Bound Together

by Marie Coulson

  “There, now it’s exactly where he belongs. Dumped.” Although I understood his reasons for that, I still felt it extremely harsh and found myself almost wanting to leap to Jared’s defense. Why? He had lied, hurt me and broken my heart so why should I have given him even an ounce of loyalty? I knew the answer and Ollie did too as seeing my irritated expression he scowled at me.

  “No Layla. He doesn’t deserve it.”

  Mel gave me a knowing look and shaking my head softly I continued to open my gifts. Mel had given me a beautiful new purse which was white and encrusted with crystals around the edge. My parents had bought me everything from makeup, perfume and stunning dresses to chocolate and car accessories. I was surrounded by a pile of gifts and people I loved. Missing the one person to make my circle complete I grabbed my cell and dialed Amy, putting it on speaker phone.

  “Merry Christmas Layla!” The sound of her voice made me grin as Mel and Ollie shouted down the phone at her. “Merry Christmas Amy!”

  She giggled. “Oh, Merry Christmas guys. So how’s everybody doing?”

  We all talked about our gifts, how we would be spending the day and how we couldn’t wait to all be together again. “Layla, could you take me off speaker please? I need to talk to you.” Curious as to what she could possibly need to say to me that she couldn’t tell the others, I complied and walked out of the living room to the hall. My parents were in the kitchen drinking coffee and mom was beginning to make preparations for lunch.

  “What’s up?”

  She sighed. “Have you seen a newspaper this week?”

  “No, why?”

  “Felix’s restaurant chain has been completely destroyed. Apparently one of his biggest investors pulled all funding and now the whole thing has collapsed like a house of cards. Layla, was Jared at all involved with Felix’s business? It would make an awful lot of sense.”

  I thought for a moment back to that evening at the ballroom. Jared had told me he was invested in a restaurant and Felix had asked if he was seeing that his money was well cared for. “I think you’re right Amy. Jared did say he had stakes in a restaurant. But if he hated Felix so much why would he invest?”

  “I don’t know, but what I do know, is that he is fucking livid Layla. Felix went all crazy at a journalist who asked if the sudden collapse had anything to do with the young woman he had recently been involved with. You were pictured as his date, remember?” Shit. Things just got messier.

  Exhaling loudly, I massaged my temple as a tension headache began to throb. “Great, no doubt I’ll now have a whole heap of trouble heading my way. Thanks for the heads up Amy.”

  “Sorry Layla, just thought you outta know. I gotta go but I miss you all like crazy and I can’t wait to see you.” Hanging up, I stared at my cell. My fingers hovered over the key pad as I fought with myself. Typing out a quick text I hit send. Too late now. It buzzed in my hand a second later. Glancing into the sitting room, I saw Ollie and Mel looking through the pile of classic rock CD’s I’d gotten him for Christmas. I bolted up the stairs to my bedroom, took a deep breath and answered. “Layla.”

  Oh good lord. My legs turned to jelly as his voice purred down the phone at me, causing me to quickly take a seat on my bed. “Hello Jared. I just heard that Felix’s company has gone under and that the press seem to be looking at me as a possible cause. I just need to know if this is something I should be worried about.”

  “It’s true his company has now come into difficulty but you should be fine Layla. He has yet to disclose details of your association with him and after the warning I gave him, he won’t be. Was that all?” His tone was clipped and his patience short. I felt as though we had just discussed a business deal and deep down, that hurt.

  “Um, yes, I guess so. I just needed to be sure. Thank you for your time. I realize you probably have a lot going on today. Merry Christmas Jared.”

  The line went dead. Inhaling sharply I fought back the urge to cry. No, I wouldn’t do this to myself anymore. I had to move on. He’d clearly left his feelings for me in a dumpster so why shouldn’t I do the same. Straightening up, I left the cell on my bed and headed back down to my family and friends. A distinct sparkle in his eye, Ollie smiled at me and my bad mood melted away. Jared who?

  Chapter 40

  Steady As She Goes

  January and February seemed to flash right before my eyes. After Christmas break was over we’d all come back to reality and seemed to settle right back into our old routine. Classes were getting more intense and my stack of books seemed to increase a foot every week. So whenever Friday night arrived, our weekly trip to the bar was a welcome reprieve from reading. I hadn’t spoken to or heard from Jared since Christmas morning and to be honest, I was glad. Without him constantly invading my thoughts I could finally try and move on with Ollie. Forming our own two person study group for Dr. Harman’s psych class, we’d been dating for well over two months. We went to movies, out for dinner and sometimes I’d hang out with him and the band while they rehearsed. Nick had tried to ban me by saying that I was a distraction after Ollie kept persistently messing up during rehearsals. Kissing me and giving me that sexy smile of his, he would often miss a note, key change or in one case an entire song, completely because he was too busy making out with me on Eric’s couch. Things were intensely hot and heavy between us and whenever we were alone for more than five minutes I ran the dangerous risk of getting totally carried away. We still hadn’t had sex and I was getting the feeling Ollie’s patience and his junk were becoming very, very tired of waiting.

  On Valentine’s Day, he’d taken me for a ride on his motorcycle up to the hills where he’d prepared a candle lit picnic dinner for just the two of us. Sitting astride his Ducati he was more than hot; he was off the thermometer scorching! His black leather pants and matching jacket made him look every bit the rock star. Holding out his hand to me, he grinned.

  “Wanna take a ride on my monster? It’s big, powerful and can go from zero to ‘oh good fucking god’ in sixty seconds.”

  I rolled my eyes and smiled. Climbing onto the beast and sitting behind him, my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, my thighs pressed against him, I could feel the heat radiating between my legs. I really wasn’t sure how long I could go on waiting. With the best intentions we’d continued to hold off giving into our sexual urges but that night in those hills, he’d successfully rounded second base and was sliding his way quite literally into third. We’d finished our picnic and laid there gazing up at the stars as I snuggled into the crook of his arm. Turning his head to face me, he gave me one of his trademark heart stopping Oliver Green smiles and I swear the elastic on my panties snapped, just looking at him. His flushed pink lips begged to be kissed and my own were only too happy to oblige whenever the demand was made. His cool metallic lip ring against my warm lips always made me smile and I couldn’t help but flick my tongue over it, every single chance I got. He was delicious, sexy as hell and hot, hot, hot. My insides were practically begging for him to give me ecstasy but whenever we came close, my heart would pull out that megaphone and give me that ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ warning. Once we had sex, things would be different between us and we could never go back to how it was.

  Pressing his lips to mine, he groaned and I could feel how much he was struggling to contain himself as his hand slid over my hip, lifting my shirt and skimming over my waist. “Oh god Layla, I want you so badly.”

  I moaned into his mouth, taking his hand in mine and guiding it slowly across my stomach and down to the waist of my jeans. He hesitated and pressing his forehead against mine, he breathed hard. “Are you sure?”

  Undoing my button and pulling down the zipper, I placed my hand on his and slid it gently down underneath my panties. Gazing into my eyes, his breathing hitched and he took in a sudden sharp breath as his fingers grazed the fleshy folds of my sex. I felt like a virgin again and Ollie seemed so nervous. I actually began to wonder if he’d ever done this before. But as he teased
his fingertip up and down my moist slit, I knew he was an expert at this game. I wriggled underneath his gentle fingers. Closing my eyes I licked my lips as a shiver of anticipation ran down my spine. I could hear his breathing becoming harsher and the warm sensations of it on my skin were putting me firmly under his spell. His eyes glistened and sparkled as he clenched his jaw and groaned gently. His long finger slid slowly between the lips of my sex and grazed my clit ever so slightly, making me gasp and bring my knees up, pressing his hand firmly between my thighs.

  His teeth nipped gently on my earlobe before his tongue slid sweetly into my ear, causing my body to tremble and quiver at the tickling sensation. I let out a tiny giggle but was silenced by his mouth closing over mine. His fingers moved gradually further and further down and as I felt him touch the opening to my sex, I thrust my hips upwards and held his wrist firmly with my hand, forcing him to push inside me. He chuckled but obliged, swirling and sliding two of his perfect fingers in and out of me. It had been months since I’d had sex and my body was practically convulsing as he touched, stroked and fingered my g-spot. “Oh my god, Ollie.”

  His erection was pressing into my hip and his pelvis rocked back and forth against me, giving him a little of that friction he clearly desired. I reached out for his zipper but using his free hand he seized mine and threaded our fingers together. His thumb found my clit and began unhurriedly and tenderly caressing the throbbing ache between my thighs. I arched my back, bowing and bending as the blissful pre-orgasmic pulsations began to surge through my body. The desperate need to climax becoming my one and only goal, I held his wrist tightly in my hand and squeezed my thighs together urging him to grant me the pleasure I so desperately desired. He didn’t disappoint. Thrusting his fingers deeper, he massaged the sweet spot inside and I instantly felt my orgasm draw nearer. His thumb pressed and rubbed determinedly on my clit and I panted, writhed and grinded my hips against his hand.

  Kissing me deeply, he groaned a primal and hungry sound from deep in his throat. He bit down gently on my bottom lip and it sent me hurtling over the edge. Fierce, body shaking clenches inside me throbbed against his fingers. The sweet, gratifying surge of orgasmic electricity shot through my veins causing me to cry out in pure ecstasy. Burying my head in his chest, I bit down hard on his hoodie, muffling my loud and grateful moaning. His eyes were tightly closed and I could feel his chest rising and falling rapidly beneath my head. His heart thundered loudly against my ear and I felt him shudder as though trying desperately to contain himself. His erection was pressing so hard into my hip; I could only assume how painful he was finding it being restrained so tightly in his pants. I wanted to grant him the same sweet release but as I tried once again to reach for him he halted me, gripping my hand firmly in his palm. Through his ragged breathing he spoke softly and warmly into my ear. “No, I wanted to do this for you. I’ll wait Layla.” My heart surged with a rush of emotion for him. Pulling him to me I wrapped him in my arms and kissed him, letting my breath leave my body and becoming totally absorbed in his arms. He was wonderful, so sweet, attentive, caring and what’s more was that he loved me. I wanted so much to give him all of me right there on that blanket. To be everything he wanted and needed was all I desired to give to him but something kept on holding me back like a harness around my heart and I got the impression that Ollie knew this.

  After that night, our physical contact seemed to become less frequent and he seemed reluctant to go anywhere past making out. I’d tried to talk about it but he just kept telling me he wasn’t willing to rush and that he would wait. I wasn’t ready to have sex for sure but I felt I could happily slide into third base with him at least. During one of our study sessions I’d tried desperately to seduce him into the idea but he was not going to be swayed by my attempts to unzip his pants and fondle his crotch. I had never felt so guilty, there he was giving me all of him, completely and I was still only giving him ninety percent. He told me every day how much he adored me and every time he said the words I love you, he would hold his breath for a moment and I knew he was holding onto a hope that I would reciprocate. When my words wouldn’t come he would just smile, kiss me and say it was alright, that we’d get there. I did wonder if that’s the reason he wasn’t willing to go too far sexually. Maybe he didn’t feel I really wanted it; that I was just going through the motions. And well, wasn’t I?

  As hard as I tried I couldn’t fall in love with Ollie. I loved him, I loved him the way you can love someone that you care about. I loved his sense of humor, the way he took care of me, the way he looked at me with such wonderment and most of all I loved that he loved me. But I couldn’t love him the way he wanted me to. I cried myself to sleep many nights thinking over how long the whole charade could possibly continue before one of us would break.

  * * *

  Sitting in the spring sunshine, I buried my nose in my book. Dr. Harman had assigned us a new reading list ready for the semester after spring break and I wanted to get a head start before the holidays. The sun was warm and the temperature was mild, it was a perfect day for reading. A shadow cast over my book and rolling over onto my side, I gazed up to find Ollie holding his motorcycle helmet. Crouching down beside me he brushed a hair from my eyes and kissed me. I smiled but it immediately dropped when I saw the look on his face. His eyes were sad and his expression was one of regret, it worried me. Glancing behind him, I noticed a large overnight bag. “You’re going somewhere?”

  He nodded and my heart sank.

  “I have to go to Utah. I got a letter from my mother this morning. I need to see her.”

  I sat up right and held his hand as he hung his head and sighed deeply. “What happened? Why the sudden change of heart?” The last time we’d spoken about his mother, Ollie had gone crazy and said he never wanted to hear about her or speak to her ever again. And now he was driving across the country to see her? “She says she needs to see me, says that she has a lot to tell me and wants me to just hear her out. So I called her on the number she wrote on the letter and told her to leave me the hell alone. She got all upset, crying and shit on the phone, so I said if I agree, I meet her just once, then that’s it. She disappears and leaves me the fuck alone for good. I have to leave now to get there by sundown. I’ll stay overnight in a hotel and then come back tomorrow night. I won’t be gone long and I should be home by sun up, I promise you. I’d ask you to come with me but I really don’t think I could handle you and that bitch in the same room together, she doesn’t deserve to even breathe the same air as you do.”

  He was getting worked up and he had a long drive ahead of him. I didn’t want him going on the road upset. Rolling onto my knees, I pressed my lips to his. “Shhh, It’s fine. If you’re sure that it’s really what you want then I am behind you all the way. I think you should hear her out, at least then you won’t spend your life wondering why she got in touch.”

  He nodded and brushed his nose the length of mine. “Come see me off?”

  Smiling, I took his hand and got to my feet. His Ducati was parked just across from the lawn I was lying on. Its hot red paintwork gleamed in the sun and the chrome was sparkling. His black leather jacket hung over the seat and placing his helmet on top he turned to me. Cupping my face in his hands, he rested his forehead against mine. “I’m going to miss you so much. It’ll be the longest twenty four hours of my life. I’ll call you as soon as I get to the hotel and again after I’ve seen her tomorrow. Ok?”

  I nodded and grabbed his helmet from behind him. “Drive safe ok. I want you back here in one piece. Don’t take risks, always look twice at the junctions and please, please, watch your speed. These things are a death trap.” God, I sounded just like Jared now! Ollie laughed but nodded his head understanding my anxiety for his safety.

  Wrapping his arms around me he inhaled deeply into my hair. “I’ll be careful, I swear. What are you going to do all weekend while I’m gone?” Weekends had usually been date night Saturday and lounging around Sunday. “I don’t know, read an
d catch up on my assignments. Maybe go out with the girls. I’ll keep busy.” Taking the helmet from my hand he gave me one last long and lingering kiss before sliding it over his head. Grabbing his jacket, he slipped it on and straddled the huge piece of machinery. Ollie always looked so hot on his bike; it gave him that extra oomph of sex appeal. If it were at all possible for him to get any sheet clenching sexier, that bike certainly helped. Hooking his fingers under my chin, he pulled me towards him. “I’ll be back before you know it.” His words were muffled through the helmet and I had to stop myself from giggling a little. Holding my hands on either side of his helmet, I placed a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. I couldn’t see his mouth but the way his eyes danced I could see he was smiling at me.

  The bike revved and growled as Ollie started her up. His hands gripping the handlebars, he kicked the stand away and gave me a nod before zooming off and out of the parking lot. For reasons I didn’t want to explore, I stood and stared at the tire marks he had left. Why didn’t I feel upset? I wasn’t sad, longing for him to come back nor was I absolutely devastated to be without him for a couple of days. When Jared had gone for four days I was completely beside myself with grief. I was worried about Ollie but I wasn’t aching for his return. I should have realized then that my heart was trying to speak to me but pushing the thoughts away once more, I ignored its warning.