by Beth Mikell
I giggled. "Does that mean you'll name your first born after me too?"
"Yeah, if it will make you cough up some answers, I'll agree to just about anything. I haven't seen you this happy in like forever and I want in on the action. Stop stalling."
"Okay..." I gave her the revised-no-kinkery version of my...ahem...dates with Noah and I didn't think I'd ever seen Jenna without something to say. She's usually full of witty comebacks and sarcastic replies that could shoulder a suspension bridge into eternity. In fact, she walked over to my office door, kicked it closed before sinking down into one the proffered chairs across from me. The shock on her face made me smile and I'm not sure she's even breathing.
Finally, she thumped a fist on my desk causing me to jump. "Oh my effin' god..."
Yeah...she's surprised to say the least.
"Do you know who he is? My god, Reyna!" I nodded, but she continued with wide-eyed shock, "He's like a total lick magnet--super rich and one the most eligible bachelors in Florida. You bagged a fuckin' babe! Holy shit!"
I shrugged off her comments, trying to keep the ruckus at a minimum, but her reaction was setting off my internal adolescent meter until I wanted nothing more than to gush every facet of my entire weekend with Noah. "I wouldn't go that far." It's more like he bagged me with an eye mask, chocolate mousse and the most sensual velvet voice ever gifted to a man, but I refrained from saying that.
Jenna leaned forward, her incredulous expression in place. "Really? Then how far would you go? I've never seen you this happy in my life and--and it's positively rockin'! We have to tell Christy, but it's too bad Liz is in the South of France, though, but we can email her. Crap-shit, we have to go out for drinks after work to celebrate! Boo-yah!" And to make matters more uncomfortable, she air pumped several times with a deep 'Woot-woot' for dramatic emphasis.
I panicked and I shook my head vigorously. "No! We can't tell anyone, Jen! No one!" I melted inside mortification at the thought of anyone finding out, especially my longtime friends. While they'd always been supportive, shoulders to cry on or badass revenge takers, this was not the time to celebrate (or at least not yet)--especially when I have no fat clue what the future held.
"What? Are you kidding? This is the best news I've heard in a year since you kicked Chad to the curb, the asshole. Of course, we have to share with the crew. Just think what Liz will say...or would say if she was here rather than sexing it up on a beach with some playboy...score...you whore!" She barely took a breath. "Annnd, he's bigger news than Christy's NFL football player she dated for two months! We are soooo sharing."
I really believed I wanted to puke and the air around me grew thick with 'I'm screwed' threading through each molecule. "No, no way," I shook my head. "I just met the guy and I'm not sure what the future maybe. I don't want to jinx it before it really takes off."
Jenna narrowed her blue eyes. "Why? Did you do it? Already?"
I didn't answer… my blush was answer enough.
"Christ, Reyna, you did!" She began giggling uncontrollably.
I looked away from her. Damn. This was just perfect. Why did my face always give me away? I needed to work on that.
"I'm sorry," she said, holding a hand up in defensive apology. "It's just the best news you could've told me. You totally needed this and he's perfect."
She's right; he was perfect, but for how long? The rest of the week? A month? Or until he found another woman and kicked me to the curb? As much as I didn't want to invest too much of myself into...whatever this was, I can't seem to shout it loud enough to my heart. I'm already half in love with him already and I'm so afraid Noah will wake up one day and realize what a mistake he made on me or that I can't fulfill his needs. Then where will I be? Oh, I know...probably chain-smoking, gaunt with black circles under my eyes from the endless heartache in Noah's broken heart dust trail as he appeared in gossip columns with a new girl. Damn, I could really use a smoke right about now. My nerves were shredded.
I met my friend's gaze directly and tried to appear firm, in control and a woman empowered by knowing her mind, though I'm a jiggly mess inside. "Look, Jen, I know you are happy and I am too, really. I want to enjoy this without the whole world in on the nitty-gritty for as long as the short time lasts. As famous as Noah is...our solitude won't stretch far before our new relationship is plastered all over the news, but until then, I just want to savor the quiet of each new day."
Jenna's face softened, her boisterous laughter subsided. "Okay, Rey. I can respect that, but we can still talk about it behind closed doors, right? I mean, you can't cut me off entirely."
I flashed a grin. "Of course."
However, before my friend could dream up more questions for me, a knock sounded on my door and Beverly, my boss, prompted me for an unscheduled meeting. And so ended the hottie interrogation and I am relieved in a way. As much as I loved indulging in the subject of Noah, I really can't go beyond what I already imparted with Jen.
So, between manager meetings, irate customer calls, and some disgruntled employees, I'm so ready to scream by twelve. My saving grace...a message from Noah.
*Hell is perfect for a guy like me because heaven is so far away. I'm safe and sound, Ms. Lourde, but miss you. --N*
I frowned. A guy like him? More self-deprecation? I immediately hit the reply button. *Smile, Mr. Alexander, it's the second best thing you can do with your lips and I speak from personal experience. ;-) I'm happy you are safe. I miss you too. --R*
I hated his penchant for self-loathing and can't wait until Friday to delve into the deep. What set him off, I wondered, but before I could think about it, another message arrived.
*Though you're perfectly out of reach, you're perfect for me, Reyna. [Please insert smile here] In fact, your smile is one of the most bewitching, lovely gifts I’ve ever been granted, and I'm happy I took so many pictures of you while you were sleeping to tide me over until I see you again. Oh, and don't act surprised, Ms. Lourde, you know I never fight fair! As for your lips, I'll be sure to give them my utmost attention when I hold you in my arms Friday. Kiss first...smile second...you're a genius with words, baby. I'll be in a meeting for the rest of the afternoon, but feel free to text me, often. I'll catch up. Forever enchanted, N.*
I sat back in my desk chair and closed my eyes, full of strange contentment. First, one very fine Noah Alexander was too good to be true and second...my heart fell just a little deeper in love with him. He was completely the kind of man no woman ever found or believed existed, but I did. I found him...or he found me. A warm, heady feeling licked through my veins, igniting every amazing place within my soul so long forgotten or denied life. At this moment in time, I believed in fairytales and dreams all wrapped in my amazing super-hottie with beautiful eyes.
Was this love?
Had I fallen so far beyond comprehension?
"Hi Reyna."
My eyes shot open to find Brett smiling in the doorway. Great. No, not really, but I summoned the fake smile nevertheless. What did he want? "Hi, how are you?" He looked pretty much the same as Sunday morning, only in a rumpled green pullover and creased Dockers complete with bloodshot eyes. What happened to him?
He smiled, briefly. "Can't complain, much. Would you like to grab some lunch?" His earnest red-rimmed brown eyes reflected weirdness I couldn't quite place my finger on, something about him was different. Last Monday he appeared fresh and full of anxious playfulness, now oily disgust.
I continued to smile. "Thank you for asking, but Beverly and I are taking a client out for lunch in about twenty minutes. Maybe another time." Or never, I wanted to say, but kept that close to my chest. No sense rattling his strange cage considering he was the boss's nephew. I'm not much of a betting woman, but I'd venture a slight guess he'd cause me a problem if I didn't handle him with care.
Brett nodded. "That's cool. I'll see ya around." He left, thankfully, but I now wished I'd listened to Noah about vanilla or frozen yogurt. He gave me the creeps.
With a quick s
hake of my head, I empty thoughts of Brett and I hit the reply button to Noah before getting ready for lunch.
*I'm not the least bit surprised you shot pictures of me sleeping, you stalker. At least you have a picture of me, while I must rely on my memory. Hmmm, shall I download an unsmiling picture of you standing with a gorgeous model off the internet to appease my need of you?*
I sent it, but I instantly regretted it. I shouldn't have allowed my jealousy to bleed through my words. The last thing I wanted was for him to know how inferior I felt next to his extended social experiences of beautiful women.
I jumped as my phone buzzed, and I sighed, flipping into the message…
*Never doubt your worth in my eyes, Ms. Lourde. Count on punishment for these abhorrent words and you know what I mean, kinkery included! Open the attachment, baby. Pissed much, N.*
My stomach sank as I tapped the screen and my mouth dropped open in shock. The man was beyond normal. To my surprise, I found three pictures of us together in bed, though I'm sleeping; he's smiling with me lying upon his shoulder. Each photo revealed a deep emotion expressed through his shard-like blue eyes and curved lips. In many ways, I'm humbled with the gushy, warm lovesick happiness running through my veins as I run my finger over each picture. I had it bad for him too. God, I had to do damage control, fast!
*You are full of surprises, Mr. Alexander. Please back down to Defcon 5 as I hardly think a few words warrant your 'brand' of punishment, although kinkery is always welcome, since you excel at it. Besides, it was my way of saying I missed you. The English language can be unforgiving, but I do hope you may retain the ability to overlook my blunder. Have I soothed the beast?*
He replied instantly.
*Only just, baby. Enjoy your afternoon. I'm thinking of you, N.*
I stowed my phone in my purse and shutdown my computer, heading to lunch, my thoughts were only of Noah. If ever I needed to get a grip on myself, it was now, but I didn't care. I loved Noah too much to consider the future consequences.
Chapter 17
There are moments when, whatever the position of the body, the soul is on its knees. Victor Hugo
True to his word, Noah filled my apartment (and office) with an abundant supply of pink roses, but that was my no bounds man, boundless and life affirming by every sensual account. Between his sexy text messages, nightly video calls and attentive manner, I never felt more cherished in my life, and I think I managed to subdue his desire to punish me after his return. I sensed a deep pain within him and I wanted to beg him to share his darkness, but I didn't. I knew I would see him again and delve into the deep as he put it, yet concern replaced my happiness. How dark was his pain, I wondered.
Thursday evening after my Zumba class, my phone rang and excitement burst through my veins. Other than one sweet text from Noah before work this morning, I hadn't heard from him and I couldn't wait to hear his velvet voice slipping over my ears, but the number was unknown. Deflated, I answered the call.
"Hello, carrots!"
It took me less than a second to recognize the flamboyant voice and familiar nickname belonging to my cousin, Daniel Robb. "Danny! Oh my God, how did you get my number?"
He chuckled. "Well, I am a top, international BBC reporter, mind you. I can find a phone number faster than the truth, but Claire gave it to me. Now, how's my gorgeous cousin?"
Well, I was surprised he called my roommate, since they had a strange history--one that neither would share with me. The thing about Danny was he wasn't actually my blood related cousin, though he was an outstanding reporter and an utter delight by every standard--British born and literally a thousand pounds of sexy. My aunt, Abigail Maxwell (my mother's sister) married Henry Robb, an attorney and widower with two children, Danny and Lita. There were a few times, our family vacations were spent in England (as money allowed) and we grew up with a great friendship smothered in plenty of laughter.
"I'm fine, Danny. I'm so happy to hear from you--it's been what? Six months?"
He sighed. "One, carrots. I called Angela and Frank over Easter. How could you forget, monster?"
He was right, but I loved teasing him. "So, where are you? The connection is great, better than Bangkok."
Danny snorted. "Stop fishing for my whereabouts. I'm on assignment," he said inside a stern voice, but blew it with a laugh. "I'm kidding, carrots--I'm in New York visiting Abigail."
My stomach tightened at the location New York as thoughts of Noah swirled through my mind, but I stamped down my desire fast. "Oh? How's that going?"
"I think I'm ready to shove a hot poker up my arse and die happy."
Two years ago, his father passed away and Aunt Abigail remarried to Jordan Wright, a prominent executive no one had ever seen or heard of. Since my aunt raised Danny from age seven, he regarded her as his mother (since his own died at age five) and looked after her as much as his job would allow. According to Danny, the only thing egesting was Jordan was a hard, shrewd man with a, socialite daughter he dubbed The Beast. The Wright family had plenty of money without a lick of humanity and nothing about the mixed family bled happy times by Danny's approval. He didn't enjoy spending forced time with the one woman he deemed close to his heart.
"You know how things go here, love, plenty of drama. I swear to God, if the station would agree to an exposé on the Wright family, I'd make millions. The Beast has stirred up a hefty witches brew and Jordan is spouting orders left and right, all the while making Abigail a nervous wreck...the usual."
Whenever the topic arose, Danny shared small tidbits of the Wright family to blow off steam, providing me with comic relief. "That bad, huh? I thought you said The Beast got a job? I would have thought her too busy for more drama." Though, I've never seen the woman in question, Danny's nickname stuck and her escapades a thing of amazement.
He laughed outright. "Are you jesting, carrots? The Beast couldn't work a real job if it bit her pinky toe off and she somehow spanked her own arse with it--though I love the visual. She's incapable. I thought last month's fiasco where she flashed her boobs from the roof of her daddy's limo a riot, but now she suckered a poor sap into marrying her. It's like watching crime and punishment right before my eyes--where's Mrs. Marple when you need her, hmmm? It's appalling."
A new topic sorely needed. "Are you coming to Gemma's wedding?"
"Yes. I'm hoping to convince Abigail to leave a few days early as a means of escape. In fact, she and I are headed to dinner now and we'll be quite alone for me to work on her mind. I swear to God she needs a divorce and I'm praying to convince her. Wish me luck!"
I tried not to sigh. "Danny, just take care of yourself and aunt Abby. Be careful, she won't thank you for ending her marriage if you interfere."
"I know, love, but I can't worry something will happen to her either. I have a new assignment coming up and I won't be here to field the shit pile, so I hope to settle her somewhere away from Wright as soon as possible. The woman is already on two kinds of antidepressants and sleep meds--I really don't think she'll be a hard sell."
Our call ended, but I was still worried about the outcome, yet I had enough to worry about without distant endo-drama. I did manage to catch up with Gemma for our dress fitting before making it home with a cup of yogurt as dinner. My night dragged with only a sweet message from Noah until Friday morning arrived and along with it the very knowledge I would see my super-hottie later that evening, but I was so nervous. I planned to leave work by lunchtime with Claire to go have a manicure, pedicure and touch up my Brazilian as Jenna poked her head around the corner with a smile and a very large box in hand.
I frowned. "What's that?"
She traipsed in, dumping the elegant package on my desk with a shrug. "Beats me, sweetie, it's addressed to you." Jenna eyed the three glass vases of pink roses here and there, whistling through her teeth. "Damn, the man must be in L.O.V.E! As soon as he comes back, jump him! Seriously!"
I blushed, but laughed inside my embarrassment, shaking my head. "Jen! C'mon, he's j
ust being a good boyfriend." I unwrapped the black bow over the white box, lifting the lid. I'm speechless. There lying within scented tissue paper was an exquisite white gown, white stilettos and designer white clutch, expensive.
"Uh-huh, right. I don't care how much you'd like to dismiss the obvious, but the guy is head-over-heels, so do yourself a favor," she said, pointing to the shoes. "Wear these and make sure they're up in the air--at all times!"
I shook my head, cringing with mortification. "God, I should never have told you." Really, I shouldn't have.
She waved off my comment. "Spare me, you know you needed a support groupie! Now open the damn card, I'm dying to know what he says."
With shaky hands, I flipped the card out, it read…Wear this tonight, red. I'll see you soon and smiling is the second choice. Noah. I swallowed hard, handing my friend the card, which she deftly snatched away, devouring it with bubbly laughter.
"God, does he have a twin? I love him too!"
Yeah, Jenna was kidding, I knew, she didn't really want to commit to anyone after her broken heart last summer. Sure, she only dated the guy for three months, but she really cared for him and now she only dated, dumped and ran far, far away from the appearance of relationships. I let things go and began my afternoon of pampering.
Hours later, I stood in front of Claire's full-length mirror, stunned. My usual awkward-gawkiness replaced with speechlessness. The cocktail dress Noah sent was a dream never realized in a gauzy white, off-one-shoulder creation, above the knee and barely there. I didn't recognize Claire's handy work or myself. My red hair was blown out to perfection, make-up, simple, but classic and my skin glowed from my earnest exfoliation treatment borrowed from my roommate's endless assortment of high-end beauty products. The doorbell chimed and my stomach fell into a flutter of nerves, while Claire called out she'd get the door.
Noah was finally here! Oh my.
I couldn't breathe.
I took a few calming breaths to still my jittery nerves, closing my eyes for just a moment. Why am I so uneasy? I've been waiting for him for three days. There were so many times I wanted to throw Hell a finger (Noah's words) and surprise him in New York, but I didn't. I stayed in my little town and meaningless life waiting for his return content with his calls, texts and video.
