Bound Together (38 page)
Authors: Marie Coulson
Raising my hand to
silence her I shook my head. “No way. You are not putting off the
chance to eat at one of the top restaurants in the city to sit here
with me while I wallow in self-pity. You better get ready. I’m just
going to close my eyes for a little while.” Nodding, she pecked me
on the cheek and disappeared into the bathroom.
Laying my head on the
pillow, I thought about how enthusiastic I had been on my first
date with Jared, which felt like a distant and hazy memory as I lay
there mulling over the upsetting events of the day. The pain of our
fight was now a familiar and uncomfortable fixture in my chest
which constricted and heaved as tears began to fall down my cheeks.
God, I seemed to spend so much time either screaming or crying
since I’d met him. Surely that wasn’t healthy. My emotions were
constantly in high gear being with him. Softly sobbing, I gripped
my pillow and cried myself to sleep.
I woke with a start and
breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have been pulled from my
nightmare. With tired eyes I glanced at my clock and groaned seeing
that it was only three in the morning. An urgent need to pee meant
I was going to
have
to get out of bed. I looked over at Amy’s bed and found it
still empty. I hadn’t woken when she left but I assumed by her
absence that her date must be going well. Swinging my legs out of
my duvet, I jumped as my foot hit something hard and cold on the
floor. Turning on the bed side lamp, I stared down at the object
next to my foot. Picking it up, I smiled. It was a white coffee mug
with the words “I Love NY” printed across the front and a message
had been scribbled in permanent marker on the back. Turning it
around I read it as happiness and relief flooded body. “I love you
Layla Jennings, I always have and I always will. Don’t give up on
me yet baby.” Hugging it to my chest I realized he must have been
here in my room and I had missed him. Springing to my feet I rushed
to the window and saw the bright tail lights of the Mercedes
pulling out of the parking lot.
Snatching my cell from
the night stand my fingers frantically typed a message to him. I
needed to let him know I was still in this as much as he was and
that giving up wasn’t an option. Hitting send, I grinned and ran my
fingers over the porcelain mug. To most people it was just that, a
mug. But to me it was much more. It was love. He’d cut his trip
short and come to my room in the middle of the night just to leave
me this token of his affection, to make sure I was ok and to let me
know he loved me. I hugged myself knowing how truly lucky I really
was.
hands, I’d managed to get another three hours of sleep, waking when
I heard the sound of keys rattling in the door. Sitting up, I
rested on my elbows and raised an eyebrow at Amy as she totted in.
Her shoes dangled in one hand, her lipstick smeared she caught me
staring and grinned. “I take it you had a good night
then?”
Tossing her
Manolo Blahnik’s
on the
bed she sighed contentedly. “Oh Layla, he’s so perfect. He’s a real
honest to god gentleman. He held doors open for me, pulled my chair
out, everything. He’s amazing. And he’s smart, funny, witty and an
amazing dancer. He took me to this exclusive club and we danced
till the sun came up. And boy can he kiss. I thought I might stop
breathing; it was that good!” I laughed as she fell backwards onto
my bed gazing at the ceiling. Crawling out of my duvet I laid next
to her. “So, no more frogs huh? Prince charming at last?” She
laughed and turned to face me. “Oh I hope so. Don’t think I could
cope with anymore spawn sucking toads after last night. It was just
perfect Layla. Oh my god, listen to me going on. How are
you
this morning? Did
you reach him?”
Grabbing the mug from
next to my pillow, I held it out to her and she took it from me
with a wide smile. “Oh my goodness Layla! He came here? He came all
the way from New York just to see you! I told you he wouldn’t give
up on you two yet. What happened? What did he say?” Shrugging I
shook my head. “Nothing. I didn’t see him. I woke up at three and
found it on the floor. He must have snuck in and left it there
while I was asleep. I have no idea how he got in but he did. I just
managed to see the Mercedes he has Daniel chauffeur pull out of the
parking lot. He must have come here straight from the airport. I
haven’t even spoken to him yet. He left me a note and I sent him a
text but that’s it.”
Taking the mug from my
hands, she tipped it up and read the note. Squealing, she kicked
her legs in the air like an excited child. “Him getting in is my
fault. I was in such a rush I must have forgotten to lock the door.
But oh, Layla, could he be more wonderful? We have to be the two
luckiest girls I know! Well don’t just lay here grinning at me. You
have work in an hour remember. It’s Friday.” Realizing the time, I
sprung to my feet and rushed around pulling on my jeans with one
hand and brushing my teeth with the other. Grabbing a blue t-shirt
from my closet that had the words “Blondes Do It Better” across the
front, I pulled it over my head and pulled my hair back into a
tight ponytail. Holding out my apron for me, Amy smiled and shook
her head. Plucking it from her grasp I shot her a quick smile and
ran out the door.
Turning the corner, I saw
Kate at the doors ready to open up and sprinted across the street
to meet her. Opening the doors she smiled at me sweetly. “Hey girl,
you look better today. You talk to the boss?” Slipping off my
jacket I filled her in on the events that had unfolded during my
slumber and she reacted with the same enthusiasm as Amy had. We
moved around the shop, fluidly working in the well-oiled machine
way we had developed over the past few weeks. Setting up tables and
warming the coffee maker, I stood for a moment and smiled
contentedly to myself. Life was good. I had good friends, great
colleagues and a man that was desperately in love with me.
Everything was perfect. So why did I have the horrible feeling that
something was waiting just around the corner to bring it all
crashing down around me? I’d leapt off the cliff and was still
flying but eventually I was destined to hit the ground. Shaking the
disturbing thoughts from my head I walked out to the office to
collect the mail. Lorraine had become so comfortable leaving me and
Kate in charge that she was now only coming in to collect receipts
and make sure that shifts were covered. We hadn’t seen her in days.
I never had much opportunity to meet the other staff that worked
there because I was always scheduled on Kate’s shift. It suited me
that way. We were a great team and what’s more is that we had
fun.
The stereo fired up and I
chuckled knowing that Kate would soon be wiggling her ass around
the shop to some sort of classic rock album she’d put on. But no
heavy bass kicked in. No electric guitar twanged and strummed.
Instead, the soft and cool sounds of an acoustic guitar echoed
through the speakers. I made my way back out to the shop floor and
perplexedly scanned the room. Kate had disappeared and the shop was
completely desolate. The sound of the guitar filled my ears as I
stood at the counter completely baffled at her choice of music. The
intro ended and the deep and sultry voice of Elvis boomed over the
sound system.
The hairs on my neck
began to stand up and a warm breath was grazing my neck. An
instantly recognizable scent of soap, sweet cologne and hair gel
filled my senses. Engorging my nostrils, the familiar aphrodisiac
caused my pulse to spike as I instantly became aware of a throbbing
between my legs. There was only one man in the world that had that
effect on my body and it was a welcome sensation. Singing the sweet
words of ‘Love Me Tender’ in my ear, his deep sensual voice sent
shivers through my body and a tingle down my spine. My legs grew
weak and my head rolled back as I closed my eyes, savoring every
sweet hushed word, every breath he breathed on my sensitive skin
and the gentle caress of his hands as they slid around my
waist.
Turning me to face him,
he gazed deeply into my eyes. It was as though he was staring right
into my soul. I could feel tears pooling as I stared into his
perfectly blue eyes. Cupping my face in his hands he pressed a
gentle, caressing kiss on my lips. Tears began to slide down my
face and over his thumbs as he pressed them firmly to my cheeks.
Breathless, I pulled away and met his gaze. Wiping away my tears he
smiled ruefully. “Shhh, baby, don’t cry. I hate to see you cry. I’m
sorry, for everything. I do trust you entirely. I’m just so damn
terrified of losing you and it makes me crazy knowing you’re here
with someone else while I’m miles away wishing I were with you. I’m
sorry I went off at you and I understand if you can never forgive
me. I said some horrible things and I hurt you. But please don’t
give up on me Layla. I’ll do anything to make it right. I love you
so much.” Pressing his forehead against mine he held my hand over
his heart and placed his on top. I could feel the beat pounding
beneath my fingertips.
A long breath escaped my
lungs that I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding. Closing my eyes
I smiled. “Jared, I was never going to give up on you, it was never
an option. I love you too. I know I may not say it, or show it the
way I should but never ever doubt how I feel about you. You’re
oxygen and I can’t breathe without you.” Taking his free hand I
placed it on my chest and pressed it against my own thundering
heart. “And this will always belong to you. I could never give it
to anyone else. Your name is carved on my heart Jared and it can’t
beat without you. I love you, completely, entirely and
desperately.”
Catching me by surprise
he kissed me deeply and passionately. His tongue pushed into my
mouth and fervently rolled and stroked mine. His hand released mine
from his chest as he gripped the back of my neck pulling me to him.
I followed suit and slid my own hand around his back pressing us
closer together, deepening the kiss.
“
Ahem.” Kate coughed
lightly, distracting us from our impassioned embrace. Pulling away
from Jared I shot her an apologetic smile but she simply shook her
head and laughed. “I’d hate to break this little love in up but we
have to open in about ten minutes. So if you could find it in your
will power to keep your hands off each other for a few hours I’d be
most grateful. I can’t run this place by myself.” Chuckling, I
shrugged at Jared. “Sorry boss, we’ll have to cool it off for now.
I’d hate to get fired for indecent displays of affection at work.”
He grinned at me mischievously. “I don’t think that would be a
problem at all Miss Jennings. I happen to know the boss would
absolutely adore it if you got a little indecent with your man.”
Shoving him gently away from me he took my hands tightly in his.
“How can I possibly leave now? I’ve spent the most agonizing three
days away from you and now you have to abandon me for this place.
Seems highly unfair if you ask me.”
“
You don’t have to tell
me. I would love to blow this place off and come with you but I
have to work. I have needs Mr. Garrett.”
His grin widened and he
snickered. Breathing heavily, he whispered in my ear, sending
chills through my body and goose bumps on my pale skin. “Blow,
come. Oh Layla, you say such wonderfully sweet things to me. I
would love for you to blow and come with me too amongst other
things. You don’t have to work you know, anything you need I can
get it for you. You could spend all your free time tied up with
me.” I rolled my eyes at his double entendre and shook my head at
him. Feigning outrage, I shoved him a little. “Mr. Garrett! Now
who’s being indecent? I am perfectly capable of providing for
myself. I love my job and I love the people I work with and for.
You can keep me tied up in my free time. In fact, I insist on it.”
His eyes grew dark and hooded and I knew exactly what images he was
conjuring as I was doing the same. Standing on my tiptoes, I gave
him a chaste kiss. “Those thoughts you’re thinking, hold on to
those. I’ll be out of here in five hours.” Wrapping his arms around
me, he held me tightly to him. “I can’t wait.”
Kate re-entered and
rolled her eyes at us. Gripping Jared by the shoulders she marched
him out in front of her and to the door. “Ok lover boy I warned
you, out! We have work to do and if you like keeping my girl
dripping in diamonds and living the life she should become
accustomed to, then you’ll let us open up and earn you some cash.”
Reaching the door, Jared turned his head, grinned and blew me a
kiss before turning his attention to Kate. “God, you’re bossy when
you want to be. I think we need to talk about giving you a
promotion.” Sighing exasperatedly she shoved him out the door and
closed it. I laughed as he waved at me before turning and walking
across the street to the parking lot. Kate raised an eyebrow at me
and gave me an amused look. “Looks like you two worked it out then.
I nearly squealed when he showed up and asked for a few minutes
alone with you. You’re not mad are you?”
“
How could I be mad? Did
you see how he kissed me? Oh Kate I’m so happy I could
burst!”
“
Well how about settling
for bursting into song?” She fired up the stereo and exchanged the
Elvis CD for her classic rock. The heavy bass and loud beats of Bon
Jovi filled the shop and we both belted out the lyrics as we danced
around. If one could die of happiness they could have called me a
doctor, because I was definitely terminal.
silence her I shook my head. “No way. You are not putting off the
chance to eat at one of the top restaurants in the city to sit here
with me while I wallow in self-pity. You better get ready. I’m just
going to close my eyes for a little while.” Nodding, she pecked me
on the cheek and disappeared into the bathroom.
Laying my head on the
pillow, I thought about how enthusiastic I had been on my first
date with Jared, which felt like a distant and hazy memory as I lay
there mulling over the upsetting events of the day. The pain of our
fight was now a familiar and uncomfortable fixture in my chest
which constricted and heaved as tears began to fall down my cheeks.
God, I seemed to spend so much time either screaming or crying
since I’d met him. Surely that wasn’t healthy. My emotions were
constantly in high gear being with him. Softly sobbing, I gripped
my pillow and cried myself to sleep.
I woke with a start and
breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have been pulled from my
nightmare. With tired eyes I glanced at my clock and groaned seeing
that it was only three in the morning. An urgent need to pee meant
I was going to
have
to get out of bed. I looked over at Amy’s bed and found it
still empty. I hadn’t woken when she left but I assumed by her
absence that her date must be going well. Swinging my legs out of
my duvet, I jumped as my foot hit something hard and cold on the
floor. Turning on the bed side lamp, I stared down at the object
next to my foot. Picking it up, I smiled. It was a white coffee mug
with the words “I Love NY” printed across the front and a message
had been scribbled in permanent marker on the back. Turning it
around I read it as happiness and relief flooded body. “I love you
Layla Jennings, I always have and I always will. Don’t give up on
me yet baby.” Hugging it to my chest I realized he must have been
here in my room and I had missed him. Springing to my feet I rushed
to the window and saw the bright tail lights of the Mercedes
pulling out of the parking lot.
Snatching my cell from
the night stand my fingers frantically typed a message to him. I
needed to let him know I was still in this as much as he was and
that giving up wasn’t an option. Hitting send, I grinned and ran my
fingers over the porcelain mug. To most people it was just that, a
mug. But to me it was much more. It was love. He’d cut his trip
short and come to my room in the middle of the night just to leave
me this token of his affection, to make sure I was ok and to let me
know he loved me. I hugged myself knowing how truly lucky I really
was.
* * *
hands, I’d managed to get another three hours of sleep, waking when
I heard the sound of keys rattling in the door. Sitting up, I
rested on my elbows and raised an eyebrow at Amy as she totted in.
Her shoes dangled in one hand, her lipstick smeared she caught me
staring and grinned. “I take it you had a good night
then?”
Tossing her
Manolo Blahnik’s
on the
bed she sighed contentedly. “Oh Layla, he’s so perfect. He’s a real
honest to god gentleman. He held doors open for me, pulled my chair
out, everything. He’s amazing. And he’s smart, funny, witty and an
amazing dancer. He took me to this exclusive club and we danced
till the sun came up. And boy can he kiss. I thought I might stop
breathing; it was that good!” I laughed as she fell backwards onto
my bed gazing at the ceiling. Crawling out of my duvet I laid next
to her. “So, no more frogs huh? Prince charming at last?” She
laughed and turned to face me. “Oh I hope so. Don’t think I could
cope with anymore spawn sucking toads after last night. It was just
perfect Layla. Oh my god, listen to me going on. How are
you
this morning? Did
you reach him?”
Grabbing the mug from
next to my pillow, I held it out to her and she took it from me
with a wide smile. “Oh my goodness Layla! He came here? He came all
the way from New York just to see you! I told you he wouldn’t give
up on you two yet. What happened? What did he say?” Shrugging I
shook my head. “Nothing. I didn’t see him. I woke up at three and
found it on the floor. He must have snuck in and left it there
while I was asleep. I have no idea how he got in but he did. I just
managed to see the Mercedes he has Daniel chauffeur pull out of the
parking lot. He must have come here straight from the airport. I
haven’t even spoken to him yet. He left me a note and I sent him a
text but that’s it.”
Taking the mug from my
hands, she tipped it up and read the note. Squealing, she kicked
her legs in the air like an excited child. “Him getting in is my
fault. I was in such a rush I must have forgotten to lock the door.
But oh, Layla, could he be more wonderful? We have to be the two
luckiest girls I know! Well don’t just lay here grinning at me. You
have work in an hour remember. It’s Friday.” Realizing the time, I
sprung to my feet and rushed around pulling on my jeans with one
hand and brushing my teeth with the other. Grabbing a blue t-shirt
from my closet that had the words “Blondes Do It Better” across the
front, I pulled it over my head and pulled my hair back into a
tight ponytail. Holding out my apron for me, Amy smiled and shook
her head. Plucking it from her grasp I shot her a quick smile and
ran out the door.
Turning the corner, I saw
Kate at the doors ready to open up and sprinted across the street
to meet her. Opening the doors she smiled at me sweetly. “Hey girl,
you look better today. You talk to the boss?” Slipping off my
jacket I filled her in on the events that had unfolded during my
slumber and she reacted with the same enthusiasm as Amy had. We
moved around the shop, fluidly working in the well-oiled machine
way we had developed over the past few weeks. Setting up tables and
warming the coffee maker, I stood for a moment and smiled
contentedly to myself. Life was good. I had good friends, great
colleagues and a man that was desperately in love with me.
Everything was perfect. So why did I have the horrible feeling that
something was waiting just around the corner to bring it all
crashing down around me? I’d leapt off the cliff and was still
flying but eventually I was destined to hit the ground. Shaking the
disturbing thoughts from my head I walked out to the office to
collect the mail. Lorraine had become so comfortable leaving me and
Kate in charge that she was now only coming in to collect receipts
and make sure that shifts were covered. We hadn’t seen her in days.
I never had much opportunity to meet the other staff that worked
there because I was always scheduled on Kate’s shift. It suited me
that way. We were a great team and what’s more is that we had
fun.
The stereo fired up and I
chuckled knowing that Kate would soon be wiggling her ass around
the shop to some sort of classic rock album she’d put on. But no
heavy bass kicked in. No electric guitar twanged and strummed.
Instead, the soft and cool sounds of an acoustic guitar echoed
through the speakers. I made my way back out to the shop floor and
perplexedly scanned the room. Kate had disappeared and the shop was
completely desolate. The sound of the guitar filled my ears as I
stood at the counter completely baffled at her choice of music. The
intro ended and the deep and sultry voice of Elvis boomed over the
sound system.
The hairs on my neck
began to stand up and a warm breath was grazing my neck. An
instantly recognizable scent of soap, sweet cologne and hair gel
filled my senses. Engorging my nostrils, the familiar aphrodisiac
caused my pulse to spike as I instantly became aware of a throbbing
between my legs. There was only one man in the world that had that
effect on my body and it was a welcome sensation. Singing the sweet
words of ‘Love Me Tender’ in my ear, his deep sensual voice sent
shivers through my body and a tingle down my spine. My legs grew
weak and my head rolled back as I closed my eyes, savoring every
sweet hushed word, every breath he breathed on my sensitive skin
and the gentle caress of his hands as they slid around my
waist.
Turning me to face him,
he gazed deeply into my eyes. It was as though he was staring right
into my soul. I could feel tears pooling as I stared into his
perfectly blue eyes. Cupping my face in his hands he pressed a
gentle, caressing kiss on my lips. Tears began to slide down my
face and over his thumbs as he pressed them firmly to my cheeks.
Breathless, I pulled away and met his gaze. Wiping away my tears he
smiled ruefully. “Shhh, baby, don’t cry. I hate to see you cry. I’m
sorry, for everything. I do trust you entirely. I’m just so damn
terrified of losing you and it makes me crazy knowing you’re here
with someone else while I’m miles away wishing I were with you. I’m
sorry I went off at you and I understand if you can never forgive
me. I said some horrible things and I hurt you. But please don’t
give up on me Layla. I’ll do anything to make it right. I love you
so much.” Pressing his forehead against mine he held my hand over
his heart and placed his on top. I could feel the beat pounding
beneath my fingertips.
A long breath escaped my
lungs that I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding. Closing my eyes
I smiled. “Jared, I was never going to give up on you, it was never
an option. I love you too. I know I may not say it, or show it the
way I should but never ever doubt how I feel about you. You’re
oxygen and I can’t breathe without you.” Taking his free hand I
placed it on my chest and pressed it against my own thundering
heart. “And this will always belong to you. I could never give it
to anyone else. Your name is carved on my heart Jared and it can’t
beat without you. I love you, completely, entirely and
desperately.”
Catching me by surprise
he kissed me deeply and passionately. His tongue pushed into my
mouth and fervently rolled and stroked mine. His hand released mine
from his chest as he gripped the back of my neck pulling me to him.
I followed suit and slid my own hand around his back pressing us
closer together, deepening the kiss.
“
Ahem.” Kate coughed
lightly, distracting us from our impassioned embrace. Pulling away
from Jared I shot her an apologetic smile but she simply shook her
head and laughed. “I’d hate to break this little love in up but we
have to open in about ten minutes. So if you could find it in your
will power to keep your hands off each other for a few hours I’d be
most grateful. I can’t run this place by myself.” Chuckling, I
shrugged at Jared. “Sorry boss, we’ll have to cool it off for now.
I’d hate to get fired for indecent displays of affection at work.”
He grinned at me mischievously. “I don’t think that would be a
problem at all Miss Jennings. I happen to know the boss would
absolutely adore it if you got a little indecent with your man.”
Shoving him gently away from me he took my hands tightly in his.
“How can I possibly leave now? I’ve spent the most agonizing three
days away from you and now you have to abandon me for this place.
Seems highly unfair if you ask me.”
“
You don’t have to tell
me. I would love to blow this place off and come with you but I
have to work. I have needs Mr. Garrett.”
His grin widened and he
snickered. Breathing heavily, he whispered in my ear, sending
chills through my body and goose bumps on my pale skin. “Blow,
come. Oh Layla, you say such wonderfully sweet things to me. I
would love for you to blow and come with me too amongst other
things. You don’t have to work you know, anything you need I can
get it for you. You could spend all your free time tied up with
me.” I rolled my eyes at his double entendre and shook my head at
him. Feigning outrage, I shoved him a little. “Mr. Garrett! Now
who’s being indecent? I am perfectly capable of providing for
myself. I love my job and I love the people I work with and for.
You can keep me tied up in my free time. In fact, I insist on it.”
His eyes grew dark and hooded and I knew exactly what images he was
conjuring as I was doing the same. Standing on my tiptoes, I gave
him a chaste kiss. “Those thoughts you’re thinking, hold on to
those. I’ll be out of here in five hours.” Wrapping his arms around
me, he held me tightly to him. “I can’t wait.”
Kate re-entered and
rolled her eyes at us. Gripping Jared by the shoulders she marched
him out in front of her and to the door. “Ok lover boy I warned
you, out! We have work to do and if you like keeping my girl
dripping in diamonds and living the life she should become
accustomed to, then you’ll let us open up and earn you some cash.”
Reaching the door, Jared turned his head, grinned and blew me a
kiss before turning his attention to Kate. “God, you’re bossy when
you want to be. I think we need to talk about giving you a
promotion.” Sighing exasperatedly she shoved him out the door and
closed it. I laughed as he waved at me before turning and walking
across the street to the parking lot. Kate raised an eyebrow at me
and gave me an amused look. “Looks like you two worked it out then.
I nearly squealed when he showed up and asked for a few minutes
alone with you. You’re not mad are you?”
“
How could I be mad? Did
you see how he kissed me? Oh Kate I’m so happy I could
burst!”
“
Well how about settling
for bursting into song?” She fired up the stereo and exchanged the
Elvis CD for her classic rock. The heavy bass and loud beats of Bon
Jovi filled the shop and we both belted out the lyrics as we danced
around. If one could die of happiness they could have called me a
doctor, because I was definitely terminal.
Chapter
30
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