with Lyndley the more she would push me away. I needed to find a way to handle this situation with finesse. I knew good and well that she wasn’t in the damn store. The fact that she thought I was that stupid was extremely irritating.

I sat back and took in a deep cleansing breath, when I heard my office door open. I assumed it was Sheena coming back for round two. “Sheena, I’m really not in the mood right now.” I pulled my hands down my face and glanced over at the open door when she didn’t answer me back.

“Not in the mood for what, may I ask?”

Shit! Of course it would be my boss. “Sorry, Mr. Moore. It’s not what it sounded like. She was in here asking me about a billion questions earlier, and I wasn’t ready for another round of them.” I could tell by the look on his face that he was having a hard time buying what I was saying.

“At this point, I really don’t care. I needed to remind you about the company gala tonight.”

“Remind me? You never even told me about it in the first place.” I scowled.

“Look, either way I need you to be there.” He turned and started walking away. “Oh, and I need you to bring your wife with you as well. We will be announcing you as a new partner and it looks better when your significant other is there. Be downstairs at eight o’clock.”

Without another word, he slammed my door and I was left alone. I sat there silently cursing
Ron and his dickheadedness. He new damn good and well that he never told me about the stupid company party. I threw my pen across the room and quickly got to work planning out how I was going to break the news to Lyndley.

The rest of the
day passed by surprisingly fast. I had made the decision to not try and call Lyndley back in an effort to show her that I was trying to give her some space. As much as I tried not to think about it, it was slowly driving me insane that she hadn’t even made an attempt to call and check in. I glanced at the small clock on my desk and noticed it was almost five. I knew she wouldn’t be done for at least another few hours, but unfortunately I needed her home sooner than that.

I picked up the phone a
nd dialed the boutique, in hopes that Kristy would answer and not Lyndley.

“Fashionably
Yours, this is Kristy.”

I quickly cut her off before she could even finish her greeting. “Kristy, I need a huge favor from you tonight.”

“Who is this?”

“It’s Ky.” I swear sometimes this job wasn’t worth the effort. “I need you to close up the store for Sarah tonight, can you do that?”

“I suppose. Any particular reason?”

“No. Thanks.”

I hung up the phone and made a mad dash for the elevators. When I passed by Sheena’s desk, I gave a small wave and kept moving. I didn’t have the time or the patience to deal with her at the moment. As I made my way down to the parking garage, I knew exactly where I needed to go. This was definitely going to be a surprise that she would never forget.

Lyndley

Kristy had been acting strange ever since I got back from grabbing us lunch. I wasn’t sure what exactly was going on with her, but she was definitely off and it was putting me on edge. I was grabbing some clothes from the dressing rooms, when I heard her calling my name. I quickly made my way up front and was shocked when I saw Ky standing at the front desk.

“Hey you. What are you doing here so early?”
I would never get over how good he looked in a suit, and today was no exception.

“Hey. Well, it’s a surprise.” He smirked.

His smile literally had me stuck in place. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.” I laughed.

“I promise it’s not bad.”

I glanced in Kristy’s direction to see if she had any clue as to what he was planning. She just shrugged her shoulders and let out a small giggle. “Are you going to be okay here by yourself?” I knew she could take care of herself, but I wanted to make sure she didn’t have other plans.

“I’m fine. You two have a great night. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Okay. Have a good night then.” I sat the armful of clothes that I had, on the counter and reached for my purse from behind the desk.

When we got out to the car
, I noticed a small blue Tiffany box on the seat as Ky opened the door for me. I turned quickly, almost slamming my face right into his broad chest.

“You can’t be serious?”

“Oh, but I am.” He smiled down at me, and I knew my face must’ve turned at least five shades of red.

I gently picked up the box and sat down in the soft leather seat as he ran around the front. I was in complete shock at what sat in my hands. I mean the only presents I had ever received from a guy were flowers, and a teddy bear once when I was seventeen. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly sure how to react.

“You gonna open it?” His voice was low and smooth and it sent goose bumps down my arms and legs.

I looked over at him and smiled. “Sure.” I replied as I untied the silver satin ribbon wrapped around it.
When I got the ribbon off, I practically ripped the lid off to see what the box held inside of it. I could see my reflection in the white gold diamond pendant. My mouth fell open in shock.

“Do you not like it?” Ky inquired.

I could tell by the look on his face that he was worried that I may not like what he probably spent hours picking out. “No.” I stuttered. “I absolutely love it, but what is it for?” I instantly felt horrible asking. He was trying to make a nice gesture and I was all but questioning his motives.

“It’s only part one.”

“There’s more? Ky, this is more than enough.”

“Don’t worry about it, Lyndley.” His words melted my heart, and then his hand came to rest on my knee. My skin was scorching beneath his touch.

Moments later, we were pulling up out front of our house and I was over the moon excited to see what he could possibly have planned next. Luckily I didn’t have to wait long. The minute we walked inside, there was another gift. This time the box sat on our coffee table, practically taking up the entire surface. I couldn’t imagine what it held inside.

“Go ahead.” He responded as I looked at him to make sure it was really for me.

I timidly reached for the black satin bow wrapped around the large white box. I carefully pulled up the lid and pulled back the pink tissue paper, exposing a large chunk of black and silver. I reached for the soft fabric, pulling it up realizing that it was a long gown. Not just any gown though, it was an Oscar De La Renta.

It was absolutel
y beautiful and I instantly fell in love. I held it up to my small frame in awe. It was a deep black with a silver overlay, giving it a metallic look. It had a deep v in the front and back, and a very small slit in the front. I glanced up at Ky from where I stood in the living room, noticing a wide grin plastered across his face.

“I’m gonna guess you like
it?”

“Oh, I more than like. I’m in love.” My gaze never wavered away from his as I spoke and I knew he could tell what I was really saying without having to actually say it. “
Although it is breathtakingly beautiful, I have to ask. What is it for?”

“Ah, well
how about you go put it on along with this, and then I’ll let ya know.”

I shook my head in disbelief, but grabbed the Tiffany box from his hands and ran all the way up the stairs and into my room. Once inside, I quickly disrobed and pulled my new designer gown over my hips, securely positioning it where it needed to be. As I reached for the blue box on my bed, I noticed another box sitting right next to it. I rolled my eyes at all the extravagant presents Ky was showering me with.

I flipped open the box and pulled out my very own pair of silver Manolo Blahniks. I silently jumped for joy in my very expensive dress. After a few minutes of celebrating, I slipped into my new shoes and latched my pretty new necklace around my neck. When my hair fell down over my shoulders, I couldn’t help but frown at my appearance in the mirror.

Compared to everything I had on, I looked entirely too plain. I reached for my makeup bag quickly adding some much needed mascara, eye shadow and a deep red lipstick. When I was finished I looked at my reflection once more and smiled, but the smile quickly faded when I realized that having my hair down, was concealing my amazing new jewelry.

I swept my hair up in a messy up do and slowly started making my way downstairs. I wasn’t exactly sure where Ky was at the moment, but I knew that he must have been waiting for me somewhere. As I hit the last three steps, my gaze caught his and I found myself tripping over my own two feet. Without hesitation, Ky was instantly at my side. His strong arms kept me from falling flat on my face and I had never been more grateful to have him around than in that moment.

Ky

One look at her and she instantly took my breath away. My insides were busy doing summersaults as my mouth went dry with the bundle of emotions running through my system. Of course I thought she was beautiful before, but seeing her in that dress had me falling head over heels for the gorgeous girl in front of me.

I watched as she descended down the stairs, a wide smile plastered across my face. When she almost fell, I didn’t hesitate to run and be at her side. When I caught her, those emerald green eyes that were concealed by blue contacts, sat staring back at me in horror. I wanted to laugh, to let her know that it was more than okay, but the better part of me kept silent as I helped her stand on her own.

She stood back with a small smile touching her lips. Her hair was swept up and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I had never seen her hair up except for when she put it in a ponytail to go running, but this look, this look was much different.

“Can you stand okay?” She simply nodded as I pul
led another blue box out from inside my jacket pocket.

“No,
Ky. I can’t accept anything else from you. How can you even afford all of this?”

“This is the last one, I promise.
One of the perks of being in witness protection, we have money at our disposal.” She didn’t respond, she just nodded and took the box from my hand.

“Oh
my god, Ky. They’re beautiful.”

“Just like you.” I reached for the box and placed the shoulder length teardrop diamond earrings in each of her ears. “Perfect.” I whispered.

She turned back around to face me. “You look beyond handsome.” Her voice was just above a whisper and her face was flushed.

“I don’t think I could even sufficiently put into words how you look tonight.” I quietly responded.

We both stood there for a moment, taking each other in. I finally tore my gaze away from hers and checked my watch. “We need to get going.” She looked back at me confused.

“You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”

“And I still won’t be telling you.” I laughed. “It’s a surprise. Come on, let’s go.” I reached my hand out for hers, and to my surprise she gladly took it.

We pulled up in front of the building I worked at about thirty minutes later. I could tell by the look on Lyndley’s face that she was still confused. I smiled as I reached for the door handle and exited the car. I walked quickly
around to open her door and led her inside. Once we were inside the lobby I turned to explain what exactly was going on.

“So, apparently they are throwing some big
company party tonight. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about coming with me, so I figured I would surprise you instead. You mad?”

She looked up at me with unshed tears in her eyes. “Of course not. It’s all just so amazing
and glamorous.”

I smiled down at her and took her hand in mine. “Ready, wife?”

“Ready, husband.”

We walked into the decadently decorated ballroom on the bottom floor, instantly fitting in amongst the sea of tuxedo and evening gown clad people. This was definitely a first for me. Being a country boy, I had never experienced the life of a millionaire. It was surreal and I was having a hard time taking it all in. I knew I didn’t fit in
, but Lyndley seemed right at home. She squeezed my hand reassuringly and I led her through the crowd of people, over to where my boss and Sheena stood.

“Mr. Moore, nice to see you.”

“Well, Mr. Parker look at you, and Sarah you look stunning.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Please, call me Ron.”

“Thank you, Ron. This is a beautiful event.”

“Well, that you’ll have to thank my wife for. She definitely has a knack for these things. Don’t you, honey.”

Lyndley begrudgingly looked over at Sheena as she linked her arm through mine. “It’s a very beautiful event, Sheena.”

“Isn’t it though?” Of course Sheena had to be a snotty bitch about it. “Well, we have to make the rounds. I hope you both enjoy yourselves.”

Soft music began playing from the band up front and something inside of me took over. I escorted Lyndley to the dance floor where a few of the other couples were dancing.

“What are you doing?” I could tell she was hesitant to be seen in front of all of these people she didn’t know, but I tightly gripped her hand as I placed it against my chest.

“We’re dancing, princess.” I wrapped my free hand around her waist, pulling her securely into me. In that instant, everyone else faded away. As my gaze met hers, I could see her e
yes dancing with all the excitement around her. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“I think maybe once or twice.” She smiled.

“Well you do.” We didn’t speak another word for the next two songs. With every step that her and I took, I could feel my heart falling further for her. For whatever reason, fate had brought us together and now that we were sharing this moment, I couldn’t imagine anything better. I could only hope that she could look past my insecurities and rough edges long enough to feel the same.