I waited until the door clicked closed behind her before speaking again. “When we’re done here, we can stop by my place so I can grab some clothes.”
She huffed in annoyance. “I told you I don’t sleep with guys who haven’t introduced me to their mother. It’s my number one rule for sharing my bed with anyone.”
“Then we’ll stop by your place and grab you some things. We can sleep in my bed. Problem solved. No rules broken.” Those pretty eyes narrowed on me yet again, but before she could blast me with her verbal abuse, I touched my thumb to her lips. They were so soft and full, and I couldn’t help fantasizing about them wrapped around my cock. “Why is it so important that I introduce you to my mother when you have already met her? It makes no sense to me.”
“You’re right,” she surprised me by saying, but just as I began to relax, she detonated her bomb. “It is a stupid rule to have. How dare I have standards and believe if I’m not important enough to a guy to be introduced to his mom, I shouldn’t let him touch the sacred temple that is my body?”
When put in that perspective, I got exactly where she was coming from. But why the hell did she need me to introduce her to my mother when they already knew each other? Fuck, her parents and mine had been friends for years. Maybe they were not exactly the closest, not like her parents were with the Armstrongs, but my parents still respected Lana and Drake and always attended any gathering they were invited to by the Stevensons.
I’d never personally introduced a girl to either of my parents before. Not even Mia. Her mom and mine were good friends. Growing up, they would always make plans to have lunch or go shopping together, while leaving Mia and me home with one of our dads.
But then, I saw the hurt Arella couldn’t completely hide, and I knew this was something important to her. Even though I didn’t fully understand her need for me to introduce her to Mom, I wasn’t going to fuck up with Arella any more than I already had.
“Steak or Italian?” I asked, pulling up my mother’s contact information in my phone.
“What?” she muttered with a deep frown.
“Dinner tonight. Would you prefer steak or Italian?” I was already typing out a text, but Arella remained quiet. Lifting my head, I saw her standing there just watching me like she didn’t understand the question I’d asked. “You want me to introduce you to my parents, so we’ll all have dinner tonight.”
“No, that’s okay,” she said quietly before turning to walk over to the wall of windows behind Cathryn’s desk. “Maybe you should just head to Violet’s. I’m sure your parents are still there, and I wouldn’t want to keep you.”
Biting back a curse, I sent the text and then pocketed my phone. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her tiny waist, lowering my head to kiss her exposed neck. Feeling her shiver, I smiled against her flesh before nipping at it with my teeth.
“I told Mom to make reservations at her favorite restaurant here in LA,” I murmured close to her ear. “As soon as we’re done here, we’ll stop and get you a new phone and then drop by your apartment to get your things.” When she didn’t respond, I sank my teeth into her neck, making her whimper and writhe against me. “Tell me you’re going to come home with me,” I commanded.
She remained tight-lipped, and I sucked on the sweetness of her skin, marking her. The way she responded only made me ache for her more. Her hips rolled back against me, rubbing over my hard cock, teasing me to the point of madness.
I lifted my head and shifted my hips, trying to readjust myself so I didn’t cripple my dick. The action brought me back to our surroundings, and I pressed my forehead to the back of her head as I tried to get my body under control.
“Arella, we’re staying at my place.” The more I thought about it, I didn’t want her to go back to her place alone. If this stalker knew where her parents lived, then he must have known her address as well. No fucking way was I going to let her stay there. “Stop being stubborn,” I gritted out when she remained mute. “If you won’t let me get you a bodyguard, then I will be your personal security.”
Her continued quiet worried me, and I turned her. Grasping her chin between my thumb and forefinger, I tilted her head back until our gazes locked. “What’s wrong?” I rasped out when I saw the glitter of tears in her eyes.
“Nothing,” she lied and pulled away from me. As she walked away from me, the door opened and Cathryn returned, followed by a man in a suit who I assumed was the detective they had mentioned earlier.
Cathryn handed over Arella’s phone, and the man messed with it for a moment before focusing on my girl. “Miss Stevenson, I would like a list of everyone you come into contact with at work. Even if you don’t personally speak to them, I want their names.”
Her brow wrinkling in concentration, she gave him a long list of everyone she saw on set for her drama. It took a while because there were a lot of people she came into contact with at the studio. The detective took notes on them all, including adding what each person’s job title was. That Arella knew so many names of the people she worked with made me fight a smile. She was so kind that she made time to speak to everyone, no matter if they were a makeup artist, director, sound tech person, or even a cleaner.
It was refreshing, but also cause for concern. Any of those people she was so friendly with could be the creepy bastard stalking her.
Once the list was complete, Kirtner put the phone in an evidence bag and labeled it. “I’ll have the tech guys do some tests, see if they can find any spyware apps or anything that might give us a lead as to who might be doing this. I suggest getting a new phone and a new number.” He gave her a stern look. “But only give the number to people you absolutely trust. This guy hasn’t tried to reach out to you with a phone call, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t have your number.”
“Yeah, okay. I understand.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Thanks for all your help, Detective.”
He pulled a card from his jacket pocket. “I want you to have my contact information in case you need to get in touch. If you need anything, just give me a call. You said you think the blocking of Mr. Moreitti’s number happened before Christmas, and you haven’t had any new packages delivered since before you took your trip. I want to think that this guy got bored and gave up, but I’m also realistic. Stay vigilant.”
Arella hesitated before taking the business card from him. “So, you don’t think I need personal security?”
He lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “For you, I would suggest an entire entourage of personal security. But that’s because Cathryn has shown me some of your other fan mail, and I’ve seen how some of your followers have tried to ambush you at award shows.” His keen eyes turned to me. “But that is your choice. I won’t force the issue if it isn’t something you’re comfortable with. At least not at this time.”
A phone going off had the detective pulling out his cell. Annoyance twisted his face. “Another case needs my attention,” he announced but glanced at Arella again. “Remember, if you need anything, just give me a call.”
She nodded. “Thanks again,” she told him with a tight smile.
Ten minutes later, we were back in her car, and I was driving us to pick her up a new phone. She was still being too quiet, but I didn’t want to argue with her, so I didn’t force her to tell me what was going through her head.
Parking in front of my cell carrier, I turned off the car and got out. I walked around to the passenger door, opening it for her and offering her my hand.
“This isn’t my carrier,” she said as she glanced at the building.
“No, it’s mine. I’m adding you to my plan.” Taking her hand, I entwined our fingers and tugged her toward the front door.
“I don’t need to be added to your plan,” she complained. “I can pay for my own phone and anything else.”
“I’m aware of that,” I grumbled, opening the door. “But I want your phone connected to mine.” Fuck, I wanted everything of hers connected to m
e.
She rolled her eyes. “Jordan, this is ridiculous.”
“Do you want the same phone you had?” I asked as we waited for assistance. “It was the newest iPhone, right?”
She sighed heavily but nodded. “Yes, the one that was just released a few months ago.”
“Okay, what color?” When a sales associate approached us, I told her what we wanted and that I wanted to add the line to my plan. It took barely fifteen minutes to get it all sorted, and while I paid for everything, Arella was already texting her new number to her parents.
I didn’t imagine that just because she gave in so easily over the phone that she would do the same on everything else. It was a minor win, and I still had too many major battles to go.
Like getting her to move in with me. Permanently.
Ten
Arella
I didn’t argue with Jordan. Not about the phone. Or stopping by my place to get a few things. Or even about going to dinner that night.
Because I knew they were just words to him.
In a week, I would switch the phone over to my own carrier and keep the number and the new iPhone. He would get bored with me and I would be right back at my place, so I didn’t bother to pack more than a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and my makeup bag.
As for dinner with his parents, I knew something would keep that from happening, so I didn’t feel even a flicker of nervousness like I would have had I thought for even a second that would become a reality. Either Jordan would come up with some excuse that kept us from going, or his parents would. I was nothing more than one of their son’s friends, not even important enough to be elevated to his best friend over the years. Really, I was no one to the Moreittis, so why would they want to take time out of their busy lives to have dinner with me?
That theory was proven correct when we walked into Jordan’s apartment and his phone alerted him to a text. As he tossed his keys into the beautiful decorative bowl that sat on his entrance hall table, he pulled his cell from his pocket and grunted as he read the message.
“My mom has a migraine,” he said as he followed me into his living room, where I was already making myself at home. “Dad is taking her home so she can sleep it off. But they’re going to let me know when a good day is to have our dinner.”
The sudden lump filling my throat made me realize a small part of me had been holding out hope that I was wrong. Pushing back the sting of tears, I averted my face so he wouldn’t see my weakness until I knew for sure I had myself under control.
“Okay. The rest of my week is pretty full, though.” Not that I wouldn’t have changed my plans if I thought Jordan’s parents really did want to meet me. But they didn’t.
I knew he didn’t understand my need to have him introduce me to his mother. Honestly, I didn’t fully understand it either. Maybe I wanted to know how he would introduce me. They knew who I was, so it wasn’t like he even had to make an actual introduction. Yet, I yearned to know if he would tell them I was just his friend—or something more.
I rolled my eyes at that silly fantasy. Of course, Jordan and I were only friends. Maybe he wanted something a little more, like friends with benefits, but I would’ve had to be the most gullible person to walk the earth if I thought for even a minute that he would ever want anything more with me—or any other girl, for that matter.
“Since dinner with the parentals is postponed, what would you like to eat?” he asked as he sat down beside me on his couch.
Unlike mine, his couch was plush and so comfortable I could have happily slept there for eternity. It was masculine, yet still decorative, and definitely something I would have picked out for him if I’d put the room together at his request. But his mom and Mia had helped him decorate his apartment when he’d moved in.
Not that he stayed there often. He spent so much time in Italy for work, the place was rarely lived in. But a cleaning service came in several days a week to make sure the place didn’t get dusty, and the fridge was stocked in case he returned home on short notice.
When I didn’t answer, he shifted, causing his thigh to brush against mine. I kicked off my heels and folded my legs beneath me so he wasn’t touching me so casually. That small, innocent contact was distracting enough.
“Do you want to go out, or should I order in?”
“I don’t feel like going out,” I told him as I picked up the TV remote and started flipping through channels. “And I need to be at the studio at six in the morning, so I’m going to have an early night. I called in sick today so I could attend the funeral, so that will extend the filming of the finale.”
He groaned like he was in pain. “That means we have to get up at four.”
“No, it means I have to get up at four.” I kept my gaze on the television as I channel-surfed, not really paying attention to what was on the screen, just needing something to look at other than him. “You don’t have to do anything.”
“I’m not leaving your side. You go to work, I’m going to be there.” He snatched the remote from my hand and tossed it on the floor. Grasping my hips, he lifted me onto his lap and buried his face in my neck. “What scent is your shampoo?”
“Honeysuckle,” I breathed, unable to keep from squirming as he pressed his nose into my hair and inhaled deeply. I could feel his hard-on pushing into my hip, and I swear, the thing was as thick as a tree trunk.
He thrust his hips up, making me want to turn and straddle him, take him deep and ride him all night long. I was about to give in, to hell with my rule, and pull him free from his pants. But before I could move, he lifted me and stood.
Breathing heavily, he turned me away from him. “Go shower. I’ll order us some dinner.”
Dazed, I picked up my overnight bag and walked toward his bedroom, weak-kneed. As I shut the door behind me, I realized he hadn’t even kissed me, and yet my panties were drenched and my entire body ached as if he’d brought me to the edge of completion and left me hanging.
Shaking my head at how powerless I was where Jordan was concerned, I unpacked my pajamas and my toiletries. Taking both into the bathroom with me, I took a moment to look around the spacious master bath. The few times I’d been there, I’d never seen his personal bathroom.
The shower was huge, with clear glass, all-black tile on the walls, and a smoky white-and-gray tile on the floor. A rain shower fell from the ceiling, and it had a handheld shower head I could control the power of easily. The jets on the highest setting felt good on the knots of my neck and shoulders and made me cry out as I let it pulse against my clit.
But I didn’t let it get me off. I wanted Jordan’s touch, his tongue, his thick cock taking care of the ache he was responsible for. My meeting-the-parents rule be damned. It wasn’t like that was going to happen anyway, and I needed to face reality and take him however I could get him for what little time we had together before he got bored and went back to Italy.
After I got out of the shower, I dried my hair and then walked out to the living room to find Jordan placing Chinese takeout boxes on the coffee table. He’d half unbuttoned his dress shirt, exposing his lightly hair-dusted chest and the tops of his abs. His sleeves were rolled up his forearms, something that had me gulping.
Some girls were into a guy’s tight ass or even his calves. Oddly enough, it was a guy’s forearms that made me lick my lips in appreciation. Although Jordan was the whole package with his well-defined ass, perfect calves, and basically leanly chiseled everywhere, he had forearms that made me want to trace my tongue over the veins that went up his arms.
And keep going over his entire body until I’d tasted every inch of him.
“I ordered extra egg rolls just for you,” he commented as he started opening containers. “And yes, before you ask, I did get the honey chicken just so you could dip your egg rolls in the sauce.”
“Dumplings?” I asked, and I bit my lip at how breathy my voice came out.
He lifted a container. “Dumplings with no dipping sauce because I know
the smell upsets your stomach.” He tapped a set of chopsticks still in their wrapper on the top of the soup. “Wonton soup as well.”
That he remembered all my favorite Chinese foods caused butterflies to flutter in my stomach while I crossed to him and folded my legs under myself as I sat on the floor. He dropped down beside me, but instead of reaching for the food, he pressed his nose to the side of my head. “This is one of my favorite smells in the world,” he muttered. “And it’s going to be all over this place. I’m never going to want to leave this apartment now.”
Needing to distract myself from his smooth lines, I reached for an egg roll and dipped it into the honey chicken. Taking a huge bite so I wouldn’t be expected to talk, I licked the sauce off my bottom lip and chewed.
“Your phone was going off earlier,” Jordan informed me as he picked up the container of noodles and thrust his chopsticks in to take a bite. “Who all did you give the new number to?”
I finished chewing before answering. “Just my parents, my sisters, and brother. Oh, and Palmer.” Spotting the phone on the end table beside the couch, I grabbed it.
The text was from my mom. I’d told her I lost my phone, and since I’d been thinking about changing my number for a while because I’d been getting some annoying calls from the press, I’d gone ahead and taken care of it when I picked up a replacement phone. Having been at Violet’s for the after-funeral gathering, she was just now getting back to me. Luckily, she was too distracted by what was going on with my cousin to really question me about my decision to switch numbers.
Mom: Thanks for letting me know, sweetheart. Love you.
I shot her a reply, telling her I loved her too, and dropped the phone on the floor beside me before grabbing a dumpling with my own chopsticks.
“You want wine?” Jordan asked as he picked up the bottle and poured himself a glass.
“No thanks.” I didn’t drink, not even wine. It wasn’t because I wasn’t old enough yet, but because my dad was a recovering alcoholic. It was mainly out of respect for him that I’d promised myself I would never touch a drop of alcohol, but also because, deep down, I was a little afraid I would use it as a crutch like he once had.
Needing Arella (Rockers' Legacy Book 6) Page 8
