“White cotton panties and a bra.”
There was a moment of silence. “Tell me more about this bra.”
Skillfully slipping off my underwear with one hand, I made my way to the bathroom and began to run a bath.
“I can’t I’m afraid, Mr. Garrett. You see, I just took it all off.”
He groaned. “You’re toying with me, right?”
“I guess you’ll never know. Have a good evening. I miss you.”
He grunted loudly in frustration. “Layla Jennings, you are a dirty little tease, and I will get you for that. Have no doubt. I miss you even harder now. Much, much harder. Behave while I’m gone. I’ll call you later. And, Layla, I love you.”
Smiling, I sighed with content. “I love you, too.”
Jared’s protective streak was beginning to weigh on me. It was one thing to be concerned but another to be checking up and getting Daniel to watch my every move. I was perfectly capable of existing without the aid of a bodyguard. Sliding into the bath, I examined the bruise on my elbow. Well, not a body guard, but maybe a minder as I still couldn’t work out exactly how I’d obtained my injury. Shrugging it off, I immersed myself in the hot water and let the tension, marathon drinking session, and inevitable conversation with my mother about my antics, wash off of me.
* * * *
Walking into Lorraine’s gave me the same satisfied feeling I’d felt when I’d pulled into my driveway. I was home. The smell of vanilla, coffee, cinnamon, and cream washed over me and I inhaled it deeply; reveling in the sweet memories. Looking around, I grinned as my eyes fell on the couch in the center of the shop floor.
Still beaming, I approached the counter and waited in line to be served. Peering around the guy in front, I saw what the holdup was. Kate was working like a crazy woman. The shop was currently coping with the morning rush of commuters, and the poor girl was the only person working. The morning shift was usually Kate’s and mine. I missed working, I missed the shop, and I missed Kate. Walking around the line, I breezed around the counter, dumped my bag, and grabbed an apron. Kate swiveled around on her heel and was just about to give me a serious telling off when I pulled my hair back, turned, and gave her a wink. Realizing that I was, in fact, the intruder, Kate immediately dropped everything and pulled me into a warm hug. With the amount of hugs I’d received in the past two days, I was well on my way to being classified officially as a stuffed bear.
“Excuse me, miss? I don’t have all day, you know!”
Releasing me and spinning around, Kate glared at the clearly irritated businessman standing at the counter with his half completed latte.
“So? Leave. Don’t let me keep you!”
Hiding my amusement, I grabbed a cup from the stack, hit the button on the machine and a hot, frothy latte began pouring into the thick-brimmed, grande cup. Handing it to the guy I gave him my sweetest smile. The fact that Kate flipped him off as he turned around was irrelevant.
“I know we need to catch up and we totally will but right now, the line is almost to the door. Let me help and I promise to tell you everything!” I offered.
Fisting her hands on her hips, Kate nodded enthusiastically.
“Thank you! You’re a lifesaver!”
An hour later, the rush was over and the shop resumed its usual quiet state. A few college students were all that remained. Seizing the opportunity, Kate grabbed my elbow and dragged me to the empty couch.
“What are you doing here? Girl, I have missed you like crazy! Are you back for good? Tell me you’re back for good!”
I shook my head ruefully. “Sorry, sweetie. I’m just here for a week. Jared had to go to Paris early, so he arranged for me to fly home for a visit before Europe.”
She squealed with excitement. “That guy is amazing. You really hit the jackpot with that one. Rich, handsome, and romantic. Not to mention that he loves you to your very bones! Why can’t I find one of those? Got a spare lying around?”
I chuckled lightly. “Sorry. He’s one of a kind I guess.”
Biting her lip, Kate gave me a look that told me she was dying to ask the one question I knew we wouldn’t be able to avoid.
“I texted him. I know that’s what you wanna know. You wanna know about Ollie. Well, I do, too. We haven’t spoken at all since I texted him. I told him that I was sorry and that I chose Jared. I know it was cold, heartless, and totally cowardly, but what else could I do? Anyway, he probably hates me. Layla Jennings is enemy number one.”
Kate placed her arm gently around my shoulders and rested her head against mine. “Why don’t you call him? Or go and see him? Try and make things right. It seems so sad that a whole friendship dies, too.”
I snorted a laugh. “Kate, I cheated on him, dumped him, told him I loved him, and then chose another man. Would you wanna see me right now? I wouldn’t. No, we’re better off this way. I don’t want to hurt him any worse than I already have.”
She sighed heavily. “Well, I don’t think he’s the delicate and fragile broken heart you think he is. In fact, I bet he’s probably more pissed than devastated. Where there’s anger, there’s feeling, and if you have that, there’s also hope. Think about it. Anyway, I should get back to work, but please say we’ll hang out before you leave.”
Smiling, I pecked her on the cheek. “Of course we will.”
Giving me another quick hug, she stood and walked back behind the counter. Pulling out my cell phone, I dialed Amy, but it diverted to voicemail. The same happened when I called Mel. Hunting through my bag, I pulled out the small piece of paper with the address of their new apartment on it and searched for the location via the internet on my cell. It was only a short walk away, so giving Kate a quick wave, I headed out and began the journey to Mel and Amy’s place.
* * * *
Gazing up at the enormous building, I stared wide-eyed. Amy’s father sure did love his little princess because this place must have cost a fortune. The building was window-to-window tinted glass with a white trim.
The main entrance was also as elegant. It was modern and stylish. It was definitely very Amy-esque.
Walking through the large lobby, I strolled up to the desk and smiled at the attendant. Peering over his thick black- rimmed glasses, the grey-haired man gave me an equally welcoming smile.
“Hi, I’m visiting Amy Brookes.”
“Is she expecting you?”
I shook my head gently. “No, I don’t think so.”
Raising an eyebrow, he picked up the phone receiver on the desk and dialed.
“I’ll call up for you and get someone to come and confirm your access, dear. One moment. Hello? Ah, hello. I have a young woman here who is asking for entry, could you please come and confirm that she is authorized. Thank you.”
Replacing the receiver, he shot me a wink. “On the way.”
I sighed and stepped away as I began looking around the huge room. The floor was a beige marble and the walls were magnolia. Three paintings hung on the walls. Two of them I didn’t recognize, but the one on the far wall was one of my favorites. Walking past the marble staircase, I moved closer to examine the piece. Monet’s water lilies were a truly beautiful painting. I was so caught up in the splendor of it when I heard footsteps descending the stairs at a brisk pace.
“Okay, which one of you idiots forgot your key? I’m supposed to be painting your place and you drag me away because you’re so freaking absent minded. It’s never gonna be …“
Spinning around, my breath caught in my lungs. Standing a few meters away, his jeans covered in white spots of paint, and his long dark hair speckled with it also, was Ollie. He stared back at me, frozen, and clearly shocked. Raking his fingers through his hair, he bit his lip, and I could see the metal of his lip ring gleaming as his teeth scratched it. Neither of us moving, speaking, or it seemed even breathing. I tried to smile, but he continued to simply gaze at me.
I don’t know what I expected, but the way he was staring at me with those deep brown eyes was making my insi
des heat. My voice shook and my breathing became shallow as I forced words from my mouth.
“Hello, Ollie. How’ve you been?”
His eyebrows furrowed and he snorted at me.
“You have to be fucking kidding me. Do you seriously expect me to answer that? How the fuck do you think I’ve been?!”
His fingers raked through his thick dark hair again, and I could see the anger on his face as he turned away from me.
“Fuck, Layla!”
A lump began to form in my throat. I’d never seen Ollie like this, but didn’t I deserve it? I walked over slowly and placed my hand on his shoulder, gently. Shrugging it away as though it burnt him, Ollie snapped at me.
“Don’t. Don’t you fucking dare. Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me just being here right now?”
I choked back the tears that were begging for release.
“Ollie, I … I’m so sorry. Please talk to me. Please don’t hate me like this.”
Turning to face me, he laughed.
“You’re sorry? You’re sorry!? You told me you love me, then, clawed out my fucking heart and tossed it in a wood chipper! And the best part? You did it in a text! What the fuck!? And I’m supposed to what? Open my arms, hold you close, and say there, there, it’s okay? Fuck no!”
I stuttered and stammered through the tears that were now freely rolling down my cheeks.
“No! I … I miss you. I’m so sorry for what I did, but I swear I never meant to hurt you. I hate myself more than you ever could.”
Leaning back against the wall, I held my head in my hands and cried shamelessly. I had always known that if I ever saw Ollie again that it would be painful, but this was gut-wrenching. I heard him sigh, but I couldn’t look at him. I couldn’t bear to see that look in his eyes anymore. My body shook with every sob, and I wished so hard that I was stronger, but this wasn’t just some old fling, it was Ollie.
His hand pressed flat against the wall beside my head and I could feel his breath on my cheek. His fingers hooked beneath my jaw, lifting it so that I was forced to look at him. Wiping my tears with his thumb, he shook his head.
“I could never hate you. I wish I could. But the sad and painful fucking truth is that I still love you. I love you so much it’s killing me every second that you’re not here because I know where you are and whose arms you’re in. I love you, Layla, and seeing you, being this close to you, and not being able to touch you, kiss you, or hold you, is driving me crazy.”
The thought of kissing Ollie instantly drew my attention to his mouth and his delicious, glistening lip ring. Biting my own lip, I hitched a breath. A smile spread across his face. Edging his mouth closer to mine, he spoke, breathlessly.
“You’re breathing a little heavily, Layla, and I know your body well enough to know that those lips are begging to be kissed. Admit it, you want me.”
I wanted to tell him that he was wrong. I wanted to walk away and pretend that I wasn’t enjoying the feel of his body against mine. But most of all, I wanted that kiss.
“I don’t want this,” I lied.
He leaned in and I could feel the cool steel of his lip ring grazing my own hot, flushed lip.
“Liar.”
I couldn’t think or form a coherent word. My heart pounded beneath my ribcage as an old and all too familiar feeling settled in my stomach.
If I had ever thought for one moment that I was over Ollie, in the seconds that ticked slowly by, I knew I wasn’t. My body ached and longed for his touch. I wanted to be closer to him, to feel the cool steel of his piercing against my lips. I wanted him.
I let out a long breath and watched as he edged closer and closer. Lifting his hand, he placed it on my chest and grinned.
“Boom, boom, boom. That for me?”
Biting my lip, I closed my eyes and held my breath, savoring the sensation of his fingers as they gently caressed the curve of my cleavage.
“It is for me. Oh, Layla. I wanna kiss you so much right now.”
I gasped as his hand slid gently from my chest to my chin. His thumb pressed softly on my bottom lip as his body pressed me further against the wall.
“And you want me to kiss you. I can feel it in your heartbeat. I can see it in your eyes and I can hear it in the pant of your breath.”
His top lip grazed my bottom one and I waited, desperate for a taste of him. Pushing away sharply and grinning at me, he shook his head and sneered. “Well, just like my feelings, my heart, and love for you, I guess it’s just not enough.”
I stammered. “I … Ollie. You are such an asshole.”
I moved to storm past him, but he caught me by the wrist and spun me around to face him.
“I’m an asshole? That’s rich coming from a cheating, lying, heart stomping whore.”
Raising my hand, I slapped him hard around the face. Tears stung my eyes as I glared at him. I was wrong. Ollie wasn’t heartbroken. He was bitter, twisted, and angry.
“Thanks for that. You just reminded me exactly what a heartless bitch you really are. So, why don’t you do us both a favor and run back to your rich little boyfriend. Oh, I might have hurt your pride, but I’m sure it’s nothing some diamonds won’t fix.”
Holding my wrist to the light, he snorted at the diamond bracelet I was wearing. The bracelet Jared had given me. Tearing myself from his grasp, I shoved him away from me and turned to leave.
“That’s it, walk away. It’s what you do best, and this time stay gone!”
Pushing my way through the entrance doors, I hurriedly moved out of his sight and slumped against the glass wall. My heart ached and my eyes burned with unshed tears. Trying hard to catch my breath, I heard a loud roar come from inside, and I knew it was him. Ollie Green hated me, and I deserved it. But I’d never imagined he’d be so cruel. I’d done this. The change in him was my fault. Clutching my chest, I pulled out my keys and ran the few blocks back to the solace of my car. Sliding inside, I rested my head in my hands and sobbed. I wasn’t upset; I was grieving. The Ollie I knew and loved had died, and I’d killed him.
Chapter 11
Bittersweet
The next two days were mostly spent eating junk food and lounging around on the couch. Amy and Mel had been so busy with setting up their apartment that I’d hardly seen them since I’d arrived. After calling them with an offer of a romantic movie marathon and pizza, we had finally set a girl date for that evening. I hadn’t told either of them about my encounter with Ollie. It was still too painful and I couldn’t bear the thought of re-living the horrible mess. What was he doing in Long Beach in the middle of the week, anyway!? Lifting my hand, I examined my palm. I’d hit him so hard that the sting had lasted several hours, and I wondered if it would leave a mark, but the only scars left from that day were internal. Snuggling down into the plump cushions of the couch, I sighed loudly and picked up my cell. Dialing Jared, I felt the distance for the first time since we’d parted.
“Layla, what’s wrong?” He’d answered on the first ring and, I wondered if he’d been cradling his phone the same way I had been.
“Nothing’s wrong. I just thought I’d call and see how things were going.”
He sighed with relief. “Badly. The company we hired to do the construction is demanding more money by stating that the site is more dangerous than originally thought. It’s all bullshit to squeeze more cash out of me, but it’s in hand. But I don’t want to talk about work. What have you been doing? Having lots of fun?”
“Not much. Everyone’s kind of busy. My parents are working, and the girls are furnishing their new apartment, so I’m spending most of my time watching TV and laying on the couch.”
He chuckled. “Not the visit you imagined, I suppose. Well, just a few more days and you’ll be here with me in the romance capital of the world. I have a lot planned for you, so I hope you’re prepared.”
I smiled. “I can’t wait.”
There was a long pause, and I waited patiently for him to begin his line of inquiry. Of cours
e he was going to interrogate me. Without Daniel keeping a close eye on my every move, Jared was clueless as to my whereabouts during the day, and also, with whom I may have been spending my time.
“Did you visit the coffee shop?” Here we go …
“Just once.” In fact, I hadn’t left the house since seeing Ollie, so the coffee shop had been my only visit all week. Well, so far.
“And have you managed to catch up with your friends?”
“Kate was there, but I didn’t see anyone else.”
He cleared his throat loudly. “That’s nice, but it wasn’t Kate I was inquiring about.”
Rolling my eyes, I groaned. “I know who you meant.”
I thought for a moment about telling him. But what would be the benefits? Ollie had made his feelings about me perfectly clear, and as far as I was concerned, there wasn’t a chance on Earth of us rescuing our broken relationship in any form. In the end I decided that it was best to keep it myself. After all, the love Ollie claimed he felt for me was probably just part of the cruel game he’d played with me in that foyer. Our friendship wasn’t just gone; it was decomposing.
“You need to stop this. You’re paranoid, insecure, and I have no idea why! Jared, I left my life, education, and family here to be with you. When is it going to be enough? When are you going to trust me and realize that I chose you? That I choose you.”
A low growl echoed in my ear. “It’s not you that I don’t trust, Layla, it’s him! There’s no way he could possibly hate you. It’s impossible to hate you! No matter what you think, he’d take his chance with you in a heartbeat, and I know you still have feelings for him. Who knows, you may take that chance, too.”
I snorted a laugh. “You are such a child! Grow up, Jared. You know, for a guy with so much responsibility, stature, and intelligence, sometimes you are completely irrational. So what if he does love me? Does that mean he gets me? I can’t tell you that I feel nothing at all for him. We were friends before anything else, and I will probably always care about him. But he isn’t what will tear us apart. You are; you and your insecurities. God, it’s infuriating and exhausting!”
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