9 who was I fooling
I walked into Azul, trying desperately to wrestle away the knot of butterflies in my stomach. My nerves were on edge like never before. 'Just breath' seemed to be my new mantra whenever he was around. My heart was beating so loud, I was embarrassed someone would hear it. Before I could compose myself to even take a look around, I was approached by the hostess. She smiled brightly at me as she asked me if I had a reservation. I informed her that I was here to meet Julian, and the wattage of her smile lessened a tad.
“Oh, of course. Right this way. Mr. Garza is already seated at your table.” She said this dryly as she led me to my waiting dinner companion.
I followed her into the dining area that was concealed by a Mediterranean influenced brick wall. To the right of the wall was a small intimate dining area, and to the left was a larger room that included the main dining area, a small dance floor and a live Jade band. I recognized the trumpet heavy Con Alma filling the space as a few patrons graced the dance floor.
The place had a sexy, but laid back ambiance, and it made me think of Andrew. He would love it here. I was so enthralled with the lounge that I didn’t notice I had reached my destination and Julian was standing to greet me. I smiled sheepishly, caught off guard and not prepared for the intensity that I felt when I saw him.
Once again, he was immaculately dressed with a tailored gray dress shirt with black stitching and a pair of black slacks. He flashed his usual sly grin as he pulled me into an embrace and kissed me on both cheeks. It wasn’t quite the same way his mother had done when we met as she didn’t caress each cheek with her lips after each kiss. The tall leggy hostess with the long copper hair stood by stiffly waiting as we took our seats.
“Will there be anyone else joining you tonight, Mr. Garza?” She asked almost expectantly.
“No, Lily. Have a bottle of Perrier-Laurent Rosé sent over please. I’m sure Ms. Spencer is in the mood for champagne.”
He raised his brow in anticipation of my probable response knowing my preferred drink. I smiled modestly at him and then nodded my agreement. Damn he is so sexy!
“Yes, I am in the mood for champagne, thank you,” I agreed.
I swear I saw a flash of disapproval on her face before she garnered a fake smile and went off to fulfill her duties. Julian never even glanced her way so there was no point in even taking the thought further. Was I imagining things? Jealous!
He was watching me as usual.
“I can tell that so much goes on in that pretty head of yours, Jade. I wish I could read your thoughts.” He lamented.
“I'm surprised you can't. I already made the mistake of inviting you in.” I retorted.
“So now I'm a vampire?” He laughed in surprise. “You wouldn’t be here now if that were the case.” He replied.
“And why is that?” I questioned.
“Because. I wouldn't have been able to stop until I sucked every drop of that sweet blood out of you!” He teased.
I frowned in exaggerated disgust.
“Oh, that's gross Julian! You're sick.” I cried.
He shrugged his shoulders and laughed at me some more.
“Hey, you started it. I just finished it.” He teased. “You look stunning as usual, by the way.”
He leaned back in his chair continuing to admire me. I could feel the fire slowly spreading thru me, but I had to put it out. That's why I was here. I smiled as I accepted his compliment.
“Thank you.” I said quietly.
Then I turned to watch a couple dance to the bands rendition of Tin Tin Deo. After enjoying the music for a while, I returned my attention to Julian, not at all surprised to find him still gazing at me intently.
“I really like this place Jules. It has an amazing vibe.” I admitted.
He shrugged. “Well, I’m pleased you approve. Are you an aficionado of jazz music?” He asked.
“I’m an enthusiast of music, really. I enjoy all types.”I replied.
I moved my shoulders to the music as I tried to hide my amusement at his proper tone but loved that he relaxed his gaze as we chatted.
“Yes, I can see you’re a fan of music and dancing as well. That seems to be the only time you relax and let go. Well, that’s not the only time you let go.” The insinuation of his last remark fueled a blaze.
I squirmed at a flashing thought of him coaching me through an orgasm last night. Julian leaned forward at my lack of verbal response.
“I didn’t expect that you could still be so coy with me after the way you unleashed your passion on me last night. I was sure we had gotten past the cat and mouse stage.” He pulled at one of my spiral locks.
This time I shrugged.
“I’m not shy Jules. I just don’t enjoy being analyzed to the point of nakedness. Speaking of nakedness, I don’t really know what this is between us, but I know that I’m not ready for it.” I said. As I spoke, my insides where trembling just being in his presence.
He sat back quietly as I continued my rejection.
“I just moved here, I recently broke off an engagement, and I’m trying to settle into a new job. So this is all just too much for me, and yes I know how I was with you last night, no need to remind me.” Those smoldering green eyes punished me for my flippant response.
“Sorry, for reminding you of last night’s events, Jade. I, conversely, haven’t been able to think of anything else all day. Just like I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you since we met.” He uttered tightly.
A Conquistador! That's what he reminds me of.
He leaned back to allow the waiter to place our drink order on the table. He spoke a few lines of Spanish to the server after our glasses were topped off. We clinked our glasses to a silent toast and I relished in the coolness of the bubbling liquid. Julian downed his glass in one chug and instantly poured another.
After sitting in thick silence for a few moments Julian broke the ice and began to chit chat about my plans for the boutique. I provided him with a few ideas and then shot him a few questions about his other businesses. I was trying to get a better understanding of what he did exactly now that my aunt had piqued my interest. I asked a million pointed questions which he answered with ease. Everything sounded legit and I would probably have to scrub his financial records with a fine tooth comb to find out otherwise. He was really cool to talk to when it was a subject other than me.
We chilled for a few moments to enjoy our drinks, the air still ripe with tension, and then he got up and sat next to me on my side of the curved booth. I couldn’t say that I didn’t long for his hot lean body to be this close to mine. That would be a lie. He smelled even better than he looked, and my whole body shivered at the promise of his closeness.
He didn’t disappoint when he put one arm around my waist as the other guided my face into a kiss.
Ooh, his lips are so soft!
Even the scent of his breath turned me on and I inhaled greedily as we exchanged a slow, tantalizing kiss. I was appreciative for his choice of the smaller dining room. That meant less people to witness our steamy PDA.
He pulled away to sip his champagne and I took a moment to catch my breath, or at least try to. Before I could, he returned his lips to mine and slowly let the sweet liquid drizzle into my barely parted lips. What I didn’t manage to swallow dripped slowly down my chin, my neck and the v of my dress. I gasped at the surge of powerful arousal that tore thru me. His mouth followed the trail of wayward champagne using his tongue and bottom lip to lick and suck my skin clean. I wrapped my arms around his neck to draw him closer to me.
How could I ever not want more of him?
“Jules, why are you doing this to me? I told you…” My plea was interrupted by the return of his kiss this time more ravenous, more demanding and full of unrefined desire. He groaned lightly as I grabbed two handfuls of his hair and pulled him closer to me, resolving to enjoy the kiss. Who am I fooling? Our dinner never happened. We left before we had the opportunity to be served and spent the
car ride to my place in a continuation of the kiss we started at our table. I straddled his thighs as he held me in an iron grip, and pulled me down against him. His lips were on my lips, on my neck, massaging my stiffened nipple thru my dress. I wasn’t even concerned if his driver could see us or not.
We were about twenty minutes from my place which seemed like an eternity when my body felt like a 3 alarm blaze. Julian had me wrapped around his finger and the knowledge of this drove me as I tried to regain my composure but it was way too late. He poured himself a drink and shared it with me by pouring it down my throat and all over my skin and licked it off of wherever he poured it. My neck, my chest, my thighs.
His hand slid underneath my dress and slowly made its way up my thigh. The other hand pulled my top down to expose one breast. He grabbed his drink and poured the liquor onto my aching erect nipple and then licked the trail upwards and then slowly sucked it off. My body stirred under him as I grabbed his head. His roving hand discovered my clit and massaged my dripping juices into it. The things he did to my body I had no defense for so I lay back enjoying it. There was no use fighting anymore, I wanted everything he did to me. The driver pulled in front of my building and I bristled with eagerness. He let out a long groan.
“Baby, you drive me so crazy. So crazy.” We kissed again and I slid off of his lap as he opened the door for me. When we made the entrance of the building I noticed his stride stalled and he stopped at the door.
“What’s wrong?” I stood bewildered as Julian leaned in and nuzzled my neck.
“Look baby, I understand what you said earlier and I don’t want to make you do anything you’re going to regret. I’m going home to take a cold shower and so should you.” He kissed me on my temple and headed back to his car.
Seriously?
I stood there stunned with disbelief, unable to even process the fact that he wasn’t coming up with me. I slowly turned and headed in, barely waving at Manny as I did. I rode the elevator up to my apartment with the same dazed and confused expression.
There was no sleep for me. After my prescribed cold shower, I tried with no success to will myself to sleep. Damn it! This is what I wanted! I begged for this, so what the hell was my problem? I ventured downstairs and turned on my surround-sound audio system. Classical music was definitely in order. If this didn’t work nothing would. A glass of wine and Moonlight Sonata would help assist me in my mission. I took my first gulp leaning back against my kitchen counter and the doorbell chimed nearly causing me to drop my glass.
Shit!
My heart raced as I crept over to the door to see who it was. Surely one of my few neighbors would not be asking to borrow sugar at this time of the night. I gradually opened my peep hole to find two beautiful green eyes staring back at me.
How did he get up here?
I took a deep breath and braced myself as I opened the door. Julian stood there with that hungry look that never failed to terrify me. I stared at him speechless. He walked towards me circling his arms around my waist as he pulled me into an embrace.
“I need you Baby.”
That was all he said. My satin robe fell to the ground in the shuffle to get skin to skin. He pulled his shirt off and kicked away his shoes while I unbuckled his belt and loosened his pants. Once he was finally naked our bodies took over pressing together with the powerful intensity of two magnets. His need was raw and focused while mine was violent and frantic. The sight of him made my mouth salivate with lust and I craved the taste of him. I tried to bend to my knees to get face to face with me dessert of choice, but Julian grabbed me by my wrists and pulled my back against him.
“Easy, baby. Look at me. Easy.” His tone was soft and soothing. I whimpered in frustration.
“Jules, I need you too baby. I need you inside me, please. I can’t wait anymore.” He smiled as I begged and pleaded for him to give it to me.
“You see how you feel now? Crazy with wanting me so bad that it hurts? That’s how I feel for you. Always.” He continued to hold me against him as he proved his point, and at that moment I totally understood, but it didn’t change the fact that we were both here naked.
“Ooh Baby. I know, I know. Please don’t punish me baby. Give it to me.” I begged softly in his ear well aware of his erection jolting against my stomach in tortured arousal. I pushed my body into his rubbing the hungry beast that betrayed its master.
“Damn it Woman. You don’t play fair.” He growled. I turned my face up to his offering my wine stained lips for a kiss. Parting them ever so slowly and letting my tongue peek out. Hungry lips pressed into mine.
Hmm-mm. Finally!
I didn’t let up.
“Yes, Baby. More, I need more. You taste so good. I want to taste more of you.” I urged. Jules speechless?
What a change. He pulled my arms around his neck and lifted me against him to take me to the couch. He sat down pulling me with him, not letting me straddle him completely. I knelt over him as he took one hand and massage my clit, rubbing the slick evidence of how bad I wanted him, while his other hand gripped and tugged his erection. I shuddered as my sanity began to escape me.
His expression of raw determination to tease me as he fought his own growing insanity was too much to bear. He matched the movement of his thumb on my clit with the movement of the other thumb that slid over the head of his penis. My legs began to shake as I fought the instinctual need to let me body slam down over what I needed the most just inches below. Two fingers slid inside me as the palm of his hand rubbed against where his thumb had been. Pulling his fingers out he cupped a handful of my oozing juices and used that hand to massage his rock hard erection.
“Now, you can taste us both.” He offered his penis like a gift. “Suck me.”
10 How Did I get here?
Um mm, my dream felt sooo real!
My body was being caressed by the most skillful hands to ever grace my skin. I moaned with pleasure as a sexy voice from far away called my name. Was that Julian? I waited for the voice to come again but there was silence. Then a soft caress of a tongue circling my nipple caused a slow burn to spread from my center. I tried to look down to see who this mystery man was.
Where am I?
I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t. A brief moment of panic ensued and then the sweet burn took over. Oh, it felt so good.
Ohhhhh!
My eyes struggled open at the sound of my own voice. I wasn’t dreaming but Julian was here and it was his soft tongue that was delicately licking and suckling my nipples.
Oh!
When he grasped I was finally awake he dazzled me that that amazing smile of his.
“Good morning babe. I thought you would never open those sexy honey eyes of yours. Even in your sleep you’re a little tiger!” He kissed each nipple goodbye as he rolled alongside of me. I stretched languidly against him.
“You know, you really should do that more,” I suggested.
“What? Give you a wake-up call with your nipples in my mouth?”He studied me with amusement.
I rolled my eyes as I took my hand and stroked his cheek.
“No, silly. Smile.” I replied.
I ran my fingertips across his lips and he gently kissed each one.
“I would if I always had a reason to.” He hinted.“What do you mean?” I was truly confused. He wanted me to give myself to him, entirely, but I just wasn’t ready to.
“Jules! You don't even know me.”
“I know how I feel about you. Some things you just know.”
“What are you saying? How do you know that this feeling is going to last? It always feels good in the beginning.”
“Do you remember when we first met? When you bumped into me? Amor a primera vista. I've wanted you since then.” He said.
Love at first sight? Oh lord...
“Wanted. That sounds physical.” I observed.
“Yes, that's part of it. I also want more. I want to know that you're mine. I wanna take care of you. Everything.�
�
“Take care of me?” I mused.
This reminded me of Evan.
“Can't we just get to know each other first?” I asked. The level of attraction I had for him was enormous and terrifying. I wanted to tell him that I barely knew myself.
I'm not doing that again.
I knew he wouldn’t like my response and the frown on his face showed it. He rolled onto his back, pulling me on top of him. I straddled his hips and leaned into him, holding onto either side of his broad chest. I heard the pounding of his heart, and then I heard him sigh.
“Jade, I know this is too fast, too soon, crazy, whatever you want to call it. I also know that I’ve never, ever, thought about someone as much as I do you, or wanted someone as much as I want you. I went home last night planning on showing you a lesson. I saw the dejected look on your face when I said I was going home and it nearly killed me. When Victor dropped me off, I couldn’t even go into my own home and drove myself back here to find your lights still on. I knew you were thinking of me too. Baby, tell me I’m not going insane. Please!” He buried his face into my hair as he pleaded with me.
He was right. My heart surged for the first time instead of my groin. I sat up on his chest pressing my face to his. He cupped my face in his hands as he studied my eyes trying to read my reaction. I felt the same emotion that was dancing in his eyes. Fear.
“I love looking into your eyes. Tienes los ojos más bonitos del mundo.” He placed small kisses along the side of my face as he continued to tell me how beautiful I was in Spanish. I had to force myself not to squirm away from his embrace. I still wasn't used to such an intense display of affection. My insides flip-flopped as my emotions battled against my mind.
Jaded Hearts (The Jaded Hearts Club) Page 7
