The Desire to Touch

by Taylor, N

  Jerry has resumed his seat back at the table, he sits placing a cigar in his mouth and looks up at Lucas.

  “Lorenzo?”

  “What of him?” Jerry looks at him suspiciously.

  “He was here watching the set.”

  Jerry’s face drops and his cigar falls out of his mouth and onto his lap, “Fucker! I’ll kill him!” He slams his fists into the table, standing he snatches his phone off the table and storms out of the room through a side door.

  “Time to go,” Lucas grabs my arm and runs me down the stairs and back to where Meagan, Lacey and Trey are seated.

  “What was that about?” I ask.

  “I’ll explain in a minute; let’s go eat with the others, I am keen to meet this superstar.”

  On approach to the table I can see Meagan leaning into Trey quietly discussing something, I do hope she’s not telling him anything that I want to say when I’m ready. As we reach the table Trey stands and I noticed he’s changed into a tight fitted plum shirt that is tucked into a pair of charcoal trousers, I go weak when I realise he is here to see me and not any of the very attractive wealthy women in here.

  Trey leans in to kiss me on the cheek, “You call me beguiling?”

  I go coy as his lips touch me and that feeling is there again, the current runs through me taking control of every muscle in my body and making me want to touch him, to feel that closeness we had last night. I desperately try to cling on to the anger I felt only a few hours ago but it’s slipping away quickly.

  Trey pulls my chair out for me to sit and, as I do, he takes my hand in his and strokes the back of my hand.

  “This is Lucas, one of my closest friends.”

  “Hey,” Lucas shakes his hand but looking at him in the don’t-mess-with-her way.

  “Great to meet you.” Trey shakes back and they both sit down, Trey turns to me and looks me straight in the eye. I stare deep into his crystal eyes and crave to touch him, the desire is so bad then I look around and remember there is a photographer in the house.

  I pull my hand back, “There’s a photographer here, best not touch me.” I even wince at the harshness in my own words.

  His eyes look lost, “Ellie you don’t understand I…”

  I cut him off, “Let’s just keep it friends for now.”

  Two waitresses approach and place bowls of Spaghetti Bolognese in front of each of us making Lacey and Meagan giggle with delight.

  Trey releases my hand and picks up his fork to start eating when his name is called from over by the bar. “Excuse me.” He gets up and walks over to see some friends. I huff and turn to stare into my food, grabbing my cardigan cuffs.

  Lucas grabs my knee, “You ok?”

  “Yeah just really hungry,” I spoon a heap of pasta into my mouth and between chewing ask, “So what was that about?”

  “Well,” he takes a bite of his garlic bread, “You know Jerry’s into all kinds of shit and was investigated like eight months back by the OCCB and the FBI?”

  I shake my head and continue demolishing the bowl of spaghetti.

  “Well he was and the long and short of it is Lorenzo’s building is owned by Jerry but was kept in Lorenzo’s name, basically they have no paper trail connecting them together.”

  I’m confused, “He’s your tailor though?”

  “Yes. I sort my own suits and I pay him cash when the suits are done, Jerry hasn’t seen Lorenzo in about four years.”

  “Ok,” I swallow some water, “but that still doesn’t explain why he’s not allowed here.”

  “They use Lorenzo’s to do some of the storage and this way there isn’t anything to connect Jerry to some dodgy little back street tailor. Lorenzo turning up here puts them both back on the radar now.”

  I laugh, “What, is Jerry still being followed?”

  “That’s the point - you never know - so they can never have contact again.”

  “Ok what’s he storing and what the hell are the Men in Black doing here?”

  “I don’t want to know, nor will I ask. As far as the mob they are just having a drink.” He widens his eyes at me.

  “Looks like they’re doing more than that.” I wipe my bowl clean with the last of my bread.

  “No Ellie, they are just having a quiet drink!”

  “Oh ha ha, ok I get you.” I wink.

  “Get what?” Meagan asks finishing her food.

  “Oh nothing, Jerry paid me for tonight and I just wanted to make sure it was no strings attached.” I’m on fire tonight!

  “Hey where’s ‘Smoking Hot’ gone?” Lacey asks.

  “He saw some friends so he went off to see them,” I shrug.

  The waitresses arrive to collect the plates and I tell them to take Trey’s plate as its gone stone cold, they put more water on the table and ask if anyone wants anything else to drink, Lucas orders and so does Lacey but Meagan and I stick to water.

  Trey finally arrives back at the table and sits down, “Sorry about that I couldn’t get away.”

  Devil girl is screaming ‘Give him the silent treatment!’ Angel girl ponders then says ‘No one likes clingy’. Angel girl wins, if I act all pissed off he’ll never want more than ‘just friends’ with me. What am I saying? ‘He is a movie star he - is never going to want more with me!’

  “No worries, your food went cold so they took it.”

  “I ate before the show started so I’m good.” He leans in, “but I am hungry for something else.” He leans back and places his hand on my chair but strokes his fingers up and down my back. I’m left stunned, everything deep inside quivers, I feel like a schoolgirl excited with anticipation for the first kiss of the day.

  Meagan is trying to talk to Lacey but she is staring at Trey and I find it hilarious. Trey ignores her blatant open mouthed gape, he carries on talking to Lucas behind me.

  After a few drinks the laughter around the table has grown louder, I’ll give Jerry some credit the staff are good and have kept the alcohol flowing for those drinking. I look around at everyone at the table laughing and I feel a warmth inside a sense of belonging and hope mixed together. I smile inwardly and look at Meagan,

  “You ok?” she mouths.

  “Great.” I mouth back.

  I look just behind her and spot Michael sitting on his own a few tables away.

  “Get him to come and join us.” I feel so sorry for Michael all by himself. Trey looks at me puzzled then looks down to where my hand has found its way onto his leg. When did I do that?

  “Sorry,” I retract my hand, “Michael get him to join us.”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “It doesn’t work like that, he’s happier over there.”

  “What’s that?” Meagan joins in.

  “Trey’s bodyguard.” I point my head behind her.

  “Well hello.” She turns back to me, “Why have I not been introduced to him?”

  “Not had the chance, to be fair.” I grab a waitress as she passes the table.

  “The gentleman sitting over there is with us, can you make sure he has anything he needs please?” She nods and walks over to him, I watch as they exchange chat then Michael looks past her and sees me, he nods a thanks at me and I nod back.

  I bring my attention back to the table where Lucas and Lacey are having a heart to heart and Meagan is talking Treys ear off.

  “Oh Trey, she was amazing!”

  “What?” I take a leaf out of her book and join the end of the conversation.

  “That time when we came over to visit grandad and we saw you perform, you were so good!” she looks at Trey, “She is good.”

  “I don’t doubt that,” he looks at me and I blush.

  “Well until Ri…”

  “Leave it!” I glare at her and she mouths ‘sorry’.

  Trey looks puzzled again so I just smile at him trying to ignore his unspoken questions.

  “Right guys I have to go and sort out my life,” Lucas stands up from the table and hugs Lac
ey. He walks over and hugs Meagan then to me, “Thanks again Doll, for everything.” He leans in and kisses me on the cheek, I feel Trey’s hand tighten on my back.

  “Nice to have finally met you.” Lucas shakes Treys hand.

  “And you, good luck.” Trey smiles back at him.

  “Call me tomorrow and let me know how you get on?”

  “I will,” he kisses me again and leaves.

  “Why does he call you Doll?” Trey asks.

  “Oh it’s one of his things, he likes to be an old fashioned gentleman kind of like blue eyes himself.”

  The band continues playing gently in the background, I feel a yawn coming so I check the time and its 11:35pm.

  “Wow, past my bed time.” Meagan yawns and elbows Lacey making a not so subtle hint.

  “Ah yes, tired, very tired.” Lacey winks.

  “Right well we will leave you two to it.” Meagan stands retrieving her bag.

  ‘Oh no, please don’t’ I cry inside.

  I stand to hug Meagan, “Thanks for pushing me to do this.”

  “Like I said you were great, like literally amazing!” she hugs me in tight.

  Trey stands, “Shall we walk with them? I have an early start too.”

  “Sure,” I grab my phone.

  Lacey links arms with me as we walk, “Hey if you don’t want him, I’ll have him.”

  I laugh, “I’ll let you know.”

  We walk past the bar and through to the entrance, Jerry is on the phone by the door, as he sees us coming he waves then disappears through another door. We peek our heads outside and it’s raining really hard; luckily Meagan’s car is parked close by, in the car park. Lacey lets go of me and hugs me, “You were good Jones, don’t stop now.” She smiles, then turns to say bye to Trey. She goes in for a hug but doesn’t know if she should hug or kiss him so she holds her hands out for the hug, then retracts one to go for the kiss but ends up looking like she’s going to grab his privates.

  Lacey gives up her dance of awkwardness and snaps, “Bye.”

  She goes red and looks down at the floor; laughing, Meagan knows what is coming so she holds up her car keys which Lacey grabs and runs to the car, using her purse as an umbrella.

  I laugh, as I feel her embarrassment, and I watch as she runs to the car trying to keep herself as dry as possible.

  Meagan goes to shake Trey’s hand but he pulls her in for a hug, “Thanks for telling me.”

  Meagan blushes and looks at me, “Trey Thomas just hugged me!”

  She see’s Michael standing behind me so I seize the opportunity, “Meagan this is Michael, Treys friend,” Trey looks angry, “and bodyguard.”

  “Hi,” Meagan waves at him.

  “Hey,” Michael smiles back.

  “Michael, car!” Trey snaps and I glare at him, what did I do this time?

  I go to say sorry to Meagan but she is still staring at Michael as he runs out into the rain.

  “I won’t ask if you need a lift,” she pokes her tongue out at me.

  Trey’s arm slides around my back taking me by complete surprise, the first bit of open affection in front of my friends…Yay!

  “I guess not.” I frown.

  We hear a horn beeping and see Lacey is getting impatient, Meagan leans in for a hug then runs into the rain to her car, waiting we watch as she gets into the car, then wave as she drives off.

  Are you still adamant that you don’t want to stay at mine tonight?” Trey asks pulling me back under the shelter.

  I shake my head, “Not tonight, it’s been a heavy day and I need space.”

  The chill in the air penetrates my cotton thin cardigan and I pull it close around me, pulling my sleeves over my hands I move further back into the entrance trying to shield from the cold.

  “Are you cold?”

  “A little.”

  He grabs my upper arm and pulls me close into his embrace,

  “There may be people around taking pictures,” I worry at the outcome if there are.

  He breathes deeply, “I know,” but he keeps me encased in his arms. I feel safe once again shrouded in my security blanket.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper breathing in his intoxicating smell.

  “For what?”

  “I don’t know but you went all moody on me again, so it’s just easier if I say sorry.”

  “You’re doing it again,” he grunts and holds me tighter.

  “Michael has a job to do and he’s also one of my closest friends. The last thing I need is you or your cousin distracting him and putting my life in danger.”

  “Like I said, sorry.”

  The car pulls up and Trey runs me out from under the entrance shelter, Michael, the poor sod, has run out in the rain to open the car door for me to get in. Without haste I climb into the blacked out Audi and wait for us to move on but the car is lovely and warm.

  The car pulls away and I can feel Trey’s gaze burning into the back of my head but I resist the desire to look at him, I just continue to look out of the window watching the rain as it streams across.

  I feel a presence by the side of me, I look out of the corner of my eye and I can see that Trey has placed his hand on the seat that separates us, he then walks his fingers over to me and places his hand on my leg. His hand is tugging at my trousers either begging for my attention or trying to pull me closer to him. I look at him keeping my face expressionless and staring back at me are the biggest, bluest puppy dog eyes.

  “Glad to see your acting talent isn’t wasted.”

  His face changes to one of shock and his beautiful face makes me giggle, I bite my lip to stop the smile and turn back to look out of the window.

  “Please?” He leans over and engorges me in both arms pulling me back towards him, in one fell swoop I’m on his lap and he is hugging me tightly.

  “Please stay with me tonight?”

  “Please don’t push me.” I ask as he lays his head on my chest.

  Instinctively I wrap one arm around his body and the other hand I lay on his head holding him close to me, laying my chin on his head I relax.

  His mousey blonde hair has a little wax in it and the rough spikes tickle my throat, it feels so right to cuddle up with him when I’ve only known him a short time.

  “I like this.”

  “What this?” I ask slowly stroking my fingers through his hair.

  He takes a deep heavenly breath. ‘Oh shit what if I stink? I’ve been sweating under those lights and the poor sod has just filled his lungs to the brim with my B.O!’

  “No, he exhales and snuggles his head more into my chest, “I really like cuddling up to you, it’s not something I’m used to, but I like it a lot.”

  I smile and look out of the rear window.

  “I want to lay like this forever.”

  My heart melts with his words but why is it that behind closed doors he is this loving caring guy yet in the open he acts as if I repulse him? I am completely confused by him, he makes me feel so different and it’s so nice to not feel scared anymore.

  “I have to go away for a few days.”

  “Ok,” I’m grateful that this time apart will give my head the breathing space I need.

  “I leave early morning.”

  I feel his fingers slowly starting to trace a line up and down my throat as he turns his face into me, the heat from his breath laps at my skin making it sensitive and drawing me into his suggestive ways.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with me tonight?” He kisses up my neck to my jaw.

  I restrain myself from the urge to throw my head back so I close my eyes as my breathing gets faster and deeper. I dig my nails through his shirt and into his back trying to calm myself. His teeth start to nibble at my jaw as I feel his other hand run up my back and into my hair, his fist clasps a handful and tries to pull my head back giving him a clear shot to the only bare skin I have on show.

  “Don’t,” I mutter breathlessly.

  “You want me to stop?” He gr
unts, he shifts me on his lap and I feel his impressive length growing hard beneath me.

  “What about Michael?” I mutter.

  “Don’t worry he’s used to it, he knows the score.”

  “What?” I glare at him, then I push myself off of him I slide back to my original seat, I swear I even saw Michael shudder and shake his head.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “He knows the score?” I mutter at him my mouth aghast.

  “Yeah, he ignores what happens in the back.” He looks at me clueless.

  Fuck this! “Stop the car!” I call to the front but my words go unheard.

  “Stop the fucking car!”

  Chapter Fifteen

  We screech to a halt and Michael jumps round to see what’s wrong. I push open the door and jump out slamming the door behind me, the rain is heavy and the traffic is almost matching that. I hear a beep and turn around to see the queue of traffic that we’ve now caused, with my hair sticking to my face I push it out of the way and try to run across the road to the safety of the pathway, dodging moving traffic. I make it across and get my bearings as to where I am, I’m only a few blocks from the hotel and I can weave the back streets meaning I’ll be home in a matter of minutes. Uncle Brendan would have a fit if he knew what I was doing, so I start running as fast as I can, trying to stick to the lit roads. All I can think of is that I want to get home and now!

  After what feels like an eternity of running for my life, I make my way into the foyer of the hotel and stumble into Earl.

  “Hey slow down, Jesus girl, look at you what have you been doing? Are you ok?”

  I can’t breathe, my chest hurts and the rain has soaked my hair so it’s stuck atrociously to my face like rats’ tails.

  “I’m ok,” I puff, trying to catch my breath, “Decided on some late night jogging.”

  “In the rain?” Earl looks at me suspiciously.

  “What can I say, I got it in my head to do it so I did.”

  “Well your uncle is on reception at the moment, so be warned.”

  Earls walkie talkie starts speaking and he picks it up and runs off shouting to someone the other end.

  I slowly walk towards the lift but spot Brendan at reception looking more stressed than usual, going straight up and cleaning up is what I need to do. Hurrying to the lift with my head hung low I think I’ve escaped when I hear my name called. I look over to the reception desk and see Brendan leaning over it looking at me.