“Don't give me your excuses.” She immediately cuts me off. “Promise me you will work it out.” She says. “Promise me.” She injects when I start to protest.
“Fine. I will talk to Josh tomorrow and see what I can do.” I huff, knowing there is no way she is going to let me off the phone until I agree.
Squealing into the phone, she makes me promise to call her first thing Monday and let her know what weekend I will be coming. While I really can't afford to take off work, or a plane ticket for that matter, I also can't deny that getting away for a weekend to be pampered at a resort with my best friend might be just the thing I need to pull me out of my Bentley fog.
“I will.” I agree, coming to a stop just outside of the dance studio. “I gotta go though. I have a class to teach this morning. Call you later. Love you.”
“Love you too.” She sings into the phone before disconnecting the call. I quickly locate my keys and unlock the front door to the studio. Stepping inside into the eery quiet, I consider going into Patty's office to use the computer but decide that I need to grab a quick bite to eat first and immediately set off to the little coffee shop across the street that sits on the corner.
Ten minutes later, I arrive back at the studio, fresh cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin in hand. Setting my things down on the front counter, I jump slightly when my cell phone buzzes to life next to me. Looking down at the screen, I lose my breath when the name flashing across the screen is one I never expected to see there. Bentley.
Picking up the vibrating device, I stare at the screen, realizing almost instantly that he must have programmed his number into my phone sometime last night as it was not in there before. I didn't even think to give him my number, let alone get his. Why would I need it considering our arrangement?
Determined not to go back on what my original plan was, as much as it guts me, I let the call go to voice mail. Not checking it any further, I leave it on the counter and grab my coffee and muffin before heading back into Patty's office. I use the office phone to let her know that I stayed at Lo's, not wanting to go into any details regarding Bentley, and that I have arrived at the studio, before focusing my attention on finding a plane ticket to Vermont.
Finding a relatively inexpensive round trip flight two weeks from now, I scribble down the dates on a post it and set it to the side. I am almost positive that Patty will have no issue with me taking that Saturday off and I can't see Josh complaining too much considering the only day I would need off at the club would be Sunday. While I wasn't really thrilled about the idea an hour ago, seeing Bentley's name come up on my phone has somehow made the time away seem a little more urgent.
Patty finally arrives just after ten thirty and the rest of my morning and early afternoon is spent teaching a class very similar to the ones I took growing up. It's bittersweet being here. On one hand, I get to teach the one thing I love more than anything in the world. On the other, it's heartbreaking that I will never move past the teaching part.
By two o'clock, I am exhausted. I didn't get nearly enough sleep last night and the effects of my morning coffee have long since disappeared. I had planned on waiting for Patty to drive me home rather than having to take a cab all the way out of the city but the thought of staying here for another four hours seems torturous and as such, I finally cave.
It isn't until I step outside to wait on the cab that I look at my cell phone again. When I see that Bentley not only called me once but three additional times, my heart immediately picks up speed. But to my surprise, he left no voice mails. You would think if he was going to call me multiple times he would at least leave a message but nope. Nothing.
I glance up from my place in front of the studio to make sure my cab isn't here. With so many cars out and about, it's hard to tell if one stops or simply drives on by. Realizing that no one is waiting for me, I glance back down at my phone just as it begins vibrating in my hand. Bentley's name once again flashing across the screen.
Not sure what else to do, I simply watch it as it goes crazy in my hand. What is with this man? What part of one night and leave me alone did he have trouble grasping. “Aren't you going to answer that?” A deep voice washes over me and I immediately look up to find Bentley standing just feet in front of me.
Clicking off his phone, mine immediately stops buzzing in my hand. He slips his into his pocket and then studies me for a long moment. “If I didn't know any better, I would say you are avoiding me.” He smirks, closing the gap between us until he is standing directly in front of me.
“If I didn't know any better, I would say you are disregarding the terms of our agreement.” I say, meeting his gaze, unable to control the smile that pulls up my mouth because of the way he is looking at me.
“I see.” He says, reaching into his pocket. “Well, I only thought it right to make sure you got home safely and to return these to you.” He smiles wickedly as he pulls out a piece of black fabric from his pocket and dangles it on his index finger in plain view of anyone who cares to look.
“Bentley.” I cry, snatching my panties out of his hand. “What the hell is wrong with you?” I laugh, quickly shoving the fabric into the small confines of my clutch purse.
“What kind of man would I be if I kept what was not mine?” He asks, his smile growing wider.
“Always the gentleman.” I tease, fighting against my own smile.
“Have dinner with me.” He says, a statement rather than a question. Just as the words leave his lips, my cab pulls up behind him.
“I'm sorry, I can't.” I say, stepping past him. Turning back towards him just as I pull the cab door open, I can't help but notice the amused smile still stretched across his impossibly handsome face. It's like this is somehow a fun little game we are now playing and yet, I know in the end I will lose.
“We had a deal Mr. Reed. I would appreciate it if you would hold up your end of the bargain.” I remind him, nodding my head as I climb into the backseat of the cab and ramble off Patty's address. I can't help but glance back at him just as the cab pulls away only to see him still smiling that infuriating smile, his eyes still locked firmly on me.
Chapter Fifteen
The next few days drag by so slowly, I wonder how I am ever going to move past this incident and just get back to my normal life. I know that there is nothing I can do about it. I know that the arrangement I made with Bentley is for the best. I know that letting myself feel anything for a man like him is heartache waiting to happen. But that doesn't mean that my stomach doesn't knot every time I think of him. And as much as I hate to admit it, it happens a hell of a lot more than I would like.
I have never experienced such raw emotion towards another person and honestly, I am having a hell of a time dealing with my new found ability to care for a person beyond a sexual aspect. Don't get me wrong, Bentley showed me things I have only ever dreamed of during our night together, but it's what he made me feel that worries me.
“Logan. You got a minute?” Josh taps lightly on my open dressing room door. Turning in my seat in front of my vanity, I nod and watch him walk the rest of the way into the room before closing the door behind him.
“What's up?” I ask, trying to remain as casual as possible. Things have been really awkward between me and Josh since I ended things and while I wish that this whole situation was easier, I also know that I hurt Josh and I am trying to be considerate of that fact.
“I know I said that you were good to take this Sunday off but....” He starts and I immediately jump in to cut him off.
“Oh no. I already purchased my plane ticket Josh. You can't tell me two days before I am scheduled to leave that you can't give me the time off.” I protest, a slight edge to my voice.
“Relax Logan.” He says, holding his hands up in front of him. “You can still have Sunday off but I need you to pick up tomorrow night in exchange.” He says, crossing his strong arms in front of his chest. I can't stop my eyes from trailing along the definition of his muscles and in doing so
, my mind flips to all the amazing romps we shared. Swallowing hard, I refocus on his face but I can tell almost immediately that he notices my slip.
“Habit.” I say, shrugging when his eyebrows shoot up. “Why tomorrow?” I question, wanting anything but to come in here and work another night. “I already picked up last Thursday.”
“I had to get Tina to cover your shift and now she wants tomorrow off in exchange. You would be really helping me out. You know how difficult she can be.” He laughs, smiling at me for the first time in days.
I can't help but laugh at his comment, the heaviness in the air lifting slightly over our mutual dislike for the diva that is Tina Bernard. “Fine.” I cave on a sigh.
“Thank you.” He says, giving me a nod before spinning around and making his way to the door. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He says, turning back to face me just as he peels the door open. “This came for you earlier today.” He reaches inside his suit jacket pocket and pulls out a square white envelope, dropping it on the small table that sits next to the door before exiting the room, pulling the door closed behind him.
I stare at the envelope from across the room for what feels like forever. I don't know how I know but I am one hundred percent sure that it's from Bentley. Who else would send me something to the club? No one except for Andrea and the people that already work here even know about this place.
Finally pulling myself into a stand, I quickly cross the small space and retrieve the envelope from where Josh left it. Reclaiming the seat in front of my vanity, I rip open the tab and pull out its contents, reading the small note inside before even paying attention to the other items.
I know it's early but Happy Birthday.
The rest of your present is currently waiting for you at your house.
Bentley
I know I shouldn't be surprised that he knows that my birthday is coming up but that doesn't stop the emotion from swelling in my chest as I set the note down and pull out the remaining items. There is a small cut of vanilla fabric that is so soft it feels like heaven and a ticket, Grand Opening of Elegance printed beautifully across the thick expensive paper.
My stomach twists in the best sort of way as the realization sets in. Elegance is the newest dance company in Chicago and scoring a ticket to their opening night performance is no easy task. I tried getting my hands on a pair weeks ago but they were long since sold out.
But why would he do this? We haven't spoken since I left him standing on the sidewalk nearly two weeks ago. He has made no attempt to contact me and for that I have been grateful. But then he turns around and does something like this. I have to return it. There is no way I can accept such a gift. It just doesn't feel right.
It takes a few moments for me to realize that I am only holding one ticket and immediately panic seethes through me. I don't know how I didn't see it first thing but this is his play. His way of pulling me back in. Somehow he has figured out a way to pull at my strings and the thought does not sit well with me.
But he is not as smart as he thinks he is if he thinks that this is going to work. I recognize the chase, the challenge I present to him. I am not blind to the fact that I am probably very different than most women he has come across. I don't do commitment for one. And for two, I am probably the first woman who has ever slept with him and then not come knocking on his door within hours begging for a repeat. And while the thought of doing just that has crossed my mind more times than I care to admit, I have a lot more self control than to act so irrationally.
And as much as I want to stuff the ticket back into the envelope and return to sender with a big fat 'No Thank You' printed across the ticket, I also can't deny how much I want to play along with his little game, at least for a little while longer.
Anxious to find out what he meant by, the rest of your present is currently waiting for you at your house, I quickly gather my things and head for the parking lot. Thankful that this came at the end of my shift and not the beginning, lord knows this night would have been impossible to get through if it had, I hop in my car and fire up the old engine.
I weave in and out of what little traffic is still grazing the city at this late hour. It's strange how much the night seems to come alive the closer we get to the weekend. Like there is some unspoken rule about being out during the beginning of the week.
It takes me less than twenty minutes before I am pulling up outside of Patty's little ranch home. Killing the car, I quickly make my way inside, the thought of what is waiting for me sending a nervous energy pulsating through my veins.
The house is dark and silent when I enter. I quietly make my way into the kitchen, making sure that Patty didn't leave anything for me on the counter, which is where she usually leaves things when I receive something. To my disappointment, nothing. Wondering if maybe it simply hasn't arrived yet, I head in the direction of my bedroom, careful to not make any noise so that I don't wake the sleeping Patty in the room next to mine.
Slipping into my room, I wait until the door is closed before flipping on the lights, immediately spotting a large white box laying across my bed, a cream colored satin bow tied perfectly across it. I stand there frozen for what seems like forever.
I don't know what I had expected but I certainly was not expecting to come home to find this type of package waiting for me. Crossing the room on shaky legs, I pull out another envelope matching the one currently sitting in my purse and peel it open.
For you,
I will meet you at the front entrance on the 29th at precisely seven o'clock.
Until then,
Bentley
I re-read the note several more times before turning my attention back to the large package sitting on top of my purple bedspread. Dropping the envelope next to it, I slowly begin peeling away the bow and then gently lift the lid, unsure as to what will be waiting for me underneath.
The top of the box slips from my fingertips and lands on the floor with a light thud as my eyes scan the beautiful material displayed in front of me. Reaching out, I trail my fingertips along the perfect fabric, only then realizing that it matches the small square of fabric that accompanied the ticket.
Not sure what else to do, I hesitantly pull the dress out, pushing the box to the floor to make room on my bed before laying the material out so that I can get a better look at it. Taking a step back, I can't help but gawk at the beautiful article of clothing on display right in front of me.
It's a floor length gown made of a silk material. I would describe the color as Vanilla, though most would call it an off white or beige. Not able to resist, I quickly slip out of my clothes and carefully step into the beautiful gown. There are no zippers which makes it easy to get on and even more comfortable.
The material clings to my body perfectly and it is clear that he knew my exact size when ordering the dress which makes me more than a little curious. Turning to face myself in the floor length mirror, I watch my reflection as my hands trail across the front of the dress.
It has thick two inch straps that are made to sit just off the shoulders and a neck line that swoops down dangerously low. The top is fitted to cling to every curve and then flares just slightly at my hips and flows perfectly to the floor. The back drops low as well, revealing almost every inch of my back as the material gathers loosely just above the top of my ass.
I have never been a fan of this color before, being more of a dark colors kind of girl, but even I must admit that the color looks breathtaking against my light summer tan. Pulling my hair out of its knotted bun, I let my long strands fall across my shoulders, really completing the look of the dress.
For a moment, I lose myself in the thrill. The seduction. The game I know Bentley is playing, and quite successfully I might add. But as I stand in front of the mirror staring at my own reflection, I can't help but feel the uneasiness and uncertainty creep in. I would be lying if I said that this all wasn't so tempting but at the same time, I am not sure if it's a temptation I can afford to indulge in.
> Even I will admit the pull Bentley has on me is greater than that of any other man. I don't do emotional. I don't do relationships. I am not ready for a step like that in my life. But even still, with Bentley, I find myself wanting that. I want to be the woman on his arm and the one in his bed every night. And while the thought terrifies me, I know that if given the chance even I may not be able to resist.
But then again, that's the wonderful thing about Bentley. He would never be able to give me that so I am in no danger of being sucked into a relationship that will eventually take over my life. I have seen it happen over and over again. I refuse to be distracted to the point that I neglect every other aspect of my life only to realize I have nothing left when it all falls apart around me.
It is because of this that I must deny Bentley's request and return these gifts immediately. Because even if Bentley is risk free, I don't trust myself not to fall anyways. Then I would be just like the rest of them. Taking a deep breath, I shake my head at myself in the mirror and then quickly step out of the dress, folding it carefully before placing it back into the box. Laying the ticket on top of the garment, I pick the lid up off of the floor and lay it next to the box. Finding a pen in my nightstand, I flip Bentley's note over and scribble one of my own.
Thank you for the gifts. While the thought is greatly appreciated,
I must return them to you.
-Logan
Tossing the card inside the box, I quickly close it and then set it in the arm chair in the corner of my room. I have no idea how to return it to him but I will figure that out tomorrow. Certainly there is an address somewhere at the club that I can send it to that will reach him.
Switching off the light, I collapse into bed, not even bothering to pull down the covers. A part of me wishes I had never ventured down this road to begin with. Bentley makes me feel things I have never felt before and the thought doesn't just scare me, it terrifies me. I don't even know him and yet, there is a pull that I simply can not explain. At the end of the day, it's all the more reason that I should just stay as far away from him as possible.
You and I Alone Page 12
