Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  Chapter 29

  In The Still Of The Night

  My shift at the coffee shop had dragged out and felt endless. Although it was only for five hours, it felt like a lifetime when I couldn’t get Jared off my mind. He called relentlessly, ringing every hour but I ignored and diverted his calls. He texted but I couldn’t bring myself to read them as yet; I was still so heartbroken over his questioning my emotions and his assumptions about my relationship with Ollie. When he resorted to calling the shop, Kate had taken every call, begging him to leave me alone and let me breathe. He wasn’t giving up easily and I felt a slight pang of guilt, knowing what he must have been going through every time I refused to speak to him.

  Finishing up my shift, I cleaned the tables and glanced at the door. Waving at me as she crossed the street was Amy. I smiled at her and felt a rush of relief as just seeing her face made me feel comforted and more at ease. She’d been my lifeline through the whole episode that day and between her and Kate, I was well and truly covered on the girl support front. I thought about calling Mel so many times but with her college work and making new friends, I didn’t want her to feel bad for being so far from me when I needed help. We were more like sisters than friends and no matter how long we went without speaking, I knew I could always count on her to be there for me. But I had made this mess and I was going to have to clean it up like the adult I continuously told myself that I was. Even if there were times when I wasn’t sure I believed it.

  After letting Amy in, Kate locked the doors and poured us all some coffee. Lounging on the sofa, I ripped off my apron and stared at the swirling foam of my cappuccino. Kate and Amy slouched on either side of me and each draped a supportive arm around my shoulders. Pulling my coffee towards me, Kate nudged it, encouraging me to take a drink.

  “Layla honey I’m sure things will work out. “ Kate said.

  “He was really upset when you wouldn’t talk to him and every time I told him you wouldn’t take his call, it was like I was kicking him in the crotch. I think he’s scared that the two of you might be over.” Snapping me out of my melancholy, I stared at her in horror. “No, it’s not over. I wouldn’t end it like that. Oh god what a mess. Why do I constantly make everything so complicated? First Ollie and now Jared. What am I supposed to do though? He doesn’t trust Ollie around me and no matter how much I tell him we’re just friends, he doesn’t seem to understand that I would never cheat on him. Even if Ollie did feel that way about me.” Ok, so I’d neglected to tell them that Jared was totally right on the money and that Ollie was definitely attracted to me. And I was certainly attracted to him but it was just a physical and sexual allure, nothing more, so surely it wasn’t important enough to mess up my relationship over?

  “And then to doubt and question how I feel about him? How could he?” I continued. “I have given him everything. I’m in this relationship a hundred per cent. Isn’t it obvious how I feel? I told him I love him. I’ve told him how much he means to me. I thought that was enough. I really don’t know if this is going to work anymore. If he can’t get past this Ollie thing and we don’t have trust then honestly, what do we have?”

  Simultaneously the two girls practically shouted the word “love” at me. Amy gripped my hand with both of hers and smiled widely. “Oh Layla, he loves you. You love him right back and you’re both insanely passionate about each other. The rest comes with time and patience. You need to sit down and talk to him without the whole world getting in the way. Away from his work, away from yours, away from college and away from Ollie. How much time have you guys actually spent talking to each other?”

  I sighed knowing she was fully aware that Jared and I spent very little time conversing and most of our time roaming our hands all over each other.

  “That’s what I thought. Stop doing this to yourself sweetie. You always take things to heart and cause tragedies out of hiccups. This is a hiccup and I bet he’s frantic right now and sick with worry. I know you want to talk to him really so why don’t you call him? Or at least read his messages.” Giving me a reassuring pat on the back Kate stood up and winked at Amy to follow her, giving me some privacy.

  They disappeared into the back room as I was pulling my cell phone from my pocket. I stared at the screen and sighed. Thirty four missed calls and five text messages. Ignoring the list of calls I scrolled through my messages and began to read them.

  Layla please pick up. This is ridiculous. You can’t ignore me forever. We need to talk about this.

  Received: 15.35

  From: Jared

  Layla please, for the love of god, pick up your phone. I just want to talk and work this out. Please call me.

  Received: 15.48

  From: Jared

  Ok. I get it. You’re mad but ignoring my calls and messages won’t make this better. I’m in hell here baby, please talk to me.

  Received: 16.08

  From: Jared

  What can I do to get you to talk to me? Amy says to leave you alone, Kate says to give you space. The only one not telling me what you want is you. I need to talk to you, please, just answer my calls.

  Received: 16.29

  From: Jared

  I do trust you Layla. I’m just terrified you’ll wake up one day and be over me, over us. I love you and I just want to know you’re alright. Pick up. Jared. xxxx

  Received: 16.55

  From: Jared

  Holding my head in my hands I sighed. His last message tore my heart and anger to pieces. Holding my breath, I dialed his number but it diverted straight to voicemail. Hanging up, I dropped the cell onto the couch and groaned into my hands. Amy and Kate were at my side within moments and I was enveloped in a comforting hug from both of them as I fought to hold back my frustrated and anguished tears.

  “I tried to call but he’s switched off his cell. I think it’s over. I should have called him or answered his messages but I was too fucking stubborn for my own good. It’s like I wanted to actually punish him or something. I hate myself and he has every reason to hate me too. He’s right. I am a child.”

  Struggling out of their arms, I snatched my purse from the couch and hurried to the door. Unlocking it, Kate gave me a sympathetic look and let Amy and I out.

  We walked back to the dorm in silence. I had nothing left in me. I was completely shattered physically, mentally and emotionally. When we got back I saw Amy glancing at the clock almost every five minutes and it never occurred to me she might have plans that she was putting off to be my shoulder to cry on. Sitting on my bed I questioned her jittery demeanor. “Amy, do you have plans tonight? Because you either have plans or you’re developing some kind of weird clock fetish. Every time you see the time you seem to get a little agitated. So what’s it to be?” Biting her bottom lip she smiled. “Actually, I do have a date. Remember James from the opera? He’s supposed to be taking me to his restaurant for dinner. But I can totally cancel and stay here with you.”

  Raising my hand to silence her I shook my head. “No way. You are not putting off the chance to eat at one of the top restaurants in the city to sit here with me while I wallow in self-pity. You better get ready. I’m just going to close my eyes for a little while.” Nodding, she pecked me on the cheek and disappeared into the bathroom.

  Laying my head on the pillow, I thought about how enthusiastic I had been on my first date with Jared, which felt like a distant and hazy memory as I lay there mulling over the upsetting events of the day. The pain of our fight was now a familiar and uncomfortable fixture in my chest which constricted and heaved as tears began to fall down my cheeks. God, I seemed to spend so much time either screaming or crying since I’d met him. Surely that wasn’t healthy. My emotions were constantly in high gear being with him. Softly sobbing, I gripped my pillow and cried myself to sleep.

  I woke with a start and breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have been pulled from my nightmare. With tired eyes I glanced at my clock and groaned seeing that it was only three in the morning. An urgent need t
o pee meant I was going to have to get out of bed. I looked over at Amy’s bed and found it still empty. I hadn’t woken when she left but I assumed by her absence that her date must be going well. Swinging my legs out of my duvet, I jumped as my foot hit something hard and cold on the floor. Turning on the bed side lamp, I stared down at the object next to my foot. Picking it up, I smiled. It was a white coffee mug with the words “I Love NY” printed across the front and a message had been scribbled in permanent marker on the back. Turning it around I read it as happiness and relief flooded body. “I love you Layla Jennings, I always have and I always will. Don’t give up on me yet baby.” Hugging it to my chest I realized he must have been here in my room and I had missed him. Springing to my feet I rushed to the window and saw the bright tail lights of the Mercedes pulling out of the parking lot.

  Snatching my cell from the night stand my fingers frantically typed a message to him. I needed to let him know I was still in this as much as he was and that giving up wasn’t an option. Hitting send, I grinned and ran my fingers over the porcelain mug. To most people it was just that, a mug. But to me it was much more. It was love. He’d cut his trip short and come to my room in the middle of the night just to leave me this token of his affection, to make sure I was ok and to let me know he loved me. I hugged myself knowing how truly lucky I really was.

  * * *

  Clutching the mug in my hands, I’d managed to get another three hours of sleep, waking when I heard the sound of keys rattling in the door. Sitting up, I rested on my elbows and raised an eyebrow at Amy as she totted in. Her shoes dangled in one hand, her lipstick smeared she caught me staring and grinned. “I take it you had a good night then?”

  Tossing her Manolo Blahnik’s on the bed she sighed contentedly. “Oh Layla, he’s so perfect. He’s a real honest to god gentleman. He held doors open for me, pulled my chair out, everything. He’s amazing. And he’s smart, funny, witty and an amazing dancer. He took me to this exclusive club and we danced till the sun came up. And boy can he kiss. I thought I might stop breathing; it was that good!” I laughed as she fell backwards onto my bed gazing at the ceiling. Crawling out of my duvet I laid next to her. “So, no more frogs huh? Prince charming at last?” She laughed and turned to face me. “Oh I hope so. Don’t think I could cope with anymore spawn sucking toads after last night. It was just perfect Layla. Oh my god, listen to me going on. How are you this morning? Did you reach him?”

  Grabbing the mug from next to my pillow, I held it out to her and she took it from me with a wide smile. “Oh my goodness Layla! He came here? He came all the way from New York just to see you! I told you he wouldn’t give up on you two yet. What happened? What did he say?” Shrugging I shook my head. “Nothing. I didn’t see him. I woke up at three and found it on the floor. He must have snuck in and left it there while I was asleep. I have no idea how he got in but he did. I just managed to see the Mercedes he has Daniel chauffeur pull out of the parking lot. He must have come here straight from the airport. I haven’t even spoken to him yet. He left me a note and I sent him a text but that’s it.”

  Taking the mug from my hands, she tipped it up and read the note. Squealing, she kicked her legs in the air like an excited child. “Him getting in is my fault. I was in such a rush I must have forgotten to lock the door. But oh, Layla, could he be more wonderful? We have to be the two luckiest girls I know! Well don’t just lay here grinning at me. You have work in an hour remember. It’s Friday.” Realizing the time, I sprung to my feet and rushed around pulling on my jeans with one hand and brushing my teeth with the other. Grabbing a blue t-shirt from my closet that had the words “Blondes Do It Better” across the front, I pulled it over my head and pulled my hair back into a tight ponytail. Holding out my apron for me, Amy smiled and shook her head. Plucking it from her grasp I shot her a quick smile and ran out the door.

  Turning the corner, I saw Kate at the doors ready to open up and sprinted across the street to meet her. Opening the doors she smiled at me sweetly. “Hey girl, you look better today. You talk to the boss?” Slipping off my jacket I filled her in on the events that had unfolded during my slumber and she reacted with the same enthusiasm as Amy had. We moved around the shop, fluidly working in the well-oiled machine way we had developed over the past few weeks. Setting up tables and warming the coffee maker, I stood for a moment and smiled contentedly to myself. Life was good. I had good friends, great colleagues and a man that was desperately in love with me. Everything was perfect. So why did I have the horrible feeling that something was waiting just around the corner to bring it all crashing down around me? I’d leapt off the cliff and was still flying but eventually I was destined to hit the ground. Shaking the disturbing thoughts from my head I walked out to the office to collect the mail. Lorraine had become so comfortable leaving me and Kate in charge that she was now only coming in to collect receipts and make sure that shifts were covered. We hadn’t seen her in days. I never had much opportunity to meet the other staff that worked there because I was always scheduled on Kate’s shift. It suited me that way. We were a great team and what’s more is that we had fun.

  The stereo fired up and I chuckled knowing that Kate would soon be wiggling her ass around the shop to some sort of classic rock album she’d put on. But no heavy bass kicked in. No electric guitar twanged and strummed. Instead, the soft and cool sounds of an acoustic guitar echoed through the speakers. I made my way back out to the shop floor and perplexedly scanned the room. Kate had disappeared and the shop was completely desolate. The sound of the guitar filled my ears as I stood at the counter completely baffled at her choice of music. The intro ended and the deep and sultry voice of Elvis boomed over the sound system.

  The hairs on my neck began to stand up and a warm breath was grazing my neck. An instantly recognizable scent of soap, sweet cologne and hair gel filled my senses. Engorging my nostrils, the familiar aphrodisiac caused my pulse to spike as I instantly became aware of a throbbing between my legs. There was only one man in the world that had that effect on my body and it was a welcome sensation. Singing the sweet words of ‘Love Me Tender’ in my ear, his deep sensual voice sent shivers through my body and a tingle down my spine. My legs grew weak and my head rolled back as I closed my eyes, savoring every sweet hushed word, every breath he breathed on my sensitive skin and the gentle caress of his hands as they slid around my waist.

  Turning me to face him, he gazed deeply into my eyes. It was as though he was staring right into my soul. I could feel tears pooling as I stared into his perfectly blue eyes. Cupping my face in his hands he pressed a gentle, caressing kiss on my lips. Tears began to slide down my face and over his thumbs as he pressed them firmly to my cheeks. Breathless, I pulled away and met his gaze. Wiping away my tears he smiled ruefully. “Shhh, baby, don’t cry. I hate to see you cry. I’m sorry, for everything. I do trust you entirely. I’m just so damn terrified of losing you and it makes me crazy knowing you’re here with someone else while I’m miles away wishing I were with you. I’m sorry I went off at you and I understand if you can never forgive me. I said some horrible things and I hurt you. But please don’t give up on me Layla. I’ll do anything to make it right. I love you so much.” Pressing his forehead against mine he held my hand over his heart and placed his on top. I could feel the beat pounding beneath my fingertips.

  A long breath escaped my lungs that I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding. Closing my eyes I smiled. “Jared, I was never going to give up on you, it was never an option. I love you too. I know I may not say it, or show it the way I should but never ever doubt how I feel about you. You’re oxygen and I can’t breathe without you.” Taking his free hand I placed it on my chest and pressed it against my own thundering heart. “And this will always belong to you. I could never give it to anyone else. Your name is carved on my heart Jared and it can’t beat without you. I love you, completely, entirely and desperately.”

  Catching me by surprise he kissed me deeply and passionately. His tongue push
ed into my mouth and fervently rolled and stroked mine. His hand released mine from his chest as he gripped the back of my neck pulling me to him. I followed suit and slid my own hand around his back pressing us closer together, deepening the kiss.

  “Ahem.” Kate coughed lightly, distracting us from our impassioned embrace. Pulling away from Jared I shot her an apologetic smile but she simply shook her head and laughed. “I’d hate to break this little love in up but we have to open in about ten minutes. So if you could find it in your will power to keep your hands off each other for a few hours I’d be most grateful. I can’t run this place by myself.” Chuckling, I shrugged at Jared. “Sorry boss, we’ll have to cool it off for now. I’d hate to get fired for indecent displays of affection at work.” He grinned at me mischievously. “I don’t think that would be a problem at all Miss Jennings. I happen to know the boss would absolutely adore it if you got a little indecent with your man.” Shoving him gently away from me he took my hands tightly in his. “How can I possibly leave now? I’ve spent the most agonizing three days away from you and now you have to abandon me for this place. Seems highly unfair if you ask me.”

  “You don’t have to tell me. I would love to blow this place off and come with you but I have to work. I have needs Mr. Garrett.”

  His grin widened and he snickered. Breathing heavily, he whispered in my ear, sending chills through my body and goose bumps on my pale skin. “Blow, come. Oh Layla, you say such wonderfully sweet things to me. I would love for you to blow and come with me too amongst other things. You don’t have to work you know, anything you need I can get it for you. You could spend all your free time tied up with me.” I rolled my eyes at his double entendre and shook my head at him. Feigning outrage, I shoved him a little. “Mr. Garrett! Now who’s being indecent? I am perfectly capable of providing for myself. I love my job and I love the people I work with and for. You can keep me tied up in my free time. In fact, I insist on it.” His eyes grew dark and hooded and I knew exactly what images he was conjuring as I was doing the same. Standing on my tiptoes, I gave him a chaste kiss. “Those thoughts you’re thinking, hold on to those. I’ll be out of here in five hours.” Wrapping his arms around me, he held me tightly to him. “I can’t wait.”