Even on a Sunday, the streets were crowded with traffic and a slew of pedestrians trying to get from point A to point B faster than the last person. I arrived at her apartment building, and naturally, parking sucked. I should’ve taken a cab, but the thought of having her scent in my car again made me want to drive. Once I found a spot, I looked at the clock. I was fifteen minutes early. Not wanting to seem overanxious, I called my brother Bentley.
“Hey, Brett. It’s early, isn’t it?” His voice was raspy as though I had woken him.
“It’s almost lunchtime. Did you have a late night?” I chuckled, and he moaned in irritation.
“Yeah. I had a review to turn in, and it was one of those that needed to be written though I didn’t want to write it. Not to mention I’m in a hotel in Jersey. I miss my bed.”
Bentley was a highly acclaimed theater critic and known for being brutally honest. I’d gone to a show with him once, and when I told him that I thought it was good, he pointed out all the reasons it wasn’t. After that, I was happy that I was a bartender. I obviously didn’t know much about the theater world.
“So is this another one of your reviews that will make actresses cry?” I asked.
“It’s not like that’s my goal, but I won’t write an untruth so they don’t shed a tear.”
“Wow, you’re cranky this morning. Maybe you should go back to sleep.” I laughed, but he didn’t reciprocate.
“It’s not that. I’m sorry, man. I’m drained, and there’s this actress… let’s say I know she can be better.”
“Breaking hearts one review at a time. That should be your tagline.”
He let out a ragged breath. “Whatever. What’s going on with you? Is there a reason for this call?”
I looked at the clock then at Julie’s door. “I met someone.”
“Someone like…”
“A woman.”
“You always meet women.” He chuckled.
“This one’s different.” My fingers rubbed my forehead.
“I need coffee for this conversation.” He groaned, and I heard him moving around.
My brother and I were close but didn’t see enough of each other. Our work schedules were almost the same, but Bentley actually put in more hours than I did.
“Maybe I should call later.”
“I’m up now. Tell me about her and what has you apparently tied up in knots.”
“She’s different.”
“You said that already. What does that mean?”
“It isn’t a single thing—it’s everything.” I looked out my window, imagining her inside and getting ready. My heart rate sped up at the mere thought of her. “I’m comfortable with her. I don’t need to use my normal pick-up lines or entice her with the best martini in Manhattan. We just clicked.” Those words sounded ridiculous to my ears. I shrugged even though he couldn’t see me. “She’s… Julie.”
“Sounds like Julie has made quite an impression. When did you meet her?”
“Last night.”
Bentley let out a hearty laugh. “You’ve known her less than twenty-four hours?”
“I know. That’s why I’m saying she’s different. We didn’t even have sex—we talked.”
“Hmm. So what are you going to do about it?” Bentley’s voice teetered between excited and apprehensive.
“I’m going to try not to screw it up.” I looked at my clock again. Enough time had passed. I needed to see her. “Thanks for listening.”
“Anytime. Don’t worry about screwing things up before you even get started. Enjoy each other, and everything else will fall into place.”
We hung up, and I knew he was right. I pressed the buzzer to her apartment and was thankful she lived in a secure building. The thought of anyone being able to enter her building didn’t sit well with me. The buzzer sounded, and I opened the door. She was standing in the hallway wearing a pair of light blue skinny jeans with a simple white low-cut T-shirt. Her hair was still damp, and she looked sexier than she had last night.
“Hey there.” She smiled and opened her door wider for me to step in.
“How did you know it was me?” It bothered me that she hadn’t verified who was at the door. Was she that trusting?
“What do you mean?” Her brows furrowed, creating the cutest vertical line slightly above her nose.
“You let me in and didn’t ask who it was.” I stalked up to her and placed my hands on her hips as hers went to my shoulders.
“I saw you walking up.” She bit the corner of her lower lip and quirked a single eyebrow.
Shit. How long had she been watching me? Did she notice I’d gotten there early and waited for the time to pass? I pulled her close, and she let out a gasp. I studied her face and her soft blond curls. They cascaded over her shoulders and made my fingers want to grab on to them. “You’re beautiful.”
Our eyes locked, and an indescribable feeling passed through me as her cheeks turned pink. She was a natural beauty. I leaned in and gently kissed her. She smelled like vanilla icing. I wanted to lick and taste her until I’d had my fill, but something told me I’d never be completely satisfied and leave wanting more from her.
“Would you like something?” She started to head toward her kitchen, but I grabbed her hand and stopped her. She pivoted toward me and tilted her head.
“Only you.” I yanked her back until we were chest to chest.
I placed my hands on the small of her back and pulled her close to me. It felt so natural, which was odd considering I generally had no desire to hold a woman while she was fully clothed. After my divorce, I’d decided to be a no-commitment guy. The women I met, generally at the club, were fine with that arrangement. We’d go to their place or my office. The thought of Julie spread across my desk or, better yet, in my bed made my dick come to life.
My hands rose from her waist to the center of her back. My embrace tightened as though I was afraid to let go. I needed to get a grip. I’d just met her, and she didn’t appear to be looking for anything more than to have fun. Our first kiss had been in front of our friends in a crowded club, yet we’d kissed as if we were all alone. It was pure lust, and it stirred something in me that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. It exhilarated me at the same time.
She leaned back and looked at me. “So what’s the plan for today?”
“I thought we’d go grab lunch at this phenomenal Greek restaurant before we head back to my place for cocktails. We can have Alex and Aubrey over if you’d like.” We? I was referring to my place as though it were ours or we were a couple.
She didn’t flinch; instead she smiled and nodded. “Let me grab my purse, and we can head off.”
I watched her delectable ass sway as she strolled away. I wouldn’t make it too long without knowing what was under those jeans. Once she had her Gucci bag in hand, we were on our way.
The restaurant I wanted to take her to had a long waiting list. It was the best Greek food in the city, and my friend Pirro, who would have found a table for me regardless of the number of people waiting, wasn’t working today. I laced my fingers with Julie’s and walked outside without leaving my name on the list. We stood on the sidewalk and tried to think of what to do. When I turned to look at her, her eyes were closed, her head was tipped back as she soaked in the sun which hit her hair like a halo. She sighed, and I wanted nothing more than to tangle my hands in her soft waves and kiss her exposed neck.
She smiled, and her eyes popped open, almost catching me daydreaming. She bounced up and down on the balls of her feet, and I couldn’t hide my smile at the sight of her tits bouncing in the V of her shirt. “I have an idea!”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” I chuckled.
“Let’s go to the street vendor, grab a couple dogs, and have an impromptu picnic at the park.” Her head turned toward the white-and-red hot dog cart on the corner.
I’d never pictured her as the street-food type, but I had a feeling she was the kind of woman who would keep surprising me at every turn. “If tha
t’s what you want, let’s go.”
We grabbed our food, and I retrieved a blanket I kept in my trunk. Then we headed toward the park. I held the food while she spread the blanket on the sun-coated grass. She knelt and held her hands out for the bag. I laughed when she unwrapped her chili dog and cheese fries.
After she had taken a bite, she blushed and looked at me before grabbing a napkin to wipe the corners of her plump lips. “Do I have food on me?”
“No, you surprise me. That’s all.” I took a bite of my food and washed it down with a sip of my soda. Gucci bag and street food—this chick rocks!
She bobbed her head as she popped a fry in her mouth. “Oh my God! These are so good they’re practically orgasmic! Here, have one.” She held one out to me, which I took from her delicate fingers. After she had licked her fingertips, she put another fry through her rose-colored lips, which glistened from the greasy food.
I nonchalantly adjusted myself and tried not to choke at her words. If she thought a fried potato smothered in cheddar was orgasmic, wait until I got her in bed.
After we were done, she texted Aubrey and asked them to meet us at my place. I tossed out our trash while Julie shook the blanket and folded it into a square. I was all for getting together with our friends, but I needed to be alone with her. Dating wasn’t my thing, and Julie didn’t seem too interested in it either. After our twenty questions game, I was fairly confident she wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship. My chest tightened with jealousy of the men who’d had her before me and most likely those after me. I needed to get my shit in check before I started acting like a pussy.
We got in my car, and I couldn’t resist tasting her. My body moved across my center console as I brought my lips to hers. Her hand cupped my cheek as mine went to her thigh. We moaned as our tongues twirled. She was amazing. I decided right then and there that if I needed to beg to have her, I’d check my man card at the door and do what needed to be done.
So far, our day had been fantastic. Having an impromptu picnic was better than sitting in a crowded restaurant. At Brett’s building, we took the elevator up to the fifteenth floor. His apartment was bigger than most others I had seen. It was comfortable and decorated in earth tones. The floors were a rich-colored hardwood and covered by a plush area rug in the living area, under the sofa and coffee table. The kitchen cabinets were dark and brightly lit by the recessed lights above them.
He went upstairs to change while we waited for Aubrey and Alex to come over. I was super anxious to see how they were together. I was oddly comfortable with Brett as if we’d known each other for longer than a day. As I stood in front of a gorgeous painting of a neighborhood street that hung on his wall, I thought about why. Why did we click so well? Was it because we didn’t have any expectations? Were we both out to have a great time? Was I? Was that all I wanted?
“Penny for your thoughts.” I looked up and saw Brett wearing a snug navy T-shirt and faded jeans. He sauntered over, wrapped his arms around my middle, and pulled me toward him, so we were both looking at the painting. “I had it commissioned. It’s a rendering of my grandparents’ brownstone.”
“It’s beautiful.” I admired the warmth and hominess the artist had brought to his work. Flowers were in the boxes outside the windows. The obscure people on the sidewalk walking by had a natural movement. It almost looked alive.
“My brother, Bentley, lives there now.” When I turned in his arms, he placed his hands on my lower back. “When my grandfather passed away, he left it to us. I preferred to live where there was more action, so Bentley bought me out, and I purchased this place.”
My jaw dropped, and I felt my brows rise. “You own this place?”
“Yeah. Not bad for a bartender, huh?” His brilliant smile beamed with pride.
“No, not bad at all. You should be proud of yourself.” We leaned toward each other. As I licked my upper lip in anticipation of a kiss, there was a knock on the door.
Brett rested his forehead on mine and let out a frustrated moan. “Later.” He placed a chaste kiss on the top of my head. “Can you get that? That’s probably Alex. Since he lives upstairs, he doesn’t need to be buzzed in.”
Brett walked into the kitchen while I headed for the door. When I opened it, Alex and Aubrey were hand in hand and laughing about something.
Before either of them could say anything, I grabbed Aubrey for a hug and whispered in her ear, “Brett’s totally awesome! I really like him!” I squealed, and Aubrey giggled.
Brett came out to greet them. He shook Alex’s hand and gave him a “bro” hug, then he kissed Aubrey’s cheek. “I have drinks out on the terrace.”
I watched my friend interact with the guys, and it was so natural as if we’d all been friends for years rather than hours. Aubrey was generally guarded and tended to have anxiety in certain situations, and I was thrilled at how relaxed she was. I stood and gestured for her to follow me after I excused us. I saw the guys watching us appreciatively.
We ended up in the kitchen, out of earshot of the guys. “How are things with Alex? Did you have a good lunch?”
“Everything’s great. We talked about the women who seem to always be around since he was approached during our lunch date.” She shrugged.
“No way!” I quickly covered my mouth as my eyes darted around the room.
“Shhh, really, Julie, lower your voice.” Aubrey explained the situation.
Although I understood what she was telling me, I knew Alex was a player. I’d warned her about his bachelor status. Then she told me about how gorgeous the other women were and the fact that she didn’t feel worthy of him.
Holding her hand, I smiled at her. “Aubrey, someday you’ll look in the mirror and see what others do. You’re beautiful and kind. Leah and the other women I’ve seen him with are fake and nasty. I can tell you like him, and he seems to like you. Maybe you should tell him about the book and forget about your research. He’d probably give you chapters of romantic notions.” I winked and giggled, but Aubrey didn’t.
She was adamant about keeping Alex in the dark. I wasn’t completely on board with her decision, but it was hers to make. I prayed she would tell him before he found out on his own.
We walked back to the balcony to rejoin the guys. After a few more cocktails, Alex took Aubrey’s hand, and the unspoken want in their expressions made me happy. Brett tossed me a wink. That was when I realized Brett was as close to Alex as I was to Aubrey.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of Brett as we said good-byes to Alex and Aubrey. He closed the door and turned until we were face to face, and I was busted for ogling him. His lips quirked up, and I felt the blood rise in my cheeks.
“Do you feel it too?” he asked.
I wasn’t sure exactly what he was referring to, although I had a pretty good idea. I wasn’t one to instantly fall for someone, and I had the feeling he wasn’t either. But the pull I felt toward him was more than magnetic—that was so cliché and not us. Us. How could we be an “us” already? I shook my head to get rid of the thought of anything serious; we were having a good time.
“Why are you shaking your head? Don’t tell me you don’t feel the attraction too.” Brett placed his hands on my neck while his thumbs stroked my jawbone. “I can feel your pulse, so you don’t even have to give me an answer. I already have it.”
I tilted my head and looked at his lips. “I feel it.”
“I know.” He brought his lips to mine.
Our kiss was simple and soft. Only our mouths moved in pure tenderness. The kiss continued for what seemed like forever, but it was probably only a minute or so.
“Let me show you around.” He took my hand and led me through his spacious apartment.
If he hadn’t told me how he’d gotten such an amazing place, I would have thought he was up to no good at the bar. Brett opened a glass-paned door to a stunning office. Why he needed one at home was beyond me, but it was gorgeous nonetheless.
We turned around. “You’ve alr
eady seen the kitchen, and the powder room is down that hall.” He pointed at the opening next to the picture I’d admired earlier, and before I knew it, we were standing in front of it. “I have one guest room, and this is my bedroom.” He pulled the brass handles and swung the double doors open.
His room complemented the rest of the apartment. It had deep tan walls and a navy bedspread on the king-size bed, which wasn’t adorned with any fancy pillows—only two in matching pillowcases. It screamed “man,” and the air was laced with his cologne. My insides quivered.
“It’s stunning.” I glanced at him, and he looked proud. “This room is quite large. You must get lonely being here all by yourself.” Then it dawned on me—he wasn’t the type to be alone.
The gold flecks in his hazel eyes sparkled in the light beaming through the slats on the window. “I’m not by myself. You’re here with me, and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else right now.”
Right now. I smiled and walked over to the window to take in a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. I was trying not to be “that girl” who was always worried about previous women who’d occupied his time. “Wow, now that’s a view.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
His voice was low and gruff, which did odd things to my body, but when I peered over my shoulder to look at him, he was staring at me. The way his eyes perused me sent such heat through me that I was sure my thighs would burst into flames.
He strode over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Don’t leave tonight.”
My pulse raced, and I cleared my mind of all the reasons why I should. It wasn’t as though I was a virgin, but I didn’t want to be like the others who’d come before me. I was assuming, of course, but he was a hard man to turn down.
A Heart's Forgiveness Page 3
