He walked over and took my palms, inspecting them. “I don’t want you running outside anymore. It’s winter, and there can be ice on the ground or falling from the buildings. Not to mention on New Year’s Eve all the crazies filter into the city.”
“Well, as much as I think you being worried about me is nice, try to be reasonable about such things. I need to run. I’ll simply be more careful next time.”
“You can use my treadmill.”
“What, where? In your apartment?”
“Yes, I have a gym that includes a treadmill, stair climber, and some free weights.”
“Uh, okay. Thanks.”
“Let’s get these cleaned up.”
I had expected him to take me into my place, but instead he led me into his.
“So this is obviously the living room, kitchen to the left, down here is the master bedroom and bath.” He led me through, giving me the abbreviated tour.
“What’s this door?” I asked, looking at the closed door across from the master bedroom.
“My office, which is locked.”
Uh, okay.
Back towards the kitchen, we went down a small hall. “Another bathroom and then this…” He opened the door. “…is the gym.”
It was nice, with a large flat screen on one wall and on the other a view of the city with a floor-to-ceiling window.
“Oh, and here is the laundry room.” He opened the door across from the gym to show me. “You can do your laundry here instead of going to the laundromat from now on.”
“Thanks, but Josh…”
He shook his head. “No buts. There is no reason for you to be out in the freezing cold to run or do your laundry. Come over here instead. Matter of fact...” He led me back to the kitchen and fished out a key from one of the drawers. “Here’s a key.”
Whoa.
“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He took my hand and led me into the master bath where he had me sit on the edge of the huge sunken tub while he went into one of the drawers and brought back a small first aid kit.
“I appreciate the offer and the key, but I don’t want to intrude on your space. It seems kind of sudden.”
He met my eyes and frowned again. “It’s not sudden, it’s practical.”
As if it wasn’t bad enough that I was living in his guest apartment, now I was going to use his treadmill and washing machine too? Blowing out a breath, I tamped down on the uncomfortable thought of becoming more reliant on him. By his own admission, his intentions were practical, and considering just a few weeks ago I hadn’t been allowed to see the inside of his space, this was a big step for him when it came to trust. “Okay, thank you.”
He made quick work out of cleaning up my scrapes, even pulling off my pants to clean my knees.
“I feel like a little kid,” I giggled while he blew on the antiseptic to keep it from burning too much.
“Well, I don’t feel like a parent right now as I can smell your pussy, and all I want to do is shove my face in it.”
Holy shit.
His hand cupped my sex through my panties. “Ah, you’re soaking, baby.” When he dragged them down, I protested.
“Josh, I was running and am sweaty—”
“I know, and I love it.” He practically dove in, causing me to just about buck off the tub. “I feel like I know your scent now. That beautiful, sexy scent for me. It makes me crazy for you.”
That admission made me hotter. His mouth suckled my clit gently and then harder with his tongue circling it, ensuring I wouldn’t last long. I climaxed quickly.
He stood up and stripped me swiftly, then turned on the water, grinning. “It’s not a steam shower, but it does have a nice built in shelf that I’m going to fuck you on.”
The shower was glorious with water coming from both sides at all levels, but I only had a moment to appreciate it. Then I was being lifted up and impaled on that shelf. I enjoyed the overriding sensations and the fact that I had a great angle to grab his glorious backside and hang on. I loved the fact that he couldn’t seem to get enough of me since the feeling was quite mutual. Calling his name, I felt my core tighten followed by a release that sent pleasure coursing clear down to my toes.
“I always figured that this shower would be good for this someday,” he murmured in my ear.
Kissing him deeply, I suckled on his bottom lip and caressed his face. “Are you telling me we christened your shower?”
“That we did, and the edge of that bathtub for that matter.”
Well, now, that was a surprise. “I thought maybe you lived here when you were married or brought girls back here at some point.”
“I bought the place after the divorce and I like my privacy. You’re the first woman I’ve had any physical relationship with in this place. I can tell from your big old grin that pleases you.”
“Matter of fact, it does.”
“We can plan on christening the bed later this evening if that sounds good?”
“Mm, it really does, but unfortunately I won’t be back until late tonight. New Year’s Eve party, remember.”
He looked disappointed but then helped me down and soaped me up. “Right. You’re going out with Will while I’m out with Catherine.” He sounded frustrated as he worked a lather between my thighs.
I had called Will yesterday when we arrived home since I was not going to sit at home on New Year’s waiting for Josh to get back from his evening with Catherine. We may have reached a new intimacy in our relationship, but that didn’t mean I had changed my resolve against acting pathetic.
I caught my breath. “Jesus, you make me want you again just by washing me,” I admitted, liking the fact that he was now smiling again.
“Are you sore?”
He rubbed gently, and I found myself getting all worked up for another round. “A little, but not bad. Are you?”
He grinned and kept the rhythm, taking me over the edge for a third time this morning. “Carpal tunnel maybe,” he teased.
“You know what isn’t sore on me which make me feel like maybe it isn’t being used enough?”
He seemed intrigued. “What’s that?”
“My mouth.” I dropped to my knees and took his crown between my lips, enjoying the feel of his cock going from semi to rock hard again with a couple of licks. The sound of him groaning my name and his hands plunging through my hair ignited my arousal all over again. I worked his thick erection with my tongue and then suckled at his balls enjoying the primal sounds he was making when my lips traveled even further down. His thighs tensed and his length swelled in my hands.
“Christ, I’m going to…” A groan cut off what he was about to say. I put him to the back of my throat as deep as I could and then swallowed the hot evidence of his orgasm.
“You know we’re going to kill each other. Death by sex,” he smirked.
“It’s a little out of control, isn’t it?”
He laughed. “I can think of worse things, but unfortunately we are going to have to rein it in and get back to a daily routine at some point. But then we have sex marathon weekends to look forward to.”
Ooh, I liked the idea of that and giggled. “That sounds intriguing for sure.”
***
Josh was in a foul mood while watching me get ready for my New Year’s Eve date with Will. Standing there in his tux, he could hardly say much about it considering he was going out with Catherine.
“Whose party is it?” he inquired for the second time tonight.
My answer didn’t changed. “I’m not sure. Will said it had something to do with a modeling gig he did. All I know is it’s black tie and uptown.”
He frowned. I knew his party was downtown and a much higher profile deal. “I think that Catherine could use the moral support if you were to come to the party we’re going to.”
It wasn’t the first time he had hinted. I was, in fact, tempted, if for no other reason than to be able to see him tonight. But the thought of watching him kiss her at midnight
was not something I was going to put myself through. Catherine might not want to follow my advice to avoid unnecessary drama, but I was definitely going to.
“I don’t think so,” I said, spritzing on my perfume.
“Give me one good reason. It will be a better party than the one you’re going to, and I’m sure Will could use the exposure in the fashion industry. It’s practically a who’s who.”
Considering Will had just been signed by Calvin Klein, he didn’t need any favors, but more importantly, Josh wasn’t getting it. My glance conveyed my annoyance. “Okay, I’ll give you two reasons. One, I don’t want to watch you kiss Catherine at midnight, and two, I don’t think you want to watch Will kiss me.”
That earned me an instantly annoyed look. “So you are going to kiss him?” he asked.
And we were back to that again. “Josh, everyone kisses everyone at midnight. It will be brief. With any luck, I’ll just play his wingman to help find him someone else at the party.”
“I quite like that idea. Yes, let’s find Will a girlfriend.”
So much for never wanting to play matchmaker.
***
I eased out of bed, since Josh was still sound asleep, and padded back to my room in order to don my workout gear.
The party had been a lot of fun the night before. Will and I had enjoyed dancing and then counting down to midnight. I had arrived home shortly after one o’clock in the morning and was happy to see that Josh had beat me there. I’d curled up into his arms and enjoyed the slow, sleepy sex until we both fell into slumber.
What better timing than now to make use of his treadmill. I was sure Josh would be sleeping off a hangover this morning. Donning my headphones and turning on my music, I was five miles in before I noticed him watching me sleepily from the doorway. I slowed down to a walking speed and tossed him a smile.
“I hope I didn’t wake you.”
He shook his head. “No. I was simply enjoying the view. You know, I had this vision of you jogging all cute and burning a couple calories, but now I see what Brian was talking about. You truly run, don’t you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah him making that comment in front of everyone in Charlotte annoyed me. It made it sound like I was slow-mo Baywatch running or something.”
He chuckled. “Watching you run is much more real. I guess I get his initial infatuation now.”
I pressed the stop button and wiped my face with my towel. “Does that mean you’re infatuated?” I moved in front of him, and he took my mouth in a searing kiss.
“Something like that.”
“Happy New Year.”
“Mm, Happy New Year. Did you have a nice time last night?”
“I did, actually. Will is a great dancer, and we spent a lot of time doing just that.”
“Better him than me. I don’t dance.”
I smiled, remembering that tidbit written in all capital letters on his personal dislikes sheet. “How was your time with Catherine? Any drama with the ex?”
“No, luckily he was a no-show. All that work up, and he doesn’t even come. It was fine, but I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” I returned.
“Catherine said she called you about coming in the day after tomorrow for the photo reveal?” he inquired, taking my hand.
“She did. I’m anxious to find out how they turned out.”
“I’m sure they will be great. Now then, let’s get to your post workout routine.”
His arms lifted me up, and I giggled, looking forward to it.
***
Nerves were getting to me about how the photos had turned out when I made my way, together with Sasha and Brian, to a conference room on Catherine’s floor. Will was there and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Sasha was humming with excitement, and I noticed that she and Brian appeared to be uncharacteristically quiet around one another. We all took our seats around the long rectangular table facing towards the screen setup at the end of the room.
Catherine came in all smiles with her assistant and looked like she was holding back a secret. “Okay, please sit. Dim the lights, Erin,” she directed her assistant, and there I was up on the big screen. “Here are the final shots we decided to go with for each look,” she said, scrolling through them.
It was hard to believe that striking woman in the photographs was me, and I was so engrossed in taking in all of the details that I barely noticed Josh come in. We went through each of the dresses and scenes. I blushed when we got to the one with Will and me in my lingerie. It made us look like a couple as it was intimate and beautifully done with us lying on the bed looking at one another while he caressed my face. I silently applauded Bart for making the pictures look amazing and tasteful.
“And last, but not least, we have our cover shot.” She flashed the screen to show me in my wedding dress draped across the chaise. Will stood behind me, reaching down.
“Wait, did you say cover?” Will asked.
She clapped her hands and squealed. “Yes, you guys have the February cover. I mean, I knew the shots were superb, but this one, it is just above. And then this last photo of Haylee alone in the dress will be the inside picture. Look at that ring, Sasha. The diamonds pop, and I think your client will be very pleased with the credits. I know I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out, and I owe it all to you, Haylee. Well, you and your mother’s beautiful dresses.”
The lights came on, and I was still stunned. I was going to be a cover model for Cosmo?
“So, as a big thank you, and because I can’t imagine the dress without them, these are for you.” She handed me a large box with a bow.
I took off the lid and sighed with pleasure. The blush-colored Valentino lace shoes. “Catherine, these are amazing. I don’t know what to say except you’re beyond generous and thank you.”
“Are you kidding me? They can be your ‘something new’ for when you get married. Now you have to find the man to buy you the rock and the pink diamond pendant,” she laughed.
I didn’t risk a look in Josh’s direction.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The next couple months flew by in a whirlwind. The cover shot had garnered me several other modeling jobs, and I finally felt good about having plenty of money to get me through law school. Josh and I settled into something of a routine with a little less travel. I was spending more time in his apartment, but what I loved the most was that he was becoming more open about his plans and not spending quite so many nights out. Part of me wondered if his lack of dates had something to do with ensuring I didn’t go out with Will, but I didn’t bother to read too much into it, opting instead to simply enjoy the time we had left.
It was the first weekend of March and I had been invited to a Cassius Rum party in Vegas for the weekend. I was getting ready to leave for the airport on a Friday morning when a knock sounded at my door and Josh came in.
“Hi,” he murmured.
It didn’t matter if it was one day or one hour since I last saw him, whenever I laid eyes on him, I got butterflies. “Hi,” I whispered back.
He leaned down to kiss me. “How is the packing?”
“Good. I’m all set, I think. The car should be downstairs in about ten minutes or so.” We had spent the previous night together. It felt strange that as I was about to leave for the airport, he was heading into the office solo.
“I wish you could fly out with me tomorrow instead of going today.” He was traveling to his brother’s thirtieth birthday, also coincidently in Vegas. Meanwhile, it appeared he was feeling as anxious as I was at the thought of spending the night apart.
“Unfortunately, flying out tomorrow wouldn’t do me any good as the Cassius party is tonight, plus this is your weekend with your brother.”
“And if I want to see you tomorrow when we’re both in Vegas?”
I kissed him on the cheek. “Then you will either call me or text me or, better yet, just come by.”
“You should be staying in my hotel.”
“Th
e event is in my hotel. Since the client is paying, I couldn’t exactly ask for them to lodge me somewhere else. Plus, you’re going to be busy. I need to go. Safe travels. Maybe, I’ll see you there.” I gave him one last kiss and wheeled my suitcase out the door. When he had first found out about my Vegas commitment he had been wary over the timing with his trip. The last thing I needed was him thinking was that I’d only accepted because he was going to be there.
“Haylee, please be careful there. I mean it. Watch what you’re drinking and who is around you. Please text or call me tonight when you’re back safe in your room.”
I turned and smiled. I might not want to admit it, but it was nice to have someone worrying about me. “I will.”
***
Vegas. So far during the day, the city didn’t look as spectacular as some of the photos, but it did look massive. Caesars alone was at least a block-long. I checked in without a problem and went ten floors up to a beautiful tower room. The space was tasteful and comfortable with a view of the Strip that was amazing. Feeling somewhat lonely, I sent a text to Josh.
“Arrived safe at the hotel. On my way out to explore.”
“Be safe, be good.”
His response made me smile. Considering we mostly traveled together, I imagined this was new territory for both of us.
I spent the afternoon walking down the Strip and exploring various hotels, thrilled with the different themes like the Venetian and the Paris. I was definitely getting my exercise, and the weather was a nice break from the New York temps in March.
For the party, I dressed in a Pucci print dress that was vibrant and fun in pink, green, and white. My white strappy sandals completed the look. I left my hair down and went with a smoky eye and some lip gloss.
The red carpet, was intimidating, especially after some celebrities made their way in, but I was polite to the photographers and thankful to Lisa, the Cassius Rum representative, who let me know where to go.
An hour in, I was ready to leave. I didn’t know anyone, and no one was overly friendly. Lisa had asked that I stay for two hours, so I sucked it up and smiled at the bartender, who could barely hear me over the music. I took my gin and tonic outside onto the balcony.
Tell Me Something (The Something Series Book 1) Page 24
