I stopped smiling and I shook my head profusely. “No, of course not.” I started feeling really hot and flustered. “I thought we could go as friends,” I replied in the most unconvincing way; naturally, I cursed myself inside.
“Oh.”
“Yes. Oh”
“A dance as friends. Just the two of us?”
“Yep. Nothing else to it,” I laughed nervously.
He leaned his head against the door, looked up to the ceiling, and pursed his lips as he thought about it. I could see the muscles and rips on his arm that was holding the side of the door....Then he looked down at me again. “I'm actually going to be busy tonight plus...I don't dance.”
I suddenly remembered what he told me during our initial meeting and at our first party together. For some reason, I kept forgetting that he hated to dance. Crap! I completely forgot. I looked down at my hands for a few seconds and then looked back up at his chest, “Right. Okay. That's fine. I'll go by myself then.” I held back my disappointment by giving him a big smile as I looked back into his eyes.
It felt like eternity standing there with only a foot of space between us. I could hear rock music playing from his penthouse but it was the sound of my heartbeat that was louder; its pulse vibrated throughout my body and the rushing of blood was felt not only in my cheeks but in my ears too. I'm sure from another person's perspective, it wasn't really a good look.
Without a second thought, I bowed and laughed before I started walking away. I pressed the elevator button. He was still standing at the door and looked like he wanted to say something, “Quinn?...”
I looked right at him, waiting for him to continue. He put both his hands behind his head and said, “Goodnight.”
Goodnight. That's all I got. I was beyond disappointed. I was actually sad. But I still smiled at him, “Goodnight, Josef.” The elevator doors opened, I stepped in, pressed the button for my floor and I looked down the whole time while the doors were closing.
A female automated voice suddenly spoke up: Going down.
Story of my life.
***
Despite Josef not wanting to join me, I was looking forward to going to the 1920's dance. I expected the guests to go along with the theme and for there to be an actual big band with a Frank Sinatra-like crooner. Sitting on a stool at the bar, I was beyond disappointed. Women decided to show up in club wear and the band constantly attempted to play big band versions of contemporary songs. The night was turning out to be lousy and it was going to be the last one before flying back home tomorrow. And since I wasn't legally able to drink alcohol yet, I couldn't drink away the disappointment.
The island was beautiful and I was having a lovely time but my jealous feelings over Josef were getting in the way of everything else that I was feeling. I had recently met the guy and my whole world felt turned upside down. I sighed and continued to munch on the peanuts on the bar counter.
After half an hour, I decided to call it a night. I slipped off the stool and started to head off towards the ballroom's entrance hall. As I passed the door greeter and stepped into the main hall of the hotel, I saw Josef walk towards my way. He was wearing a suit and looked incredible in it. I was too taken aback by how handsome he was to even speak and ask him what he was up to.
When he reached me, he noticed my confusion and began to speak to break the awkwardness, “Is the party over?” He looked over my shoulder towards the ballroom as he smiled in a lopsided manner.
“Let's just say that no one got the memo that it was a 1920's themed dance. You have a band who has never heard of the song 'Moonlight Serenade' when you request it and the guests are more into grinding than doing the Charleston.”
“That's too bad because I thought I would drop in and get a glimpse of your dancing skills.” He quickly ran his eyes down my body before setting his eyes on mine with his grin becoming wider.
I blushed but I didn't want to show him that he had complete control of me like that. “Really? You got all dressed up to come and see me dance?” I shook my head at him. “You could have just said something. I do consider private sessions.”
He was taken aback by my comment as his eyes widened and he slightly groaned. “And how would I book something like?”
“I'm sorry. But I think I'm pretty booked.” I walked passed him to get to the elevators. I was still slightly put off by the thought of him spending time with the other girls after shopping. He didn't say what he was doing in his penthouse and he acted secretive as he blocked the view inside his room. He acted like he wanted to be near me and get to know me but then he had a completely unknown side to him that I will mostly likely never have a part in.
I stood facing the elevator doors and waited. He circled in front of me and he looked annoyed. “Are you still angry about what happened on the course? I thought we got passed that.”
I rolled my eyes and I spoke with a low voice so that the people around us wouldn't here. “No... I just had a lot to think about just now. And I realized that you must have been with some other girl just before you came down and that's why you acted weird when I came up to your penthouse.”
He grabbed my arm, pulled me aside, looked around and quickly pulled me into a coat closet. Once he closed the door behind us, he stepped right in front of me and pointed his finger in an accusatory manner. “You knew this was a group thing involving seven other girls. You signed on for it. Actually from what I remember, you quickly signed that contract when you were in my house without taking time to think it through more. So what I do with the others is none of your business.”
His words cut right through me. He had never been this harsh with me before and I felt like my world had shattered in front of me. I wanted to say something but I couldn't. Instead I felt a huge lump in my throat. I looked down and I didn't care if he was going to get mad. He already was.
He slowly lifted my chin with one of his hands and had me look right into his eyes. “I was working. I was just really shocked to see you, that's all.” His eyes warmed and his voice grew softer. “But you can't expect me to only give attention to you. That's not how it works.”
“I don't like it.” My voice sounded broken and vulnerable.
“I know.”
“You're right. I didn't think it through properly before I signed the contract.” At this point, I started to fight back the sudden urge to cry.
He ran his other hand across his face before stopping to rub his chin as his eyes widened at what I had said. “Okay. We're going to have to figure something out then.”
I looked up at him confused. “What do you mean?”
He started to pace in a back-and-forth manner across the small closet with his hands behind his head. He looked like he was thinking about something all the while looking slightly annoyed. He then stopped and leaned against the side of an arm chair with his arms crossed against his chest. “Fine. How about this? I allow you private time while I see the others in groups. Would that make you feel better?”
I was surprised that he was making these considerations and changing how the Club works. He really likes me? He must...
He looked at me, waiting for me to reply, with a hopeful look in his eyes. I felt in control and it felt good so I decided to go ahead and try to set my own rules. “Okay. But only I can touch you.”
***
He looked at me as if my demand was crazy and not possible. But I didn't give in and I stood there composed. Finally, he grunted and leaned slightly towards my face. “You're frustrating, you know that?”
“Really? I've never had a man tell me that before.” It was true. Then again, I never was around a lot of guys before...
He leaned back again and rubbed his bottom lip with a finger. “That's going to be hard to explain. You being allowed to touch me and the other seven can't.”
“It would be in private though. How will someone find out?”
He flashed me that wolfish grin that made me melt inside. “Private? Miss Turner, I was prepared to mee
t a completely different girl when Artie first described you to me. Now, how much private time do you expect to have with me?”
I pretended to think about it as I looked up to the ceiling with my lips pursed. Then I looked back at him as I crossed my arms against my chest to mirror him. “How much time, outside of work, would you have for me?”
His grin grew to the point that his dimples became more prominent. He belonged in a Calvin Klein ad. He was too unreal. “Being the CEO of my company, I can make a lot of time.”
Oh shit. He was giving me enough swoon-worthy moments for life in this tiny closet. I bit on my finger for a few seconds in order to suppress my inner urges. “Okay. I'm glad to know that. Because I will want a lot... a lot of private time.” I slowly moved towards him and placed myself right in front of him. “But what kind of... extracurricular activities will you do with the others and what will you do with me?”
“Well, I can reassure you that the others will be subjected to typical things like shopping, club outings and attending random events sponsored by my company.” He leaned in close to my face and whispered, “But you – I will have a completely different itinerary for you.”
I looked at him in surprise. “Oh, really?”
He nodded and his eyes slightly darkened, “Oh, yes.”
“Can I have a hint, Sir?”
“I would rather surprise you. But one thing I will say is that... it might not always be... pleasant.”
Shit. What did he mean by that? My breathe became really hard to control at that point. “That sounds... lovely.” I nodded and smiled. I didn't want to show him that he intimidated me.
“Oh. It will be lovely.” His expression was hard and he was looking at my mouth. At that moment, I took a deep breath in and kissed him.
***
His mouth was perfect against mine. I felt an exhilarating tingle run throughout every inch of my body. This wasn't my first kiss but I had never had one like this. I never had a kiss that felt mind blowing. I pulled away as I had realized what I had done. I broke a rule!
I pulled back and touched my lips, “I am so sorry.”
I stepped back to give him space, but always to give myself an opportunity to catch back my breath that was ravished from me.
I had never seen him so surprised before. He closed his eyes and moved his head side-to-side as if he were exercising. Then he opened his eyes as he quickly got up. He placed his hands behind my head and kissed me. He was in control and used the right amount of roughness. I couldn't stop smiling as he moved me towards the wall behind me. He slowly started to kiss me gently on my chin and neck. I had my hands placed on his neck and didn't want him to move. But he did. He planted one last kiss on my lips and then took my hands off his neck. He moved back away from me as I remained against the wall. I couldn't feel my legs or my arms as I felt paralyzed after what had just occurred. I looked at him to find him looking at me with a lopsided grin. He took his phone out, “It's late. Gwen will be checking in on everybody soon. I don't want you to get in trouble.”
I gave a quick laugh. “Forget Gwen. Am I in trouble for touching you without permission?”
“We'll see.”
Was he serious? I couldn't tell since he was no longer smiling. “That's not fair...plus, you broke a rule by being inappropriate.”
He looked up from his phone and winked at me. “What can I do for forgiveness?”
Good, he was teasing me. “Allow Gwen to late me stay out beyond the curfew.”
He was grinning again. He put his phone away and crossed his arms against his chest like he always did. “And if I do, what will you do? An innocent girl like you in a place unknown to her?”
I stopped grinning. I hated the whole “innocent girl” stereotype that had been stamped on me. I lived with it in Richmond and certainly didn't want it to follow me everywhere. I moved to be right in front of him and I placed a hand on one of his crossed arms. I looked up and whispered, “One, I'm not an 'innocent girl'. And...two, I wouldn't mind checking out the view from your penthouse which I hear is very nice.”
He looked at my hand that was resting on his arm and then he slowly moved his arms so that he could take my hand into his. I felt warm and slightly light-headed at his touch. “How about this? I take you back up to your room and you're going to get a good night's rest. And I'll make sure Gwen doesn't lay into you for being late.”
“Why? You have other plans?” I spoke too soon and I sounded jealous. I thought he would get mad but instead he laughed.
“No. Because it would be difficult to get you past Jacob and Artie and having to explain to them why I have a human girl in my room for the first time since they have known me.”
He didn't allow humans in his room? I guessed he only hooked up with vampires then.
“Oh.” Suddenly I felt stupid and embarrassed. Of course Jacob and Artie were staying in the penthouse as well.
“Now can we go? You're definitely going to be late.”
Before he was able to move around me and open the door I stopped him. “Why do you have her? She's mean.”
He titled his head toward mine and he looked amused but sympathetic at the same time. “Has she really been mean?”
“She's awful. There isn't a nice bone in her.”
“I trust her to handle the group and I need someone to be firm so that everyone knows their place.” I rolled my eyes to his response which he noticed. He titled my head up with a finger. “If she's mean without reason then let me know. Okay?”
I nodded.
We were quiet the whole time after we discretely walked out of the coat closet and made our way up to my room. Gwen was there looking beyond pissed but when she saw Josef walking behind me her expression became less severe. As we walked towards the door, I turned to Josef and gave him a look for him to save me.
I stood right in front of Gwen who was blocking me from the door. Josef came around me and spoke to Gwen, “Gwen, everything is fine. I just found this one wandering around like a lost lamb.”
I looked up at him and rolled my eyes. “Yes, I was definitely lost. I don't know what I would have done if Mr. Constane hadn't found me.”
Gwen eyed me suspiciously. “Fine. Go to bed. Next time, don't wander alone.”
I nodded and looked at Josef, “Goodnight, Mr. Constane.”
He tried to suppress a smile and act hard. “Goodnight, Miss. Turner.” He walked away and headed towards the elevator.
I turned to Gwen who gave me a disapproving look. “He doesn't need you annoying him and wasting his time.”
I smiled at her. “Goodnight, Gwen.” I didn't wait to see if she would say it back to me as I quickly opened the door, stepped in and closed it behind me.
I passed Ivy and Janel who were once-again raiding the mini bar. Artie's bill was definitely going to be a surprise in the morning.
I kicked my heels off and started the shower.
Ivy's and Janel's half-drunk laughter became muddled in-between my own thoughts.
The bathroom began to steam up completely.
My reflection in the mirror slowly disappeared but my dimpled smile grew.
***
It was difficult to sleep during the night since I couldn't stop thinking about Josef and that kiss. So when it was time to get up in the morning and head down to breakfast, I certainly didn't have the energy to do it.
I sat with Janel and Ivy who couldn't stop talking about how annoyed they were that today was going to be our last day in Hawaii. It annoyed me too but I was happy to know that Josef was prepared to spend more time with me when we got home.
My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed Lisa and Cassie standing near one of the tall glass windows in the breakfast lounge and were laughing like little school girls.
Ivy snickered at them, “What are those bitches up to?”
Lisa and Cassie had heard her as they both turned towards our table. Cassie was angry at the comment. Lisa, on the other hand, looked proud about something
. “The guys are working out with one of the hotel trainers. And who knew that Jacob was this hot?”
I smiled at Ivy and Janel as I got up from my seat to go see what Lisa was talking about. Janel and Ivy quickly joined me. Artie, Jacob and Josef were near the hotel's front lawn and were laughing about something with a man who appeared to be a trainer. They were shirtless, sweaty and Artie was lying on the ground resting. They had clearly finished off some sort of exercise routine or something.
Lisa began to coo, “Just look at him. Those tattoos are really doing something to me.”
She was right; Jacob was definitely attractive, even more so shirt-less. He had a lot of tattoos, mostly on his back and near his ribs. But he couldn't distract me from a more wonderful view that I was enjoying. It was the first time that I had seen Josef shirtless and it was better than what I had pictured in my head before. He had the right amount of muscles and was cut in the right places. His arms were the size of my thigh and his shoulders were broad in a panty-dropping worthy way. He always looked good in the shirts he wore, especially the tight v-necks he favored, so it's no surprise that he has a good body.
The girls began to fight with Ivy over whether or not Jacob was attractive. She refused to agree with them which further angered Lisa and Cassie. Janel just accused Ivy of being blind. I slowly began to tune out from the bickering and focused on Josef. He looked to be really enjoying himself. He was beaming as he laughed. His happiness transferred onto me – I was overwhelmingly happy. All three of them started walking back up to the hotel with the trainer.
I looked at the girls, “Come girls. Let's be polite and greet them.”
We all went to the main entrance hall of the hotel and pretended to casually talk as the men came in. I looked up at Josef and tried to suppress my goofy grin, “Good morning boys. Looking good. Keep up the hard work.”
As they walked past us, Jacob winked at us and waved. Josef smiled but it didn't reach his eyes until he met mine to which his grin also widened at one corner and then he shook his head in an exasperated manner. When they stepped into an elevator and the doors closed, Lisa and Cassie exhaled loudly. Lisa whispered, “Fuck me, please.”
The Touch Series: Initiation Page 9
