"I'm so glad you're not like your brother." Emily smiled and kissed him again.
Chapter 11
Rhonda Davis wasn't a pushover. At five foot six, with long black hair and green eyes, she was capable of bringing Russell to his knees anytime she wanted. But this morning's looks weren't of the sensual type whatsoever.
Rhonda loved her husband more than anything. He was a great provider, wonderful father, and doting husband. He'd tried countless times over the years to convince her to stop working and enjoy her nice life, but she wasn't going to hear any more about it. She loved five-year-old Gracie and three-year-old Elizabeth with all her heart and enjoyed every moment she got to spend with them. But she was raised in a family full of hard workers, and even though her position at Davis Enterprises was demanding, she knew no one else could do the job better.
"Rhonda, don't look at me like that." Russell knew he was in for it.
"So help me, Russell, if your brother pulls you into this thing with Emily Carson, you're going to have hell to pay."
"I'm only a little bit involved...business wise only."
"If she thinks she's sleeping with you, I'll explode."
"I asked Parker and he told me there was no way he'd sleep with her."
"I'll just be glad when the both of you stop making me want to leave the country. Hurry and finish up your breakfast."
"Are the girls ready?"
"They've been ready, Russell. You've been a million miles away over the past few days. Focus on us." Rhonda gave him The Glare.
Russell got up to pour himself another cup of coffee when the phone rang. He'd promised to go with Rhonda and the girls to the zoo today and just enjoy a Saturday for a change. He hadn't done that in years.
"What's up?" Russell answered, seeing that it was his brother.
"I slept with Emily last night." Parker listened to Russell's drawn-out sigh.
"You said you weren't going to do that..."
"I'm taking her back to Colorado tomorrow. I'll be at the office today trying to do more damage control. Enjoy your day with Rhonda and the girls. Give them a hug for me."
"I'll hug the girls, but as far as Rhonda's concerned, don't go near her for your own safety." Russell tried to keep his voice as low as possible.
"She's that pissed?"
"You have no idea. Living here hasn't exactly been a picnic."
"We've always been upfront, so I thought I'd let you know."
"I'll add that to the list of your good Samaritan work."
Rhonda walked back in the room with the girls just as Russell was hanging up his phone. "That was your brother, wasn't it? You aren't going into the office today, tell him to forget about it."
"No, I'm not going in." Russell gave her a big smile as he grabbed his keys and headed out the door for his much needed family day.
***
Emily poured herself a glass of orange juice and stared out the window at the beautiful day. She wished she could be outside like everyone else. If I leave the door unlocked, I could get back inside and Russell would never know. She smiled to herself and quickly walked to the bedroom. She was grateful that Russell had purchased a couple of outfits for her. Last night was amazing, and she'd planned on not getting attached, but her heart was ruling her thoughts. She remembered the way he looked at her, both last night and again this morning. Emily was afraid to feel hopeful but couldn't help herself. She ran into Russell's bedroom and smiled at the messed up sheets where they'd made love again and cuddled for the night. She turned her attention on Russell's closet. She certainly couldn't get past security looking like herself if she was going to keep her excursion a secret from Russell.
***
Parker sat at his desk tapping his pen. He needed to get some work done but couldn't get Emily Carson off his mind. The way she felt, the look in her eyes, her passion...then she called me Russell.
***
Emily looked in the mirror feeling very proud of herself. With one of Russell's t-shirts, her new pair of jeans, and hair tucked under one of his baseball caps, Emily slid on her pair of sunglasses and walked out the door. She headed for the back stairwell and exited the building with other people. Keeping her face down, she was out on the streets in no time. The large guy she walked next to hid her cast very well.
She spotted a cab and quickly climbed in the back. "Where to?" asked the older cab driver.
"I'm not sure. I'm pretty new in town and was looking for a fun place to spend the day. Any suggestions?"
"I've taken quite a few people to the zoo today. It's free admission today. My wife and grandchildren are there seeing the new exhibits."
"Sounds like a plan!" Emily smiled as she took off her ball cap and let her glossy hair fall around her shoulders. She hadn't been to a zoo in forever.
***
Parker wasn't getting anything accomplished. The mere thought of seeing Emily was making him a very happy man. It was already midafternoon and there wasn't anything pressing that couldn't wait until Monday. He knew the reporters would still be there. He'd talked to as many investors as he could get ahold of, the rest would have to wait. Parker locked his office behind him and headed towards the elevator. The staff was relieved to see their boss with a smile on his face.
***
Emily entered the zoo and walked around to the front exhibits. Spotting the snow cone stand made her pace quicken. She hadn't had a blue-stained mouth since she was a kid. Just the thought made her chuckle. She didn't even get upset when she spilled the liquid on Russell's yellow shirt. As she walked around, she saw the sign that pointed towards the polar bear exhibit. Emily mingled in with the crowd that was headed in that direction.
She took a seat in the large enclosure made of wall-to-wall glass. Watching the bears play underneath the water made her feel years younger. The families were laughing and spending time together, and she felt a sadness begin to fill her. I wish I had a family. Children stared at her large pink cast, but Emily didn't mind. Hopefully, it would be gone soon. Just as she was about to get up and leave, she heard a familiar voice.
"Russell, wait right here, I need to take the girls to the bathroom."
"Come with us!" begged a little girl.
"Daddy's going to stay here and save our seats."
Emily watched the mother walk over and kiss him. He's married? With kids?! Emily began to fume but stayed seated until the woman and her children were gone from the exhibit. Carefully walking down the steps, she stood in front of Russell.
"You lying, cheating bag of shit!" Emily yelled as her hand landed on his cheek. "I'm leaving! I hate you!"