She regarded me with disbelief painted on her face. Blinking rapidly her mouth fell open. “Let me get this straight. He gave you jewelry, a laptop, a five thousand dollar credit limit and enjoys spending his cash on you. And you’re mad at him?” Shaking her head she gave me a sympathetic smile. “Oh sweetie. You really are a nightmare. I understand where you’re coming from with your history and that you’re feeling over whelmed, but have you actually ever told him that? Because I think if you did, he might rethink some of his actions. Besides maybe it’s his way of expressing how he feels. Did you consider that?” I thought for a moment and wondered if she was right. I definitely needed to talk to him about his over the top gestures but the idea that it was how he expressed his feelings about me had never crossed my mind. The way I had treated him during our phone call sent a chill through me and my heart ached with regret. How would I ever be able to apologize for the way I acted? Would he even forgive me? I’d taken his sweet gesture and thrown it in his face. God I really was a royal bitch.
Chapter 24
It Must Be Love
Kate left me alone in the office, telling me I could stay as long as I wanted before she went back out into the shop. Sitting in the cold leather chair, I rested my forearms on the desk and dropped my head onto them. The wood smelled of citrus pledge and it filled my nostrils as I pressed my nose against the desk. I was so tired I could have easily nodded off right there in the office but the sound of keys rattling roused me from my doze. Lifting my head, I slowly opened my eyes. Leaning his shoulder into the door frame and thumbing his keys in his hand, was a disheveled and wary Jared. I instantly felt more alert. My breath caught in my lungs and my chest felt tight.
His hair and clothes were damp and they clung to him like cellophane. The white shirt was see-through and I could see every curve, line and contour of his rock hard body. The deep Apollo’s belt, which led to a very large and appetizing piece of erotic equipment, was prominent against his slick wet shirt. His jeans were soaked and the light denim was now a deep blue. Water dripped from his light brown hair down the side of his face, glistening as it rolled over his caramel skin. I could feel my heart beat quickening as my eyes roamed freely over his masculine, firm and completely beguiling body. Our eyes met and he stared me down. His expression was difficult to gauge. He didn’t appear riled but he was certainly displeased. “I just came by to get the receipts for the week. Do you mind?” Signaling for me to shift away from the desk he brushed past me and I had to fight the urge to throw my arms around him.
He stood beside me flicking through the small pieces of paper in his hands. His icy demeanor increased my guilt as I stared up at him.
Gulping down the lump in my throat, I stood and placed my hand on his shoulder. He regarded it coolly before returning his attention to the receipts and I let out a long sigh. “Jared, I’m sorry. I acted like a child and I understand if you’re too mad to speak to me. I shouldn’t have gone off like that and I know I must have seemed ungrateful but I’m not. It’s very generous of you. It’s all just a little overwhelming. I’m not used to having things just given to me like that. I had a very modest upbringing and these gifts and gestures are going to take some adjusting to. I am grateful and I do appreciate your help and the beautiful gifts. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say. I’ll leave you to your work.”
I went to leave but he caught my hand as I breezed past him. Shaking his head, he stared at me.
“It’s raining out. Did you know? You see, I do because I got soaked roaming the streets of Long Beach searching for you. You had me worried fucking sick Layla. Again!” Wincing, I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’m sorry. Maybe I should go.” He groaned in frustration as his grip tightened on my hand. “Oh come on Layla, we both know I didn’t come here for the receipts. I called and Kate said you were here. I need to talk about this and you need to listen.” Swinging me around, he sat me in the chair by the desk. Gripping the arms, he leaned forward, caging me in.
The dampness of his hair caused cool droplets of water to drip onto my cleavage and run down my chest. “I’m sorry I upset you and that you felt unable to have a rational conversation with me about it. But I couldn’t leave things like this and go to New York so I went to your dorm to find you. Amy told me the two of you had a fight and that you’d stormed out in typical Layla fashion. I searched for you all over then figured you might have come here. I was worried sick, especially when it started to rain. The last thing I want is you sick with flu. I’m sorry you felt my gifts were too much but I’m not willing to accept them back. And for the record I do not now, nor have I ever considered you a gold-digger or a whore. I am furious that you could think that of me and frankly, it’s taking me a lot of self-control not to throw you over that desk and teach you a lesson.”
My insides clenched at the very idea. Would he really do that, here, now? I tried to keep my cool and calm my now heavy breathing. “I’m sorry I yelled at you and I’m sorry I made you worry. But it worries me how much money you’re willing to spend on someone you barely even know. Isn’t this all kind of fast?”
Resting his forehead against mine he closed his eyes and exhaled loudly. “Layla, the first moment I laid eyes on you I knew I had to have you. I watched you walk across that street to the coffee house in a complete daze. You were breathtaking. Fumbling around in your purse, your hair blowing in the breeze around your face. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. In fact I was so stunned I never even noticed how close I was standing to the door when you backed your way into it. So when you asked me how I didn’t see you through that glass, I did see you. Then when you told me you worked here, oh Layla, I can’t lie, I was thrilled and worried all at the same time. It meant I would be able to see you whenever I wanted. That’s why I came in the next day and every day after that, just to see you here. When you agreed to go on a date with me, I thought my head and chest would explode from the sheer joy I felt. You were so easy to talk to and wonderfully fiery, sarcastic, yet warm and caring at the same time. I feel like I’ve known you forever. I’ve never shared a connection with anyone like the one I have with you. So no, I don’t think it’s fast.”
I found myself grinning as I remembered the events of the day we first met. So he had seen me after all. Part of me wanted to tease him about it but something told me he wasn’t quite finished. Taking my hands in his, he opened his eyes and gazed deeply into mine. His scent filled my senses and the sweet aroma of vanilla and coffee mixed with the delicious cologne he was wearing made me swoon. “Layla. I don’t know how you feel about me. I hope you feel as deeply as I do, but I knew the moment I saw you how I felt. It hit me like a bolt of lightning right here.” He pressed my palm against his chest, just above his heart. I drew in a sharp breath. “Layla I’m falling for you. I’m deeply, madly and completely head over heels for you. You’re mine and I want to take care of you. Please, let me give you things while I can, let me spoil you and treat you the way you deserve. Like a queen. My queen. I…” He took a long breath while I held mine in anticipation of his next heart stopping words.
“…I love you Layla.”
I gawked at him, completely speechless. I was lost for words, yet a thousand ran through my mind at warp speed. Concern became etched across his face as I continued to struggle to form a sentence or even a coherent word. Swallowing hard, I tried frantically to regain my equilibrium. He loves me. And not just puppy love, oh no. Its fireworks, hearts, flowers, diamonds and sparkles. He’s madly in love with me. Releasing a sigh, he ran his thumb over my knuckles. “I know it’s a lot to take in. And I don’t expect you to reciprocate. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. You’re my world Layla. My universe wouldn’t be complete without you in it.” A long breath left my lungs and I was finally able to speak. Holding my fingertips against his soft lips, I smiled up at him, gazing into his eyes. I felt the connection between us getting stronger and more intense with every word he had spoken. “I feel exactly the same. I was just too scared to tel
l you. I wasn’t sure you could love me back. But now that I know, I feel like I’m walking on air. I love you too. It’s probably why you have the ability to make me so angry. You’re so intense and your whole body just calls to me in a way I have never experienced. I hate not being with you and I miss you so much when we’re apart. The way you make me feel when you’re near me is incredible. I feel desirable, sexy, sensual and totally delirious with happiness. I’m not sure how long I can go without feeling your body against mine.”
A suggestive grin spread across his face. “Agreed. Come on, let’s go. I’m leaving the state in less that twelve hours and I want you in my bed, naked and warm before I go. Call it a going away present.”
Grabbing me on the ass he hauled me over his shoulder. I squealed and giggled with delight while kicking my feet which were now in the air above his head. “Jared! What are you doing?! Put me down this instant.” Swatting me on the behind he laughed. “Not a chance. I’m not risking you storming off again my lady. These sneakers are going in the trash too. They make it far too easy for you to make your get away. In fact…” He grabbed my ankle and slid his hand downwards pulling off my sneaker in the process; then repeated his actions with my other foot. Both my shoes landed with a loud thud on the office floor. Hanging upside down, my head in line with his broad back, I noticed Kate coming towards us through the crook of Jared’s arm. I seized my opportunity to plead with her for some assistance but from her delighted expression, I knew I wasn’t going to be getting much help from her. “Ah Miss Danes. Could you please see to it that Miss Jennings’ sneakers are disposed of in the dumpster out back?”
“Kate, don’t you dare!”
Swatting me on the behind again and this time a little harder, Jared instantly silenced me. “Miss Danes if you would be so kind I’ll be sure to include a generous bonus in your pay check this month.”
“Bribery, that’s really professional and ethical. Kate are you seriously going to do this?”
Crouching down so that our eyes could meet, Kate gave me an apologetic smile. “Sorry sweetie. I could sure use the cash. Besides, with your sneakers in the trash Mr. Garrett will be forced to buy you a whole new pair. Right sir?”
“Absolutely Ms. Danes. Now if you’d excuse us.”
Heading into the now desolate shop, I gave Kate one last pleading look as she gathered up my discarded shoes. Smiling back at me she waved before walking out back to the dumpster. I swatted Jared on the ass letting him know I was peeved.
“Hey! Behave and keep your roaming hands to yourself back there or I’ll give you something to complain about.” And with that, he smacked me harder on my behind, making me gasp in shock. It wasn’t painful; in fact I rather enjoyed it, which shocked me even more. “You are so buying me new shoes Mr. Garrett!”
“Indeed, maybe a pair of fuck me heels?” I chuckled as we exited the shop and walked into the quiet street. Well, he walked and I was carried. It was dark now and it had stopped raining but the weather wasn’t cold, just cool.
The rain had left the scent of damp, muskiness in the air. As I hung there, upside down over his shoulder, Jared used his free hand to fumble in his jeans front pocket. “Uh baby, while you’re back there, would you mind reaching into my back pocket and getting my keys.”
I happily obliged, taking the opportunity to grope and grab his firm round buttock in the process. “Down girl. You keep that up and we won’t even make it back to the house.”
“I wouldn’t complain at all sir.”
A sharp pain made me gasp and my breath caught in my throat when Jared’s teeth sank into the delicate flesh of my behind as he growled deeply in his throat. He hadn’t bitten me hard but it was enough to leave a mark for certain. Much like the spanking had done earlier, the sudden clamping down of his jaws around my tush excited me. It was arousing yet frightening how much I enjoyed the pain and pleasure of it all.
Upon reaching the car he set me on my feet. I felt a little unsteady as my eyes and brain tried to adjust to being the correct way up again. Advancing on me slowly, I saw the fire beginning to simmer in his eyes and the light blue turning darker into a deep shade of cobalt once more. He looked like a predator homing in on its prey and I was delighted to be caught. My back pressed against the cold steel of the car door. Gripping his hands on the car by either side of my head, he caged me in. My breathing became heavy as I eagerly anticipated his touch on my skin, his lips on mine and his hot body against my flesh. I was suddenly aware of my naked feet. While the rest of my body sizzled with heat and scorching arousal, my feet were beginning to feel cold. The parking lot had been sheltered from the downpour outside leaving the concrete dry and I was grateful that my feet were merely cold rather than wet also. Glancing down at my feet Jared noticed the predicament he had caused by casting out my sneakers.
Grabbing me on the behind he hoisted my hips against his and wrapped my legs around his waist, pressing me further and harder into the cool steel. My head fell back against the roof and I prayed he would take his chance to unleash his lips on my wanting, waiting skin. He didn’t disappoint. Seconds later Jared’s soft and tender kisses caressed my exposed neck, slowly working his way from the nape to my jaw. “I wonder how many kisses it would take me to get from here…” He flicked his tongue over my bottom lip and a soft whimper escaped me. “…To here.” His hand left my thigh as he slid it swiftly between my legs. I smiled, biting my lip as his fingers brushed against my thin cotton pants. “Oh I wish you’d worn a skirt today.” My eyes closed as he ran his fingertips over my stomach to my hip, gripping it and running his thumb over my curves as he moved. Gradually he made his way up my side to my breast, removing it from the cup of my bra with a firm tug. I opened my eyes and scanned the car park hoping we were alone but I was so caught up in the moment, someone could have easily been standing right next to me and I wouldn’t have cared. I wanted him desperately, needed him inside me. With his keys in hand I ran my fingertips all over his chest before sliding them to his back as his mouth found my breast. Stroking it gently with his tongue, he massaged and groped with his hand. I arched my back, pushing my chest firmly into his hand. He nipped gently on the fleshy rounded part of my breasts before lifting his head and closing his lips over mine; kissing me deeply and with an urgent need. I moaned into his mouth and he thrust his hips against me hard and meaningfully.
The car sprung to life. The ear splitting siren of the alarm echoed through the parking lot as the lights flashed wildly. Startled, I clung to Jared as he fumbled frantically in his pockets for his keys before realizing I had them still clutched in my hand. Taking them from me he hit the button and the car was instantly silenced once more. Our moment of passion had been well and truly interrupted and I couldn’t help but laugh at the whole thing. Releasing my grip on him I lowered my feet to the ground, readjusted my bra and laughed heartily. Jared ran his fingers through his damp brown hair and grinned back at me. “Well. That was eventful. Let’s say you and I get out of here and go somewhere a little warmer and a little less public? Besides I don’t want you getting cold feet.” Giving me a playful wink he scooped me into his arms, opened the passenger door and placed me gently on the seat.
His damp clothes clung to his body as he moved around to the driver’s door and a shiver ran down my spine. My feet were freezing but my blood was still running scalding hot. And he was mine. The thought was almost too good to be true, but it was true. Jared Garrett, millionaire, businessman, playboy and philanthropist was in love with me. Layla Jennings, a simple girl from Pasadena with divorced parents and a high school diploma. It was mind boggling and a little frightening. Everything had moved so fast between us. I didn’t believe in instant love or love at first sight but what I felt for him was deeper than anything I’d ever felt before. I had always thought Josh had been my first love, but what we had shared didn’t even scratch the surface of what I was feeling for Jared. Had he ever been in love before? Had anyone ever even come close? Surely he’d had a high school gi
rlfriend and at college there must have been dozens of young preppy girls just itching to get into the shorts of the young Garrett heir. I instantly found myself wondering about the others. How many women had there been for Jared? He certainly wasn’t short of admirers and from what I’d heard, he’d not just sown his wild oats, there were entire plantations of them!
I watched him, deep in my own self torturing thoughts and bit my lip. The questions were poised on the tip of my tongue. How many women? Did he love them? Are they still around? I didn’t want to be that girl; the jealous, clingy and needy type. But surely it wasn’t completely irrational to want to know a little about the relationship history of the man I love? I mean they do say that you’re not just sleeping with them; you’re sleeping with everyone they ever slept with. I just needed a rough idea of what I was up against. Josh had been the only man I’d ever been with till Jared. Well, except for Gary Colbert; but a fumble in the back seat of his car followed by a premature ejaculation really didn’t count in my book.
Bound Together Page 20
