I Only Have Eyes For You

by Khardine Gray

  The vindictive look on her face told him that was all purposely for Savannah, making it sound like they’d planned to meet in Washington, and here for the matter. Hiroshi looked around her at Savannah and saw the hardened look that had suddenly washed over her beautiful face.

  He wanted to scream at Jade but held his tongue. He definitely knew she’d pop up again, but never guessed it would have been here. For a start, she hated fundraisers and anything of the sort. And next, this was Japan. He never imagined she would make her way over from Washington to Japan in what…a little over two days?

  Just to mess with him.

  “Excuse me,” Savannah spoke much louder, eliciting a few curious glances from people nearby. It was only then that Jade turned in that slow and purposeful way to glare at her.

  He knew how nasty she could be so he decided to intervene. She’d also started to do that stare down thing she always did when she came across anyone she felt might outdo her. Which Savannah definitely did tonight.

  Jade wore a dark blue dress with rhinestones speckled across it. Her hair and makeup were perfect like they always were. She knew she looked good, and no compliment was needed to be made. She would always be a model and the face of whatever designer chose her to represent them, but you could never outdo natural beauty.

  This was what was happening here.

  “Savannah this is Jade Fox,” he said, breaking into the tenseness of the atmosphere that surrounded them.

  “I know.” Savannah didn’t look at him. Her eyes were completely fixed on Jade. Hiroshi had never seen her look so stern. When she eventually looked at him he noticed with disdain that that sparkle she always held in her eyes when she looked at him was gone.

  It was silly to even wonder how she knew Jade because not only was Jade famous, but Savannah was a fashion freak.

  “Oh a fan,” Jade cooed.

  Savannah shook her head. “No, not so much.”

  Jade seemed surprised by the comment, but unfazed.

  Hiroshi would have taken a moment to appreciate that answer if he hadn’t been so concerned with what she was thinking.

  “Anyway,” Savannah muttered and turned to leave them.

  “Savannah wait,” he called out to her.

  She stopped, barely looking at him over her shoulder. “It’s work stuff, you should hear her out,” she told him, and then set off.

  He watched her go wanting desperately to go after her, but he had to talk to Jade. He didn’t care what her father had to offer, he had to speak to her and sort this out once and for all.

  “So that was her,” Jade commented with a menacing humor that irritated the hell out of him.

  “What are you doing here Jade?” he asked firmly.

  “I told you, my dad wants to talk business. But if you have other things in mind, I’m game.”

  He simply glared at her. “Your father could have come to see me anytime. There was no need for you to be here. Why are you here?” he demanded.

  “She’s not your type, you know.”

  “Yes, she is.” He knew what she meant, but she was completely wrong. In the past, Hiroshi had never actually given thought to what his type would be. Who cared about type when you didn’t need to?

  Jade stood a little straighter and glowered at him. “Is this some new game for you?” Her eyes searched his, not quite understanding.

  “No. Jade this thing with us has to stop.” This was silly, and all his fault. He should have factored in that something like this could happen. He just hadn’t thought about it because they saw so little of each other. And, this wasn’t the place to talk.

  “Hiroshi,” said an energetic voice with a rich Texan accent. It was Jade’s father, Jedidiah Fox.

  Damn it, another interruption. All he wanted to do was go find Savannah and talk to her.

  Jedidiah extended a hand to shake his. Hiroshi took it and shook firmly.

  “Daddy, so nice of you to find us,” Jade intoned. Jedidiah embraced his daughter with the love of a parent who spoiled their child rotten.

  “I want to hear about this training center,” Jedidiah resounded in that excited Texan way.

  “Sure, I’ll tell you all about it,” Hiroshi replied.

  What choice did he have? He couldn’t be rude. He wouldn’t take his help if offered, but he could tell him about the plans, and he would do it as quickly as he could.

  * * *

  Calm down, Savannah, calm yourself.

  Her heart was racing, palms sweating, breathing shallow and her head felt strange. It was emotion overload.

  Talk about your fears come to life. It was just the other week that she’d obsessed herself to a frazzle, comparing herself to the likes of Jade Fox and others. Comparing and hoping that she’d never have to be in the same room as them, and look it happened.

  And the way Jade had looked at Savannah said it all, and some. No one had ever been so rude or audacious enough to look at Savannah the way Jade had, and the truth of it was down to the fact that she’d never associated herself with rude or audacious people.

  The look had been worse than the kind you’d have if you stepped in something disgusting. As far as looks went it was bad, really bad. Not to mention the way she’d shoved into her.

  But Savannah could have dealt with that. What she couldn’t deal with was Hiroshi being with Jade. Him standing next to her, like they were a couple.

  She wasn’t the jealous type, but she certainly felt jealous now, and stupid.

  Realistically, she should have known something like this could happen. It was silly to have ignored the possibility, but she was so besotted with him that she couldn’t see past her feelings.

  She knew he had a checkered history of being a ladies’ man. What the hell made her think she was the only person in his life? Why would she be? Other than the meaningful date they had, some kisses here and there, and a few text messages, what else did they have? Savannah was probably just someone to pass the time with while he was at home.

  She was so stupid, and it was worse because she’d allowed herself to feel for him. None of her friends would have been this naive. The backs of her eyes stung and she saw the one thing that would help calm her, if only for a few seconds. Chocolate mousse in little jars the waiters were carrying on platters. She reached for one and aimed it straight at her mouth. But it didn’t reach. In one deft move, Sakiko snatched it away from her.

  “You give me that. Never drown your sorrows with chocolate.” Sakiko put the little jar back on the tray and sent the waiter away. She then looked across to Hiroshi and Jade, who were making their way to the front of the room with a tall bald man.

  Savannah guessed that was Jade’s father.

  She was glad for the way she handled herself with Jade, but it didn’t change the fact that the woman was stunningly beautiful, had the perfect physique, and looked good standing next to Hiroshi. For crying out loud, she was a supermodel.

  What did Savannah have over her? Savannah was thin but not supermodel thin like Jade, and she wasn’t tall and beautiful like her, either. She was completely out of her element by just being here.

  Sakiko looked back to Savannah. “What happened?”

  Savannah shook her head. “Jade Fox.” What else could she say?

  “Do you want me to get rid of her?” Sakiko asked, completely surprising her. Savannah focused on her, grateful that she would even consider that. During the time that she’d been in Japan, Savannah had enjoyed spending time with Sakiko. They loved the same things so it was very easy to get on with her, and sometimes it was like they shared the same mind. Most of all, she’d become a very good friend. One who would clearly do whatever she thought would make Savannah happy. As hilarious as it would be to watch Sakiko throw Jade out, it wouldn’t be right.

  “No. I…”

  “Okay breathe,” Sakiko said in a soft and soothing tone, holding out her hands.

  Savannah pulled in a deep breath and held her hands together to stop them from shaking
. She forced a smile. “I’m okay.”

  “It looks like business to me. Her father’s here.”

  “Yes, business,” Savannah agreed, even though she didn’t believe that for one second. She remembered the seductive manner in which Jade spoke to Hiroshi. That woman wasn’t just here on business. “So this is a party, right? We should be having fun.”

  Sakiko’s eyes grew warmer, and she rested a supportive arm around her. “Come on, let’s get some buttered popcorn. It has less calories than chocolate. I think.”

  Savannah smiled, but honestly she was crumbling inside. She just wanted to go back to her room, where she could be alone to get over her stupidity.

  * * *

  Hiroshi grew more agitated the more time passed.

  He’d forgotten how much of a big talker Jedidiah was, and the more he talked, the more Hiroshi felt like he’d been lured into a trap. Why would Jade accept being told no by anyone if her parents had never said the word? All Jade had to do was mention something and it was all hers. No matter what that was. Hiroshi was sure this meeting here was something like that. She must have spoken to her father about him, and this was the result.

  The three of them had been seated around this dining table for more than half an hour now listening to Jedidiah talk about his family barbecue. He hadn’t even paused for a breath, where Hiroshi might take advantage of the chance to cut in and talk about the training center. And Jade had seated herself next to him, sitting way too close. Couple close.

  Hiroshi was going crazy trying to control the anger that boiled within him, and the flames of his anger were fueled even more when he glanced at the clock and saw it was now ten.

  He heard Jake’s laugh from across the room and looked over. He stood with Savannah and Sakiko, and seemed to be doing an impression of a chicken or something. Whatever it was it made Savannah smile. Hiroshi should be with her now.

  “So, son, all I keep hearing about is this training center of yours.” Jedidiah broke Hiroshi’s thoughts. “I definitely want in if there’s room for me.”

  Jade rested her hand on top of his leg and started stroking his thigh.

  “There’s a lot of planning to be done still, but I’m pretty much set.” Hiroshi was pleased with that answer.

  “Oh. Well, let me know when it all comes together. Your father tells me you’re doing this alone.”

  “Yes.”

  “You know our Hiroshi. Always the daredevil.” Jade offered. Hiroshi caught her hand as she inched across far too much towards his inner thigh. He cut a sharp glance at her wondering if she was seriously going to try and grope him in front of her father.

  Years ago her daring, seductive actions would have enticed him. But it didn’t now. It infuriated him.

  “I do my best,” Hiroshi replied stiffly.

  “You let me know what I can do to help if you need it. I—” One of the waiters came up to Jedidiah and interrupted.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Fox, Mr. Coron needs your assistance,” the waiter said.

  “Sorry kids. Hiroshi, you make use of my number if you need to.” He nodded and got up to leave. As soon as he did, Jade leaned into him.

  “Let’s go somewhere more private. I want you,” she whispered into his ear.

  “Jade, didn’t you hear any of what I said?”

  “No,” she cooed playfully. “Besides you can’t be serious about that girl. How could you choose her over me?” And that was what this was about.

  She moved even closer, practically into his lap.

  “Jade, you had to know that the day would come when one of us would meet someone. It just happens to be me first. So please respect that and—” he didn’t get to continue. Before he could, she smoothed her lips over his and planted herself on him so that he’d literally have to push her, with force, to get her off him.

  Without being too rough he took hold of her arms and moved her back.

  Panic ran through him, and he instinctively looked across to Savannah, who was already glaring at him, watching them.

  Disappointment and hurt were written all over her face for the few seconds she looked right at him, then she turned and rushed towards the exit.

  “Jade, we’re done. I mean it.” He shook his head at her. “Don’t look for me ever again.” He left before she could respond with one of her sassy comments.

  He didn’t care what she had to say, all he cared about was Savannah.

  It was raining heavily outside. Pouring. He could see her rushing ahead of him, so he ran to catch up with her.

  “Savannah,” he called out. She didn’t stop. He called her again, and this time she turned, but still didn’t stop. “Please wait.” He caught up with her and grabbed onto her arm, pulling her to stop. The impact made her bump into him. “Savannah.”

  “Hiroshi, please just let me go.” It might have been raining, but he could see that she was crying, and looked very upset.

  “No.”

  “Why?” She looked at him wide eyed.

  “Savannah, I didn’t know Jade was going to kiss me.” He had to make her understand he didn’t intend for that to happen.

  “Yes of course, just like the girl at the tracks, and whoever else. Besides, maybe Jade thought she could kiss you, you probably did a lot of that in Washington.” She tried to break free, but he couldn’t let her go. He knew that if he did he’d lose his chance with her forever.

  “No.” He shook his head and searched his anguished, exhausted brain for the right thing to say. “That’s not true at all. We didn’t meet like that in Washington. She just turned up at my office unexpected.”

  “You know what? It’s fine. It doesn’t matter. You don’t owe me any form of explanation at all. I get it. We were just messing around while you were here.” She moved her wet hair away from her face and her shoulders slumped. “Seriously, why am I even upset? We went on one date. And you’ve known me for what, a handful of months? Jade Fox is exactly your type. Fast cars and beautiful women, right?”

  Damn it. She’d read up on him.

  Of course she would. She was a journalist. So much for worrying about her finding out what he used to be like. There was enough online to give her a pretty good idea.

  His chest tightened as dread filled him. His past had come back to bite the hell out of him, just like he feared it would. Stupid idiot that he was back then, living life on the edge of the fast lane and going from one woman to the next like he was changing clothes. He’d never thought there was a chance he’d meet the woman of his dreams and lose her from his own stupidity.

  What was he supposed to say? It was clear what she thought, and it wasn’t as if any part of it was a lie.

  “I’m not that guy anymore,” he attempted. It was worth a try. She was worth a try. “I’m not, and I never meant for any of the craziness that’s happened. And if you think that one date and spending time together doesn’t make us official then here’s me asking you to be my girl.”

  Her beautiful eyes rounded, and she gazed at him, her lips slightly agape. He thought he’d gotten to her but to his dismay, she shook her head and ran her hands along the side of her perfect oval shaped face. “I can’t.”

  “Why?” His voice took on a frailty that sounded desperate to his own ears.

  “Because…I can’t be like Jade Fox, or anyone else. I don’t look like that, and I can’t even try. I—”

  “Savannah, I don’t want Jade or anyone else,” he said firmly, gazing longingly into her deep brown eyes, hoping his words had the effect he wanted. “I want you. Just the way you are. And a hundred years could pass, and I’d still want you. Just you.”

  His words seemed to shock her. To stun her into silence and loosen the apprehension in her expression. He searched her eyes for that sparkle she always had for him, and when he found it he knew he had to seize the moment and hold on to it.

  Hiroshi had never said anything like that to anybody, and when he thought about what he was saying it scared him. But it was true. There had on
ly been two things in his life that he’d ever obsessed over and wanted badly to the point where he could think of nothing else. The first was being the best when he was racing. The next was her.

  But racing was nothing in comparison to her.

  He stepped closer, feeling the tension in her arm loosen as she no longer tried to get away from him. He released her arm and reached out to cup her face, loving the feel of her silky skin in his hands.

  “Me?” she said, her voice soft and uncertain.

  He nodded.

  The rain started to pour down heavier. They were both drenched, soaked throughout, hair and clothes. The soft material of her dress clung to her, imprinting on her voluptuous breasts. The sight of which made him hard with need for her.

  Right there and then he wanted her more than anything he’d ever wanted in his life, and he didn’t care about anything else.

  Nothing. Not where they were, time, work, the training center, nothing at all except her. He lowered to her, moving to kiss her smooth, soft lips which felt to him like coming home. The need he had for her and the urgency that rushed over him made him kiss her like it was the last chance he’d ever get.

  “Come with me,” he spoke urgently against her delicious lips. When she nodded he picked her up, deciding that in this rain it would be quicker to carry her.

  He couldn’t wait any longer.

  * * *

  Hiroshi only set her down so that he could open his bedroom door. He then reached out for her to take his hand.

  She looked at his outstretched hand and took it, then gazed at him with her huge brown eyes as if she was looking for reassurance.

  The rain had washed her eye makeup away, revealing the perfection of her natural beauty. Her smooth straight hair now hung in loose wet waves, clinging to the sides of her arms.

  Tugging lightly on her hand, he took her inside where she stopped to look around.

  He closed the door behind him and rested against it to watch her. The golden brown skin of her back enticed him to touch her there, but he held back, wanting to look at her a little longer and savor her presence.