Forever You

be able to work without any
distractions. I entered Black Enterprises and pushed the button for the elevator. I heard my phone go
off, and as I pulled it from my pocket, I saw a text message from Ashlyn.
“Connor, I’m sorry about last night, and I think it’s important we talk.”
I sighed as I put my phone back in my pocket and took the elevator up to my office. I couldn’t think
about Ashlyn right now. I didn’t want to deal with her, but I knew at some point it was going to
happen. I walked to my desk and turned the computer on. I put my hands in my pocket, turned around,
and stared at New York City from my large office window. My mind was racing. I have a lot of
paperwork to do and phone calls to make regarding the sale of a company that I’m interested in
buying; however, that’s not what my mind was racing about. The thoughts running through my head are
of Ellery Lane, her beautiful eyes, and her sinfully sexy smile.
I sat down at my desk and started going through some paperwork. My phone went off again with
another text message from Ashlyn.
“Don’t you dare ignore me, Connor. I want to apologize, and maybe we can settle this
disagreement another way.”
If I didn’t answer her back, she’d be messaging me all day. I sighed as I dialed her number.
“Hello, Connor. Thank you for calling.”
“Ashlyn, I’m very busy, and I really don’t have the time to talk or text you. Say what you have to
say, so we can move on.”
“I wanted to apologize for last night, and I understand that you’re not ready to commit to one
woman yet. I have made peace with our little arrangement for now, but I do have one stipulation.”
I sighed and leaned back in the chair. “What’s your stipulation, Ashlyn?”
“I want you to double what you send me monthly, and I’ll forget about our little conversation last
night.”
“There’s no way I’m doubling what I pay you. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be on the streets.
Keep in mind, I’m only helping you because of Amanda.” I heard her take in a deep breath as she
spoke into the phone.
“I’m sorry, Connor, but I’m not happy, and I’ve been feeling really depressed. My self-esteem is at
its lowest right now, and you made it worse last night with the cruel things you said. I don’t know if
there’s any reason for me to go on anymore. What’s left here for me, Connor?”
I got up from my chair and paced around the office. “Ashlyn, don’t speak like that. You have a lot
going for you. I gave you a job at my company. I pay you a monthly salary in addition to what Black
Enterprises pays you, and you get to see me three times a week. You know how I am, Ashlyn, and you
know my rules.”
“I know, Connor, but I just feel like I don’t belong in this world anymore.”
I couldn’t believe she was saying this. She was reminding me of Amanda, and I couldn’t be sure
that she wouldn’t do the same thing. So, I hesitantly agreed to her demands.
“Fine, Ashlyn, I’ll double your monthly salary, but I want you to promise me you’re going to do
something with your life with that money. Take some classes or something.”
“I knew you’d understand, Connor. Thank you for everything, and I’ll consider what you said.”
“I have to go, Ashlyn; I’m busy, and I have a lot to do.”
I hung up the phone and rubbed my face. What the hell did I get myself into? I asked myself as I sat
there and stared blankly across the room. I picked up the paperwork in front of me and began looking
through it. It wasn’t too long before I threw my pen across my desk and leaned back in my chair,
thinking about Ellery. I couldn’t get that woman out of my head, and it’s driving me crazy. I felt the
need to really thank her for helping me last night. She wouldn’t take my money, which is odd because
all women do. She didn’t seem to want to stay with me any longer than necessary, and she had an
attitude problem. Then it hit me, I’ll treat her to a nice dinner. Every woman likes to go to a fancy
restaurant and have a nice meal. Carson Williams is a friend of mine and the owner of Le Sur. I
called him and had him make a reservation for two for 7:30 pm that evening. I didn’t want to give her
the option of turning me down if I called her on the phone and asked