“This is my choice, sir. I’d appreciate if you can respect it.”
He turns an angry glare at his daughter before promising, “You will regret this. You walk out of here with this man, you’re no longer my daughter.”
I rise, thinking that Sienna may just choose her father because disowning her is something that wasn’t what I had expected. But moments later, she shocks me when she rises alongside me and tangles her fingers with mine.
“Thank you, Dad, I wish things were different.” Her voice is drenched in sadness, and I want to ask her if she’s sure, but I don’t. I’ll do that the moment we’re in the car. I don’t want her to lose her family.
He waves his hand, wordlessly dismissing us, and I feel the heat of his glare on my back as we make our way out of the office. When we reach the entrance foyer, I turn to Sienna.
“You don’t have to do this. I would’ve quit anyway, I just… I don’t want you losing your father,” I tell her.
“If he can’t offer me the same respect that I gave him all my life, then I don’t want him in my life.” Her voice is confident as she smiles up at me. “This is us. I choose you.”
“And I choose you,” I confirm before leading her out to the car, knowing that I’ve finally done something right in my life.
21
Sienna
I roll out of bed, the sun streaming in through the large windows. I was so exhausted last night I didn’t bother closing the curtains. Pushing off the bed, I stalk into my bathroom, rolling my neck from side to side.
I glance in the mirror and take in my reflection, noting how different I look, but yet, I’m still the same. I’m happy. My cheeks are rosy, my expression is relaxed.
I have two men in my life who I should thank for that. Turning on the shower, I watch the steam billow in the space, and step under the spray, allowing the water to soothe my sore muscles.
Hayden said he’d pick me up this morning as last night, after dinner, he told me he’s taking me out for the day. I grin at how nervous he looked. After all the time we spent together, this is new to us both. I realized then that romance was taking him out of his element.
He told me I should wear something comfortable, preferably shorts and a bikini. I settle on my white jean shorts and a loose shirt over a hot pink bikini. I pull my hair into a high ponytail and opt for a pair of flat sandals. I assume we’re going to the beach, and I can’t deny I’m excited. I would love to get some tanning time in since winter has been rather harsh.
When the doorbell rings, I suck in a breath and open the door. He leans against the doorway, a wolfish smirk on his face. He looks sexy in the blue surf shorts that hug him perfectly. Along with a plain white t-shirt which looks painted to his toned torso, I can’t help licking my lips. His hair a mess as usual, and I notice the glint of mischief in his gaze when his tongue darts out and wets his lips.
“You look beautiful,” he says, his voice husky.
He steps into the space, and my heart thuds against my chest. He leans in and places a soft kiss on my lips. “Ready, Princess?”
The way he says those words sends shivers down my spine. I nod, grabbing my purse and keys, and I follow him out of the apartment. He places a hand on the small of my back and leads me toward the elevator.
“I’m pretty rusty at this dating thing,” he tells me with a grin. His left hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck as nervous energy flows from him.
“I bet you say that to all the girls,” I tease as the numbers count us down and soon, we’re deposited on the ground floor and exit the building out onto the sidewalk.
We stop outside the passenger door, and he turns toward me. Reaching for my face, he cups my cheeks in his hands. His blue gaze locked on mine, he has so much sincerity in his stare, it leaves me breathless for a second.
“I haven’t been on a date with a woman in a long time. I never saw the need for it. I had work and Ty. But I want to do this with you.” It’s a promise, a plea, and I nod slowly.
He presses his lips to mine, and I wrap my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes as he deepens the kiss. Our mouths fuse and his tongue darts out, dancing with mine in a slow sensual movement that sends heat coursing through me.
When he finally breaks the kiss, he pulls away to offer me a cocky wink before stepping back. I have to inhale a deep breath to calm my erratic heartbeat and cool myself down. He opens the door for me, and I slip into the passenger seat.
“So what do you have in mind?” I question turning toward him when he settles in the driver’s seat beside me, my excitement palpable.
He shakes his head and pretends to zip his mouth closed. Soon the engine is purring, and we’re on our way out of the city, and I have a feeling I know where we’re headed.
The drive is accompanied by music from the stereo and me bursting with excitement at every turn he takes, and when we head over Brooklyn Bridge toward Long Island, I’m giddy. Even though I’m not familiar with the area, I know there are many beaches where music festivals and concerts are held.
The long drive is comfortable, and we chat randomly about life, our parents, and I learn more about him. When we finally pull up at a beach in Montauk which leaves me breathless. We step out of the car, and I squeal in excitement at the beauty.
The smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline, and the euphoria of being with Hayden, all culminates inside me. I can’t deny I’m falling; I’ve fallen. Head over heels.
I kick off my sandals, and he has to chase me to keep up. It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and there isn’t even a breeze.
Hayden lays a beach blanket on the sand and pitches an umbrella. He tugs his shirt off, and I wonder briefly if I would ever get tired of the sight of his body. He relaxes on his elbows, watching me, sunscreen in hand.
“Strip for me,” he tells me, gesturing with his chin toward my shorts and the tee I’m wearing.
I make a show of removing my shirt and then unbuttoning my jean shorts. Hayden licks his lips, crooking a finger for me to come closer and lie down next to him which I happily do.
Gently, he starts spreading sunscreen on my exposed skin, which only seems to heat me up from the inside out. Each and every touch is torture.
“I don’t think we should’ve done this in public, Hayden,” I grin over my shoulder as he moves his warm hands down my back.
When he’s done, he glances toward me and shakes the bottle for me to take over. “We’re not in public, we’re like the only people here,” he remarks playfully. I grab the sunscreen and squirt a dollop into my palm as Hayden moves so I can get to his back and shoulders. Once I’ve covered his bare skin, he rises quickly before challenging, “I’ll race you.” He takes off in a slow sprint down the beach toward the water.
I laugh at that because I quickly catch up with him close to the water’s edge. When I reach him, he stops suddenly, turning to grab me, forcing a squeal to fall from my lips. He wraps his arms around my waist, threatening to dunk me.
My eyes widen, and I bite out quickly, “You wouldn’t dare.”
He runs into the water, still holding onto me, and allows a wave to soak us. A shriek falls from my lips as the cold water hits my skin. He hooks my legs around his waist, and I hold onto his neck as we kiss while the waves crash against us.
We continue our flirtatious torture as we tease each other in the water. I look into Hayden’s blue eyes and not even the ocean could compare to the beauty I find in the depths of his gaze. I can’t recall a time I felt so carefree and alive.
We’re sitting at a beachside cafe; having just eaten the biggest burgers I’d ever seen. While we wait for the bill, I look across at Hayden and notice him staring at me intently.
“You’re so good for me, Sia,” he tells me, and I detect the honesty in his tone. His voice is rough with emotion.
“It’s you that’s good for me.” My words are the truth. “Before you and Ty, I’ve always just done as I was told
. Following the rules set out by my dad. I didn’t want to upset him, so I obeyed like the good girl. I never knew the freedom of being able to make my own choices.”
He reaches across the table and grabs my hand. “I have one last thing to show you,” he smiles genuinely as those blue eyes shimmer with excitement. Even though I was exhausted, I couldn’t wait to see what he had in mind.
As we head back to the city, Hayden doesn’t go straight home. Instead, he stops at Central Park. Crowds are gathering in droves, and there’s music blaring. The evening is still warm, but it would be dark soon, and the chill will take hold. I’m definitely not dressed for colder weather. A pair of shorts and a bikini is definitely not the outfit for the breeze that’s picking up.
Hayden grabs a hoodie from his trunk, handing it to me. “We gotta get a good spot at the front.” He tugs me along, holding my hand, causing tingles of excitement to simmer through me. He sets down a blanket and a small cooler bag with six cans of beer, along with a couple of my favorite orange soda.
I settle between his legs and watch the river. There’s an excitement in the air, and the vibe of the party is lighthearted. With a band not far from where we’re seated, and there are a few couples on blankets beside us.
As soon as the darkness hit, the trees surrounding us light up with different color lights which only served to give us a magical feeling. It is so beautiful watching each tree, every leaf shine with a different color. It’s absolutely stunning. I’d never seen anything like it. I turn my face up to look at Hayden, and his face had taken on a peaceful expression. Watching the band, looking at every person passing us, and my heart was content for the first time in a long while.
I know what I want.
This.
With him.
Always.
“Ty, you home?” Hayden calls as we enter the brownstone a couple of hours later. He drops his keys on a table beside the doorway as we make our way into the living room.
“Kitchen.” Comes a response from Tyler, and we follow the sound of his voice, along with the mouth-watering smells.
“I figured you two would be starving by now.” He doesn’t look at us when we walk in.
We find Ty, shirtless, with only a pair of grey sweatpants that hang off his hips, offering a view of a muscular back, as his muscles tense and release with every movement. As I walk over to him, glancing in the pots that fill the cooker, Ty leans in and presses a kiss on my cheek.
“How was your day, Sia?” he asks.
I glance over at Hayden before responding, “Perfect.”
An hour later we’re all sitting around the dining room table which offers a view of the river, shimmering with the lights from the city.
“I can’t get enough of the view,” I smile, staring out the large window.
“I can’t get enough of you.” Ty winks, causing my cheeks to flush with embarrassment. I still can’t get over the fact that I’m the object of their affection.
“The food is delicious, Ty. Thank you,” I tell him, feeling stuffed from the large plate that he’d placed before me.
“Anything for you.” Another wink as he regards me with a grin.
Hayden clears his throat, and when I glance over at him, I can tell he has something on his mind. Those blue eyes are darker now, almost a midnight blue as he watches me.
“Sienna, I know you haven’t known either of us for very long.” He leans forward, his elbows and forearms on the table as he sighs. “And I know I lied to you. I know it will take a lot more than an apology and a day out to make it up to you because it was unacceptable. But Ty and I were thinking, at least, wanting… I mean…” He sighs once more, and I wonder what he’s so worried about, but then he meets me dead in the eye and says, “I want you to move in with us.”
My gaze flits between him and Ty, who has an amused expression on his face. They both sit silently, expecting me to say something, but I’m speechless. I’m not sure how or why, I just want to say yes, but I need to think about it. I really do.
“Hayden, I—”
“Look, don’t answer me now, just think about it. Please?” he pleads with so much emotion in his expression. I’m breathless.
My heart is telling me to throw caution to the wind and say yes right here and now, but my brain is screaming at me to think it over and look at all the possibilities.
I nod. “I’ll think about it.”
I rise, rounding the table, and he reaches for my hand. The moment I allow him to grip me, he quickly pulls me into his lap. Hayden’s lips find mine in a heated kiss which is dripping with desperation and hunger. The moment we pull apart, I know what my answer will be, but I don’t tell him just yet.
22
Hayden
It’s been a week. I’m tense that Sienna hasn’t given me an answer. I wanted her to say yes the moment I asked her, but I also understand that things have moved so quickly between us. Barely two months have passed since I first had her in my class. Weeks have gone by since I made my move and felt her against me since I first slid inside her and felt like I was in heaven.
It’s been some time, but I know that leaving her old life may be difficult. Even though her father hasn’t taken her apartment away, and she has a place to live, I want her close by. I need her near me every morning I wake up, and each night I fall asleep.
Shoving my laptop aside, I sit back and stare out the window. I’ve sent my resume to two other schools in the city, and one on Long Island, I’ve even gone as far as sending it to a damn school in New Jersey. If I have to travel out for work, I’ll do it.
I’ve had two interviews, but never felt I fit in any of them. Sighing, I close my eyes and lean my head back. I don’t need to work right now, my savings will take care of me for months, but sitting at home is not something I want to do.
A click sounds behind me, and I turn to find Sienna strolling into my bedroom. She’s dressed in a pink dress that hits mid-thigh and hugs every curve of her frame.
“Hey you,” she grins as she regards me. “I wanted to come to say hi before Olive, and I head to the coffee shop on the corner.”
“I like when you come to say hi,” I wink, pulling her onto my lap. My arms wrap around her. I want to ask if she’s decided, but I don’t. I can’t force her to do it, but I want an answer so bad.
“Ty said he’s headed out, so you need to lock up,” she tells me.
“Thanks.” I lean up, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, inhaling her sweet fragrance. Her perfume has always been intoxicating to me, and I can’t help but revel in her body against mine.
“Yes,” she mumbles against my lips, causing my brows to shoot together.
“Huh?” I ask, pulling away to meet her gaze.
“I’ll move in,” she finally gives me the answer I’d been so nervous to hear her agree to be mine, all day every day. “I want to be near you all the time.”
“Are you absolutely sure?” I ask, knowing that this isn’t something that can easily be decided. I don’t want her to regret her decision later. Even though I’ll ensure she never does.
“Yes, I’m so sure, never been surer about anything before,” she nods, her confidence shining in her eyes, in her expression. “My apartment will be there for another three years anyway, but I don’t see myself going back there.”
“Won’t your father get angry?”
“He’s always angry.” She shrugs her shoulder, then smiles. “But I’m yours, so why don’t we make this official, boyfriend,” she murmurs against my lips causing my body to heat with a need that turns every part of me molten and hard with want.
“Well then, girlfriend, let’s do more than make this official,” I wink salaciously causing her to giggle as I lift her and walk her to my bed.
“No, not now,” she protests, “coffee with Olive.” Her reminder makes me groan in frustration as I press my hard-on against her.
“Later, this will be waiting for you.”
“Then I better rush back,” she teases
and leaves me in the bedroom as she bounces from the bedroom and I hear her click the door closed.
I’m happy.
I’m content.
And I’ll always choose her.
Sienna
Three years later
We’re in line, waiting to be called up on stage. I’m dressed in my graduation gown and hat. To say that I’m nervous would be an understatement. I have a sense that this might be what it feels like standing at the top of the world. I’ve achieved what I set out to do, despite my parents trying to interfere in my life.
Nothing can burst the happiness that surrounds me today. I search the crowd, and my gaze lands on them—my men. Ty even wore a suit today. They smile up at me, and I feel like I’m floating. Love is an odd thing. When you fall, there’s no stopping it, and I didn’t want to in any case.
My name is called, and I pray I don’t trip and fall. But I make it up to the Dean who’s giving out the small roll of paper that says I’m a graduate. I collect my degree and walk down the staircase to the rest of the students who have gathered for the famous cap throwing ritual. The moment I reach my best friend, I hug Olive, holding her close for a moment.
“We did it, babe,” she exclaims, her smile is infectious, and I can’t help gifting her one of my own.
“We certainly did. I don’t think I could have done any of this without you.” I respond with honesty. “You’ve been my rock.”
“Oh, please.” She playfully swats my arm. “So...it’s you, Professor and Tyler now, huh?”
I smirk, feeling my face heat. “I can’t imagine it any other way.”
“You’re one lucky bitch, Sia,” she grins.
I notice Hayden and Ty waiting, so with one more hug and a promise of attending a party later, I make my way to the two men who hold my heart.
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 241
