Jaded Hearts (The Jaded Hearts Club)

by Olivia Linden

  Can this be real? Can he be real?

  “I’m no good at this Jules. I’m scared,” I whispered. “I think about you just as much and I want you constantly. That scares me! I’ve never felt so out of control. I feel like I’m losing it, and I don’t know what to do.” I confessed between ragged breaths.

  Julian held me tighter as he tried to comfort my sudden anxiety attack.

  “Shh. Bella. Don't be afraid of your feelings.”

  I rested my head on his chest until the pounding in my ears lessened and then I heard his heart beating.

  I kissed every inch of his face to ease the emotion that I saw since I knew my words wouldn’t. For once he was silent. So I continued.

  “Give me some time. I just need to know that this is right.”

  Still silence. His eyes were closed so I couldn’t read his expression, but I could feel his need and desire growing against my stomach.

  “Jade.” He spoke with his eyes still closed.

  I kissed one eyelid.

  “Yes, Papi?” I answered. Papi? I must be going crazy. I am crazy, I have to be!

  Yet, I kissed the other eyelid as I waited for his response.

  “Show me how you feel then, make love to me.” He wrapped his arms around me as I kissed his lips.

  The ache in my heart was now joined by the greedy ache of desire. He understood my language.

  Hours passed as we spent the day in bed. We had breakfast in bed. The only time we spent outside of the bed was for him to watch me make breakfast and to rifle through my music collection as we lounged on the couch waiting for lunch. He liked my classical and swing collections, and created a play list to listen to as we ate lunch in the hot tub. He called it our Sushi in the Jacuzzi mix and I fed him with chopsticks as we lounged in the luxurious bubbles. This was what I needed, to connect with him without being connected to his body. I was in heaven. In typical Julian fashion he had a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé brought to us by one of his employees. He must have read my mind as he walked back over to the tub with the bottle and two glasses.

  “Penny for your thoughts …” He asked as he poured my glass. I waited for him to pour his own so we could toast and took a long sip.

  Hmm.

  “I was just thinking that until the champagne this is what normal people do. They share meals without rushing out to rip each other’s clothes off, and they spend time finding out what they have in common and so on…” Julian laughed at me as he took in my words.

  “So, you don’t like when I rip your clothes off? I will be sure to make a note of that.” I narrowed my eyes at him as I splashed his face, then he grabbed my leg as if he were going to pull me under the bubbles, but he just massaged it instead. I leaned back with a sigh of relief, and he laughed some more.

  I love the laughing Julian.

  “What?” He asked.

  It took me a moment to figure out that I had spoken out loud. I stared at him for a few moments speculating if I should answer or play stupid, but the seriousness of his stare waited for me to repeat myself. I pulled my foot away and waded through the bubbles to wrap myself on his lap.

  “I said I love the laughing Julian.” He took in a long breath as my words affected him, and my heart raced wildly as I waited for his response. His eyes grew dark with emotion as he rested his lips against mine.

  “And I love Jade. The laughing, smiling, crying, running, feisty, sensual, lustful, breakfast making, pink champagne drinking, Frank Sinatra, and Beethoven loving Jade.”

  Tears welled up in my eyes as I was overwhelmed with the unexpected declaration of his heart. No one has ever said anything so sweet to me. Emotions that I couldn’t pin down swirled around inside of me.

  How did I get here?

  Julian wiped the tears that were rolling down my cheek.

  “Baby, what’s wrong, talk to me.”

  I tilted my head with indignation.

  “I am not lustful! “I exclaimed with fake offense.

  An uproarious laugh escaped his chest before he composed himself and held me tighter. I giggled as he nipped and sucked on my lips, relief washing over us both.

  “Oh yea? Well, let’s see.”

  His hands investigated each curve of my body as his fingers flicked over my suddenly erect nipples past my navel and between the folds of my lower lips. He slowly circled the entrance of my desire playing with the slickness that betrayed my body even in a hot tub.

  “Yep. “He declared. “Definitely lustful.”

  I giggled some more at his confirmation of my guilt and then my giggles turned to moans as his fingers investigated the soft insides of my sensitive pussy, massaging my spot.

  Oh yeah!

  He smiled against my lips enjoying my display of just how right he was.

  Sunday I was awoken to being served breakfast in bed. I was so exhausted from the previous day full lovemaking that I didn’t even notice when Julian had left the bed. After breakfast, we made love some more and then we shared a long shower. Then Julian left to take care of all the business he had blown off the day before. In the last twenty-four things have changed so drastically between us and I was reeling, but skeptical.

  11 Make that a threesome

  I woke up Monday morning still dreaming of him. Julian had been gone for almost a day and I still couldn’t believe the things I did to and with him. I had to clear my head from a sexed crazed weekend and focus on work. That’s what I was going to chalk it up to. There was a part of me that was ready to put on a pair of rose colored glasses and chase rainbows, but that would mean I believed in that sort of thing. But I don’t.

  I took a long shower as if that would wash away my indiscretions of the last two days. I stood in my closet choosing to set my focus on deciding which new suit to wear. I went with a gray chambray skirt suit with a lavender camisole underneath. It was hard to dress for success in the sweltering heat and humidity of summer in the city.

  I settled in at my desk as Donna walked in with our morning caffeine fix. Two iced cold hazelnut cappuccinos. She sat at the chair across from me and snacked on a muffin eying me suspiciously.

  “So, how was your weekend Ms. Spencer?” I pulled away from my yummy drink and eyed her suspiciously in return.

  “My weekend was good Mrs. Handler. Thanks for asking. How was yours?” Donna cracked a smile and then leaned in.

  “OK, out with it missy! You’ve got a certain glow and I want to know why. I’m married and that glow wore off years ago, but I know it when I see it!” I burst into laughter at her inquiry.

  “Donna! I can’t believe you! A lady does not kiss and tell.” I declared.

  She shook her head in refusal. “No, no, no! You spill the beans, and you spill them now. I don’t give up easy and we have work to do so let’s go.”

  I liked Donna and somehow decided she was a much needed friend at that moment. I could use an unbiased opinion on the situation with Julian.

  “Well…”

  I gave her a summary of the last two weeks events.

  “Wow, he’s got it bad!” Her response was almost a squeal, and I shook my head in agreement as she continued.

  “And, from the sound and looks of it, so do you. What are you going to do? I mean, do you really think he’s all dark and dangerous as Vivian says he is?” she questioned.

  I considered her questions truly wishing I had definitive answers. Just as I was about to express my confusion Donna received a call through her headset.

  “Good morning, Jade Spencer’s office.” I saw a surprised then curious expression grow across her face.

  “Yes, Mr. Benson. Hold one moment and I will transfer you to Ms. Spencer.” She said.

  My stomach quivered. She put the call on hold.

  “OK, so our previous convo is TBC and then you can fill me in on the details of this call.”

  I waited for her to close the door before I picked up my blinking line.

  “Good morning John.” I wasn’t certain what else to say
and decided since he did the calling he should do the talking.

  “Good morning Jade. I know I told you to call me, but I have an opportunity that can’t wait and I want to involve you. I think we can kill two birds with one stone on this.” His voice was so smooth and soothing he could have been a salesman.

  “OK, you have my attention. Fill me in, please.” I was eager to hear his plan.

  “That’s what I was hoping to hear.” John went on to lay out a brief summary of his plan and we arranged to meet for lunch to discuss the details.

  I was instantly grateful that I had chosen to wear my hair curly the second I hit the humidity of high noon. I was meeting John for lunch at Lincoln Ristorante, which he chose and was a short walk from my office. I was also thankful of the fact that my gray Calvin Klein pumps where comfortable. John was already waiting for me when I walked up flashing that award winning smile as he greeted me.

  “Jade.” He grabbed my hand and brushed his lips against it. I felt myself flush slightly at that simple act. What the?

  “Hi John. Should we get started? I’m very excited.” And I was. We were seated and after we both ordered the Pollo Arrosto he began to fill me in.

  “OK. So what we have are two clients with a mutual interest. Hector Delgado wants to promote his tequila and The Anglers need exposure for their band. I can take it that far, but I need you to fill in the blanks. Hector is only going to be here for another two weeks so even though its short notice, I was thinking by putting them together we would be able to pull a large enough crowd, and send Mr. Hidalgo back to Peru happy.” He leaned back in his chair after taking a sip of his sparkling water.

  As he spoke I couldn’t help but notice his confident, casual, sexiness! The golden highlights of his hair that played up the hazel tone of his eyes. His strong jaw line and his perfectly shaped teeth covered by a set of full strawberry lips. I snapped out of my daze to respond with my plan.

  I must be in heat...

  “John, I think I can make this a threesome!” I realized how that sounded when his brow shot up in curiosity. I laughed at his shock.

  “No, not in that way. I have a client that also needs some exposure for her boutique. She has been working with a club owner to do some hosting and possibly a fashion show so I think we can put all three together and create an amazing event. A fashion show for the boutique serving Delgado tequila while the Anglers play.” I was impressed with myself. I could tell by John’s growing smile that he was also.

  “I knew when I met you that we could be a great team.” There seemed to be a sparkle in his eyes as he said that.

  The next few days were spent trying to pull the event together. John and I worked side by side bringing the three clients together on the same project. We met with each client together in individual meetings, and the tag team approach worked like a charm. Jackie was instantly on board and was more than supportive in putting together an eclectic guest list. Hector Delgado was our second meeting and after a little coaxing, and lots of smiling on my part, he agreed that this was, indeed, a great idea.

  Score!

  The Anglers were the most difficult because not only were we trying to sell them the idea, but it was their first meeting with me as an agent. They were unsure of the crowd they would be playing for since they were an old school/swing cover band. I reassured them with Jackie’s list and my own love of Frank Sinatra and Sara Vaughn, and in the end they were pleased. We planned a Friday night party in four days.

  I was so damn busy I barely had time or energy left for Julian, but managed to fit in a few late night dinners and Spanish lessons. He seemed to be preoccupied with his own issues, and didn't complain or mind that we hardly saw each other. The night before the party was when I really noticed something was off. I had just crawled into bed when my phone buzzed.

  “Hey Papi,” I answered drowsily.

  “Are you already asleep?” His tone was flat and clipped.

  “Um, no. Not yet. What's wrong?” I was shocked by the lack of his usual affectionate greeting.

  “OK. Buzz me in.” Then he hung up. I stared at my phone for a moment confused at his behavior and the fact that he wasn't using the key that I gave him. Foolishly!

  I pulled on my robe and headed downstairs. A strange tension was building in my gut. By the time I got to the last step, I heard the lock click as he opened the door. I stopped in my tracks when I saw him. His entire swagger was off and he looked like he hadn't slept in days. We just watched each other for a long moment, both wordlessly acknowledging the awkwardness.

  Julian took a deep breath and released it slowly, as he tossed the keys on the counter and strolled towards me. I was still standing in the same spot on the last step, frozen with anxiety. My hands fidgeted nervously with the belt of my pink cotton robe. I could feel his energy, his total maleness engulfing me like a fog as he approached. He took my hands and wrapped my arms around him in a tender hug.

  “Why are you afraid?” He kissed my cheek after he made his observation.

  “I don't know,” I whispered and he cupped my face between his hands.

  “Don't be. Mi poco conejito.” His words calmed me a bit.

  “Is this another after-hours Spanish class?” I tried to lighten the mood.

  “No, but you remind me of a little bunny in that fuzzy robe. So cute,” he joked.

  “What? A bunny? You don't like my robe?” As I examined my favorite cover up, Julian grabbed my hand as he headed up the stairs, pulling me along with him.

  “No, Bonita. I love your little pink robe.”

  We continued to my room in silence and I watched him undress. He took a quick shower and came out of the bathroom still towel drying his hair. I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer.

  “What's wrong Julian?” My voice didn’t sound as tough as I had intended. He let out another long breath as he tossed the towel in the hamper. His tossing of shit was beginning to piss me off.

  “Nothing Jade. I told you not to worry.”

  “No, you told me not to be afraid,” I countered.

  “Afraid, worried. Same thing,” he replied flatly. “I just have a lot on my plate, carino. Now turn off the light.”

  He crawled into bed behind me, but I turned to face him. As I was about to unleash a barrage of questions, I was paused by the tiredness in his eyes. Instead, I traced the outline of his features as if they could somehow give me the answers. He pulled me closer to him and relaxed under my touch.

  “Just hold me tonight baby. OK?”

  “OK, Papi.”

  The preparation for my first event started with a day of preening. I managed to squeeze my mani/pedi in on Thursday so all that was left was hair and makeup. Donna referred me to a Dominican hair salon that would have my hair straight and swinging without reversion at the first sign of the steamy summer. Two hours later I was on my way to meet Jackie at La Carra with my new straight mahogany and gold streaked do. I decided to get rid of the black rinse, and go lighter for the summer. The color fit my complexion to a tee.

  The boutique was buzzing with Jackie and all the models swirling around. She was determined to find the perfect look for each girl. I was greeted by a shriek of delight when she saw my new look.

  “OMG! Jade!! I love, love, love the hair! If I didn’t know better I would ask if it was yours!” She ran her fingers through my hair in disbelief. Then a severe frown swept over her face.

  “What Jacks? Is my hair falling out?”

  I knew I shouldn’t have let them put bleach on my hair!

  At that she laughed shaking her head violently.

  “No! You nutcase! I have to change your dress. I had a sexy little red dress picked out to show off those legs of yours, but now with the new hair color…” She turned away in deep thought and returned with a small piece of fabric on a hanger.

  “Here” She handed me the garment.

  I studied it for a moment and then questioned her.

  “What am I supposed to do with this sca
rf?”

  Jackie patiently took the dress off the hanger and walked me to the fitting room. She was used to my reluctance at trying racy outfits but she was always right in the end. I tried on the pale gold tube dress that had light tassels diagonally across the waist. I looked hot! I walked out of the dressing room in my own clothes and I could see Jackie’s confusion. I stopped her before she could even start.

  “I love it; it’s perfect I’ll see you tonight!” I was rewarded with her huge smile and then she was back to fussing over a model.

  I met John at Club VI at 7:00 pm. The party was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm and we wanted to be there to make sure it all fell into place. His eyes darkened as he did a double take at my appearance. I tried in vain to deny the attraction between us all week, that even Donna had noticed and was more than willing to discuss, but I couldn’t now. It wasn’t the crazy over the top pull that I had with Julian; it was more like a room slowly being warmed by a fire place. He pulled me into an embrace and held me in a brief hug before he turned me around to get the full view of my dress.

  “You. Are. Beautiful.”

  The event was a raging success. John and I watched on like proud parents as the night unfolded. The tequila was a hit with the crowd with most of the response being about how smooth it was going down. This made John, with his dirty mind, laugh when I informed him and Hector of the response. The fashion show went off without even a slight hitch, and the band was amazing. Their tastefully done 1940s cover songs were a nice reprieve from the clubs usual techno/house club dance mix.

  Jackie did such an outstanding job with the models in the fashion show that she was approached with requests of her services to be a personal stylist by a few of the patrons. Among the list of diverse guests were of course the Garzas, minus Julian. I had expected to see him here. OK, I was hoping to see him. Somewhere deep down I knew he was too good to be true. I did notice his friend Nina among the crowd as she chatted with Edward. She caught me watching her and shot me a smug smile and Edward raised his glass to me. As I tried to figure out why she was here, the Angler's lead singer dedicated a song to me.