Time For Love Box Set

by Karen Deen

  She gestures to the lounge and to sit while she heads to the kitchen. “I’ll make the coffee and you make yourself at home.” There’s rustling in the kitchen with the clinking of cups and the kettle boiling. My thoughts start piecing together the life that was sprawled out before me on the wall. Most photos had either her mom or dad in it, or both. Dancing is Zara’s love, that’s plain to see. There’s photos from mid-teens onwards where she’s in dance costumes or holding awards. Her eyes are full of joy and pride. A few photos are of dance groups but mostly Zara on her own. More recent photos show another guy and girl by Zara’s side. They’re laughing and quite close. My possessive nature starts to rise. Seeing this guy with his arm wrapped around Zara’s shoulders grates me the wrong way.

  Shit! That can’t be it, can it? She has a boyfriend? Surely, she would have said something by now. I try to keep calm, but it gets harder by the minute. Movement takes my attention as Zara comes through the door carrying coffee.

  “Who is this guy, Zara?” Smooth, Grant. Keep it cool. To be honest, I don’t care how I look. I need to know now.

  “Whoa, calm down, Grant. Not sure I need to give you an answer but in the interest of you not losing your cool, Xavier is a friend. No, I don’t have any romantic feelings for him. Yes, I love him like a brother. No, you do not need to feel threatened by him.”

  Feeling like an idiot, I nod as she hands me my coffee. I clear my throat. “And the girl?”

  “Xavier’s sister, Natalie. She’s my best friend. They both have been there for me the last few years through thick and thin. I’m not sure I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.”

  “I’m not one to beat around the bush, Zara. If I want to know something I will never hold back. I will ask and that way there are no misunderstandings. I am sorry if it sounded rude, I just needed to know.”

  “You make me laugh. You try to be this big tough guy but deep down you’re just a boy. Jealousy is not your strong point.”

  “You should know I don’t share well, Zara. I never have.” I growl. This shit needs to get sorted. Right now. Time to get her talking.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Zara

  His body language is confusing me. One minute I see the calm, soft side and then he turns to the arrogant cocky Grant. Why is it that I like both sides to this complex man? He calms and heats me up all at once.

  I need to tell him why I can’t do this. I need to stop myself from falling any further. If I don’t, then it will be too late. To be honest, it may already be.

  “We need to talk about this.” Waving my hands back and forward between us, I see his eyes lock on mine.

  “I would be stupid to sit here and try to convince you I don’t feel anything when you’re around me. I was never very good at lying as a child and even worse as an adult. I am not denying that there is chemistry here.” Pausing, I feel my body starting to tingle. “A lot of chemistry,” I whisper. I want to look away, but Grant’s stare holds me in place.

  “In a different time, a different place, a different universe, you would have had me that first night, up against the glass in my studio. You had me wanting you in an instant, taking me to a place I didn’t even know. I will be honest with you, I have never had that feeling before. You had me taking notice from the first moment you stormed into my world.” He accepts everything I say like it’s something he’s been waiting to hear. I want him, I want him bad.

  “My life is not that simple, though. I don’t know how much you know about me from Emily. In two weeks’ time, I will be auditioning for a spot in the New York Dance Company. This is my life-long dream. To dance as part of that company. It is one of the most elite in the world. I am so close I can taste it.”

  “That’s great to hear you’re following your dreams.”

  “But, Grant, you don’t understand. If I am successful, I’ll be moving to New York, permanently, until my position in the company is finished. That could be one season or for many years. My age really plays a part in how long. So, I can’t start something that I would then have to end. That is not fair to you or me. I am not good with broken hearts. Not that anyone ever is.”

  Grant processes everything. I don’t know whether to continue or not. My head races and my stomach knots. There’s no stopping now.

  “I made a decision a few years back that nothing or no one would get in the way of my dream. I know that sounds selfish, but I had to do it. It was the only way to protect myself from being hurt again. Up until a few days ago that vow has not been a problem because no one had tested my boundaries.

  “That is until now, until you.”

  I feel his hand take mine, his fingers stroking in a soothing motion. I can feel the rhythm of his internal song reaching out to me.

  “I can’t let anyone hold me back from my dream. I will always live to regret it and it would eat us both up on the inside.” The near silent whisper escapes my mouth.

  Trying to keep my head straight, I ignore my fluttering heart and focus on his closeness.

  “I don’t know what kind of man you think I am, Zara.” His eyes heat up and stare straight into my soul.

  I don’t know how to answer that. I don’t really know Grant beyond the incredible sexual attraction we have. He’s like no other man I’ve ever met, and I wrongly assumed he’s like all other men. All the men prior to Grant have crushed my dreams in one way or another.

  My high-school boyfriend, William, told me I was wasting my time expecting to dance and make a living from it. That I would only be able to dance until it was time to stop and have children. Settle down and be a proper wife, he’d said.

  Who writes these rules about marriage and love?

  I should be able to have it all. Some parts of society say different, though. Being a woman, I wasn’t entitled to dream, in William’s eyes.

  He totally underestimated my stubborn nature. You tell me I can’t do something, it will make me more determined to do it. He’s now married with three children, while his wife is a stay-at-home mother. She is happy and so is he, because that was his vision for his life. When I finish dancing, I can’t wait to stay at home with my children, nurturing them while they grow and giving them all the love and care I can. But now is not the time. First, I have a dream to live.

  So, William is married and happy, and I, on the other hand, am still single. So, whose vision was right?

  My last boyfriend hammered the nails in the coffin. He was a dancer. He believed in my dream and was happy to be riding that dream with me. He was riding with me purely because my dream had more of a chance of succeeding than his. Sad as it was, he was a passenger on my ride, although he would tell everyone he met, how we were dancing towards our dream together.

  Until that fateful day. I really thought he loved me and we would be that couple who got married, pursued our careers and then later had kids. But that was only going to happen if I was his perfect bride. The moment I was broken, I was tossed to the scrap heap. Just like a used electrical item that could be replaced easily with a brand-new model. No point in putting in the effort to get it fixed.

  I was only worth something to these two men if I wasn’t dancing or injured.

  “I haven’t known you long enough to find out. All I know is what I have seen so far, and I like it. I like it a lot, and I can’t afford to get distracted by you. My last boyfriend was a dancer, Grant. He knew how much I wanted this spot in the dance company. He told me he supported my dream. In the end it was a lie. He fucking lied to me.” The devastation all comes rushing back. My eyes well with tears and I try to finish before I lose control.

  “The day I was dropped in a lift rehearsing for my call back audition, my knee was badly injured. So badly the doctors told me I would never dance again.” My voice grows weak. “My world was ripped out from under me. It was all I had dreamed about from a young age. It was within my grasp and then it was all gone. I laid in my hospital bed sobbing in my mother’s arms, asking where Mark was and wondering w
hat would happen to me. It took three days for him to turn up at the hospital. He was distant and after my parents left the room he told me it was probably best we split up. I was in total shock. His reasoning was that he was going places with his dancing and I would only slow him down now that I could no longer dance.” There’s no stopping the tears now as the dam wall breaks. Having to voice my past brings everything back like it was yesterday. The harsh rejection, the feeling of being so broken and worthless.

  I bury my head in my hands. I feel stupid for breaking down. It doesn’t last long, though. Before I know it, strong hands pick me up and move me across the sofa. Grant lowers me onto his lap and lifts my chin with his finger. Tears stream down my cheeks.

  “Let it out, Zara. I am here for you. Time to let it out and move on. But before you do, know this. I would never be that guy. Everyone deserves to have dreams and to reach for the stars. No one has the right to tear those dreams down.” Leaning his head closer to mine, the tears lessen but my breathing hitches.

  “Chase your dreams until you catch them. I will be right behind you, lifting you up so you can reach them. Until such a time as you have reached them, I will never let you give up. Your dreams shouldn’t come between us, Zara. Your dreams will become my dreams too. If you are successful, I will step back and watch you live your dream. I will wait for you.”

  “That is why I can’t do this, Grant. I could never ask you to do that,” I whisper as he runs his hand up the back of my neck. The goose bumps follow his firm touch. Sensations are triggered through my body. My mind gives me all the reasons why I shouldn’t be doing this. But my body screams at him to take me. Right here, right now.

  Dipping his head, I feel his breath on my neck and I lean to the side to give him the access he wants. I’m giving him the go-ahead. The green light to proceed. Proceed to what, I’m not sure, but I know I want to find out.

  “Zara, I won’t hold you back. Give me the opportunity to show you what it is like to have someone travel that dream with you.” The first touch of his lips on my neck stops my breathing, a small moan escapes from my mouth. “Let me show you what it can be like. Just for one night be mine. No strings. Just stop and feel. Trust me.” I even form a whisper, as his tongue slides up my jaw to my ear. “If you still want me to walk away tomorrow, I will, I give you my word.”

  My body quivers and my brain stops working. While I struggle putting a sentence together, I know Grant’s word is solid. He will respect my decision.

  I should be saying no. Fuck, I need to say no. Instead, my lust answers for me, knowing tomorrow I will never be able to walk away.

  “One night is all I can give you. Just tonight. No more talking, just show me. Please just show me what I’ll miss out on.” I stumble through my words, softly panting while his fingers push up into my hair.

  The restraint of the last few days finally breaks free. Grant looks like he wants to consume me. He may hide behind his arrogance but right now he’s a man consumed with want and lust. It oozes from his every pore.

  Grant is so sexually turned on, but he’s holding back. Why hasn’t he taken me? My body is here for the taking.

  “Grant, please. Please touch me,” I beg. Never have I begged a man.

  This brings out his cocky smile. “I know you want me. No regrets. This is your last chance.” His fingers tighten in my hair, lips hovering over me. “Say it!” he demands with such force, I shudder in his arms.

  “For fuck’s sake, Grant. No regrets! Take me now or you lose your chance. Otherwise, I will take matters into my own hands.” My body is so tightly strung that if he doesn’t take me soon, I’m going to explode with frustration. The tingle in my scalp when he pulls my head to where he wants me is intense, but so hot.

  “There she is. My dirty…sexy…naughty teacher.

  “Whenever I am here, you’ll never take things into your own hands, my sweet girl. Your pleasure is mine to give and yours to take. I have so much to give. Your memory of tonight will never leave you. Ever.”

  Then he’s on me. His powerful mouth pushes my head back into his hand, fingers pulling my hair tight and sending my nerves into a frenzy.

  The kiss is not soft and gentle, it’s hard and powerful. All consuming.

  Right from the start, Grant claims me. Up until this point, I’d fought him at every turn. Finally, I’m letting go.

  Take me.

  Claim me.

  Tonight, I’m yours.

  Tomorrow, I’ll live through the regret.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Grant

  Her fight only makes me want her more.

  She challenges me like no other woman ever has.

  Her mouth tells me just for tonight, her body screams for more. Her heart, however, tells me forever. I see it in her soul.

  Her head is saying stay strong, her body is letting go.

  Let everything go, Zara. I know you’re struggling, but give me what you can. I will treasure it, hold it close. My feelings can’t be turned off. You have light in me that’s never been ignited before.

  I try to convey my feelings. I can’t hold back because I want her so bad. Her plump red lips, toned, slender body.

  Pulling away slightly, I hear a slight moan escape her lips. Her eyes show the fire she’s feeling. Time to stoke that fire, let it burn hot.

  My hand holds her head tightly, so I can continue to ravish her mouth. I dive back in, taking control with my tongue, pushing through and exploring inside. My other hand starts to trail down the forbidden land I have been dreaming about for days.

  Zara’s tongue tries to take control of the kiss. Battling with my control, I push back letting her know that I call the shots. We spar, we banter, and I love how independent she is. I love the challenge but when it comes to sex, I will always take control. I know no other way. My control results in her pleasure. I would never force any woman, but fuck, I love when they surrender their fight and just let me take over. Zara’s almost at that point. Come on, sweet girl, be mine.

  My hand slides across the side of her breast and I feel her shiver at my touch. Still fully clothed, she reacts. Nipples harden, begging to be touched. I reach and run my fingers gently over them. Zara pulls back from my mouth with a gasp.

  Her beautiful, sensitive tits make my cock strain even harder against my jeans. I just want to touch her skin, every inch of her. My mind is going crazy imagining what she looks like. I want to see the color her skin turns as she reaches her first climax. The first of many.

  “You’re in trouble now.” Hooking Zara into my arms, I scan the unit looking for her bedroom. Her apartment is small. I’m sure I can find it, but my mind is all scattered. My heart pounds in my ear. Hairs on my neck raise from just her slightest touch on my chest.

  “I want you naked, and I want your juices all over me as you are screaming my name from those plump red lips!” My voice comes out as a low growl as she points me towards the door.

  Striding through her bedroom door, Zara is already losing control in my arms. Her hands grasp at my shirt, trying to pull it up. As her fingers brush against my chest, the rush of blood I’m feeling causes the hairs on my body to stand up.

  Never have I felt enough for a woman that I want to pursue a relationship. And there’s been a few girlfriends. The sex is always good, and I enjoy the company, but that’s all it is, nothing more, nothing less.

  Holding Zara, I know why I never wanted to stay with anyone before now. The intensity of just kissing and holding her, is all new. I’d been holding back waiting for this feeling, the off-the-charts electricity.

  God, it’s consuming in the best possible way.

  Standing at the end of Zara’s bed with her in my arms, I realize the responsibility I have. Zara’s blocked men from her life. They’d let her down and she feels stronger on her own.

  Tonight, I hold her trust in my hand.

  She trusts me with her body, but most of all, with her dreams and her heart. I need to make sure that when she wal
ks away in the morning, she feels treasured and can take on the world with her heart still in one piece.

  I know I can do that. One thing’s guaranteed, when Zara tries to walk away in the morning, she’ll be taking a part of my heart with her. Zara is the woman for me. Now I just need to convince her that she too feels the same.

  “Last chance, sexy girl. Tell me no and we stop right here. I mean it.” Although it would be extremely hard to do but I would do it for her if that’s what she wants.

  “Tonight, I am yours. Just tonight. Don’t stop, Grant. I want it. I want you!”

  “Game on, little lady!”

  “You’re mine tonight. I will make sure you never forget this night as long as you live.” Slowly lowering her onto the bed, Zara looks perfect. She waits for me, with so much want in her eyes. They’re telling me of her feelings even if she’s scared to speak them.

  “I could just stand here and look at you like this, all night. Perfect, just perfect.” Her cheeks and neck blush. “But if I stand here for much longer, I know the pain in my cock is going to take me to a place of no return. In my world, you get pleasure first. Multiple times if I can manage to control myself.”

  “Grant,” she whispers. “Why did the universe wait until now to bring us together? Why now?”

  Placing my knees on the bed either side of her hips, I lean down to claim her mouth. I just want to continue to taste her lips. Out of those come her words that made me melt and scream with anger. While I’m screaming anger, my body is on full alert and wanting to ravage her. Her lips are wet and plump from my previous kiss. I want to take it slow down and make it soft and sensual. It’s too late. My body has other ideas. Lucky for me, I’m not the only one who can’t hold back.