His jaw tightens.
I smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t go there.” I roll my eyes. I know he was worried I might go across the street to the bar where Mac nearly raped me.
“Just be careful,” he warns.
“You could meet us,” I tell him. “After your meeting.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think I’ll have time. If I do I might swing by.”
I sag, defeated. I look at my watch for the time.
“I better get ready for work.”
“Shit.” He notices the time. “I overslept. You should have woken me,” he says in a panic, his British accent becoming more pronounced.
“But you were so cute,” I sing-song, “I hated to disturb you.”
“Sloane,” his eyes flash, “I have a very important business deal today. I can’t be late. It’s unprofessional,” he snaps.
“Sorry,” I flinch like he hit me.
His eyes soften. “No, I’m sorry.” He cups the back of my head and kisses me. “I have to hurry,” he says. He disappears upstairs and I sag against the counter. He will be the end of me. I’m sure of it.
I slowly trudge upstairs and to the master bedroom where all my stuff has been moved. I hear the sound of the shower coming from the bathroom but I don’t feel like joining him. I grab a navy dress with white polka dots and a red belt. I then slip on a pair of navy flats. I dab on some makeup and run a brush through my hair before braiding my hair.
Siva emerges from the steamy bathroom with a white towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets run down his tanned chest. His chest and abs and everything about him is perfect. Even his scars. He has another smaller towel in his hand and uses it to dry his hair.
“Like what you see?” He grins cockily, having caught me.
I roll my eyes. “Of course,” I say like it’s obvious, because from my drool it should be. “You’re perfect and you’re mine.”
He disappears into the walk-in closet and comes out a couple minutes later in a polished gray suit with a purple button down shirt underneath.
“Ready?”
I smile at him. “I do believe I’m sitting here waiting on you.”
He laughs. It’s such a wonderful sound. He passes by me and his scent of sandalwood invades my senses making me lose all coherent thought. Too bad he has a meeting. I want to push him down on the bed and claim him as mine. He makes me all sorts of crazy. Crazy in love was number one, even if I haven’t told him.
***
Siva grabs my hand and plays with my fingers, a small smile lifting his lips, while he drives me to work. I’m still not quite used to seeing him like this, so carefree, and … young. Sometimes it’s easy to forget Siva is only twenty-eight years old. He always acts so much older. At his age, Siva has been through more than most people go through in a lifetime. I don’t know how he’s still alive.
Siva pulls up outside Avid News and stops. Siva is still trying to convince me to have an interview with someone he knows but I’m against it. I don’t want to work at Avid News for the rest of my life but I want to get a better job on my own without his help.
Siva squeezes my hand. He pulls me in for a kiss before letting me go. The taste of his mint toothpaste lingers on my lips.
“I’ll see you tonight?” I ask. It’s my way of asking how late this meeting may run.
“You should.” He smiles, knowing exactly why I asked. I’d be fine without him, it’s not like I’m dependent on him, but we’ve become so close I really do enjoy spending time with him.
“Bye,” I call and hop out, closing the door behind me. The black SUV immediately pulls away. I take a breath, centering myself, and head into the building.
***
Lyndi squeals in my ear when I tell her I can do drinks tonight. Well, she’ll do drinks and I’ll sip a glass of water. No more drinking after that night, the one where I woke up next to a naked Siva. I can stuff my face full of food, so I won’t be a total bore and might even provide comical entertainment. I’m in much need of some greasy fat bar food. Granted, London’s food is nothing like what we have back in the States but I can pretend.
Lyndi is Mac’s replacement, her cubicle right next to mine, and we became fast friends. It’s nice to finally have a friend again. Dev and I were friends before we became more and well … Siva has never really been my friend. He’s different.
“So, he finally let you off your leash.” She grins at me, twirling in her chair. Her pretty red hair is pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She wears a flower printed skirt, a nice white shirt, and a beige jacket.
“I’m not on a leash.” I laugh. “He’s protective after … you know.” I wave my hand.
Lyndi rolls her eyes at my explanation. The truth is I’m not big on going out. I mean, if you want to go to the park or a library I’m game, but big social gatherings are not meant for awkward people like me.
“And when am I going to get to meet this elusive he and him?” she asks, spinning in her chair again. How she doesn’t get dizzy is beyond me. When I asked her why she spins in her chair she said it helps her brainstorm ideas for writing. I think she might be a little crazy. But aren’t we all?
I laugh. “Siva is a busy man. He said if he gets out of his meeting early he’ll meet us for drinks.”
“Yes!” She pumps her skinny arms in the air. “Finally! I get to meet the invisible man!”
“He’s not invisible,” I mutter, sitting on the edge of her desk.
“Oh, please,” she huffs. “I’ve never seen him. Except maybe in a magazine advertising crazy people, or maybe it was rich people? I get the two mixed up.”
“You haven’t met him,” I defend. “He’s not crazy. He’s … got his issues but doesn’t everyone? His dad wasn’t the best and his mom isn’t in good shape,” I explain, hoping it’s enough.
Lyndi rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say,” she says with a smile, lessening the blow her words might otherwise have. Lyndi loves to nag me about Siva since she’s never met him. But Siva … as strange as it sounds, he’s shy, so I haven’t forced him to meet my friend. “At least we get drinks and if Mr. Can-Do-No-Wrong shows up I’ll need them.” She twirls her chair back around to face her computer.
I go back around to my desk and start my daily article. The world of celebrity gossip is becoming even more mundane for me, which is saying something. I’m seriously considering taking Siva up on his offer to set up an interview. I know Lyndi will hate it if I leave but I really need a change of pace. I went to school to be a journalist and this is far from journalism.
I thwack mindlessly at the keyboard. It’s so easy to turn out these articles. They present no challenge and man I am in desperate need of one.
***
Lyndi sighs and pushes away from her desk. Her red hair is coming out of her ponytail in little wisps making me think of a bird.
“Done,” she chants, pumping her arms, “done, done, done!” She prints her article off for April. Lyndi is a perfectionist when it comes to her work. She truly enjoys working at Avid News. I wish I possessed her spunk. She’s only two years younger than me, making her twenty-one, but man does it make a difference in the thinking process. She’s having the time of her life and I’m steadily becoming little Suzy Homemaker.
She gives April her article and then gathers up her belongings.
“Ready?” I ask.
“Yes,” she chirps excitedly. She grabs my arm as we walk outside. “Finally we get to do something. I feel like I’ve been begging you to come hang out with me for like … ever. I need some girl time.”
I laugh. “I do too,” I admit.
“Good, then that means you won’t be completely bored out of your mind.”
I shake my head as she hails a taxi.
“The 100 Club,” she tells the driver.
“Club?” I ask her with a gulp.
She laughs at my expression. “Don’t worry, Sloane. It’s not a club. That’s just its name. It’s a music spot. You’re going
to love it.”
“Oh … good,” I breathe an audible sigh of relief.
“You’ll have fun,” she promises.
“Lyndi,” I say suddenly.
“Yeah?” she asks, raising a brow.
I take a breath and blurt, “I love him.”
“Who?” She looks at me confused.
“Siva. I’m in love with him,” I say.
“Well duh.” She laughs like I’m an idiot. “I didn’t need you to tell me.”
“I haven’t told him,” I admit.
“What? Why not?” she exclaims, perplexed.
“I’m scared if I tell him I’ll push him away. I don’t want to lose him.”
“So you’re waiting for him to say it first?” she asks, puzzled.
“Yeah, I guess I am.” It sounds silly when I say it out loud, but Siva’s so … well, he’s Siva. He’s downright odd at times and I don’t want to freak him out. The last thing I want is to admit my love and have him shove it back in my face. It’s been hard enough to admit it to myself, and even then I still feel a little bit of guilt.
“But, Sloane,” she whispers with a sad glance, “what if he never does?”
“I don’t know,” I stammer. “I don’t know.”
The taxi lets us off in front of the small building. It has an old red arch with white letters spelling out the name. Lyndi takes my hand and drags me inside. The music is loud but good. She leads me to the bar and plops down.
“Party time! Loosen up!” she cries over the music so I can hear her and swings my arms back and forth with her hands.
I smile. “Okay.”
I’m such a party animal. Clearly.
The bartender comes up to us, he’s a good-looking guy, and Lyndi immediately turns on the charm. I shake my head at her while I watch her work her magic. She’s gorgeous, in a cute pixie kind of way, and oozes charisma. No matter where we go eyes always follow her. Everyone of any age is mesmerized by her. I envy her easy ability to draw people in. Like Siva, I tend to push people away. I’m not an open and inviting person.
He returns a moment later with two martinis.
“No, no, no, no, no!” I say, shaking my head.
“It’s free, Sloane,” Lyndi chides, and shoves the drink into my hand. “Just drink it.”
“But—”
“One?” she pouts. “Please, one teensy weensy little drink. Like a sip. You don’t even have to finish it.”
I raised my eyebrow at her. “Fine,” I agree, because saying no to Lyndi is like scolding a wide-eyed puppy. It hurts your heart.
“Drink up.” We clink our glasses.
Unfortunately, the drink is good and doesn’t even taste alcoholic, and instead has a fruity tang, so one drink turns into two, and two into three.
My phone beeps with a text and I look down and see Siva’s name.
Where are you? He asks.
I quickly type in the address. I’m a little worried about him finding me in this state, especially after I vowed to never drink again, but I’m too buzzed to care too much.
“Is that hiiiiiim?” shrieks Lyndi, drawing out the word.
“Yes,” I say, smiling despite my drunken worry. “He’s coming here.”
“Ooooh,” she sings. I notice her eyes have a glassy, hazy, quality to them.
The band on stage finishes and we both clap along with the crowd. Lyndi whistles and I pout. I never could whistle.
I finish my third drink and then ask for water. My head is already pounding and the music doesn’t help. I’m going to kill Lyndi tomorrow for talking me into this.
The bartender has set down my water when Siva shows up. He spots me right away and begins to weave through the crowd.
“Hey,” he says, smiling happily to see me and kisses my cheek.
“Hi.” I smile back. I know I have a gooey-eyed look on my face but I can’t get rid of it. Lyndi kicks me in the shin. “Ow,” I groan and rub the spot. Lyndi clears her throat. “Uh … Siva this is my friend, Lyndi. Lyndi, this is Siva.”
Siva takes Lyndi’s offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Lyndi blushes and looks at me. “Oh, my God,” she mouths.
“Sit down,” I tell Siva.
“Where?” he asks with a chuckle. I look and realize all the seats are taken at the bar.
“Oh, right,” I say, squishing my brows. “Guess you’ll have to stand.”
He laughs. “Have you been drinking? I thought after that night you were never drinking again.” Instead of mad he’s clearly very amused.
I look at Lyndi and throw her under the bus. “It’s her fault. Damn peer pressure.”
Siva smiles. “Is it still peer pressure when you aren’t actually a peer?”
“Damn,” I say again, “I guess I’m just plain stupid.”
Siva orders a drink and leans against my chair while he drinks it. Lyndi finally seems to recover her star struck self. There’s something about Siva that overwhelms people. He has this commanding presence that demands everyone’s attention.
“So you’re the man who has stolen Sloane’s heart?” she asks, finding her voice.
“I guess I am. I hope there’s not another.” His lips quirk showing his scar.
Another band comes up and starts their set. Their music is catchy and upbeat.
“Dance with me?” I grab Siva’s hand and try to stand. “Whoa,” I say, slapping a hand to my head as a sudden wave of dizziness overcomes me. “I don’t feel so good.”
Siva sighs and looks at Lyndi. “This is why she shouldn’t drink.” His tone is light and playful. At least he isn’t angry.
Lyndi laughs and holds her hand up in mock surrender. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”
“I better get her home.”
“I’m right here,” I scold. “Stop taking about me like I’m not here when I am. I’m here. Right here.”
He laughs. “Bye, Lyndi. It was nice to meet you.” He starts to lead me away but then he turns around and speaks to Lyndi again. “Next time you two do something try and stay away from the alcohol.”
“Will do,” she says and salutes him.
He leads me to the parking lot and helps me inside his SUV, which I swear is even bigger than I remember.
“You okay?” he asks, pulling out of the lot.
“Mhmm fine,” I hum, but I’m not so sure.
“Sloane? Wake up, Sloane, we’re home. Wakie wakie.” Someone pokes me.
“Huh?” I look around completely delirious.
“We’re home,” says Siva. He helps me out of the car.
I squish my eyes closed as the sudden movement of standing makes me sway drunkenly. I pull away from Siva’s hand and run to a corner of the garage where I empty my stomach. He holds my hair back. At least I don’t throw up on his shoes.
“Are you okay?” he finally asks when I’m done retching.
“I think so,” I breathe, wiping the back of my hand over my mouth. He helps me into the elevator, into the apartment, and then up the stairs to his bedroom.
Siva lays me down and then chuckles. “What are you going to do if we both wake up naked tomorrow and you don’t know how it happened?”
“Since that’s happened drunk and sober already I don’t think it’ll be much of a shock anymore,” I admit.
He laughs and kisses the top of my head.
“Night, Sloane.”
“Goodnight Siva,” I whisper sleepily.
I almost tell him I love him right then and there but I figure coming from a drunk he wouldn’t believe it anyway.
It’s been so long since I’ve been back to the States I stand staring at my clothes trying to figure out what to pack. My suitcase is completely empty and I have to leave for my flight in an hour. This is beyond annoying.
Siva’s arms come around my waist and his lips press against my cheek. “Aren’t you going to be late?”
I turn in his arms so I’m facing him. “Yeah,” I huff, blowing hair out of my face. “I don’t know wha
t to pack.”
He laughs. “Typically you start with clothes.”
“Maybe the problem is I don’t want to leave you. Can’t you come with me?” I ask again. He’s probably sick of me asking at this point, but I can’t help it.
His full lips turn down in a frown. “I told you. I can’t.”
I sigh. “I know,” I say, turning back to my clothes and away from him.
“I really do want to meet your mom.”
“Siva, it’s fine really. Go back to bed. It’s early.” I’m not mad at him, I’m really not, but he’s hardly being helpful with my dilemma so he might as well get out of my way.
He kisses my bare shoulder. “I want to see you before you leave. You won’t be back until Sunday.”
“I’m going to miss you,” I admit, melting against his body.
“I’m going to miss you too. More than you know,” he rasps against my neck. I’m pretty sure he showed me last night how much he would miss me, and quite frankly it was the best night of my life.
“You know what they say; absence makes the heart grow fonder,” I joke.
He chuckles. “I’ve never understood that saying.”
I push at his arm. “You need to go. I’ll never get packed if you keep standing here talking to me.”
He brushes his lips against mine. “I’ll go make us breakfast.”
He disappears out of the closet and I’m left surrounded by my clothes. I toss in a couple of skirts, dresses, jeans, and t-shirts. Better safe than sorry. I even add a swimsuit just in case.
I zip up the suitcase, grab my carryon bag, and drag them both down the steps. I drop them by the door and pad into the kitchen where the scents and sounds of Siva making breakfast greet me. He slides an egg onto a plate, adds two strips of bacon, pours a glass of orange juice and slides it across to me.
“You best hurry,” he says, sitting down beside me.
He’s right. I’m going to be very late and late is the last thing you ever want to be when it comes to catching a flight somewhere.
Temptation Page 15
