Something Wonderful

by M. Clarke

  “Happy New Year, Becca,” he whispered in my ear, holding me longer than I had expected. Pulling back slightly, he pressed his warm lips to my cheek. I got a taste of what was going to keep me up tonight, thinking about that one tender kiss; it didn’t feel like a friend-to-friend kiss. Breathing him in, I didn’t want him to let go, but I had no choice. Jenna grabbed the two of us just before I could gather my willpower and push him off me.

  After we all made our rounds of hugs, Kate and Keith headed home. Shortly after, Nicole and Craig took off, too. I knew the look when Jenna pouted as she gazed my way.

  “Sorry, but Max wants to leave. He offered to take you home, but Matthew volunteered. At least we know you’ll be in good hands.”

  “He did what?” I sneered, but then quickly calmed down when Jenna looked bewildered. “I can ask my friend Aaron.” Glancing toward Matthew, it looked like he was having an intense conversation with Max.

  “Aaron from college? Aaron West?”

  I shrugged my shoulders, looking guilty. I could recall how much Jenna loathed him.

  “He’s just a friend.”

  “I think it’s better if Matthew takes you home, but I trust you to make the right decision. I can’t tell how buzzed you are. You can discuss this with Matthew. He was pretty adamant about taking you home. By the way, when did you start getting along so well?”

  “Long story. You should get going. Looks like Max is either upset or tired.”

  “Okay, but please text me when you get home.” Jenna and I exchanged hugs. Without wasting any time, Matthew came up to me, letting me know he was going to take me home, but I had other plans.

  I asked Max to get my coat from the coat check and I would meet him out front after I took care of business in the restroom. Knowing my alcohol tolerance, I only drank a little, but it was enough for me to want to go. Thankfully, the line was short.

  I had made a mental note to go on the pill after the unprotected sex in the shower. It was something we couldn’t do again. Getting pregnant was the last thing I wanted, especially since I knew I wasn’t ready to be a mom. Knowing my period was going to start soon, I wore a thin liner. When I saw I started spotting, I was beyond relieved. At least I didn’t have to hold my breath in anticipation any longer. I wasn’t worried about it…too much. I was almost positive I hadn’t been ovulating, but I was a couple of days late. I was scared.

  After a quick glance at myself in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable, I headed out the door when someone tapped me from behind.

  “Excuse me, are you Jenna?”

  She looked very familiar: tall, blonde and beautiful. Her dress was very revealing and the color of it reminded me of…yes…she was the rude woman that had bumped into me earlier, but there was something else. One of the models I had seen at the New York Fashion Show, perhaps?

  Peering up, I smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m Jenna. Can I help you?”

  Her expression changed to something I had not expected. Her stoic face became aggressive and she leaned into me like a bully. “If I were you, I would leave Max right now before things get ugly. He’ll eventually run back to me. He always did. Just fair warning, we don’t want your precious heart to get broken again.”

  My pulse shot up as I stood frozen, not believing what I was hearing. Not believing that I had run into Crystal again. I only had a quick glance of her that time I saw her at Max’s penthouse, but how could I have forgotten that face? Knowing the right thing to do was to walk out, I started heading toward the exit when she spoke again.

  “Max didn’t tell you, did he?”

  That caught my attention. “Tell me what?” My tone was hostile now, as anger and curiosity boiled inside me. I told myself I should walk away, that I shouldn’t listen to her nonsense, but I couldn’t help myself.

  “We’re getting back together. He’s just trying to find the right time to let you go. I suggest you break up with him first. That way it will be easier for him. I see what he saw in you…sweet and innocent, but you were just a shiny new toy he wanted to play with. But now, he’s bored with you.”

  All of a sudden, I was back at the penthouse when I first saw her and the hurtful words she had said. Even the break room conversation popped up, ‘what do you think will happen,’ and all sorts of thoughts fluttered my mind. I had to speak to Max.

  “Excuse me. I have to go,” I said and turned. Why was I being polite?

  Before I could leave, she grabbed my arm. “He’s not satisfied. No one can satisfy Max the way I do. You’ll see. Run while you can.”

  I’m not the violent type but I wanted to slap her face to get her off me. Yanking my arm free, I swiftly walked out of there. With every step toward Max, my heart pounded harder and faster against my chest. With every step, my anger grew. I had my suspicions ever since the lunchroom encounter, but I dismissed it, thinking it was just rumors, but now I knew for sure he was hiding something from me.

  “Jenna.” Someone grabbed my arm, pulling me to the side of the bar. I thought it was Max. “How have you been? You look great?”

  “Ethan? I’m great. How about you? You haven’t changed a bit.” Ethan was a college friend. He was one of the first friends I had met. Our friendship took a turn when he wanted more from me. It had been a while since I last saw him. Though he looked like he hadn’t aged much, he plumped up a bit, and looked like he was losing some hair.

  “What are you up to?” he asked, wrapping his arms around another woman.

  That was a relief. He wasn’t going to hit on me. “I’m working for Knight Fashion Magazine.”

  His eyes grew wide. “Really. I used to work for their competitor, Rave. This is my wife, Kim.”

  “Hello, Kim. It’s nice to meet you.” We shook hands. She had a pretty smile. “Ethan is a lucky man.”

  Kim smiled. “We’re both lucky to have each other. It wasn’t all smooth at the beginning, but we pulled through.”

  Okay, I sure didn’t need to know THAT much information, but whatever the problem was, I was happy for them. “Ethan. I need to go find someone.”

  “Wait. Don’t tell me you’re the Jenna dating Maxwell Knight?”

  “How did you know?”

  He stood silent with a blank stare for a moment. I began to worry. Then Ethan flashed me a short grin. “He was my nemesis,” he chuckled lightly. “Let’s have lunch when you get a chance. Here’s my business card.”

  “Thanks.” I retrieved the card from his hand. “That would be great. It was nice meeting you Kim. Hope to see you at lunch too someday.” With that, I took off again, heading straight for the front exit.

  “Thank you,” I said to the bouncer who politely opened the door for me. I didn’t even look at him as I rushed out. Hugging my shawl from this dreadful cold, I shivered as I looked for Max.

  Strangely, there were tons of people out here. What were they doing? My answer came when a bunch of lights started flashing before my eyes, blinding me. The clicking sound was a sure sign they were taking pictures. This had to be a case of mistaken identity. They must have thought that I was someone else, but when I heard my name, and all the questions thrown at me at once, I became immobilized.

  “Miss Mefferd, what do you think about the lawsuit?” one shouted.

  “How do you feel about Max’s past?”

  “Were you the reason Max broke up with Crystal?”

  Backing up with my eyes covered, trying to get back into the club, I shouted for Max. When I heard the blasting sound of the music, I knew the door had swung open.

  “Jenna!” Max called.

  More flashes and questions drowned out whatever he had said. “Get the fuck away from her!” Max yelled. He said it several more times before he was able to get to me. Covering me with his body, we went back into the club. He told the bouncer not to let any of them in. Then he tipped the other bouncers nearby, asking them to escort us out to the car.

  Max continued to hold me as we followed behind them. As we weaved through the cr
owds, I looked for Becky, but I couldn’t find her. Perhaps Matthew had taken her home, but it was hard to find anyone when we were moving fast and away from the massive crowd.

  When we got to the other side of the exit, the bouncers told us to wait for their return. It was my chance to pull away from him. “Max, I’m not going home with you.”

  Max looked hurt and frustrated. “Jenna, don’t do this.” Max reached for me, but I backed away. “Jenna, let me explain.”

  “I already know you kept something from me. What else are you hiding? How am I supposed to trust you?” Tears started to pool in my eyes. I was not good at fighting back, but I was so hurt, the words just flowed out. Unable to think clearly, and hearing Crystal’s words in my head, I asked a dumb question. “Are you seeing Crystal?”

  “What? Who told you this?”

  “That’s not an answer Max,” I said sternly.

  “Jenna….”

  The bouncers came back in. “It’s clear, but we’ll have to hurry. Your car is with the valet right in front. The doors are open, ready for you.”

  “Thanks,” Max said, reaching for me again.

  I shook my head with my arms crossed.

  “Jenna, I’m not letting you go. Either you come with me willingly, or I’ll carry you out. You’re coming with me one way or another. Your choice.”

  I knew he wasn’t lying. Instead of letting Max protect me, I stepped in front of the bouncer. Max was unhappy about that, but he knew at least I would go home with him and that was enough.

  There was no way I was going to let Matthew take me home. Besides, I wanted to party some more. It was going to be difficult to dodge him when he wouldn’t stop following me wherever I went.

  “Look, Matthew. I’m glad you want to be a good friend and take me home, but Aaron is more than capable.”

  Matthew glanced over to Aaron, and looked back at me. His eyes drilled through me with anger. “You take a good look at him? Do you see how drunk he is?” He turned the bar stool around so I could see, then he swung me back to him. Matthew was right; Aaron’s coordination wasn’t all there on the dance floor. “There is no way in hell I’m going to let you get in the car with him. In fact, I’m going to tell one of the bouncers to make sure he doesn’t put his sorry ass in his car. If you want to call someone else that’s fine, but I’m going to wait until that happens before I leave.”

  “I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “Apparently you do. And just where is this so called boyfriend of yours? Why isn’t he here? Did you two get into a fight?”

  “Lots of questions. I don’t want to answer them.” I waved my hand. Feeling tired, I yawned as I covered my mouth.

  For some strange reason seeing me yawn made him grin. Matthew tried his best not to show his amused smile, but he failed. I could tell he had an ulterior motive.

  “Well, that’s my signal. You’re tired. Let’s go,” Matthew said suddenly.

  “I’ve already told you that you’re not taking me home,” I pouted.

  “Oh, yes I am.” Without warning, Matthew lifted me up, swinging my body over his shoulder.

  “Put me down,” I shouted as I smacked his hard ass, finding myself enjoying it.

  I thought Matthew started chuckling, but I wasn’t sure. It was hard to hear much in here. Walking toward the exit, he gave me a good smack on my ass too.

  Dropping me next to the hostess so I could retrieve my coat, he looked squarely into my eyes and said, “Every smack you give me, I’ll return even harder. You don’t want to do that, Becca. You’ve already got me turned on, and I promise you, I’ll make you want to cheat on your boyfriend. I’m that good.”

  I dropped my jaw and mentally took off my clothes for him, yet again. My panties were wet just from his words. Holy shit!

  “Thanks,” Matthew said to the lady who handed me my coat. Matthew broke me out of my trance by putting his arms around me from behind. I was certain the lady heard what he said from the way she was smiling at him, and I’m pretty certain she mentally took off her clothes for him too.

  “Let’s go, Becca. I’m taking you home,” his words were too close to my ear, making me quiver as I thought about what he said. He made me so completely weak in the knees that I had no fight left in me. I hated that he had that kind of power over me.

  I backed away, keeping my distance from Max. I knew that once his lips were on any part of me, there was no way I could control myself. I had no willpower when it came to Max. My body automatically succumbed to his voice, his wink, his sexy grin, his touch, and just simply him. Releasing a deep breath, Max went to the bar to pour himself a drink.

  “Please sit. You’re making me nervous.” Max sat on the sofa, tapping the seat next to him.

  “No,” I said with conviction.

  “You’re acting like a child, you know that?” he chuckled.

  He made my anger worse. “No, I’m not,” I huffed.

  Max’s eyes darkened, heated and dangerous looking. “If you don’t sit down and listen, I’m going to take you right here, right now and make you wish you were this bratty all the time.”

  That came out too playful and I did not want him to do that. Well, not now anyway. Plopping myself on the sofa, I waited for him to take another sip.

  With his feet apart, elbows on his thighs, he looked at me tenderly. “Babe, Crystal didn’t take the money. She is going ahead with the lawsuit. Matthew told me he handed her the check with both of our lawyers present, but she never cashed it. My lawyer called several days ago and I didn’t want to ruin our New Year’s Eve party. You have to believe me. I was going to tell you when the time was right.”

  Max took another sip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to be in the middle of this; and I’m so sorry about what happened with the paparazzi. Crystal must have leaked the news. It’s the only explanation. My parents are not even aware of it. I was going to tell them after I told you.”

  I knew Max was telling the truth; I could see it in his eyes. I knew how to read his eyes so well. Pushing away my pride, I decided to sit next to him and comfort him. “I’m sorry too, but you have to see it from my side as well.”

  Nodding, Max took my hand and gingerly stroked it while he spoke. “Who told you? How did you find out?”

  “I ran into Crystal at the restroom.”

  Max arched his brows, looking stunned. “She was there? I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s stalking us. Don’t believe anything she says. She manipulates and lies to get her way.”

  “I know,” I agreed.

  “I’m going to hire a couple of security guards. I want them to watch your apartment, but not right in front; and two will be hired for our place. Don’t worry. Crystal is not the violent type. I’m doing this just in case the paparazzi decide to follow you home.” Max’s hands slipped through my hair, pulling me in for a kiss. I let him kiss me, but I couldn’t kiss back. I wasn’t mad at him, but it was just because of the situation. Before I could show affection in return, I needed to calm down.

  “Let’s go to bed. It’s late,” Max said, holding my hand, and I obliged. New Year’s Eve didn’t turn out as I’d planned, but we were safe, healthy, and together, and that was all that mattered.

  As tired as I was, I couldn’t sleep. Closing my eyes and trying to take deep breaths didn’t help, so I turned toward Jenna. She was sound asleep, looking like an angel. As I lay and watched her, I thought about how hot she looked in that black dress.

  She didn’t flaunt herself the way most girls would have done. In fact, if Becky hadn’t pulled the shawl off her, I would’ve eventually. When we finally had alone time, I couldn’t help myself. I kissed her like there was no tomorrow, especially when I saw what the dress really looked like on her. I wouldn’t have been all over her the way I had been if there were people watching, but having the secluded area to ourselves made it that much easier.

  Matt and I were offered two tickets each to go to a party where many celebrities attended every year. It would ha
ve been the perfect opportunity to introduce Jenna to some of my good friends, but I didn’t tell her about it, knowing she wanted to be with her friends. I had my reasons, but I had no idea why Matt decided to come along.

  Becky and Matt looked pretty cozy during dinner. Knowing my brother and his record with women lately, I didn’t know if it was a good idea that he hung out with Becky, unless they were really just friends. Nevertheless, the way he’d been acting around her, my gut feeling told me he wanted more. I’d only hoped neither of them would get hurt in the end. If something bad were to happen between them, it would become extremely awkward for all of us. Perhaps I need to have a talk with him.

  This whole incident made me wonder if I should have taken Jenna elsewhere, but I was relieved to get the topic of Crystal and the lawsuit out of the way. I didn’t know how she would react. I also didn’t want to ruin New Year’s Eve for either of us by causing a fight, though I didn’t know if there would be one.

  If we ended up going to court, Crystal was sure to try to embarrass me by bringing up the games we had played. I was afraid Jenna would look at me differently. As much as I’d like to think Jenna loved me as much as I loved her, she had never said it to me. I know the word “love” is a huge thing to say to someone you’re dating, but I knew I meant it. It’s the reason why I could say it so easily. I’d never felt like this before, nor had I ever said it to anyone else I dated before; not even to Crystal, who happened to be my longest relationship. Why the fuck had I gone out with her?

  Being successful, lonely, and especially young, I had all the time to play. That’s when Crystal entered my life. She was beautiful, available, and knew how to please a man in more ways than one. I blame it on stupidity and my wanting to experiment. After all, I was single and finding the perfect woman to have a future with was pretty much nonexistent…until Jenna came along. I knew when I laid eyes on her, she was my one in a million and I would do anything for her.