Текст книги "Loving the White Liar"

Автор книги: Kate Stewart

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

 

 

I spent the next day organizing my life. I paid all the bills I could afford to, cleaned my apartment to white glove inspection worthy, and even managed to spend a few hours organizing my closet. Something inside me knew things were about to change for the better, and in a way I was preparing myself for it. In less than a week, I would be starting a new job that I was excited about. With the toss of the shoebox full of old boyfriend memorabilia in the trash, I knew with that gesture I was ridding myself of my baggage. I would keep my scars—I’d earned them—but I didn’t need a ten year old ticket stub to remember them.

Gerri came home from the lunch shift and plopped herself on my bed as I continued to throw piles on the floor outside my closet that I intended to discard.

“What’s with the nesting? And why is the house so damned clean? Is your mother coming?”

“I decided to get rid of a few things, and no, I just felt like it.” Stepping into my closet, I discreetly lidded my NSYNC memorabilia and tucked it away from Gerri’s view. No one needed to know I had my first orgasm thinking of Justin Timberlake in the Gone video, or that I had gone to see them twelve times in concert, some of them back to back, if I begged my mother enough to drive to the neighboring cities. My box was all I had left out of thousands of dollars’ worth of memorabilia I’d collected. And I wasn’t parting with it, ever.

She gave me a sideways glance as I braved a look at her. I wasn’t the world’s tidiest roommate. Gerri actually had me beat in that department. She often bitched about the large amount of auburn hair that was embedded in the bathroom floor, and my lack of shared garbage duty.

“Well, it looks awesome,” she said, picking a shirt up out of my discard pile and tucking it at her side.

“Sooooo,” I said with big eyes. “Are you going to make me beat it out of you?”

She shot up on the bed and started bouncing excitedly. “I know I shouldn’t have slept with him so soon, so before you start preachin’—”

“No way, I swear. I must have been a real bitch to you when it came to him and for that I’m sorry. No judgment and tell me everything. But before you do, I have a confession.”

“Yeah?” she said with a sweet smile.

“I kind of was excited about my first date with Jayden and walked in on the two of you. He’s got an amazing ass, but that’s all I saw, I swear.”

Her eyes bulged a bit before she burst out laughing. “No wonder you were scarred!”

“Yeah, if I hadn’t just had a full on session with Jayden, it would have been a hell of a lot worse.”

“You like him, huh?” she said, smiling.

“God, he’s awesome...so beautiful, smart, and funny. I could kiss him forever.” I sat down next to her on the bed. “But you go first.”

“He’s...God, it’s so much better than I thought. It wasn’t just the sex, but let me tell you he has that covered. That man is nothing short of a sinner in the sack. I can’t even believe how beautiful his body is and he knows how to work it.” She looked down at her hands. “I haven’t heard from him since, though.”

I looked at her and inwardly groaned.

“Seriously, though, Hil, if he doesn’t call, I don’t think I will be as crushed as I thought I would be. I’ve been thinking about it and the truth is, I don’t think I could ever get hurt like I was with Blake again. It’s just not possible. Mike’s awesome, don’t get me wrong, and I still want him...but...” I looked up at her large blue eyes that told me she meant what she was saying, “with Mike, I think I was kind of playing with fire on purpose.”

I sighed as I wrapped my arm around her. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” she said, the irritation with herself evident. “Maybe to play the bad guy for once, you know, to be in the shoes of the other woman or something. I can’t say I would have turned him down if he was still with his girlfriend.”

“Gerri—”

“I know it’s fucked up, all right. It makes me sick just thinking about it now. Seriously, I’m glad it didn’t go down that way.”

“You can tell me anything, you know that,” I encouraged.

“I know. It’s pretty disgusting, though, isn’t it?” She looked at me warily as I nudged her with my shoulder. “Saturday night I rode Jayden’s lap with my clothes on until I came, then went topless after practically throwing myself at him. I’m in no position to judge.”

She laughed as her eyes got bigger. “Wow, aren’t we a bunch of horny hoes?”

“Right,” I agreed.

“Well, I’m starving. Do you want some food?”

“Take a twenty, order pizza.”

“I’ve got this covered and I stuck a few hundred in your wallet. I had a good couple of days. I promise I’ll do better.”

“No you won’t,” I said, perking up with my next set of news. “But I got a better job. Actually, Jayden found it for me. As of Monday, you are looking at a travel agent.”

“You are shitting me!” I nodded. “Wow, this guy sounds amazing!”

“He really is so far. I’m seeing him tomorrow. And if that asshole doesn’t call you, Jayden’s friends are hot.” I saw a small amount of sadness as I mentioned Mike. “He’ll call, babe.”

“And I’ll live if he doesn’t. I think I needed to know that more.” I agreed whole-heartedly. Gerri ordered pizza as I finished my closet and we spent the rest of the night sipping cheap but delicious Ruinite Lambrusco and playing cards. As if on cue, both of our phones went off. I looked to Gerri who was already smiling. He’d called. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath for her until I saw her walking down the hall, the phone at her ear as she said “hi.”

I looked down at mine.

Jayden: Hey.

Me: Hey back.

Jayden: I’ll pick you up tomorrow around six.

Me: Okay. How was your day?

Jayden: Shit. Better now.

Me: Want to talk about it?

Jayden: Not really. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?

Me: Anything I can do?

Jayden: Nothing that won’t compromise my virtue.

Me: Wouldn’t want that.

Jayden: I would love a taste of your mouth.

Me: I’m just a door knock away.

Jayden: Don’t tempt me.

Me: It’s my job.

Jayden: I have to handle my roommate. See you tomorrow.

Me: That doesn’t sound good. Hope it gets better. See you then. X

Jayden: You’re good for me. Night, beautiful.

I stared at my phone in complete agreement that the same was true for me. And that night as I dressed for bed, I walked into the bathroom, noting my reflection was all teeth and gums. If my mother could measure this smile, I was pretty sure I would get her stamp of approval on Jayden.

Standing at the helm of the grocery cart with Jayden in front of me, I was completely undecided on what to cook. I’d offered several times to whip something up, but he insisted on cooking for me again. I kept my amusement to myself over his confusion as it weighed heavy over his features. Staring at his perfect ass in his snug fitting jeans, I imagined for the hundredth time what it would feel like to be beneath him. Today he wore a simple, gray, V-neck t-shirt and I noted the words on the back of his right bicep that read, “In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

A chest tug alerted me to the fact that I was completely enamored by him. He looked at me then and must have seen something in my expression because he smiled before asking under his breath, “How long would you hold it against me if I called my mother now and asked her a question?”

“I can’t help?” I pushed out through a laugh.

“Forget it,” he said, throwing a package of tenderloin he’d been studying for five minutes into the cart.

“Jay, call her. I don’t care really. I do it all the time.”

“Cool.” He smiled as he grabbed his phone. I motioned that I would be an aisle over, and he nodded then started the conversation with his mother. I left him to it. Clearly, he had something particular in mind, and who was I to criticize since the last thing he cooked me was now a craving?

I made a mental note to raid his mother’s recipe box if I was ever in the position to.

I spent a few minutes picking out things for my apartment when I felt Jayden encase me in his arms, his hands on the cart on top of mine. He began walking us forward, mimicking my steps so we stayed close.

“Miss me?”

“That and I really don’t want any other man here seeing your ass in those jeans. You are definitely a woman to be jealous over.” My sighing heart fluttered around in my chest, reminding me how good it felt to be coveted. His smell surrounded me as I leaned into him.

“I love that line,” I said, turning to the side to kiss his cheek.

“Monroe original,” he said, slipping his arms around my middle before he squeezed me briefly before letting go.

Monroe. I chuckled. Great, if I married this guy, my initials would be H. A. M. Hilary Amanda Monroe.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, his lips still close to my ear.

“Nothing,” I said, surprised I was even thinking about trivial shit like that. I’d just learned his last name and I was already picking out a china pattern.

Get a grip, Hilary.

I felt the loss of him as he busied himself shopping for the rest of his ingredients.

Back at his apartment, he set up an electric fondue pot on his coffee table and opened a bottle of wine.

“You like fondue?”

“God, yes, I love it. But you have to let me help you prep.” He seemed to think about it for a long moment before saying, “I guess that would be okay.”

“Really, Jayden, that much deliberation on a little help?” I poked as he looked at me in all seriousness.

“I’m particular about a lot of things.”

“I can see that,” I said with amusement as he poured us each a glass of wine.

I busied myself slicing vegetables for the skewers as he prepped the filet for the fondue pot. I caught him looking over my shoulder a couple of times and looked at him in puzzlement when he lingered over me a little longer than necessary.

“Something I can help you with, Jayden?”

“Like this,” he said, scooping up a mushroom and pulling the stem off. I looked at the pile of mushrooms I’d already cleaned then back at him.

“Sorry,” he said, rushing off into the living room with his wine, clearly embarrassed his OCD was showing.

Shaking my head, I laughed and resumed my prep, doing it his way. When I emerged from the kitchen, I damn near dropped my tray of veggies. Several candles had been lit all over his living room while The Beatles serenaded us softly. He dimmed the lights a bit and walked over to refill my wine before taking the tray out of my hand.

“This is...awesome,” I noted as I took in the feast before us. He smiled, seeming pleased with himself as I sat down on a large pillow he’d laid out for seating next to the large coffee table. He built a few skewers of meat, putting them into the pot along with a few of the vegetables. I watched in awe as he sat back, sipping his wine, watching his handiwork boil in the hot oil and bouillon mix.

“Why are you single?” I hadn’t meant for the question to come out. He seemed taken aback by it ,and I tried to recover with another question. “I mean, when was your last relationship?”

“It’s been a long time,” was all he gave. He pulled a piece of cheese and fruit from one of our trays and popped it into his mouth then leaned over and offered me the same. I leaned in after chewing and swallowing and pressed my lips to the side of his mouth gently.

“Her loss.” Jayden looked at me then, his eyes growing warmer as we clinked glasses and drank on our silent toast.

“I could ask the same about you,” he said in a low whisper.

“I decided not to settle a long time ago. I’m still single as a result of it.” It was a good answer, short and to the point. I wasn’t worried about how he would interpret it. He had his list; I had mine.

“Three years ago,” he confessed as he pulled a skewer from the boiling fondue pot. “How do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare. A year.”

He grinned. “Me too.” I was suddenly confused with our overlapping conversations. We were sitting close, but in that moment I had to have more. The wine, the music, the candles, just the...man. I wanted him and I needed him to know it. Setting my glass down, I carefully shifted to straddle his lap.

“Hil—”

I cut him off with my mouth as I swooped in, lips wet, imagination on fire, and clear need in my kiss. His hesitation vanished as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me tighter to him as he kissed me back, full force. Our tongues tangled in a hungry conversation as our bodies aligned perfectly. I pulled back on a plea. “Jayden.”

“God, me too,” he conceded as he pushed me down beneath him, only pausing to take out the vegetables that were cooking and replace them with new skewers. I chuckled up at him as he grinned down at me.

“Multitasking?” I cooed as his eyes turned hot on me.

“Didn’t know I was capable until this moment,” he said as his lips descended, covering mine. A soft moan escaped me as his hands traveled and explored underneath my t-shirt. I writhed beneath him as my lips whispered a confession to his that I wanted this with him and I never wanted it to stop.

He continued kissing me as I slipped my hands under his shirt to let my fingers explore his impressive chest. My gasps became more frequent as he lifted my shirt, pulling down my bra. Soft lips and tongue covered every inch of my chest as his hand slid beneath my jeans and into my panties.

“Can I touch you?”

He pulled his mouth away for only seconds and looked down at me as my chest rose and fell heavily. Arching my back, I spread my legs in a silent reply. His fingers slid through my folds and inside of me, and I damn near came undone.

His hand found purchase as he cradled my neck, making sure my focus was on him as he touched me so gently, sliding his finger in and out while watching my reaction. My hips bucked when he pulled his finger out and up, working me to the point of frenzy. With his eyes on mine, I quickly succumbed to the pressure that was building, letting the inferno of heat and sensation wash through me. Jayden leaned in and kissed me deeply before pulling away. He pulled the skewers out of the pot and walked quickly to the kitchen. Seconds later, he came back as I was straightening myself. I was slightly sated but I wanted to feel him. He quickly apologized when he returned, drying his hands on a towel.

“I couldn’t exactly clear the table and have my way with you,” he chuckled as he rejoined me.

“Sorry, horny and fondue don’t exactly mix.”

“No, they both take time, and the first time I have you, I will take my time.” His blue eyes seared through me. It was a promise. One I intended to make him keep and soon.

“I want to touch you.”

“And I want you to. You have no idea how much, but not with sixty ounces of hot grease boiling next to our heads.”

“Good plan. Let’s eat.” Despite my agreement, I let my hand drift over his crotch then paused. Looking down, I saw an impressive bulge and could not wait to feel him in that intimate way. I looked up and saw his sapphire eyes greedy with need. Leaning in, I licked his lower lip before pulling away, giving him a taste of what was to come. I had no problem taking it slow, but promised myself I would let him take the lead.

“I just want to do this right,” he offered, his face tight with need as his control slipped slightly. “There is nothing I want more right now than to dig my weight into the bed as I waste myself inside you, but I want to do this right.”

I nodded, completely breathless and wordless. He was sincere, and for the first time in years, I thought I might not be the last romantic left in the world. Jayden, so far, was unlike any other man I’d dated. His cockiness was reserved for flirting, He was slightly old fashioned and modest to the point of being humble. He was way too good looking, and much too well endowed to be so, and it baffled me.

We went through two bottles of wine and stuffed ourselves with succulent meat and tender vegetables while swapping life’s war stories. He told me he’d wanted to be a musician when he discovered The Beatles at age eleven, but never actually had the talent to get away with guitar. All of the quotes on his sleeve were from Beatles songs. He mapped his arm as he spoke, our conversation never ending. I found it a cool coincidence that as he started explaining his fascination with Paul, Ringo, George, and John, Strawberry Fields Forever, my favorite Beatles song, wafted through the air. I sat and listened as he briefed me animatedly about his heroes. It was his thing and I was fully aware of just how deep under his spell I was falling. He even played me a few trivial songs of theirs, explaining his interpretation of their meaning, and suddenly I was even more curious. After a few hours of conversation and light kissing, Jayden stood in front of me.

“I want you to meet someone.”

“Oh?” I said, lying on my side, wine in hand.

He walked down the hallway, opening the door to what I assumed was his room. A huge golden retriever emerged and proceeded to trample me before I was able to sit fully upright, but thankfully had successfully set my wine glass down.

“Well hello to you. You must be Trip,” I said to the tongue coming towards my face as he pinned me beneath him. Jay pulled on his neck quickly with an “Oh shit, sorry. Trip, chill out!” as I laughed hysterically at the dog robbing my cheek of skin. “Leave him alone, Jayden. He’s a better kisser than you,” I joked as Trip continued his assault. Jayden pulled him off as I stood, straightening myself before bending down to rub Trip’s head and ears.

“You’ve kept him locked up both times I was here. You don’t have to do that.”

“Trust me, I did,” he said, grinning down at the both of us. “I need to walk him, but I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll come. We can make it one of those long ones you like,” I said, remembering it was one of the things that made him happy. His eyes warmed because I remembered and a few minutes later Jayden’s shaggy mess of affection was leashed and jumping excitedly at the door. We strolled around the complex as Jayden told me how he got Trip.

He’d stolen him.

“In my defense, his owner was in the store and left him in a car with the windows rolled up in one hundred degree plus weather. He was thin...too thin. I stood for over an hour while the damn dog started to suffocate to give the owner a piece of my mind. It was horrible,” he said as Trip pranced in front of us. The damp night was smoggy and misty with an almost eerie feel as we walked and talked, the two of us becoming a sticky mess just minutes after we stepped outside. And I could not have cared less. In truth, it was if we were walking in a cloud and it matched the feeling in my chest.

“Finally, I couldn’t take it. I checked the door and found it was unlocked, so I took him. Anyone who treats an animal like that doesn’t deserve them. I don’t give a damn if he was someone’s seeing-eye dog, which clearly he’s not,” he said as he quickly dodged a lamppost Trip had pulled him into. I laughed loudly as I agreed.

“And now he’s not too thin,” I noted as I stared at Trip’s size. He was a monster of a dog, all hair and tail with adorable, beady eyes and an outgoing personality. It was clear the two were meant for each other as he torpedoed through the complex, jerking the always in control Jayden around with Jay’s constant protest of “Chill out, Trip.”

Clearly, this was a conversation they had often as Trip fought his leash for freedom. I chuckled at the two struggling for power. Trip won.

“Why did you name him Trip?”

“It fits, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I agreed.

“I have no other reason than that.” Simple and yet so completely cool, like his owner, Trip was growing fast on me.

After our walk, I was covered in sweat. Jayden and I reluctantly parted at my building, our good night kiss interrupted by his rabid dog that consistently jumped on us so he could get his share.

I leaned down and kissed Trip goodnight then winked at Jayden.

“You’re beautiful,” he called after me as I turned around, walking backward toward my door.

“So are you.”

I stopped and stared at him from my entrance as we smiled at each other. He stood still as Trip tried in vain to jerk him away. We stayed there for a long moment, eyes locked, before I gave him one last glance before disappearing inside my door.

And that was the moment I knew I was going to fall in love with Jayden Monroe.