His: A Series of Standalone Novellas Book 2 (Alpha Novellas)
His
Alpha Novella #2
Paige Edmond
Copyright © 2021 Paige Edmond
His is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events or locales is purely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Editing by Personal Touch Editing
Cover Model: Michael Scanlon
Photographer: Eric McKinney 6:12 Photography
Visit my website Paige Edmond at https://authorpaigeedmond.wixsite.com/paigeedmond
For my soulmate.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Paige Edmond
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 19
Books By This Author
Thank You
Acknowledgement
About The Author
Paige Edmond
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Paige Edmond
CHAPTER 1
BECA
“Beca, I want you to meet Martha Crawford.”
My friend Clara floated over with an older, beautiful brunette and her impressive husband with mesmerizing green eyes. They were a stunning couple, donors to one of Clara’s charities, the very one we were attending. A fundraiser to support stopping sex trafficking, a cause dear to both Clara and me.
Martha and Rich Crawford were philanthropists, Martha more so than Rich. Rich retired from Wall Street, spending his time on the golf course or at his wife’s many charities. Martha was one of New York’s famous socialites and an avid art collector. She came from old money. I found all that out at dinner since Clara had sat us next to them.
Martha and I hit it off, and my fiancé John and Rich had some things in common. The men both enjoyed fishing. John wasn’t a golfer, but he loved to fish with our dads. My fiancé found it relaxing. He was a chemical engineer for Admer Oil in upper management, and the job was a stressful one. He fished to unwind.
“Beca, Clara tells me you’re an interior designer?” Martha asked.
I set my crystal wine glass down between the elaborate red place settings. The table was decorated with red and white satin linens to complement the room’s elegant crystal decor. The ballroom was surrounded by glass that provided a 360-degree view of New York’s skyline.
“My fiancée has an incredible eye,” John chimed in. He placed his arm around my chair and kissed my cheek.
“Beca, your fiancé is very charming.”
“He’s not bad.” I squeezed his large hand over my left shoulder. He winked at me. “Martha, I look at space and how to make it flow to each individual’s personality. We have a team that then designs the space to my recommendations.”
“That’s very interesting.” Rich grinned.
Surprisingly, for an older man, he caused me to blush. I could feel my face flush. His fair skin and blond hair emphasized his emerald green eyes, and his eyes were intense when he looked at you. I could feel the color building in my cheeks.
“Beca created my office. It’s not typical. I have bean bag chairs for my staff and a functional meeting area for laptops and media presentations that blew me away the first time I saw it. Beca added things I didn’t know I needed.”
“Our son is looking for someone to design his office,” Rich added. “He was supposed to have been here tonight, but his girlfriend is under the weather, and he decided to stay home with her.”
“That is a very thoughtful boyfriend.” I smiled at Martha. “Such a gentleman.”
“He is my son, dear.” She chuckled. “Darling, do give me your card before the end of the night. I will have August’s assistant Agnes set up an appointment with you. He needs someone to help bring his office alive.”
“Beca is the perfect person for that,” John said.
“I’m not sure I’m what he’s looking for. I’m not a conventional designer, but of course, I’ll contact him.”
“I know you two will work perfectly together, and you will like his girlfriend, Kristie. She works in finance for the Sanderson Firm in LA.”
“Very impressive. They have performed audits for Admer Oil,” John said.
“She’s a very smart woman. She is dating my son.” Martha laughed.
“How long have they been together?” I asked.
“I believe it’s been a few years now,” Rich answered.
“So, wedding bells soon?” John asked coyly.
“John! It’s only been a few years.”
“Only?” He took his arm off my chair. “We’re getting married next spring.”
I would have waited longer but caved under the pressure from both him and our parents.
“August is a very cautious man. He doesn’t jump into anything halfheartedly. He analyzes every outcome, and they all have to line up before he takes that leap, but I’m sure wedding bells are in the near future for my son.”
“We’re ready for grandchildren,” Rich joked. “August is our only child.”
“Well, I’m sure they will be coming soon,” I said.
***
Crawford International was impressive, even as the tower faded into the dense New York fog. The moment I stepped into the lobby, it spoke of wealth. Crawford International was a trading company and a very profitable one, I discovered from my research online. The lobby space was open and welcoming, yet the furniture said, ‘don’t get comfortable.’
When I stepped out of the elevator onto the C-suites level, the space was exquisite. The color pallet was softer blues and grays with white accents. As I turned the corner of the circle entryway, a stunning brunette greeted me.
“Ms. Stevens?” She stood, extending her hand.
“You can call me Beca,” I stated as we shook hands.
“Beca, I’m Agnes. Mr. Crawford’s executive assistant. My apologies, but Mr. Crawford is running a few minutes behind. He said you can get started, and he’ll be up shortly. I’ll show you to his office.”
“Thank you, Agnes.” I followed the tall, slender woman down a long corridor, envying her incredibly dark and shiny long hair. I could never get mine to look that shiny.
“Here we are, Beca. Make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink? We have a full bar.”
“Oh, no, thank you.”
She smiled and shut the door behind her.
I stood gawking at the most immaculate space I had ever seen. It didn’t look like the office was ever used, although there were papers stacked neatly on the glass desk. The office was similar to the reception area, but not as inviting. The furniture was all white and very hard, which I discovered when I sat down. Testing every chair in his office, none was comfortable
. The floor-to-ceiling windows were the focal point of the office. On a clear day, I’m sure the view was outstanding.
I walked around, analyzing each section. He had a conference table to the left of his desk and a sitting area to the right. In the corner was an en suite bathroom with a walk-in closet full of clothes. Everything in the space said August was a guarded individual. There was nothing personal I could see, no pictures or small items lying around that would express something sentimental. As I stood looking out the window, analyzing what could be changed, I felt his presence before I heard him.
“On a good day, the view is breathtaking.”
The hair on my arms stood on end. My reflection was small compared to him. Being short explained that, but the shadow overtook mine, hips and all.
When I turned around, my eyes seemed to be playing tricks on me. The man that stood in front of me couldn’t be the same man I had seen online. Clearly, he was August Crawford, CEO of Crawford International, but this man seemed unreal for a moment—the son of Aphrodite herself. His green eyes smiled at me as he walked closer, extending his hand.
“Hello, I’m August Crawford. You must be Rebecca Stevens.”
“Beca,” I breathed out. The moment our hands touched, a tingling sensation occurred. “Please, you can call me Beca.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Beca. Please, call me August.”
When our hands released, the sensation left, I assumed from his strength. He was well built.
“My mother told me about your unorthodox ways of designing. I must say, it intrigued me.”
“Well, as we discussed over the phone, I’ll be looking at your overall space, what will best work for you, and what your space says about you to your clients.”
He crossed his arms. “What does it say about me now?” He grinned.
He was guarded yet controlled his environment. He had to have order. His appearance echoed his office—not a thread out of place on his tailored suit, except oddly, his hair was tousled. However, each strand looked as if it was purposely placed. The space was cold, unattainable. It would surprise me if any deals were made in the office. It surprised me one woman could capture the man that stood in front of me. She had to be some woman to hold this man’s interest.
Where did that last thought come from?
“Mr. Crawford—”
“August. Please.”
“August, the space says a lot of things, but I would need to get to know you better to access the changes needed.”
He opened his arm toward his sitting area, and we both took a seat. I watched as he unbuttoned his gray suit coat and leaned back into the stiff white lounger.
“Shoot. What would you like to know first?”
My hands started to shake. His stare was intense, his molded jaw tight, and he had eyes like his father’s. I could feel the blush coursing along my flesh. I took out my tablet and started taking notes.
“I’m assuming white isn’t your favorite color?”
He laughed. “No, it isn’t. Blue is my favorite color.” His eyes fell to my blue blouse.
The room was a bit warm, and I immediately regretted not having asked for water.
“What is your preferable season?”
“Fall.”
“That was quick.” I chuckled. “What’s the reason for that specific season?”
“The crisp, cool air, perhaps, the changing of the leaves. I’m not quite sure, but as a child, it was always my favorite time of the year.”
“Mine as well,” I shared. “The smell of fresh-baked apple pies, and definitely, the leaves changing made it my favorite, too.”
“My nanna would bake apple tarts for me, and when I came home from school, they would be fresh out of the oven, waiting,” August replied nostalgically.
I wrote that reference as I watched the fond memory display across his face.
“What’s your favorite travel destination?” I asked, running my fingers through my dark curls. I rushed and hadn’t dried my long hair fully.
“Sorrento, Italy.”
“Ah, the Blue Grotto?”
“Yes.” He smiled.
Even though August’s demeanor seemed to be all about business, when he smiled, his green eyes lit up.
“I’ve always wanted to go there to see the caves and Capri.”
“Do you travel?” he asked, sitting forward, bringing his body closer to mine—so close, I felt his body heat.
I took a breath before answering. “If my fiancé has a business trip, I sometimes travel with him.”
August’s eyes widened for a split moment, then zoomed in on my left hand. He straightened, smoothing the lapels on his jacket as he stood.
“Well, if there is anything else, please feel free to email me.”
“Oh, of course.” What was I thinking? He was a busy man. “I’ll send you a few more questions and will have a recommendation for you shortly after receiving them.”
“That’s fine.” He walked over to his desk and hit a button. “Agnes, please show Beca out.”
I stood, feeling the air turning colder. August made himself busy until we heard the knock on the door.
“Well, thank you for your time, August.”
“Of course, Ms. Stevens. Agnes will see you out.”
CHAPTER 2
AUGUST
Life was good.
Becoming CEO of Crawford International two years ago was a dream come true, buying my grandfather out a goal I finally achieved. Now that I had the company, I was ready to make my mark in the industry.
I had a beautiful blonde in my bed who would help, and even though our relationship wasn’t perfect, it worked for us. Kristie understood me. My career came first. So did hers.
On and off paper, everything was in order.
***
“Don’t be angry,” she cooed as she buttoned her blouse over her tits. They may be small but fit my hand nicely.
“Kristie, am I ever angry?” I asked, tying my necktie.
She wrapped her arms around my neck and swatted my hands away as she began to knot the tie.
“I’ll only be gone for a few days,” she sighed.
We both knew a project of that size would take more than a few days. She always told me what she thought I wanted to hear.
“You will be missed,” I told her what she needed to hear.
Her lips caressed the side of my neck before she kissed along my jawline.
“Mmm, I only have a few minutes, and I shouldn’t be late for the airport.”
I grabbed her hands and turned her to face me. “You’ll be late and sore.”
Her blue eyes widened as she squealed. I picked her up by her knees, walked over to my bed, and threw her on it. She needed to eat more, but that was for a later time. I kicked off my shoes and yanked my tie off.
***
“After this trip, I will have time between traveling. We could go to the beach house or anywhere you want and get away,” she said, pressing the down button.
I kissed her firmly. “It’s a date.”
She smiled wide. “You make a girl want to stay.”
“However, my girl needs to go run the world now.”
She laughed. “You mean leave so you can rule the world.”
I wrapped my arm around her waist and escorted her out to the lobby.
“Carson will take you to the airport.”
She turned briskly, with her face twisted. “You’re not coming?”
“I have an early appointment with the designer my mother set up.”
She grabbed my lapels and pulled me closer. “If they’re any good, maybe they can work on our place?”
That was her hinting—again. We had spoken about her moving in officially on many occasions, the conversations becoming more frequent. Her permanent residence was in Boston. She had leased a flat close to mine in New York City, but the owners were selling it.
She had suggested leaving a few things at my place at first since she was there most of t
he time, anyway. Despite my friends’ warnings, I didn’t object. As the year went by, more of her things had made their way into my home. Looking at my place, you would have thought she already resided there permanently.
Kristie threw her hands on her hips. “August, we talked about this. If you want me out, tell me. After all these years… we have a good thing going. I try to give you as much space as you need. Fuck! I’m never here…” She pouted.
I pressed my lips together firmly to not say what came to mind. We both had flaws—I was told. Hers was manipulation. Mine was communicating. She used manipulation to achieve her goal. I communicated exactly what I thought—needed in the business world, horrible for relationships, as my track record had shown.
What I needed to do, at that moment, was to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t feel like arguing, and she was right. We had been together for over two years, had known each other for longer.
“If the designer is as great as my mother said, I will speak to her about decorating the place.”
Kristie’s eyes lit up, and the sly grin on her face told me I had conceded to what she wanted.
We greeted the doorman, and Carson was waiting out front.
She turned to kiss me as she said, “I love you, Augie.”
“And I, you.”
She slid into the back of my car, and I watched her leave.
That was something I did often.
Kristie’s finance firm was based in Boston. She had worked hard these past years to achieve her promotion and title. I wasn’t going to be the guy who requested she leave everything to move to New York City to be with me. What we had worked, and we both spent time in each city.
***
“Good morning, Agnes,” I said, walking toward her desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Crawford.” She stood.
“You look nice.”
She had on a purple suit, and the high heels worked for her. She was an attractive woman who took care of herself. Her kind blue eyes were inviting, but I respected her for her brain—not the fit body some of the staff stared at.