“Thank you very much Greg, I don’t know to thank you.” She said when they got to his place.
“You take that bedroom. You can stay here as much as you want; maybe having roommate isn’t a bad idea after all.” Greg said as he helped Joss get her bags into the bedroom.
“We could split the rent, huh.” She added.
“Not until you get stable Joss.” Greg offered.
He left her to settle up in her room as he went to his room to change before leaving for the gym. He was a polite gentleman and didn’t try to make a move on her. Joss had feared that he would end up demanding more than friendship but after a week of working and living together, she was certain that he meant no harm. They would drive together to work and since they mostly dined in the restaurant, they didn’t have to cook unless one of them was off from work.
One Sunday morning, Greg and Joss were not working and they decided to stay home and clean up. She stumbled upon a picture of Ben. She was surprised and asked Greg about the photo.
“How do you know this guy?” She asked holding out the photo for Greg to see.
“He is my cousin.” Greg answered. “Wait, how do you know Ben?” He was surprised to hear that she knew him.
“Ben is your cousin. As in Ben Brighton?” She was shocked. “We have crossed paths.” She said.
“Well, I don’t know to be nosy but please tell me you didn’t…” Greg said. He had always known that his cousin was not the person to get attached to.
“Didn’t what?” She asked. Greg stared at her until she came around. “Oh, that.” She sighed.
“He is bad news Joss.” Greg warned.
“I know. So why is he always on the move with his bikers?” She asked.
“He is like filthy rich. Family fortune is in his name. And he has got nothing else to do, so most of the time he loves hanging out with his friends.” Greg explained.
“Makes sense now.” She said. “How often does he come here?” She was really curious to know more about Ben.
“I just invited him over for my birthday party which will be going down in a month’s time.” Greg replied.
“What? I won’t attend your party if he does.” She declined. There was no way she was ever going to see Ben again. Despite meeting only once, something kept her thinking about him. Maybe it was the way he had been protective that night or maybe she just couldn’t forget about him.
“I will beg if I have to, just for you to be there. You’re funny and smart and furthermore, you’ve become my best friend.” Greg said.
“You will have to literally drag me there.” She continued.
“Well, I don’t have a problem with lifting you up and taking you with me.” He said chuckling.
Chapter 7
Greg and Joss had become the best of friends with time. Finally, it was Greg’s birthday. Joss woke up in the morning and took a bucket of cold water. Greg was sleeping soundly but Joss had promised to surprise him. She quietly opened his bedroom door and walked to where he slept. She poured him the cold water which awoke him.
“Come on, did you really have to do that?” He asked in a sad voice. Despite the fact that it was his birthday, she had really startled him from the deep sleep.
“I promised to surprise you, in a bad or good way.” Joss said, laughing at Greg. She had found family in Greg. He was like the brother she had always wished for.
“Happy birthday Greg!” She shouted as she handed him a box wrapped in a shinny golden paper.
“Thank you Joss. What’s in it?” He asked curiously.
“It’s yours, why don’t you check it out.” Joss said, smiling at him
He carefully unwrapped the paper and inside the box was a T-shirt he had always wanted, branded his favorite band.
“Shut up! Is this like the original shirt from the Five Finger Death Punch?” He asked.
“Yeah, it is.” Joss said. She was pleased that the shirt had impressed him. He was more excited that she had ever seen him. He hugged her tightly and lifted her up.
“Thank you Joss. Damn girl!” He said.
“What?” Joss asked. She couldn’t keep herself from smiling.
“I didn’t expect this from you. You’re a good listener.” He said.
“That’s why it’s a surprise Greg. You have a big day today; I hope you get to enjoy yourself. Happy birthday Greg.” She said before hugging him.
Joss went back to her room to clean up. She had busy day buying liquor and getting Greg’s cake from the store. If at all she was going to attend the party, she would make sure that she gave it her best. She put on a pair of blue shorts and pulled over her hood jacket before leaving the house. She knew that before she got back, Ben would have arrived as Greg had told him to get there early. She hurriedly shopped for the listed items and got back to the house. She noticed that Ben’s bike was at the parking lot.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She uttered to herself.
All this time, Greg had not mentioned anything about Joss. He had wanted to see his reaction when he saw her. Joss entered the apartment carrying the stuff she had gotten from the store. She had been preparing herself to meet Ben once again and hoped that nothing would be awkward between them. She Greg helped her take the shopping to the kitchen and she was met by the sight of a beautiful Puerto Rican woman who sat on the kitchen counter with Ben making out with her. Joss cleared her throat making them stop and turn towards her. Ben was shocked beyond words.
“Joss!” That was all he managed to say. He let go of the woman and headed towards where Joss stood. The two embraced but Joss pulled away. For some reason, she was jealous that he brought another woman to the party.
“Hey Ben.” She said back.
“What are you doing here?” Ben asked.
“I live here.” She said back, making Ben feel even more confused that he already was.
“I thought you were on a road trip.” He said.
“I thought I would stay at LA for a while before embarking on that.” Joss said as she started to put away the liquor and the other items she had come with.
“Well, I was going to introduce you guys but seems like you know each other too well.” Greg said as he left the kitchen.
“So Ben, do you mind introducing us?” The Puerto Rican lady asked.
“Um, Joss, this is my fiancée Lisa. Lisa, this is Joss.” He said. All this while, his eyes were fixed on Joss. Her sight reminded him of the night they spent together.
“Fiancée?” Joss was surprised to hear that Ben was about to get married. “How long have you guys been together exactly?” She asked.
“Three years now.” Lisa said, clinging on Ben’s left arm.
“Three years, huh. That’s quite some time Ben.” Joss said. It hurt her that despite being engaged to Lisa, Ben had not hesitated to put her to bed. “I am happy for you guys. I wish you joy and happiness.” She finally managed to say.
“Aww, you’re very sweet. Thank you.” Lisa said, smiling at Joss who left the kitchen to go to her room. Ben watched her as she left. He wished there was anything he could do. He remembered every little detail of the night they made love in the motel.
“So, how do you know, what was her name again?” Lisa asked when Joss left.
“I met her at a party.” Ben answered.
“A party, huh?” Lisa asked.
“Lisa we talked about this. I don’t want to get married but our parents are forcing it. That’s the only reason why I am engaged to you.” Ben said, raising his voice.
Joss had been listening to the two fight over her. She was angry at herself for sleeping with Ben, but then he never told her. He should have said he was seeing someone. She freshened up and joined the rest of the gang. There was loud music in the house; a few people had already arrived at the party. Some were drinking while others danced.
When Ben saw Joss coming from the kitchen, He excused himself as though he was going to the bathroom. He pulled Joss into her bedroom once again.
“Why didn’t you call me? I left my number for you.” Ben asked.
“Then what would have happened if I called you Ben?” Joss asked him.
“I don’t know but I really wanted you to call.” Ben answered.
“Yeah, maybe I would have assisted you cheat on your fiancée some more, huh.” Joss said in disgust. “What were you thinking?”
“Listen Joss, it’s not what it looks like.” Ben tried to explain.
“And what is it ‘because to me it looks like you are marrying for money.” She uttered.
“So you heard.” Ben said. “I am trying to explain this to you but you won’t hear me.” He continued.
“You know why I won’t hear you? Because you don’t owe me an explanation Ben. It was just a one night thing, wasn’t it?” Joss said, pulling away from him.
“Oh is that so? Why are you angry if it was just a one night stand then?” Ben asked. He had been almost sure that she had feelings for him.
“Get over yourself playboy.” Joss said before she walked away on him. She went to where Greg was sitting and poured herself a drink.
Chapter 8
The party was going on fine until Ben got drunk and followed Joss, who was also tipsy to her room once more. Joss turned around and tried to resist the urge to kiss Ben. She fought with all her might but the alcohol and whatever she felt for Ben got the best of her. She looked at him in the eye and he could tell what she wanted. He pressed his lips against hers. She didn’t move an inch. Instead, she just stood there, and kissed him back. She thought that she had it all in control but she didn’t.
“Joss, it wasn’t just sex. I hardly remember the people I sleep with but there is something in you that made me want to know you better.” Ben said.
“Sssh, you are getting married in a month and I am aroused and very attracted to you. Just shut up and kiss me.” She invited him.
He placed his palms on her cheeks and kissed her passionately. She kissed him back and led him towards the center of the room, where her bed sat. Before they could get to bed, He picked her up and she wrapped her hands around his neck as she kissed him. She was too aroused to care if Lisa would find out. After all, it wasn’t love that bid them together, it was money.
Ben laid her on the bed. She took off her top, exposing her breasts. Ben stared at the little pink nipples. They were gorgeous. He threw away his shirt and hurriedly approached Joss. She smiled at him seductively and bit her lower lips making him go out of his minds. He wanted to rip through her and make her moan with pleasure. He could remember every moan she let out at the motel. He hungrily kissed her with such passion that sent shivers down her spine. She was all wet and ready for him but Ben preferred to take his time. He broke away from the kiss and once again gazed at her breasts. He could see them moving up and down in unison with her heavy breaths. He bit his lips before he took her left nipple in his mouth and bit on it gently. Joss let out a soft moan but when he teased her right nipple between his fingers, she went crazy. She couldn’t keep herself from moaning loudly, calling his name over and over again. The loud music in the living room was the only reason why no one heard them. The more she moaned, the more Ben pleasured her.
Ben kissed her from her bosom to her crotch, leaving a trail of wet marks on her body. She felt his warm breathes above her wetness. The feeling sent her moaning again. He wanted him inside of her at that moment but Ben couldn’t give in. Instead, he licked through her slit from bottom to top. She could feel the best orgasm building up inside of her. Ben couldn’t control himself any longer. He placed himself in position to enter her. He slowly slid inside of her easily from her wetness. Orgasm ripped through her body and she screamed his name. Ben slid in and out of her slit, feeling every inch of her body. The two moved in unison for a few minutes before Ben lay on his back while she rode him. He couldn’t control himself as he watched her lower her body onto him. They were covered in sweat and for the last time, they both climaxed simultaneously leaving them panting while they held each other.
One hour later, they were startled by Lisa calling Ben all over the house. Greg had noticed that they were both missing and had tried to spare sometime for Joss and Ben. But she had run out of patience and started looking for him all over.
“Ben, wake up.” Greg had sneaked into her room and found both of them sleeping soundly.
“What?” Ben asked as he awoke.
“Lisa is looking for you all over. Really, you brought your fiancée and now you’re here?” Greg asked as he handed him his clothes.
“Calm down man. I hope you are good if I am seeing Joss.” Ben asked as he pulled on his shirt.
“I don’t have a thing for her but as long as you are engaged, I would like you to keep off man. She is too delicate and you will break her.” Greg warned. As much as he loved his cousin, he did not want him to hurt Joss. He loved her.
“Relax man; you know how these things are.” Ben insisted.
“I know Ben. You chose money over your own happiness. Now you see what it has gotten you into. I chose my own life; remember how my dad disowned me?” Greg said. All this time Joss was listening to the two of them argue. She was amazed on how protective of her Greg was.
“I know man, but it’s not that easy.” Ben said.
“It is as easy as saying enough is enough. Ben, know where you stand before you can go ahead and break people’s hearts. I didn’t mind the rest but she is my friend.” Greg insisted before he left the room.
Ben looked at Joss who closed her eyes. He thought she was asleep. He put on his clothes, and went to the bathroom to freshen up. He was stuck between choosing to be with Joss and being the CEO of Brighton telecommunications. He had always wanted to become head of the family business but his father had told him to get married first, and get married to Lisa. He didn’t want to lose his fortune, how was he going to live without his money?
“I just wish I had a clear way out of this.” He murmured before he left Joss’ room.
Joss woke up and headed for the bathroom. She needed to freshen up before going back to the party. She turned on the shower and felt the water fall on her soft skin. She closed her eyes and remembered every single moment that Ben made love to her. She knew from that moment she was slowly falling in love with a man she hardly knew anything about.
Lisa had figured out that Ben and Joss had been missing at the same time. When Ben went back to the party, she handed him a drink.
“And where have you been Ben?” Lisa asked.
“I was getting some fresh air.” He lied.
“You took so long out there.” She continued.
“Sometimes it’s just right to be alone for a while you know.” He continued.
“I hope you weren’t with that trump Joss.” She said as she left him to go get herself a beer. He knew that at some point in his life, he would have to make a choice. For the very first time in his life, he was feeling something for a woman. He had always played around but never had he fallen for a woman like he had fallen for Joss.
He didn’t even try to go after Lisa. He was getting tired of her constant nagging and jealousy. She knew well that Ben had never been in love with her but she acted like it. She had been raised in England just as he had been. Her dad was the CEO of a sister company to Brighton Telecommunications. They had been family friends since childhood but Ben never really wanted to be associated with her at all. She was the reason why he couldn’t stay away from home and yet he didn’t know how to live without his parent’s money.
Chapter 9
Joss finally came to the living room. Most people were already so drunk but Greg and Ben seemed to be just fine. She took the space where Greg was seated.
“Hey,” She said. She was a little embarrassed for going to bed with Ben even after he had warned her against it.
“Hey sleepy head.” He smiled at him.
“I heard what you told Ben back there. I am a little ashamed of myself for sleeping with him once more but I just can’t hel
p it.” She continued.
“He is a good guy, he just needs to come around and start his own life.” Greg said.
“Thank you for looking out for me Greg.” She said, taking a sip from Greg’s beer.
“Hey, get your own beer.” Greg joked. They laughed at that before Ben came to join them. He stood in front of Joss and smiled at her. She smiled right back.
“Get a room, please.” Greg said as he noticed the tension in the air. He had always known from the way Joss described Ben, she would eventually fall for him just that it was happening faster than he had hoped for.
“Trust me, we are trying,” Ben retorted.
Lisa came back and found the three laughing. She had been hurt. Despite knowing too well that he was not in love with her, she loved him and was determined to make him marry her. Whatever it took, she had sworn to fight for what she wanted.
“I see you guys are having fun, huh.” She said sarcastically. She reached for her purse and took out her check book.
“How much is it going to take you to leave my fiancé alone?” She asked, looking at Joss.
“Stop it Lisa. She hasn’t done anything to you.” Ben interrupted.
“Like she hasn’t. Ben, since we came here you haven’t bothered where I have been. You can’t even look at me.” Lisa said, almost shedding tears.
“It’s because I am not clingy Lisa. I am not always on your neck like you are. I need some space sometimes.” Ben said angrily. He was pissed off with her behavior. “And by the way, some things cannot be bought using money.”
“Oh, I thought she is just a cheap whore looking for some cash.” Lisa said, looking at Joss from head to toe.
“Hey, careful what you say lady.” Joss knew she had to stand up for herself at this moment. “I may not have been raised a millionaire but at least am not chasing someone who doesn’t want me.” She added.
“What did you just say?” Lisa asked, putting her purse down, in preparation to attack Joss.
“Ladies, ladies, this is not your fight to fight. We all want something and we go for whatever matters to us. So Ben, chose who you want to be with, it’s not worth fighting over this.” Greg interrupted, holding Joss’.
Adored By The Rancher: Mail Order Brides Box Set Page 41
