Running From Forever

by Ashley Wilcox

  I was unaware of the patio outside the glass until the wall began to separate and slide to each side. The outside living area was just as exquisite, glass for balcony walls and lavish outdoor furniture with perfectly groomed greenery. I was sure I’d seen it in a magazine. My eyes and body were immediately drawn to the ledge, allowing my gaze to travel for miles along the New York City skyline. I sighed. Although I missed the trees and greenery of Central New York, nothing could compare to the way the city buildings glowed at night—the little red lights that blinked at the top of the skyscrapers with the white lights of street lamps and smaller buildings twinkling below… I loved it.

  “You really love the city, don’t you?” Miles asked in his low, compelling voice, coming to my side. “It isn’t often you meet someone that truly does.”

  I sighed, tranquility taking over. “How could you not? It’s breathtaking.”

  Turning to face me, his grin displayed, he leaned against the glass partitioned wall. “You’re a breath of fresh air, Ms…Kayla,” he corrected himself.

  “You really have a hard time with that, don’t you?” I asked, intrigued and smirking. I turned away from the view and faced him.

  “It is a challenge,” he admitted.

  “Why? Do you call everyone by their last name?”

  He wet his lips, slowly shaking his head in disagreement. “I don’t. However, some people warrant a proper title. One of sophistication and respect.”

  I felt the compliment in my chest. How could I argue against his desire to call me that now? He put me on a pedestal that no one else ever had. Miles saw the woman that I wanted to be—sophisticated, proper, successful, and above all else…respected.

  I took a step forward, closing the gap between us. Our faces were only inches apart and I could feel his warm breath on my neck as he looked down at me, lips curled up on one side. “Then I think Ms. Reynolds is sufficient,” I said.

  Miles leaned in closer, our mouths so close they were almost touching. “I’d have to agree,” he whispered against my lips before gently pressing them together.

  It started out soft, pure…romantic, but all changed when a low moan reverberated from my mouth to his. The pleasure was undeniable, echoing throughout my body. Miles’ free hand ran up my arm to my neck then messed in my hair, holding the back of my head in place and secured to his. My mouth cracked inevitably, allowing his tongue to swoop in and dance with mine. The kiss was just as intoxicating as his appearance—firm, controlled, and effortlessly smooth. With every pass that his tongue made, I craved more. I couldn’t get enough. I wanted it all. I wanted Miles in more ways than one.

  I hated that I still had the wine glass in my hand. I wanted to touch him, to run my hands up the back of his suit and feel the firmness that I knew was there. My left hand could only do and feel so much on its own, and right then it was hooked on the belt of his pants, stuck between our bodies. All was forgotten, though, as his lips separated from mine then skimmed my cheek, reaching my ear. My body went weak and my panties grew wet feeling his heated breath against the perimeter of my earlobe.

  “I don’t know how much more I can take,” his breath formed to words in my ear.

  I wasn’t sure myself, but I didn’t want to seem too needy or too willing. I would hold onto my self-respect this time and not let it flood out as easy as I used to let it. I just wasn’t sure if that willpower would last all night. I was caving and deep down…I knew I would fall. I wouldn’t be able to resist Miles Blackwell. The level of resistance I had wasn’t strong enough to withhold his magnetism. I was drawn to his attraction. I would give in.

  He nuzzled his lips against my neck and I moaned pleasurably when he ran his tongue along the shell of my ear and then into that little dip between my neck and collarbone. I don’t know what that spot’s called, but as soon as he touched it, any residual worry about fucking the boss was gone.

  Without responding, I stepped back, turning to place my wine glass on the table then did the same with his. He watched, his eyes hooded and dark with want. With both hands finally free, I made my way back to him, leaving very little space between us. His body relaxed as I slid both hands up his chest and below the seam of his jacket, pushing it back and off his shoulders. I was slowly getting a glimpse of the frame that was hiding underneath, the lean body and tight muscles I’d pictured numerous times above me. Before the jacket could even hit the ground, Miles pulled me in tight, removing any space between us, claiming my mouth with his. His tolerance was wearing quicker than mine. He wanted me as much as I wanted him. The attraction was undeniable. Our bodies yearned for one another; the chemistry almost unbearable.

  My hands worked with a mind of their own, untucking his shirt from his pants and sliding up underneath. A new pulse generated between my legs as I got my first feel of his bare skin. It was firm but smooth, silk against my fingers. I adored the feeling of lust pumping throughout my body as his mouth slid down to my neck, kissing and sucking at my skin. I was consumed, engulfed in the seduction of this man. His mouth, hands, tongue, pace…it was all perfectly in sync, claiming each part of my exposed skin delectably. There was no controlling my fingers that were now in front, unbuckling his pants. I needed more. I would always need more with Miles. Stopping wasn’t an option at this point.

  His hands went to work at the same pace as mine, unzipping the back of my pencil skirt and pulling my blouse over my chest and head. I could hardly wait for my skirt to fall before I found myself jumping up into his arms, letting my legs wrap firmly around his waist. Miles’ body didn’t teeter backwards; it was ready and waiting, catching me deftly and grasping my ass with his hands. He was ready…as was I.

  Miles carried me inside, our mouths back together, devouring each other. As he carried me down the hallway, I worked with the buttons on his shirt, managing to fully expose his chest by the time we reached the bedroom. With my back to the bed, he slowly laid me down, his body remaining close to mine. Now firmly pressed into the pillows, I removed the rest of his shirt, pushing it down and off his arms. Miles was completely bared from his waist up, revealing a toned, broad stature above me. It felt incredible, too incredible; it was almost too good to be true. I was in sheer bliss. This was heaven coated with hunger.

  With no sense of control remaining, I was at a loss as his mouth traveled downwards, showing each area of my body the perfect amount of attention—my neck, my breasts, the dip of my belly button… Miles knew what he was doing; he knew exactly which areas to focus on more than others. It was like he already knew my body and where I liked to be teased the most. By the time he reached the hem of my panties I was flooded, positively boiling with passion. I needed relief. I needed him inside of me.

  He nipped between my legs with his mouth on the outside of my panties, teasing me before resting back and standing at the bottom of the bed. I came up to my elbows. I knew what was coming, and wasn’t about to miss it. Compliments of me, his pants were already unbuckled and slid down with ease. Next came his briefs, and then the impressive package underneath. I couldn’t stay away, moving up to my knees. He licked his lips and grinned when he knew what I was doing. He stood there calmly, freely waiting as I made my way to the edge, my teeth clamped down on my lip, and pulse throbbing between my legs. He was beautiful. I needed to have my way with him. I needed to pleasure him just as he’d been doing to me.

  I crawled over on my hands and knees and watched as he lifted his cock so that it slid into my mouth with simplicity. It was hot, like a cat on all fours claiming her prey. But I needed my hand, he was too long to take fully to the base. Keeping my mouth secure around his cock, I repositioned myself so I was kneeling, freeing my hand to work the base of his shaft. He offered no resistance, moaning each time the tip hit the back of my throat. He was big, very well-endowed, causing my body to crave him even more.

  “Ah, fuck, beautiful,” he groaned, his tone edged with thirst. He was moving towards climaxing and as much as I wanted him inside of me, I also wanted him
to mark me, to claim my mouth. He pushed back quickly, avoiding the fall before walking over to the nightstand to get a condom.

  I remained positioned at the bottom of the bed, on my knees, watching. Naked Miles was a sight to see; one that I’d liked imprinted in my memory. Clothed he was gorgeous. Naked he was flawless.

  Miles met me at the edge; condom in hand. He licked his lips before handing me the square package and saying in a low, seductive tone, “the final say is yours.”

  He was leaving the final step to me, respecting my body and putting the ball in my court. It was up to me how the night concluded. I was the one that decided the level our relationship went. I couldn’t withhold. I couldn’t stop now. My body was in overdrive—throbbing, burning, raging with need. I’d need a freezing glass of water poured over my head to stop. Miles was naked, available, and unmistakably ready.

  With my eyes on his, I tore the package open, pulling the lubed latex free and rolling it over his length with aching slowness. He waited until it was fully sheathed before pulling my face up to his, placing his mouth over mine, this time less aggressively. He worked his tongue slowly and rhythmically, savoring each movement made, more passion transferred each and every time. I was consumed, my heart pumping and fluttering quicker than I could handle. I was at Miles’ mercy, engulfed within his emotion, completely and entirely his.

  We slowly inched backwards, his body enveloping mine as he laid me down. I was so wet that his cock slid in with no resistance. The friction was breathtaking—it’d been so long for me that my walls were tightly wrapped around him, making the sensitivity incredible. Our pleasured moans filled the room, voicing the ecstasy our bodies were building. Miles took his time, keeping a steady pace as his mouth sensually moved from my lips to my neck to my ear and then back to my mouth, whispering and moaning sweet nothings as he did. Miles was a passionate lover, and I was loving every second of it.

  It was after midnight by the time Miles walked me home. The level of intimacy between us had grown leaps and bounds from our last walk. His arm was now wrapped firmly around my shoulder with my arms linked securely around his waist; he kissed the top of my head periodically. We were officially an item, joyfully walking the streets of Manhattan together.

  Madison was already asleep on the pullout couch when I walked into the apartment. I had called earlier in the day, notifying her of my plans after work. I had offered an invitation of meeting us at the bar, but she declined. I wasn’t sure if she was still mad or just didn’t feel like it. We were on opposite ends of the spectrum right now. I wasn’t sure what she was expecting to get out of this visit to New York and realized I was completely unaware of her plans. I would ask tomorrow and try to get reacquainted with the sister I was discovering I didn’t know very much about.

  ***

  I dragged ass getting out of bed the next morning. I was sore. I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t been that sore from sex since I had lost my virginity. I smiled, realizing I did okay with abstinence for a while. To be frank, my sex life plummeted with Trevor, and when I left him, we hadn’t slept together in months. I guess that should’ve been the first indication that our relationship was failing. I was a sexual person, so when I didn’t have the desire to be intimate with Trevor, a huge red flag should’ve been waving violently in front of me. I hadn’t noticed, though, I guess I was too comfortable and settled into a routine.

  I wasn’t going to dwell on it; my life had made a positive turn. I had everything going in for me. There were no complaints. I was alive and living in The City That Never Sleeps, my heaven on earth. I had a job and even a new boyfriend to show for my first week on my own. Even though my heart did ache for Trevor from time to time, I couldn’t let it stand in my way. Yeah, it may sound selfish, but I couldn’t put my life on hold for something I couldn’t feel in my heart. Yes, there was love that I carried for Trevor, but not the passion and devotion that I knew I needed to make it work. It was over and I had to leave it at that.

  There was no time to blow out my hair and curl it like I had the last few days, so I pulled it back wet into a tight, sleek bun. I liked my hair like that because I felt very professional chic, but had a feeling that someone else would disapprove. I put on wide-legged black pants and a fitted white shirt neatly tucked at the waist. I finished with black stud earrings, a matching necklace, and shiny, pointy-toed heels. I was getting to the end of all the new sophisticated clothes that I had purchased prior to moving. Thankfully today was pay day, warranting a much needed shopping trip this weekend.

  Since I was running a few minutes behind, the elevator opened to an empty car. I wasn’t surprised. I was late. Not the best morning after greeting, but it was out of my hands; it was what it was. Sami was behind the desk, cheerful as always. I smiled, greeting her with a quick, “Good morning.” She did the same, answering the next phone call already coming in. The office was buzzing with people everywhere. I couldn’t understand why, thinking maybe that was just how Fridays were. I wasn’t sitting in my chair for two seconds before Connie called me from her office.

  I hurried in. I couldn’t be in trouble already. Although I was running a few minutes behind my normal schedule, I was still on time to work.

  “I was just informed that you’re attending the gala tonight?” she snipped, bypassing any formal greeting.

  The gala! I forgot all about it! That’s why the office rang of chaos—tonight was the gala that Miles mentioned ETV hosted every year. Paranoia struck, realizing that I had nothing the least bit formal or elegant to wear to it.

  “Yes,” I answered, ignoring the bile churning in my stomach and threatening to push up. “I was asked to attend.”

  “This is a high profile event. Did my brother share that with you?”

  I shook my head. I wasn’t sure what she was implying, but I was growing irritated with her tone. Clearly she wasn’t enthused with my attendance.

  “No, I wasn’t given many details, but I can assure you I would never make the company look bad.”

  She snorted. “I wasn’t implying your wardrobe. I was speaking of your relationship with Miles.”

  I looked at her, puzzled. What did my relationship with Miles have to do with anything?

  “I’m not sure the relevance it has on the evening?” I asked, eyebrows raised in question.

  “Let’s get something clear,” she started, taking her glasses off and resting her elbows on her desk, leaning forward. “Miles doesn’t date, he doesn’t bring women to events, and he sure as hell doesn’t get involved with women from work. I’m not sure what he’s trying to pull bringing you tonight and carrying on like he has been for all to see, but I’m watching. Very, very closely.”

  I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I was frozen. I wasn’t sure what she was implying or if, in fact, Miles did have something up his sleeve. I knew nothing. All I knew was how Miles acted around me, and it didn’t feel staged, forced, or for public show. It was pure, honest, and something I couldn’t be blind to.

  “Watch yourself,” she said, pointing her glasses at me. “Clearly you’re just as lost as I am.”

  Was I lost? Was I seeing things one-sided? No. I couldn’t be. I knew no one there. I wouldn’t be of good use in any private mission Miles might have. If I was, in fact, for show, or a doll he played with, he wouldn’t make extra time for me, or hang out at McShane’s when he could be sipping fancy champagne with any high rolling female he wanted. I was what he chose. I was the one he liked to spend time with it. It was real.

  I didn’t know how to answer, the only words I could manage were garbled thanks. I wasn’t sure what I was thanking her for, though. Raining on my parade? Telling me that my boyfriend could have alterative motives for dating me? I shook my head at the thought.

  “You may leave a couple hours early to prepare yourself. I have a feeling you’ll be needing it.”

  Bitch! This time I wouldn’t respond. I could feel the anger building. I needed to be done before I said something I would
regret. Instead, I nodded my head with a tight smile before exiting her office.

  Even though the office was a whirlwind of crazy, preparing for the event that evening, I wasn’t affected by it. Prior to my starting at ETV, Arianna, Connie’s previous assistant, took care of hiring an event coordinator and delegating duties to current employees, so Connie didn’t have to worry about her new assistant fucking it all up. Thank God. I was grateful for Arianna. I had no clue who she was, but I was appreciating her today for sure.

  Once Connie left for her morning meeting with Production, I phoned Madison to see what her plans were for the afternoon. I had some major last minute shopping to do, and I thought it’d be fun to invite her along. Shopping in New York City was something I looked forward to doing and it’d be even more fun to experience it for the first time with my sister.

  “Hey, Maddy, it’s Kayla.”

  “Hi, K. What’s up?”

  Relief spread throughout my body, hearing her cheerful voice. She didn’t seem mad anymore.

  “I have a fancy event to attend tonight and need to find something to wear to it. You wanna go shopping with me this afternoon?”

  She answered right away. “Yeah, I’ll go. I actually kinda sorta have a date tonight that I need an outfit for.”

  I looked at the phone, puzzled. She had a date? She’d only been in New York for a few days and she was seeing someone already? I hadn’t even realized she left the apartment much. When did this happen? Yet, I didn’t have much room to criticize. I was in the same boat. I met Miles on my first day of work, which was only four days ago. Apparently the Reynolds girls didn’t take long snatching up eligible bachelors.

  “Well, look at you already out on the prowl in New York,” I joked.

  She snorted. “It wasn’t really like that at all, actually, but he’s cute and asked me out, so I said why the hell not.”