Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  There was a white arched door in the far corner of the room which I assumed was the bathroom. I was right. The room was stunning. It was large and well lit by spotlights that were sunken into the ceiling. A big rectangular bathtub, equipped with Jacuzzi jets and a heat setting was in the center of the room. It was on a platform and surrounded by tiny lights fixed into the tiles. The entire room was a shade of cream and the tiles were a brilliant and blinding gold. There were two sinks which I took to mean they were designed for him and her, just as the other rooms had been. The shower was big enough for two and had tall glass doors. Walking over to the sinks, I caught a glimpse of myself in the large golden framed mirror above them. Oh Layla. You are a mess girl. I needed a shower and a brush to hack at my hair, badly. Staring into the mirror, I eyed the reflection of the shower behind me.

  Grabbing a towel from the shelf on the wall, I stripped off the sheet that clung to my body and got in. It was heaven. I set the water as hot as I could stand it and groaned as the water pressure massaged my aching muscles. Sex with Jared was nothing short of a work out for my body and at the rate we were going, I’d be shedding my curves for an athletic figure in no time. I washed my hair and spent a few moments buffing and preening my body till I was satisfied I was clean and ready for the day.

  Drying myself, I wrapped the towel around my chest before making my way back to the guest room where I dressed quickly. I’d packed my best jeans and a simple white blouse that complimented my curvy figure perfectly. I brushed my hair and pulled it back into a tight ponytail. It was still wet but I was starving and the smells that filled the house were delicious. The luxury of a blow dry would simply have to wait. A loud ringing echoed from Jared’s room and not wanting him to miss an important call, I hurried down the hall to answer it. It was sitting on the vintage couch vibrating and I quickly picked it up, just as it was about to slide off the edge. Looking at the screen, I noticed that the caller had withheld their number and curiously I answered. “Hello? Jared?” A woman’s voice spoke down the phone and it took me by surprise. Confused, I answered back. “Who is this?”

  The line went dead the moment my voice travelled through the receiver. Gripping it in my hand I stared at it. What was that all about?

  My mind swirling with unanswered questions, I made my way down stairs and the sound of the music became clearer. The rock and roll rhythms of Elvis reverberated through the house. Passing the dining room, I smiled to myself as I caught a glimpse of the glass table that I had been laying on the night before. Approaching the kitchen, I quietly stood in the doorway. Leaning my hip on the frame, I watched him. Dressed in sweat pants and a simple white tee, Jared stood with his back to me, mixing some batter in a large glass bowl. The music stopped and another song began to play: ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis. He was clearly a fan.

  I grinned as he began to sing loudly to the lyrics, gyrating his hips like the king himself. I watched him with amusement. I’d almost forgotten that he was only twenty-two years old. He carried himself in a way that was so much older than he really was. I realized that had probably happened when his parents died. Jared had been forced to leave his adolescent days behind and take over his father’s business. But the Jared in front of me now was young, carefree and very sexy. I stifled a laugh as he began to thrash his legs around in a move I’d seen the king perform during a music channel tribute to the man himself.

  Spinning around Jared stared at me in horror before running his fingers through his thick brown and gold highlighted hair and blushing profusely. Realizing I’d embarrassed him I grabbed a spoon that was lying on the counter top and held it to my mouth like a microphone. Singing loud and clear I sashayed over to him, spoon in hand. I laid on the diva nice and thick. He smiled at me so wide that it almost reached his eyes which were now gazing down at me in amusement. Thrusting my hips and curling my lip, pulling off an impressive Elvis pout I shimmied and swayed around the kitchen, diffusing the tense atmosphere I had caused by disrupting his morning concert for one. When the song ended I placed my spoon on the counter top again and took a bow as he whistled and applauded. “Bravo my lady. A thoroughly good show all round I’d say. And I’m not just talking about that performance. Last night was amazing.” Pulling me into an embrace, he kissed me tenderly before pulling away to gaze at me. His eyes were bright and almost danced as he smiled at me. “In fact, I was wondering what you had planned for the weekend? I wondered if you might like to stay, here, with me, for a whole two days. Mmmmm just think what I could do to your delectably delicious body over 48 hours.”

  Raising my hand to his lips he kissed each of my fingertips before trailing kisses over my palm to my wrist. “Actually, I promised my dad I’d visit home this weekend.”

  “So tell him you’re sick or that you have to study. I don’t know make something up.”

  Pulling my hand away I regarded him coolly. “I’m not lying to my father Jared. I never lie to him. I’ve only been home once since I got here and I made a promise. I never break a promise. So, as much as I would love to spend an entire weekend as your sex slave, I have to go home. And you have a business to run. Remember?”

  Rolling his eyes, he let out an exasperated sigh. “Ok, ok, I get it. For the record though, I don’t usually work on weekends, but if you’re going to be away then I’ll have to busy my hands with something else. Figured that you’d be a daddy’s girl. When I asked if you had any other men in your life I should be worried about, I forgot about your father being one of them. But it’s sweet that you are so close. You’re very lucky.”

  “I know I am. Which is why I simply must drag myself away from you and go to Pasadena. By the way you had a call. I answered but they hung up. Number withheld and it was a woman. Anything you need to tell me?” Walking around the counter, I pulled out a stool. He shrugged. “Not that I’m aware of. It was probably just a business call. Nothing to worry about. Perhaps when you answered they thought they had the wrong number.” Kissing my forehead he smiled. I couldn’t shake the feeling he was hiding something but I had to give him the benefit of the doubt at least once. Didn’t I?

  Pouring a glass of milk for himself he seemed a little on edge. “So how are you getting to Pasadena exactly?”

  Resting my elbows on the counter top I answered, “By car like everyone else. I’m driving. My dad bought me a car. It’s a real hottie too. Sky blue Ford Focus.” Arching his eyebrow at me he turned back to the stove and began heating a pan.

  “And you plan to drive there alone? And how long have you had this car? Is its engineering sound? In fact how long have you had your license? Do you have much driving experience?” Why was he asking me so many questions? Did he honestly think my father would give me a car if I wasn’t perfectly capable of driving it? The thought that Jared doubted my driving ability was beginning to upset me. “Whoa calm down. First of all I wouldn’t drive it if I didn’t feel completely safe, my father is a mechanic, remember. I’ve been driving since I was sixteen and got my license over a year ago. I am perfectly capable of driving to Pasadena.” His back still turned, I rolled my eyes at him. He was being so overprotective. I wasn’t a child anymore I was turning twenty in a few weeks.

  “I know you just rolled your eyes at me Layla. I also know you think I’m being over-protective but I’m not. I’m realistic. It’s not that I worry about your driving skills it’s the other assholes on the road. The last thing I want is for you to end up in the hospital because some coke snorting, joy riding dick on a dope high, runs you off the road. Will you at least take your roommate with you? The two of you are friends right? You could introduce her to your best friend back home.”

  He did make a good point. It would be nice for Mel and Amy to meet. They were the only two girlfriends I had in my life and based on their personalities they were sure to get along really well. He poured some of the batter into a pan and with skillful grace, flipped the pancake into the air, catching it as it landed back into the scorching hot pan. He plated it up and brought
it over, placing it in front of me. “Bon appétit my lady.” I melted a little inside. After all, he was just looking out for me. And wasn’t that exactly what I wanted him to do? Picking up my fork I pointed it at him. “Fine. I’ll take Amy. But not because you told me to or because I’m worried about driving alone to Pasadena. I’m doing it so she and Mel can get to know each other. Understood?”

  Leaning across the counter he lowered my fork with his hand and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “Perfectly my lady. You are your own boss as always.” Chuckling, I took a bite out of my pancake. “Technically, you’re my boss.” He winked at me and grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now eat your breakfast so I can take you home before I end up sprawling you over that table again and giving you something to think about over the weekend.” Now that was an idea.

  Pushing away the sinful thoughts he had provoked in me with that simple suggestion, I changed the subject. Nodding at the speakers mounted on the wall I smiled. “So, Elvis huh?” Rubbernecking, he realized what I was referring to and gave me a boyish grin. “Well he’s like me, a king. He was the king of rock and roll and I’m a king of the business world and my enterprise, my kingdom. Besides, his music totally rocks. It’s classic and never goes out of style. His lyrics are heartfelt and he sings them with real emotion. Not like that grunge and emo shit you get today.” I snickered at him “You sound like my grandpa used to.”

  “Sounds like your gramps was a very wise man. Now, if you’ve quite satisfied your curiosity, I suggest you eat your breakfast so I can drive you back to campus. Lord knows I wish you wouldn’t go but the sooner I leave you, the sooner you can miss me.” I smiled and stuck my tongue out at him playfully. Arching an eyebrow, he leaned forward and stared at my mouth. “Don’t stick your tongue out at me unless you know how to use it. And I can think of several better uses for that mouthwatering piece of equipment than to mock me.”

  Smirking at him I stuck it out again very slowly before pulling it back quickly and pressing my lips together. Leaping across the counter he spun me around, his arms by my sides as he gripped the edge, caging me in. His mouth was inches from my own and I could smell the minty freshness of his breath. “Go ahead Layla. Do that again. I dare you.” Holding my breath, I timidly parted my lips but before I could even get my tongue towards them, Jared slid his into my mouth with a deep sensual hunger. An aching between my legs reminded me of how quickly and easily this man could press my buttons. Knowing full well how fast things could develop, I pulled away breathless and panting. Placing my hand on his heaving, rock solid chest, I breathed deeply, trying to regain my equilibrium. “I have to go home and if you keep kissing me like that I will never leave. And no, before you say anything, that is not an option. I have to go see my father.” Sighing deeply, he pressed his lips into a hard line. Placing a chaste kiss on them I smiled suggestively. “To quote the words of a very wise man I know. Don’t pout, Jared.”

  Chapter 20

  A Mothers Love Can Be Painful

  Jared had been very quiet on the drive back to the campus. I got the feeling that he was still brooding about the fact that I hadn’t leapt at the chance to spend the weekend with him. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to; lord knows I would have loved nothing more than to be living in my underwear for two days and having Jared care for my every need. The thought was perfectly delicious and I was practically salivating at the idea of it all. But the reality of the situation was that I had to go see my father. I missed him and it had only been a few weeks since I’d left. He would have hit the roof if I’d called and told him that I was spending the weekend in Long Beach with this new guy I’ve been seeing for little over a month now. He would’ve had a massive cardiac arrest right there on the phone.

  Pulling up outside the dorm, I turned myself in my seat to face him. He was staring at his steering wheel with a sad look on his face. Hooking my finger and thumb on his chin I drew his face away from the wheel to look at me. “It’s only for one night. I’ll call you as soon as I get to Pasadena and you can call me, text me or even email me whenever you want. We can have dinner on Sunday if you like. You’ll be so busy with work you won’t even notice I’m gone. Trust me.”

  I placed a soft kiss on his lips and he sighed heavily.

  “Layla, I most certainly will notice you’re gone. In fact, it’s going to plague me until Sunday. I’m going to worry and panic until you call to tell me you’re safe and sound in Pasadena and then I’m going to panic and worry waiting for you to come back. But I will definitely be calling, texting and emailing you. In fact…” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. Handing it to me he pointed at the numbers listed there. “…That’s my cell, office, home and email. You can reach me anytime. Day or night. If you call my office, just tell them who you are and that I’m expecting your call. Don’t worry I’ll be making Janine aware of you first thing Monday.” My head snapped up. Instantly tensing I gave him a curious expression. “Janine?”

  “My secretary. You’re not jealous are you? Because you have no reason to be. Janine is a fifty-six year old grandmother with crow’s feet and wrinkles even Max Factor can’t cover up. Besides I only have eyes for you.” Moving from my seat I climbed onto his lap as he cupped my face in his hands, pulling me to him for a long and lingering kiss. Removing them from my face he gently stroked up and down my spine, lightly running his fingers over my thin blouse. Goosebumps began to appear on my skin as the feel of his gentle touch sent a prickling sensation through me.

  Coming up for air I rested my forehead on his, our noses touching and our lips so close I could still taste him. “I have to go. I’ll call you, I promise. Don’t work too hard. Behave yourself as you would expect me to behave and try not to miss me too much.”

  Sighing, he opened his car door and I shifted off his lap, setting my feet on the sidewalk. Pulling himself up he stood in front of me, holding my hands in his. “I will try and get some work done, though with you on my mind, that’s not very likely. I will miss you like crazy the moment you walk inside that door and I only have a problem behaving myself when you’re around, so I’d say you have nothing to worry about. Now get in there before I come to my senses, haul you over my shoulder, drag you back to my place and imprison you in my bedroom all weekend.”

  Giving him a chaste kiss, I nodded and walked towards the entrance of the dorm. Glancing back one last time, I waved as he yelled after me, “I hate that you have to go. But I sure do love to watch you leave!”

  Playfully, I smacked my ass at him and watched gleefully as his eyes widened and a wicked grin spread across his lips. Winking at him, I turned away and walked through the heavy double doors. I stood inside for a moment with my back against the wall, trying to catch my breath. The sound of his engine distracted me and I watched through the corner of my eye as his car pulled away and sped out of the parking lot.

  As I walked down the corridor to my room I could hear the sound of a guitar reverberating through the walls. I knew exactly where it was coming from and as I got nearer, I could see a tall blonde guy standing at Ollie’s door, hammering loudly with his fist. “Turn that fuckin’ racket down. Seriously dude some of us are trying to sleep. I mean shit its fuckin’ 10 a.m. Pause for the cause!”

  I winced. Oh dear. My thought about our neighbors being ok with the guys playing was obviously restricted to certain acceptable hours of the day. Approaching the guy who was still furiously banging on Ollie’s door I tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me. Mind if I give it a try?” Moving aside he waved at the door. “Go ahead. I’ve been banging on it for over an hour. The guy’s a complete dick.”

  I stifled a laugh and gently rapped on the door. “Ollie. It’s me. Would you mind opening the door so I can give you a hug before I go back to Pasadena for the weekend?” The music immediately came to a halt and silence filled the hallway. Opening the door Ollie grinned at me. “Hey superstar! Come on in. Sorry about the noise, did I wake you or Amy?” Giving the guy behind me a sarcastic s
mile he ushered me into his room and shut the door behind me.

  Laughing, I shoved him on the arm. “Ollie! Don’t be such a dick. You don’t want people complaining about you to the Resident Advisor. You could end up out on your ass.”

  He shrugged. “Like I give a shit what guys like him think. He and his little girlfriend make a shit-load of noise every fucking night and I don’t go banging his door down. I mean I even know her name and I haven’t even met her yet. He screams like a bitch whenever they’re going at it. At first it was funny but now it’s kinda pissin’ me off.”

  I fell onto his bed and laughed so hard my jaw ached. Sitting down next to me he chuckled. “It’s not funny Layla.”

  Tears were running down my face as I sat up and leaned my head on his shoulder. “Maybe you should bring a girl back and make some noise of your own.”

  Giving me a smirk he draped his arm around my shoulders. “Is that an offer?”

  I shoved him and he shrugged. “Hey it was worth a try. So you heading back to Pasadena, huh? Thought you might have been tied up all weekend with the meathead.”

  I shot him a warning look. Raising his hands in front of him in defense he recanted. “Sorry. I am. But come on Layla. What is it you see in the guy? He’s your boss, he lied to you, and he picked you up last night and dragged you away from your friends. I mean who does that kind of shit? Plus he’s like twenty-two. You’re only nineteen.”

  Shooting to my feet I turned and glowered at him. He was overstepping the mark and I was beginning to lose my cool with him. “First of all Ollie he’s not my boss, Lorraine is my boss. Jared just pays the bills and oversees the finance. Secondly, he didn’t drag me away. I went willingly. His age makes absolutely no difference to me or the way I feel about him and not that it matters but I’ll be twenty in a few weeks! I really don’t know why you hate him so much Ollie. He’s never done anything to you. Tell me what it is that makes you loathe him so much. What exactly is your fucking problem?!” I was fuming at him.