Yes, Sir

6.4

•-Austin Wood -•

The work day had dwindled to nothing and I found myself after hours in my office finalizing my presentation to Evaleen which was set to happen later this week.

I hadn't personally overseen a project since the start of Wood Enterprise. It was a huge honor to be able to watch my work come to life in a working environment that encouraged growth and empowerment to young and beautiful women.

I'd been briefed on the goals that Evaleen wanted to achieve with the new design, and with help from Lainey before her dismissal, I was able to conjure up enough information to create a basic layout regarding product placement that was much better than my sketch I had created in Hawaii.

In a moment of distraction, I glance to the couch where Lainey's naked body once sat, and the overpowering desire to have her in my arms once more, draws me to my feet. As I shut down my computer and gather my belongings, I decide now was a good time to leave the office.

Granted it was a spur of the moment decision, but nonetheless I hated being away from Lainey. There was something about distancing myself from such a vibrant young woman, that made my body ache with need. I didn't need to have her naked body around mine at every waking second, but to be able to see her smile and watch her laugh light up a room could potentially suffice for the smallest amount of time.

I evacuate my office to find someone sitting at Lainey's desk with one of her many childish pens in their hands with curiosity I presume.

"Well this is a surprise," I say dumbfounded as the perpetrator turns in Laine's chair with ease, "What brought you to this office this late in the evening, father?"

He places the pen that was once in his hand back to the utensils canister that Lainey had taken the liberty of decorating with tape to suit her personal style. Not that I minded considering I wanted my workplace to accommodate individuality.

"Your Mother is sited I drop by considering the last time I saw you was the holiday season and even then, you were out of the house in a flash."

I nod my head in understanding before eying Laine's desk in case he positioned something wrong or left some sort of warning to send her packing.

"My apologies," I say in a monotone voice.

He nods and lifts from Laine's chair before standing tall in front of me.

"So, you jet off to Hawaii in the middle of a work week for a young woman? Very bold of you, Austin."

I clear my throat awkwardly as the sound of concern laced through his voice like growing ivy.

"I put enough work into this company to be able to take a vacation. All Hell broke loose in New York with Laine's name in vain, it was better for her to escape than be questioned by a plethora of press."

I feel my father's hand rest on my shoulder and I turn my gaze to him with a look of worry.

"I understand, Austin. I know I seem like I'm only worried about where I'm putting my money, but I trust this business to succeed and I've believed in you since the start. I just wish I didn't have to hear such wonderful things about this girl through Chris."

I gulp down air in hopes that it keeps my feet grounded.

My father and I would bite at each other's throats most days during my childhood and adolescence. We could hardly see eye to eye on many things, and even at the start of Laine's employment, he doubted me entirely for my restraint. Granted he was right, but I was greeted by a surprise the second I fell for Laine Bennett and even now, there was nothing I wanted more than her love and support.