Not Enough: Is love ever enough? (The Enough Series Book 1)

by Bloom, Nikole

  I grab a pair of black pumps and call it an outfit. I carry my shoes down the stairs because I don’t want to wake Austin up. J is at the bar drinking a cup of coffee and seems to be engrossed in whatever he is reading on his tablet. “Morning J, big plans for the day?”

  He looks up and smiles. “Nah, just going to head home in a bit. I need to attend a few of the voluntary workout sessions this week.”

  I always hate to see J go, but I understand he has a life of his own. I just wish it wasn’t four hours south of here. “Ok, so will you be back this weekend?” I ask hoping he says yes.

  “I don’t know Ry, Kasey really wants me to spend more time with her and she isn’t willing to come back here.” I can’t help but laugh.

  Of course, she doesn’t want to come back here. She made a complete ass out of herself the last time. “Well, that is not surprising. So you two are still seeing each other?”

  I am honestly shocked he is still seeing her. J rarely sees the same woman two weekends in a row let alone any longer. “Yeah we are still kind of dating I guess. I like her, but we aren’t exclusive or anything.”

  Well, holy shit J likes a girl. The world may just stop turning any moment now. I cannot voice my shock, “Good for you big brother. Please tell her she is welcome back here anytime.” I could use another laugh like that.

  He raises an eyebrow at me to gauge my seriousness and I manage to keep a perfectly straight face complete with a genuine smile. I love him too much to stand in the way of his happiness. “Maybe I can talk her into coming back, we will see.” I can tell he is done with this conversation so I grab my drink and keys before walking over to give him a hug goodbye.

  “Be careful going back and let me know when you get there.”

  He rolls his eyes, “I will mom,” as he returns the hug.

  “Alright I have to go, but Austin is still asleep upstairs. I don’t have the heart to wake him up, so will you let him know I went to work.”

  He nods, “Love you J.”

  “Love you too sis, now get out of here before you are late.”

  By ten o’clock, I had a huge bouquet of roses on my desk with a love note from Austin. I hurry through my day, glad I gave my assistant the week off, and rush home ready for more time with Austin. I walk through my front door to the heart stopping sight of Austin in loose fit jeans and no shirt. The jeans hang low on his hips revealing the waist black waistband of his Calvin Klein boxer briefs and his sexy as hell abs.

  I stand there for a moment enjoying the view before Boss comes running up and announces my arrival with a thundering bark. “Hey boy, looks like you have a little company. What did I tell you about letting strangers in the house,” I kid with my dog as Austin stalks towards me.

  “Strangers huh, I was under the impression we were more than familiar.” That deep sexy voice sets my body ablaze and I can’t think of anything except running my mouth down those rock hard abs.

  “No sir, I don’t think we are properly acquainted,” I tease as he takes my flowers and purse from my hands. With my hands now free I reach for the abs, I am practically drooling over and run my hands down them feeling every crevice before unbuttoning those delicious jeans. I place a kiss squarely between his pecs before lightly kissing his lips.

  He tries to deepen the kiss but I resist and trail light kisses and licks down his body before sliding him out of his pants and boxers. I take his firm shaft in my hand slowly stroking as I make my way to my knees. Gliding my tongue up his length and tasting the sweet bead at the tip, I give him a taste of what is to come. I look up to see pure unadulterated lust in his eyes.

  I start slow taking him into my mouth before hollowing my cheeks and sucking. I alternate sucks and strokes until I feel him grab my hair in desperation. I allow him to fuck my mouth and I take him as deep as possible to increase his pleasure. The moans my act elicits spur me on until I can feel his imminent release.

  “Fuck Ry, I am going to come baby.” I look up to see him staring at me through hooded eyes and increase the pressure around his cock causing him to throw his head back and pump his entire load into me. I swallow quickly and kiss my way back up his delectable body. When I reach his sternum, he pulls me up and devours my mouth in the most intense kiss I have ever experienced.

  Eventually he sets me down, “Jesus Rylee that was fucking amazing.”

  I smile and walk upstairs to change my clothes ecstatic I can make him come apart like that. I slip off my heels and shirt before I turn to find Austin staring at me. “Woman, you are crazy if you think you can do that to me and then walk away. That is not how this works.” He proceeds to repay me several times. My god, I love this man.

  Chapter 31

  The rest of the week went much the same. Austin sent me gifts at work every day. On Tuesday, he sent me a bouquet of cookies with sweet sentiments written on each one. Wednesday brought a box of lacy underwear with a note stating I should not get too attached to any of them.

  In the evenings, we made dinner, laughed, and continued to have more sex than should probably be allowed. By Thursday, I was exhausted but extremely excited. Austin announced last night that he would be taking me on our first official date. He refused to tell me where we are going or what to wear saying I would figure it out.

  At nine a.m., a deliveryman showed up at my office with a brand new pair of my favorite jeans and a note.

  I am so glad you agreed to be mine.

  P.S. These will look sexy as sin on that gorgeous ass of yours J

  A huge smile breaks across my face. Not only does he know my favorite brand of jeans but he also appreciates their appearance. At ten a.m., the same delivery boy shows up with wrapped gift and a note. Opening the note:

  I am so glad you finally ran to me.

  P.S. Don’t get any ideas with these. I just thought you would like them.

  I open the box to find a brand new pair of my favorite Nike tennis shoes. Admittedly, my favorite pair is a bit worn, but I just can't part with them. I grab my phone to text the love of my life:

  Me: *You are too much, thank you* 10:05 am

  Austin: *I love you* 10:06 am

  Still reeling from my deliveries, I am shocked when the delivery boy shows up again at eleven. This time he has a gift bag and another note:

  I am so glad I get to love you!

  I am practically in tears from the note. I rip into the bag to find a form-fitting Red Sox shirt, a slouch cap, and two tickets to tonight’s game, not just any tickets but box seats behind home plate.

  I am amazed by my over the top boyfriend. I actually thought he would opt for a classy night out, instead he surprises me with baseball tickets. He knows me so well.

  Me: *You are perfect. I LOVE YOU!!!!* 11:04 am

  Austin: *I love you too* 11:08 am

  The rest of my day is uneventful. By two o’clock, I am caught up on work and decide to run down to the deli for a quick snack before heading home to get ready. My phone chimes in my hand on the way I and I quickly open the text expecting Austin. Instead, it is another text from an unknown number:

  Unknown: *I am the man for you. Leave him or else* 2:15 pm

  The text unnerves me a bit but I still have to believe it is a wrong number. I duck in the deli for a chocolate chip cookie before heading home.

  Once I get home, I let Boss out and change into my new digs before taking off for Austin’s. Walking through his front door, I can see him pacing and running his hands through his hair while on the phone. This doesn’t look good. I stop at the threshold of the living room wanting to give him space to finish his call. It hurts my heart to see him so upset and I want to run to him and make it better but I opt to wait.

  Suddenly my phone rings and I glance down to see the unknown number so I choose to ignore the call. I figure that if it is important, they will leave a message. Austin is now looking at me and I can see pain in his eyes. I walk to him and wrap my arms around him and he melts into me as he ends his call. “Aus are you ok?”r />
  He leans down kissing me without his usual heat making me nervous. I take a step back so I can see his face. He runs his hand through his hair, “That was Ally; my mom is being completely irrational with her. She called begging for my help. I have been ignoring both of their calls all week.” Ok, well I am not sure where to proceed with any of this since I don’t have any real backstory on his family yet.

  “What can I do to help baby?” I hope just offering will let him know he can talk to me. He takes a deep breath and releases slowly as if he is trying to calm his anger. “I hate to ask this Ry, but can you take me to the airport in the morning?”

  Of course I will take him, I don’t want to but I will. “Sure Aus, whatever you need.”

  “I am so sorry Ry, I don’t want to leave you, but my mom has been a bit off since the accident.”

  Ok, an accident explains nothing. “It’s fine Austin. Do what you need to do. I will be here when you get back.”

  At least I know he can count on that. Pulling me back into him, “I love you so much Ry and I will explain all of this but right now I want to take you on a date.”

  The rest of our night was perfect. We watched the game from unbelievable seats, ate hot dogs, drank beer, and enjoyed each other’s company. We even sang Sweet Caroline at the top of lungs during the seventh inning stretch. Of course, given the fact he is Boston’s favorite son we ended up on the scoreboard. When Austin noticed he pulled me into him and kissed me breathless prompting the scoreboard operator to put a pounding heart around our faces.

  By the time we got home, we were riding a high from the Sox win and our first official date. It was crazy to be out in public with Austin, everyone recognizes him, and everyone wants a piece of him. He was amazing though, he held my hand through it all, and never once did I feel like I wasn’t enough. I love him and spent most of the night showing him just how much.

  Chapter 32

  Austin explained part of his family issues last night and I agree it is best he goes to Houston to sort it out in person. So here I am at 6 a.m. dropping him off at Boston Logan so he can catch his 7:30 flight. I hate to see him go and I will miss him, but I am hoping to meet him down there before the week is out.

  It feels like every time we find ourselves or come close something tears us apart. Sadly, I take solace in the fact that he does not want to go; in fact, I had to convince him to. “Ry, are sure we are ok, I really hate leaving just when we figured things out.”

  We had this same conversation several times yesterday, “Yes, Austin I promise we are ok. I love you baby, and I will be here when you get back.” I haven’t told him I am going to try to meet him down there. I hope that it will be a welcome surprise; I just have a few work related things to take care of first.

  With Austin headed to Houston and J headed back to New York I have nothing to do except catch up on work, so after dropping Austin off I headed straight for the office. The drive back across town was easy being an hour before true rush hour begins. Pulling into the parking garage adjacent to my office building, I flash my security pass to George, the always-friendly security guard, and pull into the space nearest the door.

  It feels like an eternity since the last time I was in my office. Riding the elevator up to the tenth floor of the 30-story building, I go through a mental checklist for my day. The elevator dings signaling my stop and I step out of the car nearly running into a man dressed in black workout gear. I apologize for my lack of awareness, “I’m sorry.”

  He just nods and mumbles, “You will be.” I didn’t recognize the guy, and he wasn’t remarkable in any way triggering a bit of paranoia. I vowed to call down to the security desk and have him checked out.

  The floor is quiet as most of the offices don’t begin work until eight or later. I quickly make my way down the corridor to Suite 1024 only to find the door ajar. Given my already heightened paranoia, I decide to call for security before entering the dark office. I take a few steps back down the hall to wait and notice the new artwork on the walls. The office building is always well maintained and redecorated at the behest of the billionaire owner.

  The artwork gives bright splashes of red, blue, and yellow to the white walls and offsets the gray tiled floors nicely. As I sit admiring the new décor, James, a big burly security guard walks up nearly scaring me to death, “Good morning Miss Ash.” How a man that big, easily six feet six inches and 270 pounds, walks so quietly I will never know.

  “Good morning James, I am sorry to drag you up here.” He smiles and listens intently as I tell him about the man I ran into and his mumblings.

  “I am sorry mam, I don’t remember seeing a man come in matching that description, and I have been here since 5 a.m.”

  Now I am definitely worried, but grateful as James returns from searching my office and gives me the all clear. He assured me they would look at the security tapes and see if they can identify the mystery man. After thanking James, I locked myself in my office and prepared to start my day.

  As I sat at my desk overlooking the city with a partial ocean view, I began to add up the strange happenings of late. First, there were the odd text messages and a few hang-ups, then mysterious photographer, and now the mystery man and my open office. I am beginning to wonder if it all means something. I have to think it is just all a weird coincidence. I have absolutely nothing anyone would want and I don’t have any enemies I am aware of. Regardless, I decide I should probably confide in J the next time we speak just to be safe.

  Shortly after 8 a.m. Gabe, my spectacular assistant, comes through the glass doors chatting away on his phone and takes a few moments to even notice my presence. I give him a smile and quick wave as he heads straight for the coffee.

  Gabe is my angel, he is about five feet six inches tall with caramel colored skin, and dark perfectly groomed hair. Gabe is always impeccably dressed, in a suit, and his dark chocolate eyes get the attention of most women, especially in combination with that genuine smile.

  Gabe could easily land a job with a much bigger firm. However, thus far he has remained loyal to me because I gave him a shot straight out of college. Someone with more experience would have benefited me at the time, but Gabe learned quickly and I could not imagine my work life without him. Gabe has become more than just my assistant and I am considering offering him a partnership of some type in the near future.

  Since it is just Gabe and I in the office, I have taken the only true office, which is separated by frosted glass walls that give it a semi-private feel. It is a large space that accommodates my modern black furniture and cream-colored sofa. I haven't spent much time decorating the space, but I do notice Gabe makes little changes here and there. Gabe mans the front reception area, which he has accentuated with bright blues to offset the natural tone of the walls and floor.

  In reality I do not spend much time at the office, I am generally in the field. I mainly use the office to catch up on paperwork or to do larger meetings. However, Gabe is always here, he takes all incoming calls and keeps my schedule on track. Once he has a sufficient amount of caffeine flowing we will get together and go over my schedule for the week. I need to see how much rearranging will be necessary to get to Houston this week to surprise Austin.

  An hour later, I am engrossed in new contracts and possible opportunities for my new clients. Deciding to highlight a few of the finer points I would like to discuss further with my clients I open my top drawer to find my favorite highlighter. Not immediately feeling the marker, I slide my chair pack and pull the top drawer open to continue my hunt, only the contents of the drawer cause me to shriek in horror.

  Following my startled shriek Gabe comes running into my office, “What happened?”

  Too stunned to speak I just point to the drawer. There are at least a dozen pictures of Austin and I from the last few weeks, each with Austin's face marked or scratched over. The largest picture on top is of the two of us on the beach yesterday. Austin's face is completely scratched out and the note in red ink r
eads, 'I told you, you cannot replace me or there will be consequences.'

  “Holy shit Rylee, what is all of this?” Gabe is clearly just as shocked as I am as he stands there with his jaw open in disbelief.

  With a shaky hand, I reach out to grab the top picture to examine it and see if there are any clues to who may have sent this. Suddenly, Gabe slaps my hand away before I can pick it up, “Leave it there may be fingerprints.” I know he is right, but I still want to examine it, to see who is behind this, because for the life of me I do not know. I do not understand.

  Gabe comes around the desk further and puts a hand on my shoulder, “Are you ok? Do you want me to call J?”

  Do I want J? Yes. Am I going to call him right now? No. “No, Gabe let's just call James up here and let him phone the police.”

  He looks at me questioningly but obliges, “Ok, well why don't we go out front and leave your office as is until it can be processed. This is messed up Ry.”

  I don’t' even know where to begin with this, do I call Austin? Should I warn him? Do I wait and see what the authorities have to say? God, why is this happening?

  Chapter 33

  Gabe hands me a bottle of water and sits down next to me in the guest chairs as we wait for James. “Rylee, I don't mean to pry, but do you have any idea who did this?”

  I shake my head no as my anger with the situation begins to build. “No Gabe, I really don't know.” I continue to tell him about the mystery man from this morning. I figure he deserves to know since he has to work here too. Well, I don't suppose he has to, but thus far, he chooses to. I can see the uncertainty in his eyes combined with a dash of fear and I don't blame him. Hell, I am scared too.

  After James came in, he surveyed my office and immediately dialed the police. He decided to stand guard outside the office door until they arrive.

  Gabe and I sat in silence for a few minutes before he decides to try to lighten the mood. “So, you finally decide to date, the hottest guy on the planet no less, and this is what happens,” he says with a smirk. “No, wonder you don't date.” He gives me a genuine smile and takes my hand as I guiltily laugh at his statement.