“Fuck Serena. You’ll be the death of me.”
Turning my head to the side I smile again. She’s just a vision right now, flushed cheeks, swollen lips. Her eyes closed and her red hair sprayed out around her.
“Wow.”
Her eyes flicker open as I speak. I roll onto my side and prop my head up with my hand.
“You’re fucking gorgeous, you know that?” I tell her unashamedly.
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Serena smiles as I lean in. Covering her cheek with my palm I place my lips against hers. It’s not angry, or anxious. For once, it’s a deep, emotion filled kiss, putting everything I have into it.
She inches away breaking our connection and she looks into my eyes.
“I bet the waters cold now.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet…”
“Good, go finish your bath. I’ll order food and pour us a drink.”
An eyebrow raises at me. “Does that mean you’re staying for a while longer?”
“I have every intention on staying longer.”
After cleaning up, I head downstairs order a shitload of Chinese food. Pour more wine, and wait for Serena to get out of her bath.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Serena
Holy mother of Mary.
What did I just do… again? I think to myself, only this time I’m not running away. Instead, I’m running the hot tap again to add some warmth to my water, as I climb back into the now deflated bubbles.
Wincing slightly as the hot water hits my vagina. The soreness from the rough fucking I just took all to present. It’s a pleasant feeling though and means that I didn’t just dream it all up. It actually happened. The way he played my body had me like putty in his hands, not that he gave me much choice in the first place.
From the second our eyes connected on my front door step, I knew there was no going back. He was going to take me there and then; I didn’t have the energy to fight him on it. Placing my fingers to my swollen lips, the buzz I got just from his kiss is still thrumming through me. Pulling my legs up to my chest, I rest my chin on my knees as I wrap my arms around my shins. Thoughts are running rapid around my head now.
What if he thinks I’m just sleeping with him for the contract? I’m not ready for a relationship. Sure, I’m attracted to him, but who wouldn’t be? Steve left me a bitter woman. My trust in men is zilch right now, I can’t have him coming into my life whilst I’m this vulnerable and hurting me. I would never recover from it a second time around. Dylan Proctor has heartbreaker written all over his handsome face.
“You getting out of there any time today, gorgeous? You’re gonna be wrinkly,” he shouts through the bathroom door, effectively ending my thoughts and bringing me back down to earth.
“Yeah, I’ll be just a few more minutes.”
“Okay, don’t be long or I’ll be forced to come and get you out myself.” he replies, pulling a smile from me. I have no doubt that he wouldn’t do exactly that, if I take much longer.
Quickly washing my hair, I shave my pits and bits, along with my legs and I’m good to go. Securely wrapping my towel around me this time, I scurry across to my bedroom. Quickly drying myself then rubbing my hair with the towel to get rid of the excess water. I don’t need is water dripping down my back. Finding the nearest thing to clothing, I slip on a vest top and some shorts before he comes looking for me again. The last thing I need is him finding me naked, my poor body needs time to recover.
Entering the living room, I stand and watch him from a distance. He’s sitting on my sofa in just his jeans, his legs are crossed with his ankle resting on his knee. He has a glass of wine in his hand that he takes a tentative sip of. I thought he looked sexy in a suit, but seeing him here in my space, relaxed and chilled out. Laughing at some comedy show he’s watching on my TV, makes me want to lick him from top to toe. He looks delectable in this moment. Giving a slight cough to make my presence known, he turns to look at me.
“About time, I was starting to think you had gone down the plug hole.” he jokes, a smile lighting up his entire face.
“I’m still here don’t worry, now where's that glass of wine you promised me?” I ask with my eyebrows raised. I make my way around to the empty side of the sofa, so I can sit down.
“I shall go and get it for you now my precious.”
My precious, really? Who’s he trying to kid?
I’m not going to complain though, it’s nice to be complimented every now and then.
Striding back in, he hands me my wine and leans down giving my nose a small brush of his lips.
“Enjoy.”
His breath tickles my already sensitive skin and I have to stop myself from sneezing all over him. Now that would be embarrassing.
“Thank you.” I mouth to him.
Reclaiming his position next to me, he turns his whole body inwards, tucking one of his long limbs underneath him.
“Are you okay? You seem, I don’t know… iffy.”
Without warning I laugh at his use of the word iffy, causing the mouthful of wine I had just chugged, to come out of my nose and spray all over him.
So much for not embarrassing myself, way to go Serena.
When I can breathe again, I stand up and run to the kitchen to get a cloth to clean him up with.
“I’m so sorry Dylan, I really didn’t mean to do that. It’s just you don’t seem the type of man that uses the word iffy and well it just tickled me.” I explain with a shrug of my shoulders.
Taking the cloth from me, he wipes his chest getting rid of the remains of my wine from his delicious skin. When he’s finished, he throws it onto my coffee table before taking me by the shoulders. To which I dip my head unable to look at him.
“Look at me Serena.” He’s not asking, he’s demanding and like the traitor that my body is, my head raises of its own accord, our eyes connecting in an instant. “You don’t need to ever apologise to me. I may seem like the big bad wolf, but when it comes to you, I’m a pussy cat. Now get your arse back on that sofa and lets resume our night.”
Just like I have no control over my body. I follow him back to the sofa and do as he asked. It’s like he has this spell over me and I do as he commands; I can’t control it I just do it.
Leaving Steve woke me up. I set rules for myself.
No falling in love.
No random hook ups and certainly no men who could bend me to their will.
Only Dylan's making me break all my rules. Right now, I’m not using my head, I’m following my gut instinct. I’m not ready to divulge the secrets of my broken marriage yet. I don’t want him thinking that I’m incapable of keeping a man and that it all ended because of me.
Taking a hold of my glass again, I get comfy and take a sip, enjoying the bubbles on my tongue as it slides down my throat.
“Mmm.” I moan. “That is just what I needed after the week I’ve had.”
“Serena. Can you please do me a favour?”
I look at him and the seriousness on his face has me worried, until I see him shift uncomfortably.
“Oh yeah, and what’s that?” I dart my tongue out, running it along my bottom lip as I go. His breath hitches and bingo, I’ve got him by the balls.
“Can you please stop doing that? Because if you don’t then I won’t be responsible for my actions. I don’t want you thinking that I’m here just for sex, because I’m not.”
Oh wow.
“O... okay.” I stutter out, dumbfounded by his words.
“Now that’s cleared up, shall we talk like normal people do when one visits another person?”
“Oh my god, you’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? From the rumours I’ve heard over the years, the famous Dylan Proctor doesn’t take the time to get to know a woman.”
Instantly I regret my words when his face drops and his jaw tenses.
“Don’t believe everything you hear Serena. Some
things can be misconstrued and blown way out of proportion. You’ll do well to remember that.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
The cool, relaxed Dylan has now been replaced with a different Dylan. I don’t like this version of him, his shoulders have stiffened and his mood has plummeted into the ground. He twists the stem of the wine glass between his fingers as we sit in an uncomfortable silence. While his glare fixes on a spot on the wall. Placing his wine glass onto my coffee table, he makes a show of looking at his watch before promptly saying.
“Look at the time, it’s getting late. I had better go, you’ve had a long week and I’m sure you could do with some rest.”
I don’t get a chance to say anything before he’s on the move and collecting his t-shirt from my bedroom. Pulling it over his head, he comes to a stop at my front door. Getting up I go to say something. Anything to stop him from leaving in this mood, but I don’t get the chance to. My doors swung open, the draft hits my bare legs as he steps out. Not once does he look back at me as he strides away.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dylan
I don’t think about what I’m doing as I march from the house, slamming the door shut behind me. My mind is clouded by my past. A past I didn't want to think about again and all because of poxy fucking rumours. No-one knows shit about what I went through. I was the bad guy in it all. There was no-one patting me on the shoulder saying ‘there, there, Dylan, it wasn’t your fault. You were just a kid.’ Well, fuck um. I’ve come this far on my own…
Slamming my car door, I start the engine heading home. I daren’t hang around in case she comes after me. I can’t talk to her right now, I need distance.
For the whole fifteen minute journey back to mine, Serena’s on my mind. All I can see is the look on her face, I wanted to reassure her I was fine, but I couldn’t.
Once I reach my house, I press the fob on my keys to open the garage and drive in. Locking everything up, I let myself into the house and grab the JD from the cabinet. Pouring some of the dark liquid into a short tumbler and knock it back in one gulp. Once the dark spirit as hit the mark, I go upstairs and strip down. Setting the temperature on the shower and step inside the cubicle. I stand underneath the overhead jet and let the hot water rain over me. Hopefully drowning out the memories that are suffocating me right now.
Tonight, should have been a relaxed, chilled evening of just me and Serena, getting to know each other. Just being together, she finally gave in to my charms and like a snap of fingers it’s gone again. I don’t think I’ll ever have a normal relationship again.
As I step out of the shower, my phone that’s still in my jeans on the floor, pings with a message. I rub up my hair dry and wrap a towel around my waist. Picking my jeans up from the floor, I take my phone and wallet from the pockets and put them on the chest of drawers. Before throwing my jeans back to the floor. Right away, I’m put on high alert when I see it’s Serena’s name lighting up my screen.
I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Please give me a call.
I read over the simple message too many times to count.
Instead of ignoring her though, I prepare to text back.
I know you didn’t, it’s fine. Maybe tomorrow. Night gorgeous.
I may not always be a gentleman and I may be demanding, but my mother taught me to always be respectful.
I get into bed, exhausted from the events of tonight. Thoughts of Serena mingled in with memories of the past makes me restless, and it takes me ages to finally drift off.
It’s Monday morning, D-Day. Looking in my wardrobe I search out my sharpest navy-blue suit and white shirt. Pairing it with a light blue, striped tie. I hate ties, some days I don’t wear one at all, but today I have business to attend to. I suppose you could say I’m dressing to impress, but I want to show O’Malley I’m all about the business.
Serena Davenport, now she’s a completely different matter. Yes, I want to impress. I feel like shit about Friday night, walking out on her like that, but I couldn’t stay. I had to leave for my own sanity and her feelings. I never did ring her; she’d have wanted answers, and I wasn’t ready to give them. So, I just threw myself into some work.
I style my hair with a little wax and throw on some of my favourite aftershave. Invictus by Paco Rabanne. If she doesn’t fall at my feet from the suit, I’m hoping that will help it along. I need to get through this meeting first. Then I need to get her on her own so I can apologise.
Once I’m ready, I get into my car and leave for the office. On arrival I stride into the modern office and look around my space. I did this, I built this company from the ground up. I pride myself on my ruthlessness - competitors know I mean business and I don’t take shit from anyone.
“Sandy can I get some coffee please and get me the accounts on Boston and O’Malley & Son.” I say into the speaker on my desk.
“Yes, Mr Proctor.”
I arrange my desk, then put out two chairs the other side, but leave a wide enough space between them. Just in case Serena gets the urge to fly at O’Malley. I don’t fancy playing referee, but I guess that’s my fault. Dragging over the flip chart stand, I place it in front of the window where the most light is. I turn on the projector just in case either of them need it and after all that, I think I’m ready. Now I just need my coffee. I’m about to call her again, but as if my assistant can read my mind she walks in with a coffee and a smile.
“Here you go Mr Proctor.”
Setting the mug down on the desk, she admires me for a minute too long, letting her gaze roam.
The last thing I need is a PA with a fucking crush.
“That’ll be all Sandy. Thank you.”
She look everywhere, but at me and nods. When she realises, I’ve caught her checking me out, she quickly struts back towards the door. Sandy is still only in her twenties, she’s given me that sweet, girl next door smile ever since she started. Usually, I take no notice, but that was a bit more than usual.
“Oh Sandy, let me know when my clients are here.”
“Will do.”
It’s eight forty-five am and I hear chatter outside the door. A warm feeling flushes over me when I hear a woman’s voice. I know that voice well now. She’s shouted it in pleasure and definitely in anger, but she’s also teased me with it. It’s one that will always be embedded in my brain. Then like a cold shower pouring over me I hear Steve O’Malley’s. Not waiting for Sandy to buzz me, I go to the door and let them in myself. Before there’s bloodshed on my carpet.
“Mr O’Malley, Ms Davenport, if you’d like to step in and take a seat.”
They make their way to my desk and wait for me to join them; Steve shakes my hand. Serena holds hers out, but I can tell she’s not entirely forgiven me. I got some work to do to sort this shit out now... I shake her hand, but she can’t pull it away quick enough.
“Please sit down. Would you like tea, coffee, water?”
“Coffee please. They both answer in unison. I ring through to Sandy to bring everything in. “So, how was your weekend?”
Steve pipes up first. “Pretty good thanks.”
“Busy. You?”
Politely ignoring her blunt answer, I decide to start.
“Why don’t we make a start while you’re waiting for your coffees. Who’d like to go first?”
“I will.” Steve looks like he’s ready to burst with excitement.
Picking up his drawings from the floor he puts them on the projector I set up. He goes into full swing of telling me what the product is and how we can sell it. To be honest though, my eyes haven’t shifted from Serena. Her jaw is tense as he chats away in full businessman mode, she’s obviously seen him do this one too many times. There’s a knock at the door first, then it opens to Sandy bringing in the coffee. I tell her to put it on the desk and she quietly leaves. Serena’s hands fidget in her lap nervously. I have a desperate urge to hold them in mine
and tell her everything is fine. The job’s hers anyway, but she’d kick me in the bollocks.
“You okay?” I whisper, her look of death is enough to tell me to shut up. I turn my attentions back to O’Malley, but I’ll be honest what I’ve seen so far, he’s no match on Serena. I’ve seen the work she’s done so far for Boston. Even if this wasn’t already set up for her to get it, she’d beat O’Malley hands down.
After his forty-five-minute speech, I’m ready for a nap, I’m that bored, but I clap my hands politely, thank him and turn my attention to Serena.
“You’re up.”
She stands from her chair and gets set up for her presentation. While I admire her from afar, she has a green fitted dress on which brings out the colour of her eyes and red lipstick to match the colour of her hair. I think someone else dressed to impress this morning too. I’m so fucking hard in my trousers; I may burst by the time she retakes her seat. I try my hardest to listen to her voice and not look at her, but I’ll admit it’s going to be one hell of a tough job.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Serena
At what point did I think continuing on with this pitch was a good fucking idea, because I'll tell you now, it isn't.
After Dylan stormed out of my place on Friday and leaving me dumbfounded. I sent him a text apologising and asked him to give me a call; to which he never did. Making me think that what's the point in any of this? If I won this silly competition then I would have to see him on a daily basis. Yet he can’t call me and allow me to say I’m sorry for putting my foot in it.
How would we even work together now we’ve slept together not once but twice. The only thought pushing me forward with this is the fact that my opposition is Steve. I have to beat him and knock that over inflated ego of his down a peg or two. That arsehole wouldn’t know what hard work was if it came up to him and slapped him across the face. He’s a daddy's boy plain and simple.
The Forever Plan Page 8
