Bending the Rules: Breaking the Rules #2 (15 page)

Drake

I don’t know what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to
come here. Alina even tried to convince me to share a room with her, but I am
not about to do anything to jeopardize the work and time I’ve put in over here.
The only thing that finally got me to accept her invitation to come is that a
bunch of people will be part of our group, including some Baylor management and
their spouses so people could vouch for my good behavior. It was nice of Alina
to check in for me and grab my key as everyone checked in. I decided to rent a
car and drive myself in case I choose to go back early and was running a few
minutes behind the group.

I get a text from Alina as I walk into the lobby of the Ritz
letting me know what room number I’m in. I start to bypass the reception desk
and something stops me dead in my tracks. I can’t say exactly what it is because
I think it’s more of a feeling than something I saw. My heart starts to flutter
and I’m drawn back to the same feeling as when I’m with Morgan. It’s that same
magnetic pull that I’ve become accustomed to whenever she’s near. It is a sense
of excitement in my gut and complete contentedness in my heart and I’ve only
ever felt it in her presence. I start to scan the room for Morgan, telling
myself that there is no way she would be here, when Alina texts me again
telling me to hurry because we have a dinner reservation in twenty minutes. I
walk over to the elevators, replying that I’ll be up to my room shortly.

I join the group for dinner but am distracted by the pull I
feel. I try to explain the feeling away by telling myself that it’s simply the
sadness in my heart that I’ll be starting such a promising year surrounded by
those I tolerate, not anyone I love. Not the woman I love most in this world.
When everyone decides to go clubbing after dinner I retire to my room. I’ll
need my energy in order to get through a day on the slopes followed by a very
long and most likely emotional evening.

Chapter 15

Morgan

I feel like shit today. I think yesterday’s travels topped
with the high altitude is doing a number on my body because everything hurts, especially
my head. I get out of bed and take a hot shower hoping the spa-like shower jets
will soothe my hurting body, but nothing helps. I know Adrian is jazzed about
skiing today and I’ll be totally fine if he chooses to do that but I think I’d
rather call down to the spa and see if they can squeeze me in for a massage.

I wrap myself into one of the most luxurious robes that has
ever graced my skin, and I head out of my suite to find Adrian sitting at the
dining room table, breakfast already delivered and waiting.

“Hey, sunshine, I was just about to come wake you for
breakfast. I thought I’d let you sleep as long as possible. I’m sure the jetlag
is getting to you,” Adrian says while pouring me a glass of orange juice.

“It is. I’m afraid I’m too drained for skiing the Alps
today. I thought I’d call down and bribe one of the spa attendants to squeeze
me in for a spa treatment. I hope you aren’t disappointed. Feel free to still
go skiing of course.”

“I figured you might be wiped out after yesterday so I booked
you an afternoon at the spa when I made our reservations,” Adrian says with a
proud smile.

“You’re kidding. Adrian, that’s so thoughtful,” I beam.

“Morgan, darling, don’t forget how well I know you. We can
always go skiing tomorrow. You can relax here for the rest of the morning.
Lunch will be delivered here at noon. I’ve booked your treatments at the spa
starting at 1pm. You’ll have an Ayurvedic massage, relaxing facial, and
thalassotherapy bath.”

“Adrian, that’s amazing. I’m starting to think my body needs
this more than I’ve realized.”

“I know it does. You’ve been through a lot these past few
months. When you’re done with your spa treatments you’ll have your hair and
makeup done in the salon. If you leave your dress for this evening with me I’ll
make sure housekeeping steams it for you. It will be hanging for you in your
closet when you get back.”

“You are wonderful, thank you for planning this for me,” I
say.

“Morgan, this is how you deserve to be treated. You should
be with a man who knows you so well, he can anticipate your needs before you
do. To be honest, I still hold out hope that your feelings about me change
because I would love to be that man for you. I look forward to our evening
together. Rest up this morning and enjoy your afternoon. I’ll be here waiting
when you’re done, then we’ll go to dinner.”

“What will you do today? I feel bad spending an entire day
of our vacation together away from you.”

“I’ll most likely still hit the slopes. I have a few things
to take care of before the party this evening so I might head into town as
well. I want you to enjoy today, Morgan, you deserve it. I’m looking forward to
a wonderful evening so make sure to get your rest,” Adrian says as he stands
from the table, giving me a soft kiss on the head before heading to his suite
to get ready for skiing.

I finish breakfast, then head back to bed to rest a little
longer before lunch is served in the room. Adrian knocks on my door a little
later before he heads out to the slopes to wish me a good day and say he’s
already excited for our night. I am too. I need to start the New Year with a
positive attitude, and that starts now. I have a few hours to kill and I’m
still a little too awake and restless to fall back asleep, so I pull out my
iPad and send a quick Happy New Year to Drake.

From: Morgan Lane

Subject: Happy New Year

Date: 12/21/2013 09:34

To: Drake Baylor Jr.

Dear Drake,

Happy New Year (almost!)

I’m emailing you from picturesque St. Moritz, Switzerland.
I’m staying at the Ritz Carlton. I’m actually here with Adrian. This trip is
his Christmas gift to me, hoping a romantic getaway would help to solidify our
couple status.

I sat him down the other day before we left and thanked him
for everything he has done for me, then explained to him that I’m not able to
move forward romantically with him. How could I when I will forever and always
be hopelessly in love with you? You own me, Drake, body and soul. I wish I
could explain to you exactly what that means right now, but I can’t.

I love you, Drake. I wish I could be with you tonight at
midnight. Starting the New Year with you would make everything so perfect.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014!

Love,

Morgan

When I’m finished writing to Drake I search the web for a
bit then curl up in my bed and drift off to sleep.

I wake a little while later to the sound of a doorbell and
am confused as to where the hell I am until I look out of my bedroom window and
see the beautiful Alps in the distance. I must be a little hazy because I still
can’t figure out why I woke to the sound of a doorbell. It rings again and I
snap out of it remembering that Adrian ordered lunch to be delivered here for
me before I head down for my lavish day at the spa. He has really pulled out all
the stops for this vacation and I’m so grateful to have someone wanting to be
there for me this way, I just wish I could return those feelings.

****

A day at the spa is exactly what I needed. I’ve been
massaged, exfoliated, remineralized and rejuvenated. I’ve just slipped back
into my spa robe and sandals, ready to head over to the salon when an
overwhelming feeling washes over me. A chill goes down my spine when I realize
what I’m feeling is Drake. It’s weird to describe him as a feeling. From the
moment I first laid eyes on him I felt a magnetic pull towards him. To be
feeling that now is confusing. I haven’t felt the pull this strongly since I
saw him last, and now my heart is fluttering as I scan the room for him. Is it
possible that he could be here too? I highly doubt it. Honestly, I’m not sure
how happy I would be to find he’s off enjoying life in these fabulous
surroundings and not home with me, but I guess I can’t really say much because
I’m also off in the same fabulous surroundings with another man. I don’t see
Drake as I casually glance around the spa and salon, so I chalk this feeling up
to pregnancy hormones and loneliness. Drake has been on my mind so much lately
that maybe my body is simply willing him to appear. With a small sigh, I let the
feeling go and instead focus on the fun night Adrian and I have in store for
ourselves.

An hour and a half after I enter the salon I return to the
hotel room feeling and looking like a whole new woman. My makeup has been done
with dramatic smokey grey eyes and dark red lips, and my hair is hanging
beautifully down my back in soft, loose curls. I quickly dash to my room so
Adrian doesn’t see me until I can show him the entire look. We may be on this
trip strictly as friends but it’s still nice to get the first glance
appreciative look from a good looking guy.

I take my time getting dressed as we have a later dinner
reservation, which is wonderful because I’m so relaxed from the spa and the
salon glam squad has already made me feel so beautiful. I take a few moments
admiring the way my figure is changing.

I had to switch gears a little when I went shopping for
tonight’s outfit. I chose to wear a shorter, almost backless black dress that
draws attention away from my belly. Knowing it would be a long night I tried on
about fifty pairs of shoes before finding the perfect pair that looks hot with
my dress, but has built in cushioning and flexible leather so I can dance all
night without my feet declaring war on the rest of my body.

I step out of my bedroom to find a gorgeous GQ model
standing in front of the balcony doors. Okay, its only Adrian, but he looks
like a GQ model dressed in a custom-tailored black tuxedo.

“I didn’t realize I was partying with a model tonight,” I say
as Adrian turns around to face me. He walks towards me with two champagne
flutes in hand. As he hands me one, he bends down to kiss my cheek. He pulls
back and sweeps his gaze over me, head to toe.

“Thank you, darling, but I think I’m the one who should feel
honored to be hanging with such beauty tonight. Are you ready to head down to
dinner or would you like to have some champagne here first? We still have about
twenty minutes before our reservation.”

“I think there will be plenty of opportunities for champagne
tonight and I don’t want to wake up tomorrow feeling like I did this morning.
Let’s have a quick toast, then head down and see if they can seat us early, and
if not maybe we can take a little walk. I’m smart and packed comfortable shoes
for this dress so I will be happy on my feet all night.”

“That’s a great idea. Kudos by the way for thinking ahead
with your footwear. Your mother certainly trained you well. What should we
toast to?” Adrian asks.

“Good health, great friends, and a wonderful and prosperous
2014,” I say, holding my flute up to toast.

Adrian clinks his glass with mine saying “That sounds
perfect, Morgan, just like you.” We take a small sip then set our glasses down
on the living room bar and Adrian gently leads me by the small of my back out
of the hotel room.

Drake

The ski conditions were perfect today. I’m so glad I went
back to my room last night instead of partying with the rest of the group,
because everyone was feeling rough and I had one of the best days on the slopes
in my life. When I got back after skiing earlier I thought about crashing out
for a few hours before the party tonight, but on a whim I decided to call down
to the spa to see if they had any openings for a massage. As luck would have it
they had a last minute cancellation and were able to fit me in. It might have
been that I was reminiscing about our couples massage in Vegas or the fun we
had in the cabana afterward, but that same magnetic pull for Morgan was there
throughout my whole massage. I swear I can feel her presence. I find myself
looking for her everywhere I go and I need to shake it off because I’ll
eventually go mad if I don’t. I just need to channel that feeling into my work
when I get back so I can get the company set up the way I’ll want it when I get
back to the States and take over the helm.

I’ve just gotten out of the shower when there is a knock on
the door. I look through the peep hole to see Alina standing on the other side
with a bottle of champagne.

“What can I do for you, Alina?” I ask as I open the door,
unfortunately wearing only a towel. I need to shut down her advances before we
get any further into this evening, and I don’t think my attire or lack thereof
will help to deter from sending mixed signals.

“I figured you would be getting ready for our night out, and
I thought you and I could start the evening off with a little champagne,” Alina
says as she slinks her way into my room.

“Actually, Alina, I was just getting dressed and would love
some privacy, so maybe we can all have a toast together as a group at dinner,”
I say, doing my best to diplomatically redirect her right out of my room.

“You know, Drake…we have been working together for a few
months now, and I’ve asked you many times to spend time with me socially and
you always refuse. I’m curious why you finally said yes?” She asks.

“I say no because I’m focusing on my career right now and
don’t wish to have any distractions. I’m here in Switzerland for another six
months setting everything up how I want it, and then I’ll be returning to the
States to take over Baylor Industries for my father. I enjoy having you as an
assistant, you do a very good job. I need to make it very clear to you that a
business relationship is all that will ever be between us. Nothing more. I
appreciate that you invite me out socially but only accepted this invitation
because it is also with a group of people from Baylor including management, so
I felt as though it was appropriate for me to join in,” I explain more sternly,
not wanting to mince words. I have to make my intentions clear so there won’t
be any funny business that may be misunderstood later when alcohol is entered
into the equation.

“I see. Well, I’m glad you are here this weekend and look
forward to having fun with you tonight, then it’s back to business as usual
Monday,” Alina says.

“Yes, I look forward to having fun tonight as well, but
please remember that we will be having fun as a group, not just with each
other. Our business relationship includes this evening as well. I’d like to
finish getting ready now, and will meet you downstairs for dinner in a bit,” I
say as I lead Alina to my hotel door, making a mental note to steer clear of
her this evening.