Stitch by Jaime Lewis
Chapter Four
Mia stood off to the side in the room and tried to stifle a yawn as she looked around the decorated ballroom. It seemed that the later it got, the more the crowd grew. She was tired, and her feet were starting to ache. Wearing four-inch heels for the last five hours would do that if the person wasn’t accustomed to wearing them. From her perspective, she had met everyone she had anticipated meeting, along with other prominent people. She knew Elijah was well-liked, but she hadn’t realized exactly how popular of a man he was until she witnessed how everyone flocked to him, vying for his attention—especially the ladies. She had been on the receiving end of some harsh glares from some of the women. However, Elijah showed them no interest except for a polite hello as he escorted her around the room, making introductions. Women like them were the reason she avoided social gatherings like this. She wasn’t interested in competing for the prettiest gown or hairstyle or even the best looking man on her arm.
She had locked gazes with Terek a few more times throughout the evening, but she dismissed him. His attitude toward her still nagged her. His appearance made her question his relationship with Elijah, because Elijah didn’t seem like the type of person Terek would hang out with. The Terek she knew was more uptight, probably brought on by his military background. He was a skilled military operative, just like her brother. The only difference was that he served in the Army. She would never have imagined him attending a function like this.
Her phone vibrated again, and she shook her head, knowing it had to be Alex and Tenley again. She pulled the phone out of her clutch and took a quick peek. A smile spread across her face seeing it was Stitch. As she read his message, warmth spread through her body. With both of their work schedules the last few months, it had been challenging to find time to talk. She missed his voice, his laughter; hell, she just missed him.
She thought back to her last visit. It had been right after Irish’s fiancé, Bailey was kidnapped, shot in her lower belly, and nearly died. Irish served on the SEAL team with Stitch and her brother. It had been a really difficult time for everyone, wondering if Bailey would recover from her injuries.
Add in Mia’s stress dealing with her residency, prepping and sitting for the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, along with job hunting; she had been a little moody during that timeframe. She thought she had hidden her struggles, but Stitch had seen right through her façade, and one night he had pulled her to the side and questioned her. She tried to play it off as if everything was fine, but when he gave her that stern look of his, she knew she was busted and ended up spilling everything to him. They had sat alone outside on the patio talking for almost an hour, and somehow, he managed to ease the uncertainties facing her. Before they went back inside, he took her hand and placed a key to his cabin in her palm, telling her he bought the cabin so he had a place to escape the stress and worries of life, especially after returning home from a mission. He told her she was welcome to use it any time she wanted. Now that everything was falling into place, she had been considering taking him up on his generous offer. Especially now that Elijah had informed her last week that he was planning on cutting back his hours at the clinic, which meant more responsibilities were falling on to her.
She had to remind herself not to get too worked up about it, considering he paid her an impressive salary, especially for someone fresh in their career. However, if you don’t have time to enjoy those benefits, then there seems to be no point of slaving yourself. She would talk to Stitch this week and see if he would mind if she used the cabin for a weekend in December before Christmas. Who knew, maybe after her conversation with him over the Thanksgiving holiday, he would perhaps join her for a romantic weekend in the mountains. Stitch may be a hardass Navy SEAL, but from her interactions with him over the last year, she’d bet her life that he was a true romantic under all that armor.
She typed a quick reply, thanking him and telling him she was looking forward to seeing him this weekend. As she pressed send, a large body pressed up against her back, startling her. She looked over her shoulder and gasped, seeing Elijah there.
“You disappeared on me again.” He teased, whispering the words in her ear. His mouth was so close to her ear; she swore she felt his lips brush against her skin as he spoke.
She stared at him for a moment. He stood just shy of six feet, physically fit, with a thick head of dark wavy brown hair, and dark eyes; he was most women’s idea of a perfect man. The women at the clinic all drooled over him when he would come to work straight from the gym, still wearing his workout clothes. She’d admit, he did look amazing in his tux this evening, and he chose not to shave, so the five o’clock shadow on his cheeks made him look that much sexier.
She smiled but chose to ignore the “disappeared” comment. It wasn’t like she had been ordered to stand by his side all night. She was grateful for the invite, but she sensed things were getting a little weird between them.
“I had a wonderful time. Thank you again for the invite.” His large hands traveled down her bare arms to her hips, where they rested. The move was intimate and made her uncomfortable and unsure of what his intentions were. In the last few weeks, there had been a slight change in his attentiveness towards her in the office. But after tonight with his blatant flirting, she was beginning to think that Elijah may be interested in her more than just a colleague. She wasn’t about to venture down that path. Most women would call her crazy, but he just didn’t do anything for her.
A waiter appeared with a champagne tray, and she used that opportunity to step out of his firm hold. Taking a glass from the tray, she thanked the waiter before swallowing about half the glass in one gulp. She had been careful to limit her drinks. This was only her third and final for the evening. Elijah never took his eye off her. There was a gleam in his gaze, and she recognized it. It was the same look guys at a bar or club would give her before they’d try and charm their way into her pants. She wasn’t an easy lay and had even punched a guy for insisting she was.
“There wasn’t a man in the room that couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
She lowered her eyes, wishing the floor would swallow her up. She drank the remaining champagne in her glass. She wasn’t sure how to respond to his comment. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she smiled and looked up at him.
“I could say the same for you. There were quite a few women who appeared put off that you ignored them.”
His eyes grew darker, and he licked his bottom lip.
“That is because I only had eyes for one woman in the room.” His gaze was intense. He had a fire in his pupils, and she knew he was speaking about her. It put her on edge. She swallowed hard and wished someone would use this exact time to interrupt them.
She noticed he looked at his watch again. It was the third time in the last couple of minutes.
Elijah glanced at his watch again.
“Is there somewhere you need to be?” She asked, hoping to change the atmosphere surrounding them.
His lips twitched. “I do need to head out. I have a client meeting me at the office.”
She nodded her head, but then his words registered.
“You’re meeting a client this late?” She asked him, now rather curious who he was seeing at this time of the night.
“He’s been a client since I opened the practice and has a new litter of puppies that were born prematurely. Two of the pups have some issues, and I’d feel better if it were me who saw them instead of the emergency clinic.
She immediately became concerned for the pups. “Do you need any help?” She asked, setting the champagne glass down on the table next to her.
He smiled down at her. “This is why you are my favorite. So eager to lend a hand. Thank you for the offer, but I can handle this one alone. I’d rather you stay and enjoy yourself.”
If he was leaving, she wasn’t going to be too far behind. She shrugged her shoulders. If he wanted to go into work this late, more power to him. She should be thankful he said no.
“Just remember I offered.” She told him in a teasing way.
He reached out and took her hand, pulling her closer to him. The move caught her off guard, causing her to fall against his chest. He kept one hand on her waist while the other hand slowly slid down her bare back, stopping just above her ass. She swallowed hard, and her breathing increased. Her face was against his chest. He pulled back slightly, and when she looked up, his dark eyes were focused on her. Slowly he lowered his head and kissed her cheek, letting his lips linger against her skin. She was stunned by his actions and afraid to move as one slight shift to the right, and his lips would meet hers.
“I wish I didn’t have to leave,” He whispered, but she didn’t know how to respond. Before she could think of a reply, he gave her hip one last squeeze and stepped back. “As soon as I get to the office, I’ll send the car back to take you home.”
She took a step backward, putting more distance between them. She felt frazzled.
“Don’t worry about the car. I don’t mind catching a cab.”
“Nonsense. I brought you tonight, and I have to see that you make it home safely. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the office.”
She nodded her head, and he smiled again before turning and walking toward the exit. As soon as he was out of sight, she let out a big gasp of air. What in the hell just happened? She was trying to process everything when someone behind her spoke.
“Mia?”
When she turned, she smiled from ear-to-ear. She needed to see a friendly face right now.
“Dr. Vineberg. I was wondering if I was going to see you this evening.” Mia looked toward his wife standing next to him, and she stepped forward to hug her. “Mrs. Vineberg, it’s so nice to see you. How have you been?”
The grey-haired lady gave her a warm smile. “Mia, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Estelle?” Estelle leaned in and hugged her. “How have you been, dear?”
Mia adored the Vinebergs. She had done an internship in Dr. Vineberg’s clinic during her last year in school. Dr. Vineberg had offered her a position at his clinic, but it was too far of a commute. She had heard a rumor that he was looking at retirement and considering selling his clinic. It was a shame because he was a rare breed of veterinarians. He was old school going so far as to do house calls still. That was precisely what she wanted to be. She wanted to be that doctor who everyone trusted their animal with. In the few months she’d been working for Elijah, she had already made a name for herself. But she didn’t see herself there long-term. She wanted to work alongside and learn from someone who was hands-on and a team player. That was definitely not Elijah. He was a nice guy, treated his staff well, but his work ethic sucked. He was either late or never even made it into the office, which was why she’d seen an uptick in her workload.
“I’ve been okay. Just trying to get through tonight.”
Dr. Vineberg furrowed his eyebrows, and a disappointed expression crossed his face. “Where is Dr. Walters? I heard he was going to be attending this evening.”
“Oh, he was here. He left just a few minutes ago.”
“Well, I’m glad I got to see your smiling face. So, tell me, how is everything at the clinic? Are you happy? He’s not working you too hard, is he?” Oh, if he only knew. But she wasn’t going to throw Elijah under the bus.
“I’m making do. Still learning the ropes some, but overall I’m enjoying it.” She hoped her slight fib didn’t show in her expression.
“Are you here alone, dear?” Estelle asked, changing the subject.
“Yes, ma’am. I came with Dr. Walters.” When she looked at Dr. Vineberg, he raised an eyebrow as if indicating she was on a date with Elijah. She quickly followed up that statement. “I just found out yesterday that I was coming. Dr. Walters was given an extra ticket, and he thought it would be beneficial if I attended and did some networking.”
Dr. Vineberg nodded his head in acceptance. “Well, this is definitely the event to be seen at, especially in our field of work.”
“I’m glad that I got to see you. I was considering sneaking out and heading home.”
“Well, we’re getting ready to head out ourselves. Would you like to walk out with us?” Dr. Vineberg asked her.
She was about to answer yes and call it a night when she felt a hand against her lower back. When she turned and saw Marlon, Elijah’s cousin, her first instinct was to run fast in the opposite direction. The guy totally hit the top of her creep-o-meter. She swore every time she’d seen him out socializing, he was with a different woman. If the rumors were correct, the majority of those women were prostitutes. That thought had her quickly stepping away, making his hand drop to his side. Ewww.
“Marlon, I was just about to leave.” She said, gesturing toward Dr. Vineberg and Estelle, who were both watching closely.
Of course, the first place that Marlon’s eyes centered on was her chest. He licked his lips, and she wanted to cringe. He was so disgusting and inappropriate. She didn’t want the Vinebergs to wait on her, plus who knew what obscene remark might come out of Marlon’s mouth, so she hugged the couple and told them to go ahead without her and that she would make plans to call them in a few weeks.
Once they were gone, she turned back toward Marlon, crossing her arms, and staring at him.
He ran the back of his hand down her arm, making her drop her arms to her side. “What’s with the attitude, baby?” He winked. “You and I could have a lot of fun together. After all, we’re both here alone. What do you say, wanna dance back to my place?” He reached for her hips, but she was too quick and pushed him away, putting some much-needed space between them.
“Not interested.” She stated curtly and gave him a dirty look. He smirked, but thankfully he backed off.
“Soon enough, you’ll come to your senses and realize what you’re missing.”
She held back her eye roll at his idiotic comment. Marlon had been sniffing around since she started working for Elijah. But his words and tone of his voice sent an uneasy vibe up her spine. It wasn’t so much of a threat but rather a promise.
He pulled a thick white letter envelope and a larger envelope folded in half from his suit jacket. “I need you to give these to Elijah. It’s important. I thought he was coming tonight.”
“He was here but had to leave. I can make sure he gets it tomorrow.” She said as he handed them over to her.
Marlon shook his head. “No, he needs it tonight.”
“Tonight? It’s almost eleven o’clock. If it’s that important, you take it to him.”
A sleazy smile spread across his face. “I’ve got other plans to make now that you won’t join me.” He winked again, and she wanted to smack him upside his head.
“Where am I supposed to drop this off? I don’t even know where he lives.”
“Well, you told those people he was meeting a client. You can swing by the clinic on your way home.”
“And, if he’s not there by the time I get there?”
“Just leave it on his desk. Be sure you text me so I can let him know.”
She hated knowing the scumbag had her phone number. She knew that Elijah hadn’t given it to him. Knowing him, he snooped and got it from the personnel files. But if this got her away from his clutches and out of the event, she was all for it. She grabbed the envelope.
“Thanks, doll.” He winked again and walked away like a cat on the prowl, seeking out his prey for the night.
She took a deep breath and exhaled. She strongly considered saying fuck it and would give Elijah the damn envelopes tomorrow morning at the office. But knowing Elijah was expecting the delivery, she’d suck it up.
She had almost made it out of the hotel when another voice called her name. She mumbled under her breath. Why now, when she was trying to leave, did everyone want to talk to her? Turning in the direction of the voice, she almost stumbled in her heels when she made eye contact with Terek. Oh, for heaven’s sake.
As he moved toward her, she felt her belly tighten. He didn’t look happy, and she didn’t need any bullshit—not tonight.
As Terek stepped closer, she tilted her head to look up at him. He had let his hair grow out a little more than usual. It didn’t matter because he was still good-looking. She shook her head. What was she thinking?
“Terek, I was just on my way out,” She told him, hoping he’d get the hint that she didn’t want to stick around and reminisce.
“I am too. I’ll walk you out.” He said, taking her elbow and leading her toward the exit as if he was in a hurry. When they were outside, he didn’t stop at the valet. She protested, but he ignored her and guided her down the sidewalk away from everyone waiting for their cars. Once they were at a distance from others, he turned her to face him.
“What did Marlon want with you?” He demanded, and not in a friendly way. He looked fierce. His hard expression reminded her of her brother when something upset him.
“You know him?” She found herself asking him.
“I do, and he is not someone I would expect you to associate yourself with.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not then, right? He’s Elijah’s cousin. I only know him from the clinic.” She fired back at him with a little attitude. Sure, she didn’t care for Marlon, but what was it to Terek whether she knew the man? She didn’t have to stand here and explain anything to him. She was a big girl who could take care of herself.
“Well, what did he want?” He snapped as if he was getting annoyed with her, and it really pissed her off. She almost opened her mouth and told him what Marlon really wanted—her in his bed, but she clamped her mouth shut and instead held up the envelope in her hand.
“He asked if I could drop this off to Elijah,” She looked away, but when she looked back up at him, he seemed to be biting the inside of his cheek.
“Terek, what is with the third degree?”
“Are you seeing Elijah?”
“What?” The line of questioning was now getting ridiculous.
“Are you seeing Elijah, yes or no? Because the way he had his hands all over you tonight, he was clearly making a statement to every man in that room that you were his.”
She stared up at him in disbelief. Was he jealous? Why would he care? He had been screwing some other woman behind her back.
“Who I do and don’t sleep with doesn’t concern you anymore.” She shook her head. “I don’t have time for this. Good-bye.” She turned to walk away.
“Mia…dammit, wait.” He grabbed her arm and spun her around. She jerked out of his grasp. He shook his head and ran his hand down his face as if he was frustrated. “Look, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“What are you talking about? Why would I get hurt?”
“Despite what happened between us, I still care about you. Just be careful. You don’t know Elijah like I do.”
“Terek, Elijah is just my boss, okay?”
“So, you aren’t involved with him?” He asked, looking instantly relieved.
“No, dammit! It is strictly a working relationship.” At least, that is what she considered they had. However, Terek wasn’t wrong; after being on the receiving end of Elijah’s flirting, he may beg to differ. But she didn’t want to talk about Elijah. “Look, Terek, I’m tired and just want to go home.”
He grinned at her. “Want some company?”
“You are such an asshole.”
He chuckled. “I’m just kidding.” He cupped her cheek with his large callused hand and looked into her eyes. His gaze was intense but also held a look of concern. “I am not kidding about Elijah. Be careful and watch your back.”
She went to ask what that was supposed to mean, but her car pulled up, and Terek released her, but not before he hugged her and kissed her cheek. He opened the car door.
“It was nice seeing you tonight. Maybe one day, when my workload isn’t keeping me occupied, you and I can get together and just talk. There is a lot I need to explain to you. Actually, I owe it to you.”
It was almost as if he spoke in some type of cryptic code. She really didn’t want to meet him, but maybe it was something he needed to do to move on. She had certainly moved on, and hopefully, after Thanksgiving, she would officially have herself a new man.
He leaned down and kissed her cheek, and again, she felt nothing.
“Bye, Mia.”
“Bye, Terek.”
