Wildest Dreams

By M.S. L.R.

Alaina Sanders just scored a position at L & A law firm, where her longtime crush, Rayden Matthews,happens to work. Unfortunately, Rayden is engaged to his high school sweetheart, but things are not always what they seem. The last thing Alaina wants is to lose her job, but their attraction is stronger than ever, and they soon find themselves in a complicated situation.When her professional and personal life intertwine, Alaina is overwhelmed by a series of events that are out of her control. As their relationship intensifies, so does the danger surrounding them. When old love meets new threats, Rayden and Alaina must decide to either succumb to others’ expectationsor risk losing a love they thought only existed in their wildest dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stefany Rattles
• Release date: Aug 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536507003

Book preview

Sign Up!

Receive exclusive content, enter contests and giveaways, and get updates on events and new releases.

Plus FREE books!

SIGN UP HERE.

1- THE WAIT

Ten minutes—that was all the time I had to get to work. With the rain and traffic, I was sure it would take at least twenty. Of course, it wasn’t my fault. It was just the stress that was getting to me.

Putting some Chapstick on and checking my reflection in the mirror, I sighed at the short brunette with hazel eyes staring back at me. Her hair was in a messy bun. Normally, my hair would have been straightened, but it was humid outside and rainy—an awful combination. It was the best I was going to look on that drizzly morning. Grabbing my umbrella, keys, and my purse, I stepped out of my apartment and made my way to my car.

The rain was still coming down as I swerved in and out of traffic, only to find myself stuck at every red light between my house and work. As I waited for the light to turn green, I leaned back in my seat and rolled my eyes at myself. There was no use trying to race there. I was going to be late.

For the past week, I had been nervous, stressed, and pretty much just a mess.

In part, it was because my lease had ended and I had to find a new place like yesterday. The problem was I couldn’t because I was getting a new job. If they called me back.

A week ago, I had an interview at a law firm for a legal secretary position. It was more than a great opportunity. Compared to my current part-time retail position, it was a dream job with excellent pay and full benefits, which I didn’t currently have. The hours were traditional, and the boss was nothing like the one I had now, which was definitely a step up.

I had worked at Reed’s for about two years. It was a good job that worked around your schedule, and it favored college students who weren’t always available. Unfortunately, I wasn’t attending college. I was taking online courses to become a paralegal someday. However, that was going to take me forever since I was only attending part-time. Plus, I needed real work experience for it to count for something someday.

When I finished high school, I didn’t know what to do with myself, so I didn’t go to college immediately after graduating. I envied people who knew what career path they wanted to take at eighteen. It took me a while to decide what I wanted to do with my life.

After countless odd jobs, I was tired and ready to take the plunge and do something with my life. It may have been just a dream when I first decided, but I was already almost two years into school and ready to get to work.

Unfortunately, I still had to work at Reed’s until I got the call.

Melanie, the store manager, was a bubbly middle-aged woman who was only nice to your face if you did more than you were required to do, and I mean a lot more.

I was a good employee until my coworker, Macy, got a promotion and I didn’t, even though I went above and beyond my job description. You could say that I was a little bitter.

A little.

Twenty-three minutes later, I clocked in then put my purse in my locker.

As I was walking out of the break room, I ran right into Melanie.

Alaina, I was just about to call you. She wasn’t smiling. In fact, her bubbly personality was nowhere to be seen.

Regardless, I gave her a small smile. I’m sorry, it’s just that—

She waved me off and started walking away. I need you to get some freight out. It can be Mens, Misses, or Juniors. Also, make sure you keep up with the fitting rooms. Keep the floor clean and help out at the registers. We don’t need you in the office today.

Yes, your majesty! I wanted to say, but instead, I nodded as she went into her office.

During the next four hours, I put out freight, kept up with the fitting rooms, and occasionally helped out at the registers. I wasn’t the only one there, but Melanie wanted to put it all on me since I was late. I wasn’t the only one that disliked her either, but even if she knew, she probably couldn’t have cared less.

Luckily, Tamera and Dean were working, too. They were a couple that had transferred from another store when they moved to Arkansas. Tamera was a good-natured girl and my closest friend at Reed’s. She had gotten engaged to Dean on New Year’s. They were now planning their wedding for the next summer.

Why anyone would want to move to Arkansas was beyond me. This place didn’t have much to offer. This place sucked. I was born in Los Angeles, California, but my parents thought it’d be cheaper and safer to raise three kids here. Well, three girls to be exact. Of course, I would love to move back to my hometown, but it was easier said than done. Not only would I need more money, but a stable job too so I could afford to live in the city. Sigh.

Hey, girl, that’s a lot to put up, Tamera commented as she rounded the jewelry counter, pulling her hair behind her ears.

I nodded. Tell me about it. It’s ridiculous. We’re getting busy, but she wants me to put this out and keep up with everything else.

I didn’t have to say that it was Melanie since we both knew who she was.

Ugh. I had to close yesterday, and she wanted me to close today, too, but there’s no way. I have to study for exams, and with the wedding planning, I just don’t have the time, though I could use the hours.

I knew what she meant. Not that I knew anything about wedding planning, but at least I could relate to the school part.

We talked for a few minutes as she helped me arrange merchandise, and I told her about the job interview I had the week before.

Well, I hope you get it! she said as a customer approached her for help.

If Melanie had seen us talking, she would’ve been like How are the fitting rooms? Tamera, you can help out on the registers. Alaina, I need you to do this and that and this and that. She was such a cow!

Thankfully, the remainder of the shift was uneventful, and I kept myself busy as usual. Melanie stayed in her office, which was just fine with me.

It was around four in the afternoon when I got home. Routinely, I ate something, checked my voicemail, text messages, email messages, and Facebook. There was nothing interesting, only my mother who wanted me to come over for dinner that night, to which I agreed.

At least it wasn’t raining anymore.

I was dying to know if I got the job or not already, but it was Sunday so, of course, they weren’t open. I would have to wait until tomorrow to hear something back or not.

Waiting was just cruel.

When I made it to my mother’s, I knocked twice before I turned the doorknob and walked into her apartment.

She never locked her door if someone was home, and most of the time one of my sisters were there.

Hey, Alaina, how was work today? Samantha asked. She was sixteen and the youngest.

Making a face, I told her that it was the same as usual.

Samantha was on the shorter side, like 4’11" short. She might grow a little more, but I doubted it. She also had a thicker body than the rest of us and super long black hair.

Yay, my favorite sissy is here! Nancy said as she came out of the restroom. Nancy was seventeen. We hugged each other, and I noticed Samantha glaring at Nancy. I raised an eyebrow at them, but no one said anything.

Where’s Mom? I asked instead.

Nancy shrugged.

She’s fixing her hair. She’ll be done soon, Samantha answered as she headed back into her room. I’m going to put my shoes on! she yelled.

I sat on a stool at the kitchen counter. So what’s up with you guys? I asked Nancy, who was texting away on her cell phone.

She glanced up, but it took her a minute to answer. Huh? Oh, your sister’s a bitch. And then she went back to texting.

I got that, but I wanted to know why. What did she do to you? I tried again.

Nancy was about my height and had medium-length, dark brown hair. She put her phone down and finally let it all out. She’s going out with my ex! I told her that I wasn’t okay with it, but she doesn’t care. She’s a fucking whore!

They both had a bad mouth that not even Mom could control.

Whoa, I said because I didn’t know what else to tell her.

Then I heard angry footsteps. "Shit happens! It’s not my fault he likes me better." Samantha and Nancy glared at each other.

And being the mediator that I was, I took a stand between them.

Guys, let’s talk about this—

But Nancy wasn’t listening. Yeah, it does! She lunged at Samantha, but I was faster and pulled her back. I almost got scratched in the face.

That’s enough from you two! Mom came into the room with her hands on her hips. If you can’t behave yourselves then you’re not going with us.

I let go of Nancy, who crossed her arms as Samantha continued to glare at her. Mom stood by her bedroom door, her irritation evident.

After my parents divorced ages ago, my mom received full custody of us. Not that my dad cared, but that was a different story.

Ever since they got divorced, Mom went a little wild. She was now living the life she didn’t get to before.

Today she wore a blue see through shirt and mustard colored skinny jeans. You could see her bra through the shirt.

She was a good looking woman for her age with gray eyes and short blonde hair. She had her fair share of men chasing after her. The three of us got Mom’s looks. I wasn’t conceited, though. I just knew that we were all at least pretty if nothing else.

Ready to go? She grabbed her purse and keys.

She invited me to dinner, but she wasn’t cooking. With her full-time job, she had Saturday and Sunday afternoons off only.

Cooking was out of the question.

Finally, we headed out to have dinner at a steakhouse.

During the whole meal, Nancy and Samantha avoided talking to each other but commented on the conversation that Mom and I were having.

Mostly Mom talked about buying a house and what she needed to accomplish during the week. I told her about the interview.

Honey, I hope you get it. This is perfect for you! Nancy and Samantha agreed.

We went to the mall after dinner, and I looked at some professional clothing. I ended up buying a new outfit and mom bought me another.

After a tiring day, I went home and crashed.

The next morning, I didn’t get up until nine since I didn’t have to work.

Making some breakfast and a cup of coffee, I sat by my computer.

My phone flashed with a new message that I must’ve missed while I slept.

I didn’t check who called and listened to the voicemail right away.

Miss Sanders, this is Danielle with L & A, we would like to offer you the job, and if you accept, we would like for you to come in for your first day tomorrow morning at eight. Bring your ID and your social security card. If you are no longer interested in the position, please give me a call back, thanks.

I almost dropped the phone.

2- FIRST DAY

I was so freaking excited! I got the job! I got the job! I danced around like a mindless idiot.

After I settled down a bit, I called my only real and best friend, Brie.

Brie and I had been friends since we were twelve. At first, we didn’t like each other much, but then we started talking and hanging out, and the rest was history.

Hello? she answered on the second ring.

Hey! Remember how I told you about my interview?

I heard her moving around on the other side. Mmhmm.

So I told her. We were both shrieking with excitement.

I’m so happy for you! Brie said.

I smiled to myself. Thanks! I hope I don’t screw this up, I added.

No way, why would you? She was right. Listen, I’ll text you later or something. I’m moving around furniture at work—Hey! That’s not where that goes! Bye. The line went dead as I laughed to myself.

What would I do without her?

Brie was an assistant manager at a warehouse. She worked mostly with guys, which is why she liked it in the first place. Even though Brie and I didn’t have a lot in common, we managed to get along and agree on almost anything and everything. She currently lived by herself. She had a boyfriend for several years, but they split up because she caught him cheating. That bastard! Let’s just say we made sure he got what he deserved.

I had a studio apartment. The space was not bad for one person, but the problem was that my rent was going up even if I signed another year lease, which was ridiculous. Now that I was getting a new job, I was going to be able to get a decent one bedroom, and it would only be a little more than what I was already paying.

Doing chores was easy. After getting them done, I showered and headed out.

While I was out running errands and getting boxes, I called my mom to tell her the good news.

Honey, that’s great! We should celebrate on my next day off!

I agreed to go to dinner on Saturday.

Next stop was Reed’s. I went in feeling a little sad. I knew everybody that worked there. We were like family, whether I liked them or not.

Lisa, the administrative assistant, was at her desk making the new schedule for the following week.

So, I’m putting in my two weeks.

She looked up at me and stared at me like I had crap on my face or something equally disgusting.

Well, then. That little bit of sadness disappeared instantly.

Did you hear me? I said impatiently.

Her eyes went wider. I did. Okay, was all she said before she went back to her work.

Whatever!

This was the reason why no one ever lasted long at Reed’s.

I walked out of the office and found coworkers who were willing to take my shifts for the remaining two weeks, which wasn’t hard considering I was only scheduled for about fifteen hours a week.