The Exception(37)

“Weird,” I replied. “What are your plans for today?”

“Kristen is getting out of the hospital, so I’m going to spend the day with her.”

“Good idea.”

“Anything exciting going on at work today?” she asked.

“If you consider spending the day in meetings, then yes. The day will be filled with excitement.”

Once I finished shaving, I walked into the bedroom and stared at Jillian as she sipped her coffee and checked her phone. God she was so beautiful and my cock was starting to get hard just looking at her. I’d never wanted to make love to anyone like I wanted to with her. Fuck it. I walked over to the nightstand, picked up my phone, and called Lia.

“It’s me. I’m running late this morning, so tell Harrison I’ll be there soon. I have some business to take care of first before I head into the office.” I smiled at Jillian.

“And what kind of business would that be?” Jillian asked.

“Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about.” I removed my towel and climbed on the bed.

****

Jillian

“Can I see you later?” Drew asked as I walked him to the door.

“I don’t know. It depends on Kristen.”

“I understand.” He kissed me. “Call me later, okay?”

“Okay.” I smiled.

As I poured myself another cup of coffee, a call came through on my laptop.

“Good morning, Bean. I was hoping you were up. I take it your guest spent the night since I didn’t hear from you.”

“He sure did.” I smiled as I leaned over the counter with my hands tightly wrapped around my coffee mug.

“How f*cking freaky is this whole thing?”

“You haven’t heard the freakiest part yet.” I bit down on my bottom lip.

“Oh my God, tell me.”

“The apartment I’m renting is his old apartment. He’s my freaking landlord.”

“Shut the f*ck up! You’re lying.”

“I swear on my grandmother’s grave.” I held up two fingers.

His jaw dropped and he was speechless. “Okay, Jill, this is all too weird. Like crazy universe shit weird.”

“I know, right? Anyway, I have something to tell you.” My light mood turned somber.

“What’s wrong?”

“The chemo and radiation hasn’t helped Kristen and the cancer has spread. She’s dying, Kel. The doctors gave her six to nine months.” Tears filled my eyes.

“Jesus, Jill. I’m so sorry. I can be on the next flight to New York.”

“It’s okay. Just come this weekend like planned. I know with work and everything, it’s hard.”

“Fuck. Are you okay? Of course you’re not. That was a stupid question.”

“I’m hanging in there. In fact, I’m getting ready to head to the hospital.”

“All right, go. I’ll talk to you later and I want to hear all about Hawaii guy. I thought you said you’re in a man-free zone. I knew it wouldn’t last.” He smirked.

“I’ll be honest with you, Kel. I don’t know what the f*ck I’m doing. My head has so much shit going through it right now.”

“Maybe you need to go talk to a shrink or something.”

“Maybe I do. I’ll talk to you later.” I blew him a kiss.

“Bye, Bean.”

Kellan was right. Maybe I did need to talk to someone. Grabbing my phone from the counter, I sent Noah a text message.

“Morning. When is Kristen being released?”

“Morning, Jill. We’re on our way home now. She wants to see you.”

“Tell her I’m on my way.”





Chapter Twenty-Three


Drew



As I stepped into the conference room, Harrison and Lance both glared at me.

“You’re late, Drew. You know how I hate to be kept waiting,” Harrison spoke.

No one and nothing was going to ruin my good mood today.

“Well, Harrison, some things are worth being late for.” I smirked as I took a seat across from him.

“Is that so? Then maybe there’s another company out there that would respect my time and the contract to my new software program.”

I sighed. “If that’s how you feel, then you’re free to leave.”

“Hold up a second,” Lance interjected and shot me a look.

Harrison narrowed his eyes as he stared at me. Or should I say glared at me.

“I’m serious, Harrison. If me being late has you all hot and bothered, then maybe you should find another company for your software. But I will tell you this; you came to us for a reason. This is my company and I decide whom I want to do business with, and right now, I don’t care for your attitude. You think your software is unique? I can find someone else with something just as good, so it’s no skin off my back.”

“Drew!” Lance snapped.

Harrison sat there, contemplating his next words.

“You know what, Drew, I like you. You have balls and balls is what I need for my company. So let’s get started, shall we?”

After our meeting ended and the contracts were signed, I shook Harrison’s hand and walked him to the door.