Текст книги "Forever Black"
Автор книги: Sandi Lynn
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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 15 страниц)
Chapter 15
I rolled over and opened my eyes as the sunlight peeked through the sheer curtains that perfectly hung from the windows. I threw on some yoga pants and a t-shirt and followed the aroma that led me straight to the kitchen. Connor was sitting at the table typing away on his laptop.
“Good morning Ellery, I hope you slept well.”
I smiled and headed to the cabinet for a coffee mug. “Good morning, I slept very well in that monstrous bed.”
He lightly laughed. I poured some coffee and sat at the table across from him. “There are bagels over there, please have one.”
“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”
He looked at me with his morning green eyes, “You have to eat Ellery.”
I sighed, “I never eat when I first wake up, but don’t worry dad I’ll have one in a little bit.”
A slight irritated smile graced his face, “You’re even a smart ass first thing in the morning.” I held up my cup and smiled.
“What are you doing?” I asked as I pointed to his laptop?
“Just sending some emails and rearranging some meetings.”
“Did you overschedule or something?”
He looked at me and cocked his head, “You question everything, don’t you?”
I looked up at the ceiling, “I guess I do,” I smiled.
I sat and stared at him as he was looking at his computer screen. He was freshly showered, and his hair was still damp and perfectly sexy.
“What are your plans today?” He curiously asked. I set my cup down and wrapped my hands around the mug.
“I have to call work and tell my boss I will not be in because of the funeral; then I think I’ll stop over at the soup kitchen and volunteer this afternoon.”
Connor looked up from his laptop, “You really enjoy volunteering there don’t you?”
“Yes, I love it. Even though they are homeless and whatever problems they may have, they are human beings, and they need help.”
He looked at me for a second and then continued on his lap top. I took a sip of my coffee and looked out the enormous window at the view of New York City.
“The reason I was rearranging my meetings is because I’m taking you to Michigan.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
He got up from the table and put his cup on the counter. “It’s not up for discussion Elle; we are leaving tomorrow morning, and we’re driving.”
“Driving? That’s a 10 hour drive Connor.”
He turned around and faced me, “I know how long of a drive it is; consider it a road trip.”
I sighed, “A road trip? Flying will get us there in an hour and a half.”
“Do you have a problem being with me in a car for 10 hours?” he casually asked.
“No, but…”
He walked over to where I was sitting and stood over me as if he wanted to touch or kiss me, but he didn’t, he just said, “No buts, we will go by car.”
“I don’t think Denny wants to drive us to Michigan.”
He laughed and walked away, “Denny isn’t driving; I am.”
I rolled my eyes and heavily sighed, why was he going anyway? I am more than capable of going back home by myself, and that’s the way I prefer it, ok maybe not, the thought of being in a car with him for ten hours was exciting. I smiled and got up from the table.
I grabbed my bag and stepped into the elevator; Denny was waiting for me outside by the Limo.
“Morning Denny, where is Connor?” I asked as I looked, and he was not in the Limo.
“Good morning Miss Lane. Mr. Black took the Range Rover to work today.”
“Can I ask you a question Denny?”
“Sure Miss Lane,” he said as he looked at me through the rearview mirror.
“Did Mr. Black tell you why he’s driving me to Michigan?”
“No Miss Lane he did not, he just told me to take the next few days off because he was going on a road trip. Miss Lane, can I tell you something?”
I looked curiously at him, “What is it?”
“I’ve worked for The Black family for the past 10 years. I was his father’s driver, as well. I have never seen Mr. Black behave in such a way as he has since he's met you. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this.”
I smiled, “Nah, it’s ok Denny, we’re friends, and maybe that’s all Connor needs is a really good friend.” It saddened me that it’s the only way things can be.
I stepped into my apartment and headed to the bathroom to take a hot bath. I needed to think about everything before I headed back to Michigan. I climbed into the hot bubbly water and closed my eyes taking in the lavender scented bubbles. My phone rang just as I was starting to relax.
“Hey Peyton,” I answered. There was a screech from the other end.
“OMG Elle, I have the best news.” Even though, I couldn’t see her, I knew she was jumping up and down.
“Elle, all three of your painting sold.”
I sat up, “What? Are you kidding?”
“No, I would not kid about a thing like that, and the best part is the same person bought all three and paid triple the amount for them. They said your paintings are the most beautiful they have ever seen. Elle, Sal wants to talk to you about becoming a regular artist for the gallery; he wants to contract you for more paintings. Listen, the money you made off those three alone, you can quit your job to paint full-time.”
“Who was the buyer?” I asked.
“I don’t know, Sal said it was some woman. I have your check; can you meet for lunch later?”
“Lunch sounds great. I’m going to volunteer at the soup kitchen for a couple of hours then we can meet after that, I’ll text you.”
I hung up the phone and laid back against the tub reveling in my good news. I never dreamed any of my paintings would sell, especially all 3 of them. I couldn’t wait to tell Connor. I wanted to text him, but he was at work and I’m sure he was busy, so I figured I shouldn’t bother him. I got out of the tub, pruned skin and all, and threw on a pair of skinny jeans and a long sweater. I walked across the hallway as a wave of dizziness came over me and then suddenly everything turned black.
I awoke lying on the floor and my head hurting. I laid there dazed and confused trying to focus and remember what happened. I was pretty sure I fainted. I sat up as I felt something dripping down my face. I took my fingers and swiped them across the drips and looked in horror at the blood all over them. I took a deep breath and got up to look in the mirror. I had a deep cut above my eye, and it was bleeding pretty badly. I opened the medicine cabinet, took out some gauze and applied pressure to the wound. I kept begging god to make it stop and not have to go get stitches. I reached back inside the medicine cabinet. I took out the box of butterfly bandages that I had left over from when Kyle cut his finger on a knife. I applied the bandage and hoped for the best. Why now? Why did this have to happen now? Just an hour ago, I was basking in the glory of the sale of my paintings, and now I was standing in front of the mirror with a gash above my eye that may or may not require stitches.
I went to the cupboard and pulled out the bottle of Motrin. I took two caplets and headed over to the record company to give my notice. Peyton was right, if Sal wanted to contract me, then painting would become my full-time job. I just hope I would make enough money to live on.
Chapter 16
I was walking down the street as I felt the wetness through the bandage. Shit, I knew I was going to need stitches. I reached in my bag for my cell phone and dialed Peyton.
“Peyton, I fell and cut my head. It won’t stop bleeding, so I’m heading over to the hospital to have it looked at.”
“OMG are you ok? I’ll meet you there Elle, don’t worry.”
Before I could tell her not to go, she hung up. I was nowhere near the hospital, so I tried to catch a cab. Of course, when I desperately needed one, they won’t stop. As I was standing on the curb with my hand on my head, a Limo driving by pulled up and rolled down the passenger side window, “Miss Lane are you ok?” Denny asked with concern. I couldn’t believe he was here at this moment.
“Denny, thank god, can you drive me to the hospital? I had a little accident, and I need to get it checked out.”
“Of course, get in the front seat and let me take a look.”
I opened the door and climbed in the front seat. Denny removed my hand. His eyes widened. He opened the glove box and took out a small white towel and folded it. “Here, keep this over that cut and apply pressure,” he said as he pulled into traffic and drove me to the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital, and he helped me out of the car. I thanked him as I saw Peyton waiting in the lobby for me. He walked me into the ER as I introduced him to her.
“Thank you Denny for your help.”
He smiled, “Not a problem Miss Lane, take care of that and feel better.” I gently hugged him as he left through the automatic doors.
A nurse named Carla sat me in a wheel chair and pushed me through the corridor to a room. She helped me out of the chair and onto the bed where she made me lay down to prevent any more injuries. Peyton sat down in the chair next to my bed and cursed at me for not coming to the hospital sooner. I hated hospitals; I saw and been in enough of them to last me a lifetime.
Carla was a larger woman, and by the looks of her, she was not one who played around. She was funny. She had me and Peyton laughing our asses off with the way she talked about the nursing staff and some of the doctors.
Not too long after she took my vitals, Dr. Beckett came in. Peyton was in the middle of a sentence, and when she saw him she fell silent. He was a hot young resident with short black hair, baby blue eyes and sun-tanned skin.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Beckett,” he smiled as he held out his hand.
Peyton jumped up and held out her hand, “Hi, I’m Peyton Bennett,” she flirtatiously smiled.
I rolled my eyes, which hurt because of the cut. “So Ellery, tell me how this happened,” he spoke as he examined the wound.
“I’m not sure; I took a bath and got dressed. I started to feel a little dizzy as I was walking down the hallway and I think I passed out. I must have hit my head on the corner of the wall or molding.”
“Is it normal for you to get dizzy suddenly?”
I looked at him, straight into his baby blues and said, “No.”
“Ok, well I’m going to get my suture kit, put in a few stitches and get you out of here.” I smiled and nodded my head as Peyton drooled over him.
“OMG, he is gorgeous, I’m obviously getting his number. Did you see a ring on his finger Elle? Did you?”
Just as I was about to answer, the curtain opened, and there stood Connor, looking as sexy as when I left him this morning. Peyton’s eyes widened, “Oh god, another one, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” I frowned at her and lightly smacked her on the arm. Connor stood there holding the curtain in his hand.
“Elle, my god what happened?” He walked over to me and put his hand on my head. “Are you ok?” I looked at his face; he genuinely seemed worried. It’s a look I haven’t seen before.
“Connor,” I put my hand on his arm, “I’m fine.”
“So, you’re Connor Black?” Peyton tilted her head and asked.
“I’m sorry, Connor this is Peyton; Peyton this is Connor.”
“Nice to finally meet you Peyton, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Peyton smiled, “I’ve heard a lot about you to.”
20 shades of red covered my face as he responded, “Is that so?”
Just before Peyton could embarrass me any further, Dr. Beckett walked in with a small silver tray. “Let’s get that nasty cut sewn up; I promise to stitch it well so the scar will barely be noticeable, if at all.”
Connor took my hand and started lightly rubbing it with his thumb. Dr. Beckett worked his magic and put four perfect stitches above my eye. The only feeling I felt was the warmth from Connors touch and the rapid beating of my heart as he softly stroked my hand.
“Ok, all fixed Miss Lane, do you live with someone?”
“No, I live alone, why?”
He cleared his throat, “You will have to get someone to stay with you tonight, and you will need to be monitored for a concussion. Sometimes with head injuries, even minor cuts, a concussion can settle in after the brain and the trauma settle down. I’m going to write you a prescription for some pain medication, take it only if you need to.” He glanced over at Peyton and smiled as he spoke to me, “Take care Miss Lane and call if you have any questions.” I thought Peyton was going to die as he walked out of the room.
“I’m staying with you tonight,” Peyton said as she got up.
Connor looked over at her, “Ellery will be staying with me tonight Peyton.”
She started to pout, “Elle is that true? We can have a girl’s night?” I looked over at Connor then back at Peyton and could not believe these two were fighting over whom I was staying with.
I took Peyton’s hand, “Listen, you are my best friend, and I love you, but I think its best I stay at Connor’s tonight, anyway, we are leaving in the morning for Michigan.”
Her mouth dropped, “What? The two of you are going to Michigan together? Why?”
“Connor and I are taking a road trip.” I looked at him and winked.
“Fine, but as soon as you get back we are having a girl’s night.”
I smiled and hugged her, “I will and we will, now go find Dr. Beckett; I didn’t see a ring on his finger, and I could tell he liked you.”
A gigantic smile grew across her face, “Do you think?”
“I know so, now go.”
Peyton started to walk out of the room and then turned around and looked at Connor, “You better take care of her and make sure she’s alright. She’s like a sister to me.” He smiled at her.
I looked at Connor who was helping me from the bed, “Why would you pass out like that? Is something wrong with you?” he asked.
I grabbed my purse, “I don’t know, I think I took too hot a bath.”
“You need to be more careful.” He lightly took a hold of my arm as we walked down the corridor. My eyes widened as I saw Dr. Taub walking in the opposite direction towards us. My heart started racing as I did not want to talk to him, especially in front of Connor.
“Miss Lane?” He said as he looked at the bandage above my eye.
“Dr. Taub, lovely to see you again,” I faked a grin.
“Miss Lane what happened to you?”
“Oh, I fell and hit my head; I tripped in the hallway.”
He looked at me curiously, “How have you been feeling?”
“I’ve been feeling great Dr. Taub, now if you will excuse me; I have to get this prescription filled.”
“Yes of course,” he said as he looked directly at Connor.
“Have a good day Dr. Taub,” I smiled as I could not get away from him fast enough.
“How do you know him Ellery?”
I knew that brief encounter would trigger questions. I looked straight ahead at the sliding doors.
“He’s my family doctor; I’ve seen him a couple of times since I’ve moved here.”
“A couple of times and he knows you like that? Why would he ask you how you’re feeling?”
Shit, why does he have to ask so many questions, he doesn’t explain anything to me when I ask him questions?
“I saw him a couple of months ago for a bad cold I had. He is a good doctor and truly concerned for all of his patients.” We walked out the door as the cold air hit me and cooled my burning body.
We slid into the back of the Limo as Denny turned and looked at me, “I’m glad to see you’re doing better Miss Lane.”
I gave him a heartfelt smile, “Thank you Denny, I appreciate it.”
Connor looked over at me and smiled, “Denny almost got fired today.”
I looked at him; shocked expression on my face, “What, why?”
“He didn’t pick me up for my meeting. It wasn’t until he called and told me that he drove you to the hospital because you cut your head.”
I looked at him with a confused look. “Didn’t you drive yourself to work this morning?”
“Yes, yes I did,” he answered.
I ran my tongue across my lips to moisten them, “Then why didn’t you just drive yourself to the meeting, especially if he was running late?” I heard Denny lightly laugh from the front seat, and I think Connor did to by the irritated look on his face.
“I suppose I could have but…”
I tilted my head, “There’s no but. You were going to fire him for not picking you up when you had a vehicle the whole time? I’m sorry he couldn’t call you, but he was concerned about me Connor Black, and for that you should be grateful. I could have bled to death on the streets of New York.” I was silently grinning.
He looked at me and rolled his eyes, “Now you’re being a drama queen.”
I let out my silent smile, “I know and I’m good at it to.”
Connor laughed as he took my hand and gently squeezed it. I laid my head his shoulder as my body warmed from his touch, and my heart started beating faster.
Chapter 17
I walked into my cold apartment and headed straight to my room to pack my bags. “Help yourself in the kitchen, there’s not much, but if you can find something it’s yours,” I yelled. I grabbed what clothes I needed from my closet and drawers and folded them neatly into my suitcase. I looked up and saw Connor standing in the doorway with his arm up on the frame of the door.
“Why did you lie to that doctor and tell him you tripped over something in the hallway?”
Oh shit, he wasn’t going to let this go. I looked down and continued packing, “I don’t know, I wasn’t going to tell him I fainted then he would make a big deal about it and want me to get a bunch of tests done, that’s what doctors do.”
“You said you took too hot of a bath.”
I stopped and looked at him, now seriously irritated, “I did Connor now let it go for fuck sake. You talk about me asking a billion questions, it’s different when it’s you, right?” My voice grew louder.
He walked over to me and put his hands on my shoulders, “I’m sorry, I did not mean to upset you.”
My first mistake was looking into his beautiful green eyes because before I knew it I cupped his face in my hands as I so desperately wanted to kiss him, taste him and feel him. I was vulnerable at that moment, and for one second, I didn’t care; all I knew is I needed him in ways every woman needs a man. Then reality hit me, “I’m sorry I raised my voice, I’m just tired.”
I let go of his face and turned to zip up my suitcase. He grabbed my arm, turned me to face him and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. This was the first real hug we ever shared. His arms were strong, and he made me feel safe. I closed my eyes as I took in his scent that made me weak but excited. He didn’t say a word, and it felt like we stayed in each other’s arms for eternity. He broke the embrace and turned away like he did something wrong. “We should get going.”
Suddenly it hit me; I never made it to my work to give my notice. I shook my head and sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Connor asked.
“I was on my way to the record studio to give my notice, and I just realized I never made it there.”
“Give your notice, why are you quitting?” Connor grabbed my suitcase, and we walked out into the living room. My face lit up as I was about to tell him the good news.
“I completely forgot to tell you, my paintings sold, all three of them,” I excitedly said. “Now the owner wants to contract me and my paintings, and that’s a full-time job.”
He smiled at me, “That’s brilliant news Ellery, congratulations.”
As I was grabbing the last of my things, my phone rang; it was my cousin Debbie. I asked Connor to go in my desk drawer and grab a piece of paper and pen so I could write down the name and address of the funeral home. I took down the information and hung up. I turned around as Connor was staring at my list I keep in the drawer.
“What’s this?” he casually asked.
I walked over and took it from him, “Just a list of things I would like to do in my lifetime. I wrote it after Kyle moved out, kind of a new start on life list.”
He looked at me only the way Connor could and said, “Ok, ready to go?”
I locked up the apartment and headed to the Limo. I called my boss at the record company and explained to him what happened and how I was on my way in give my notice. I explained to him how much I liked working there, but my painting was now going to become a full-time job. He congratulated me and told me if I ever needed a job he would take me back.
We arrived back at Connors penthouse as he took my suitcase upstairs. I followed him and fell back onto the large comfy bed.
He looked down at me, “Do you like this bed?”
I smiled, “Yes, it is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.”
He held out his hand to help me up, “Are you up for some Chinese food?”
I smiled as my stomach growled, “Sounds delicious.”
We walked down to the kitchen where Connor opened the drawer, pulled out a menu and sat on the bar stool next to me, “What do you like?”
I leaned closer as his scent filled me with excitement. I wanted to respond, I like you, but that would not be a cool move, “I like just about anything, you pick.”
He looked at me, “sweet and sour pork, chicken fried rice, Mongolian beef and egg rolls?”
“That’s a lot of food Mr. Black, is anyone joining us?”
“No, I’m going to make sure you eat.”
I rolled my eyes and then held my hand over my cut, “Ouch.”
He smiled as he looked at me, “Stop rolling your eyes at me and it won’t hurt.”
“Then stop making me roll my eyes at you and I will.”
He chuckled and grabbed his phone to call in the order. He poured us some wine and led me to the living room where we sat on the couch. The fireplace was on and had warmed the room nicely. I sat with my leg under the other and faced him.
“I want to know more about you Connor Black.”
He looked surprised as he responded, “What’s to tell?”
I took in a deep breath, “We’re friends right?”
He nodded his head, “Of course we are.”
“Friends know things about each other. It doesn’t have to be intimate or deeply personal things, but I want to know about where you come from and your family or even your business. Of all the time we have spent together hanging out, you have never told me anything about your family other than I know you have a sister who is an interior designer. You know a lot about me, and I know nothing about you. I feel like this friendship is one-sided Connor.”
He stared at me as he drank his wine, being cautious as to what he was going to say to me. He ran one hand through his hair, “You’re right, and I’m sorry, I just don’t like to talk about my life with anyone. It’s not that it’s a bad life; I’m just a very personal person and I like it that way.” I looked down disappointed as he leaned over and cupped my chin in his hand. He lifted it so that I was looking into his eyes, “Give me some time; this friendship thing is new to me. You need to understand that I’ve never been just friends with a woman before.”
The thought of the tall beautiful woman entered my mind as he said that and with me and my big mouth I said, “But you said you and that woman you’re always with are just friends, so you have other women that are friends, right?”
He looked at me intently, “It’s different and I’d rather not discuss it now.”
The doorbell rang, and he got up to answer it. I sat there wondering what the hell I was doing. Was I playing a game? Was I his game? Was he using me to prove something? He came back with the cartons of Chinese food, plates and silverware.
“Can I have the chopsticks please?” I asked. He looked in the bag and pulled out a pair and handed them to me.
“What are you doing?” I asked him as he started to put food on his and my plate.
“Um, serving dinner?” He looked at me with a – are you stupid – look. I shook my finger from side to side.
“Let me,” I said as I grabbed the cartons. “Grab your chopsticks,” I told him.
“I don’t know how to use chopsticks, I could never get those things right.”
“I will teach you then.”
“Ellery, let’s just eat.”
“We are going to eat, but my way,” I smiled.
He sighed and took his set of chopsticks out of the bag. I took the sweet and sour pork container, inserted by chopsticks and grabbed a piece of pork, “See, easy.” If looks could kill, I’d be dead just about now.
I took his chopsticks and placed them properly between his fingers. The feel of his soft skin sent shivers down my spine. I guided his chopsticks inside the carton and helped him pull out a piece of pork. He looked at me and smirked.
“See, it’s not hard with the proper training.”
I took a piece of beef and held it to his mouth as he took it and smiled. He was enjoying this new found way of eating Chinese food even though he would never admit it. He still had some trouble, but managed to get a piece of pork and brought it to my mouth. He laughed when I grabbed the chopsticks between my teeth and refused to let go. This moment we were sharing felt so right and comfortable, and it scared the hell out of me.
When we finished eating, he took his thumb and gently stroked the area above my cut, “Does it hurt?” he asked sympathetically.
“Not anymore,” I answered as I looked down. His touching me like that was killing me. It stirred up heat in me I never knew existed. Kyle never made me feel the way Connor does, and I was bothered by that. I should not have these feelings for him; we’re friends, and that is all we can be. I believe we met for a reason, but I have yet to find out why.
“What are you thinking?” he softly asked. I took his hand and removed it from my head, holding it up to my face as I gently kissed it. I could feel him tighten as his breathing grew heavier, but I didn’t and wouldn’t let go.
“I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have a friend like you,” I smiled.
He smiled and pulled his hand away, “We need to leave early in the morning; we should get some rest.”
I got up and started walking upstairs, “Do you want a pain pill?” He yelled from the kitchen.
“No, I’m fine,” I responded.” I slipped into my night-shirt and got under the absurdly warm covers.
I was looking through my phone when Connor knocked on the door. “Come in.” He walked in the room wearing dark gray silk pajama bottoms that hung off his hips. His muscular frame stared at me as my butterflies awoke and the fire ignited in my blood. He sat down in the chair and reclined it back. “What are you doing?” I asked.
“Getting some rest?”
“Here?”
“Yes, do you have a problem with that?” The only problem I had was trying to keep my hands off him and having my way with him.
“Yes I do Mr. Black.”
He sat up and looked at me, “Why? The doctor said you need to be watched for a concussion. How am I supposed to do that if I’m in the room down the hall?”
“I’m fine, and besides you cannot sleep all night in that chair, you’ll be hurting in the morning, and we have a ten-hour drive to Michigan.”
“Doctors’ orders Miss Lane, so deal with it. You are not getting your way with this one.”
“Now you’re making me feel bad,” I took in a sharp breath and wanted to crucify myself for what I was about to say, “At least sleep in the bed.”
His eyes widened, “I don’t think that is a good idea Ellery.”
“Why not? We’re friends. Peyton and I sleep in the same bed when we have sleepovers, and my bed is tiny compared to this one. You have your own side way over there,” I pointed. “If you don’t then I’m leaving and you know I will.”
“You are not going anywhere, and I’m not sleeping in that bed.”
I threw the covers back, got out of bed and started to put on my yoga pants. Connor jumped up from the chair and grabbed my arm, “Stop it Ellery, you need your rest.” His voice was angry, and his face was irritated.
He took in a long sharp breath, “Fine, I’ll sleep in the bed, just please get back in it and leave those pants on.” I smiled at him and climbed back into bed. He walked to the other side, climbed in and turned the other way, “You are the most stubborn and defiant person I have ever known Ellery Lane.”
I smiled as I closed my eyes, “So, I’ve been told Mr. Black, goodnight.”
Even though, I could not see him, I could feel him smile, “Goodnight Ellery.”
