“Can you help me pick out a gift for Adrian?” I ask weakly. She smiles at me.
“Of course, but what can we get the guy that has everything?”
“That’s my problem I cannot think of anything.” Sophie sighs as she begins to peer into another glass cabinet.
“Alanna why don’t you get him a watch,” I make my way over to her but I shake my head at her suggestion.
“No, he has a Rolex,” Sophie again sighs.
“Okay what about some cologne?”
“I would but I don’t know what kind he likes.” I confess. Sophie wrinkles her forehead at my answer.
“Hey what about some cufflinks,” she says as she gestures me forward. I make my way over to her as she points out a pair of yellow gold cufflinks. I smile at them and I kindly ask the shop assistant to take them from the cabinet.
“Do you think that he would like them?” Sophie asks as she gently lifts one of the cufflinks.
“Yes, I will take them,” I say to the shop assistant.
“Miss, would like them gift wrapped?” She asks as she points to the black wrapping paper.
“Yes please,” I say. I rummage through my bag in search of the credit card. I quickly find Adrian’s black American Express. However, I resist the urge to use it. Instead, I take out my own credit card and I quickly hand it over to the women.
“If Adrian asks I used his credit card, okay?” Sophie frowns at me.
“Okay Alanna.”
During lunch, the girls are talking freely about all of the wonderful things that they have bought. All though I am present in the conversation, my head remains elsewhere. In my head, I am in my suite with Adrian. We are sipping tea and he is kissing me gently. I let out a fluttering sigh and the girls instantly notice it.
“Oh my god Alanna could you be any more smitten?” Sophie says as she takes a bite of her food. I instantly blush and I notice that the girls begin to laugh at my emotions.
“Well, what can I say, I am in love?” I confess. Sophie quickly shakes her head at my words and Jessica lets out a gentle laugh. However, I notice that Emma does not respond. I watch as she sits quietly picking at her salad. I quickly begin to think that love is a touchy subject for her. Then Dr James flashes in my mind and I cannot help but wonder if she would talk to me about him. I make a gesture towards Sophie and I politely shake my head at her so that she will stop talking. I push my hair from my face as I look directly into Emma’s glowing green eyes.
“Emma do you have a boyfriend?” I ask in smooth tone. My heart races slightly as I wait for her reply.
“No, I don’t,” she finally admits. I tilt my head to one side as I take in her sadness. Her once lively eyes are now masked in a dark haze. Her forehead is scrunched and she exhales very deeply. I again want to talk to her about Dr James but I am not sure of how to approach the subject.
“Emma, I think that I know your ex-boyfriend.” Emma’s eyes quickly widen at my words and she instantly drops her fork.
“You know James?” She finally says. I nod at her.
“Yes, he was my doctor after the attack.” Jessica turns immediately towards me.
“Which attack?” She asks, as she looks very concerned.
“I was in hospital for a while, I got shot.” I blurt out. Jessica is in a state of shock and I feel that she is lost for words.
“I am so sorry I had no idea,” she says as she gently rubs my shoulder. I smile at her and I again turn towards Emma.
“Emma what happened between you and Dr James?” Emma takes a deep breath as she begins to talk.
“We dated for a while and he was an amazing guy but things just did not work out.”
“Emma he told me that your mom had very strong opinions about your relationship with him.”
“She did but my mom was just looking out for me. What she went through with my father changed her. It is hard for her to trust men and she wants me to focus on my career. James and I had a wonderful time together but at the end of the day I did not really… love him.”
“Emma you dated him for nine months you must have felt something for him?”
“I did but I am a believer in true love and James was not mine. I look at you and Adrian and that is what you guys have. James and I shared something special but it wasn’t the love that I crave.” I smile at Emma’s words and I feel that she is sincere. I was worried that she was messed up from her father being absent but the truth is that she is just a hopeless romantic. She gushes about love and I know that she believes in it. I quickly think of Maggie and I wonder if she knows this about her daughter. If she does then what must she think?
“I understand you want a love that consumes you. Someone who makes life worthwhile and shows you that love is all that you need.” Emma smiles at me and I quickly return her gesture. Jessica takes in our words and a gentle smile presses from her lips. Sophie gently rolls her eyes but then she confesses.
“Every girl would want a guy like Adrian.”
I gently lift my fork and I take a bite of my food. I turn my focus to the streets of London and I gently smile at the sight. However, my fork falls from my hand and smashes hard against the plate. The girls instantly stare at me and I quickly excuse myself. I walk over the window and I gaze out at what had me surprised. A black Lamborghini is parked in front of the restaurant. I try to focus my eyes to see who the driver is. I cannot therefore I rush out into the street. The car door opens and out walks Michael. He strides over to me in his dark blue jeans and black leather jacket. He instantly grins at me and I melt at the sight of him. I narrow my eyes as he gets closer and I wonder what he is doing here. I also wonder if that he has followed me here.
“Alanna, how nice to see you again,” he says as he leans in and gently kisses me on the cheek. I instantly smile at his accent and I look up into his ice blue eyes.
“Michael what are you doing here?” I ask in a slow tone. He holds his black iPhone in his hand as he gently pushes back his hair.
“Alanna what do you think that I am doing here?” He says very smugly.
“I hate to think what you are getting up to,” I say equally as smug. He lets out a dark laugh and I cannot contain my smile.
“Fair enough, babe.” He says as he slides his phone into his back pocket of his jeans. “So I hear that you and golden boy are having dinner tonight with my parents.”
“Michael what have I told you about the smug comments?” I say very firmly. He laughs at my words and he presses his finger onto my lips.
“Don’t get mad with me,” I gently pull his finger away and then I clear my throat.
“Yes we are having dinner tonight with your parents.”
“Are you nervous?” Michael asks quietly.
“Should I be?”
“Well yes you should be.”
“Why?” I ask as my heart begins to race.
“My mother is not your biggest fan,” I almost collapse at his words. I have never met his mother and why would she be mad at me?
“I don’t understand,” I say.
“Well it is simple. She has issues with you because she thinks that you are playing games with both Adrian and I.”
“That’s not true, I am not playing games.” I protest. Michael again laughs at me and I feel uneasy by his comments.
“Calm down Alanna I am only joking with you,” I reach over and I slap him hard on his arm. He laughs again and so I hit him again.
“How could you do that to me?” I ask as I hit him again. He catches my hand and he pulls me close.
“I am sorry but I could not resist.” I pull away from him and I shake my head heavily at him.
“Where is Katharine?” I ask in a strong voice.
“I don’t know. Shopping, a spa, god knows what she is doing.” I narrow my eyes at him.
“Michael if you don’t want to be with her then end things. Don’t string her along she will only end up getting hurt much worse than she already is.”
“Alanna it is non
e of your business how I treat Katharine.”
“Actually it is. She is my friend and I am not okay with you making a fool out of her. She deserves so much better than what you have to offer.” Michael straightens his face - instantly at my words and I can tell that I have hit a nerve.
“You know what Alanna I think that you want me to break up with her. You hate that I am with her. I would say that you are a little … jealous.”
“I am not jealous,” I say weakly.
“You pretty eyes say otherwise,” Michael says in dark voice. “Alanna I know that you care about me more than you say you do. I bet you think about me all the time. I would even go as far to say that you dream about me.” My face bursts into flames as I remember my vivid dreams about Michael. We dance and kiss and in my dreams, I love him. He watches as my face turns redder and he cannot hold in his smirk.
“Your face tells me all that I need to know.” He takes me by the hand and he places a soft kiss onto my forehead. He pulls back and gazes into my eyes.
“I will be seeing you - beautiful.”
Twenty
I arrive back at The Dorchester and I rush into my suite. I through the shopping bags onto the floor and I make my way into the bathroom. I begin to run a bath but then I hear the front door open. I march into the hallway and Adrian is standing before me. I walk over to him and he lunges me into the air. He kisses me and then he sets me back down. I try to catch my breath as he stares at me.
“How was your day?” He asks as he leans in towards me. He gently pushes my hair away from my neck as he plants a soft kiss onto my skin. His hands are tightly wrapped around my waist and I smile at his affection.
“My day was good and how was yours?” I say as he continues to kiss me softly.
“Just boring business - until this moment,” he says firmly. I lightly laugh and Adrian loosens his grip on me.
“Do I hear the water running?”
“Oh crap,” I shout as I run into the bathroom. The bath water is almost tippling out the sides as I shut off the taps. I turn around and Adrian is standing in the doorway.
“Are you going for a bath baby?” He asks as he loosely folds his arms. I blush a little at his words and then I reply.
“I was planning to,” Adrian laughs as he runs his fingers through his hair.
“Okay then baby, I will leave you in peace.” He gently closes the door and I begin to undress.
After my long hot bath, I slip on the white fluffy robe, which the hotel has provided. I walk over to the mirror and I begin to put on my make up for tonight’s dinner. I apply some light foundation and a little powder. I finish with a few strokes of mascara and finally a soft, pink gloss. I run my comb through my curly hair and I let it hang freely around my face. I reach into my wash bag and I take out my necklace - which I got from Adrian. I gently hang his initials around my neck and then I flash myself a little smile as I make my way out of the bathroom. I head into my room and I begin to pick through my new clothes. I choose a soft pink, mini dress and pair of white Jimmy Choos. I quickly change and then I head out into the lounge.
“Baby you are stunning.” Adrian quickly says as I make my way over to him. I lightly stroke his hair as I take the seat next to him. He stares over at me and he stretches out his arm. I lean into his chest and he softly kisses my forehead.
“Baby, are you happy?” He asks gently.
“Yes, I am happy are you?” He lightly exhales as he replies.
“I am but I feel that I could be… happier.” I turn to look up at him and he smirks at my reaction.
“What I meant was you and I could be happier. I think of our life and I feel that it is not yet complete. Something is missing baby and I don’t know what.” My heart races because I know what is missing. However, I cannot bring myself to say the words. Therefore, I play dumb.
“What is missing?”
“Baby do you know that I was going to ask you to marry me?” Adrian has avoided my question and I wonder why?
“I am aware but why didn’t you answer my question?” Adrian again smirks at me.
“Baby I don’t know what is missing so I cannot really answer your question. Now how do you feel about marrying me?”
“I don’t know, marriage is a big step and don’t you think that we are too young?” Adrian is not pleased by my response. He loosens his grip on me and lunges forward. He sits on the edge of the sofa as he glares at me.
“Alanna you are confusing me you say that you love me but why are you so hesitant towards marrying me?” I look at his gorgeous face and I am sensing his vulnerability. I reach over and I place my hand gently onto his strong back.
“Adrian I love you and one day we will be married. I just feel that now is not the right time.”
“I see and does Michael have anything to do with your reason?” Adrian asks in firm voice. I take my hand away from his back and I place it into his. He lifts his eyes from the floor and they lock on mine.
“Adrian it is you that I love and he has nothing to do with my reasons for not wanting to get married.” I confess as I lean in and kiss Adrian.
“I better go and get dressed,” Adrian says as he rises from the sofa. He makes his way into his room and I watch as he leaves. I try to compose myself as I think back on his words. Adrian is desperate to get married and no matter how much I love him I cannot get married at twenty-two. I do not feel ready to be a wife and I certainly am not ready for a life of domestic bliss. Adrian is pushing marriage because he is desperate to have a family. My biggest fear is that one day Adrian will change his mind about me. I am scared that he will realise that I am not enough for him and that I am not good enough. Adrian could have any girl he wants and I am nothing compared to him. I feel that it is best to keep things the way it is just now, as I could not bear it if lost him. I worry if we were to get married that things would change and I am not sure that I cope with a messy divorce. I know that this subject will always be on Adrian’s mind. However, I will try my hardest to fight him until that day when I can fight no longer. Until I have no other option but to marry him, I will protest in keeping things the way they are.
“Alanna,” I hear Adrian shout. I quickly rise up from the sofa and I march my way into his room. I am stunned when I see Adrian shirtless and standing in his closet. I stare and Adrian smirks.
“Can you help me choose a suit?” I walk over to him and I begin to look through his closet. I shake my head at the quantity of clothes he has. There are racks full of suits and piles of jeans. The entire back wall is lined with shoes and there is a separate wall for all his ties.
“Oh my god Adrian how many suits do you need?” He frowns at me.
“Will you just help me pick one?” I roll my eyes at him and I watch as he becomes frustrated.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me,” he says firmly. I laugh at him and then I begin to pick through his suits. I run my fingers along the arms of his jackets until I come across a familiar one. I stare at it for a minute and then I remember that it is the suit that he was wearing the first time that I saw him. The dark blue pinstripes remind me of the way I was drawn to him - from that very first glance. I lift the suit from the rail and I hand it to Adrian.
“What made you choose that one?” He says in a sarcastic tone. I smile at him and then I feel as if he was perhaps testing me. Maybe he wanted me to pick that suit. Adrian was possibly testing me to see if I remembered our first meeting. I shake my head slowly as I try to hide my paranoia.
“You wore that suit when we first met.” He looks at it and he smirks.
“Yes, I believe that I did.” Adrian switches the light off in his closet and he makes his way over to the bed. He throws the suit down and then he makes his way into the bathroom. He begins to fill the sink and he takes out his razor. I walk closer and then I finally stand in the doorway of the bathroom. Adrian turns to me.
“Baby what are you doing?” I blush but I maintain my position.
“Do you mind if I watc
h you shave?” He lets out a dark laugh and he makes a nod towards me. He switches off the tap and then he applies his shaving foam. He gently begins to shave and I cannot tear my eyes away from him. His fluid motions are mesmerizing to me and I could watch them all day. He rinses his face and then gently pats it dry. He reaches over and grabs his cologne and he splashes a few drops onto his neck. I catch a whiff of the scent and I breathe it in. He slips on his massive gold Rolex and then he makes his way back into the room. He approaches me and I grab onto his bare chest. He holds me tight as I run my fingers along his back. We kiss and then I break free.
“I will let you get dressed,”
Adrian walks into the lounge and he is breathtaking. I instantly smile at him as I clutch the little box that I have for him. He strides over to me.
“Adrian I have something for you,” I say as I hand him the little black box. He wrinkles his forehead at me and then he reaches for the gift.
“What is this?” He says in a firm voice.
“You are always buying me gifts am I not entitled to return the gesture?” Adrian rolls his eyes at me as he slowly begins to unwrap the outer packaging. My heart gently races as I await his reaction. He opens the box and he smiles at my gift.
“Thanks baby,” is all that he manages to say. I watch as he puts the cufflinks into place. I smile at him and then he grabs onto me.
Adrian walks me along to Sophie and Emma’s room. He knocks firmly on the door. Emma answers and she instantly smiles at her brother.
“Wow, you two look amazing,” she gushes.
“Alanna and I have dinner plans with my…” Adrian trails off and I know that he wants me to finish his sentence.
“We are having dinner with Mr Jenkins and his wife. They are Adrian’s adoptive parents.” Emma quickly senses that Adrian is uncomfortable talking about this subject so she quickly changes the topic.
“Okay well I am going to have a quiet night so I guess I will see you in the morning.” Adrian smiles at his sister and then she closes the door.
Adrian escorts me down into the reception of the hotel and he ushers me out into the cold night of London. We walk over to his black Range Rover and Adrian quickly opens the door for me. I jump in and I lean back into the plush leather seat. The car speeds away and Adrian grabs my hand as he drives. I look out onto the city and I cannot contain my smile. The London Bridge is mesmerizing and the London Eye is breath taking in the dark night. Big Ben chimes through the city and I again smile at the sound. Adrian’s phone rings and he pushes the steering wheel gently to answer his call.
Three Thousand Miles - Jealousy (book #2 of Three Thousand Miles Series) Page 24
