Faithful (15 page)

“A part of me does and another part of me thinks
, ‘well, I thought that of Charlie.’ I’m not saying it’s rational. It’s just how I feel.”

“Well
, I certainly can’t claim my behavior is rational when it comes to you.” No, having me followed wasn’t rational, that was for sure.

“I’m not a cheater
, Daniel. You can’t have me followed 24 hours a day to ensure I don’t speak to any other men. It will make me feel like a prisoner.”

“I don’t think you would cheat
. It’s the men I don’t trust. And I suppose if I’m honest I don’t want you to have room to experience anyone else or to doubt us.”

I exhaled. He was right
—it wasn’t rational, but I got it. We were both hanging on so tight as if any moment the bubble could burst and these intense feelings that had appeared so quickly could float away into the ether. So what was the solution? Would more time with each other make things better or worse?

“I’ll be back on Thursday
, and we can get back to normal. But will you please use the driver when you want to go out?”

***

Things settled down; Tuesday and Wednesday were relatively uneventful. Daniel and I spoke at least three times a day. It was nice to know that we had so much to talk about when there was no possibility of any sex. It really comforted me to know that, while he couldn’t physically touch me, he still wanted to speak to me, to know me. And I felt exactly the same. As much as I knew it was more than sex, a part of me was always looking for the darkest possible reason for Daniel’s interest in me and my feelings for Daniel.

Daniel seemed pretty stressed about the things going on in the New York office. Apparently his M
anaging Director there was taking meetings with private equity houses to try and launch a management buyout. Daniel was going to have to fire him and dampen down reports that the business was in difficulty and would potentially be up for sale. It put my week in the office in perspective.

Daniel decided to promote the Operations Manager to the role of MD. She was a woman and Daniel told me in advance of me seeing any press coverage so I wouldn’t overreact and think he was sleeping with her. I felt a bit stupid when he told me that. He wouldn’t be the success he was if he was fucking half his staff!

I spent the rest of the afternoon googling his name. I hadn’t done any internet stalking since we were first back in touch. I suppose I’d been looking for different things then.

There were numerous photos of him and his wife.
Ex-wife.
She was beautiful and very natural-looking. In my head I had pictured some kind of plastic, Beverly Hills wife who had too much plastic surgery and did nothing but shop and lunch. She looked about as far away from that as was possible. Glossy brown hair and kind, smiling eyes. She was a teacher, apparently.

Then there were pictures of the hotels and news coverage about the possible management buyout and how Daniel had found out and fired the MD. There were pictures of what looked like him arriving in New York a few days ago. I didn’t realize he dealt with this level of press attention. He was dealing with so much and I was just been adding to his stress.

When I spoke to him on Wednesday afternoon between meetings, he asked me to stay at his house that evening so he could see me before I went to work. He was landing at 6:30 a.m. I was desperate to see him.

I arrived at his house after going back to Anna’s and packed a weekend bag. I b
rought enough things for a couple of days. Letting myself in to the house felt strange, I felt like I shouldn’t be there without Daniel. There was a note on the kitchen counter from Mrs. Bayliss telling me she had left me some dinner in the fridge. Daniel must have told her I was coming.

I carried my bag upstairs and unpacked. Normally I would just keep everything in my suitcase and dig things out as I needed them
, but I wanted to feel more comfortable here and I knew it would make Daniel happy. I had even brought a few bits I could leave when I went back to Anna’s if I felt like it. I was just finishing emptying my washbag when my phone rang.

“Where are you?” Daniel seemed anxious.

“In your bathroom, unpacking my toothbrush. Why?”

“That’s the best news I’ve had all day. What are you wearing?”

“Daniel!” I admonished.

“Tell me, I need distract
ion.” There was no arguing with him and my answer wasn’t going to be titillating.

“I’m just about to change
. I’m still in my work clothes.”

“Put me on loudspeaker and describe what you are taking off as you do it.”

I suddenly felt self-conscious. And turned on.

“Every detail
, Leah.”

“I’m unbuttoning my blouse.”

“Which button did you start with? The top button?” He wanted serious detail.

“Yes, the top button
. I’m taking my blouse off.”

“What bra do you have on today, describe it to me?”

“It’s black, lace, half-cup.”

“How does it feel? Can you feel your nipples through it?” I froze. Could I do this? I brought my hands to my breasts, feeling my already beaded nipples straining at the lace.

“Yes. I can feel them,” I said weakly

Daniel groaned at my reply. “I want to be there covering them with my tongue.”

“Now I’m unzipping my skirt. My panties match my bra, and that’s all that’s left.”

“Lie on the bed.” His voice was more urgent. I could feel my sex pulse. I didn’t know if it was the control he had over me when he was in this mood or my anticipation that was making me come to life. I lay back awaiting further instruction, my hands wandering over my breasts and stomach.

“Are you wet, Leah?” I was; he was miles away and my body was begging for him.

“Yes
,” I whispered.

“Feel it. Dip your fingers in under your panties
. Feel your wetness, Leah.”

I slid my hand down and trailed the slit of wetness that ran under my panties. I felt myself gush as my fingers explored.

“Leah, tell me how you feel.”

I couldn’t speak
—not from embarrassment, but because I wasn’t sure what would come out of my mouth. My fingers moved with now urgent need and let out a small whimper.

Daniel groaned down the phone. “Baby, I wish I were there filling you up
. Do you want that, too?”

“Oh god, yes, I want you inside me.” The rhythm of my fingers increased as I imagined the feel of Daniel’s cock buried deep inside me.

“Oh, yes. I bet you are so slippery wet, so ready for me. I want you to lick your fingers. Leah, taste yourself.” I’d never tasted myself, but right now I would do anything he wanted. Why couldn’t he be a cab ride away rather than a continent? I sucked my juice from my fingers, and buried them back between my legs. My breathing was increasingly ragged and I could feel my climax start to build.

“I love to hear you excited
, Leah. I love what I do to you.”

“I love what you do to me
,” I gasped. I thrust my fingers deep inside me, pushing my clitoris with my thumb. I wondered whether he was hard. Was he touching himself as well? I didn’t have the courage to ask him, but just the thought together with having been denied the real thing for what seemed like an eternity I clenched around my fingers into climax.

“You sound so sexy when you come
, baby.”

I giggled into the phone. “Your power over my body can be used remotely
, apparently.”

“I’m very glad to hear it. But no more orgasms for you until I am there in the flesh. Do you hear me?”

“Whatever you say,” I said softly. I meant it. I wanted to please him. “When are you back?” I asked, wondering how long I would have to wait.

Reading my mind
, Daniel laughed. “You won’t have to wait long, baby. I promise. I’ll be there when you wake up.” I felt myself relax at the thought of having him back. I’d missed him.

The first thing I was conscious of the next morning was that intoxicating smell. I smiled, remembering his promise that he would be in London when I woke and I opened my eyes. His beautiful eyes were staring back at me.

“Hey, stranger,” I croaked, my voice still full of sleep.

“Hey
, beautiful.” He was stroking my hair away from my face.

“How long have you been watching me sleep?”

“Only a few minutes. You looked so peaceful.”

“You should have woken me. Let me quickly brush my teeth so I can say hello properly.” I scampered into the bathroom and quickly freshened myself up. I was so excited to see him. I wished I had booked the day off from work.

Daniel was lying on the bed fully dressed except for his shoes and his overnight stubble. God, even after an overnight flight he looked delicious. He did look tired, though.

I should let him sleep
,
I thought halfheartedly. I had to leave for work in just over an hour—that didn’t leave us long together. I snuggled up beside him.

“Hey, what about my proper hello?” he demanded.

I turned my head to see his face and he pulled me on top of him and crashed his lips against mine. Oh, that perfect pressure of his mouth on mine. His tongue stroked the top of my mouth and then pushing urgently against mine. I pushed my hands into his beautiful hair, he was here. We kissed for what seemed like hours. Like teenagers.

I loved kissing.

I loved kissing Daniel.

I became aware of Daniel’s erection pushing against my thigh and I moaned at the anticipation of feeling him. I couldn’t wait any longer and I snaked my hand down to see how much he had missed me. Before my fingers found their destination Daniel flipped me over to my back and pinned me to
the bed. My arms restrained by his hands and my thighs by his knees. He started kissing my neck, over and over, tracing my collar bone from one side to the other and then up my neck to my lips again. His tongue trailed across the outside of my lips and dipping into my mouth to find my tongue. He released my hands to run his hands between my breasts to my waist. My arms found his hard back; the feel of him was so reassuring and so sexy. I needed him now.

Abruptly he pulled away from me and pulled me with him so we were suddenly standing. “Come on
, you. You need to get to work and I’m not going to be able to stop if I don’t stop now.” I was confused. I didn’t want to stop.

“Don’t look at me like that. I’ve been without you for days. Once I start properly
, we won’t be done for hours.”

“I’m not going to be able to concentrate today
, the state you’ve worked me into.”

“It’s all part of my evil plan.” He grinned at me and pecked me on the lips. “I’m going to make a few calls. The car will take you to
the office. I’m going to work here this morning. Can you leave the office early tonight?” He was all business. How very disappointing.

“Well
, I can probably leave on time,” I said heading to the bathroom.

“Good. I’ll be here. The car will bring you back to me. We’ll have no interruptions tonight.” He pulled the bedroom door shut behind him. I was going to have to wait nine hours.

The day passed so slowly, I kept checking my mobile to see if he had called or texted. I was desperate to feel close to him and he felt miles away from me. In the end I gave in and texted just before lunch.

I miss you. I’m looking forward to tonight.
L

That just made things worse
. I found myself checking my phone even more to see if he replied. He didn’t.

To distract myself I arranged lunch with Anna. I wanted to hear about her shenanigans last night. The date with biker boy. Apparently on Sunday night she gave him her number but she hadn’t let
him get anywhere past flirting. He called on Monday and she agreed to go out with him last night. When she walked into Eat with a massive grin on her face. It could tell it was an "I just got laid" grin.

“Someone looks happy!” I grinned back at her—it was infectious.

“He is so, so sexy,” she said, knowing what I really wanted to know. “We had such a nice time. He was such a gentleman. I’m totally into him.” We were laughing. Anna might be blunt but she could laugh at herself so much more easily than I could.

Anna had said this a million times before
, and as much as I hoped that he would be the one she was going to grow old with, it was likely that we would be having a conversation in a couple of months about how boring/unreliable/sex-crazed/unfunny/too-funny/stupid/rich/not-rich-enough he was. But it was nice to see her happy for now. We spent lunch trying to decide when the perfect time was to have sex with him for the first time, which of course took the entire hour despite us both knowing it would probably happen on the date Anna drank a bit too much.

In the end I left the office just after 6 p.m. When I arrived at his house I rang the doorbell. I didn’t want to use the keys he’d given to me. Daniel answered the door. He chin was covered in stubble and he stood there barefoot in faded blue jeans and a
t-shirt that looked well-worn and well washed. He looked amazing. I loved Casual Daniel. I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear when I saw him. He didn’t take his eyes off me when he told whoever he was speaking to on the phone that he had to go. I flung my arms around his neck and he lifted me off the ground and into the house.

“Why didn’t you use your keys?”

“I don’t know. Shall we have some wine?” I was trying to divert his attention. I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t making progress with feeling positive about our future together. I’d unpacked my case and hung stuff up in his wardrobe. That was enough progress for now. I kicked off my shoes and followed him into the kitchen. The wine wasn’t even poured before he pressed me against the fridge, exploring my mouth with his tongue. I relaxed. It felt so familiar. I was so pleased to have him back.

Daniel finally poured us both a glass of Rioja. “You have far too many clothes on.” Daniel growled at me as we clinked our glasses together. He took me by my free hand and led me up to the bedroom. Finally, I had been waiting far too long for this. My knees trembled in anticipation as we climbed the stairs, my breathing
became shallow, and I tightened my hand in his.

Daniel let go of my hand and slumped in the silver gray armchair in the corner of his bedroom and took a sip of his wine. I was expecting him to ravage me not sit down for a rest. But he didn’t take his eyes off me as I tried to work out what was going on.

“Far too many clothes. Take them off. Please.” His voice was low and serious. He had every intention of giving me everything I’d been wanting all day, but he was going to try to kill me with the anticipation first.

I felt the wetness pool between my thighs. I placed my glass of wine down on one of the various chests that littered the huge room and I stood in front of him. I fingered the top button of my shirt and tentatively undid it, watching Daniel watching me.

Skimming my skin as I went, I released one button after another and then pulled it off my shoulders and it pooled at my feet. Bringing my hands back up, I traced the edge of the cup of my bra then slid my hands down my body to my waist. Daniel’s eyes followed my hands, every now and then glancing back up to my face with a dark serious look.

I unzipped my skirt and it fell to the floor with my shirt. Daniel took a deep breath but said nothing, his arousal very evident by the tenting in his trousers. There I stood in my bra, panties and hold
-ups. Daniel’s examination of my body from his chair was so intense it was as if he were caressing and stroking me all over with just his brooding stare. My urge for his body increased with every moment. His desire for me was emanating from his intense staring at my body, like he couldn’t tear himself away even if he wanted to, even if the house was on fire. It made me feel so powerful, so desirable, so ready for him. Every moment he didn’t touch me I wanted him more.

I reached around my back and unclasped my bra and pulled it away from my body, freeing my breasts. My nipples were painfully erect and desperate for his tongue. He knew it, he could see. I
unintentionally groaned, unable to hide my arousal at his enjoyment of my body from a distance. Without thinking I reached for my breasts and kneaded them together desperate for release, letting my head fall back relishing the sensation of my smooth, tight skin.

“Panties
, Leah.” His sharp tone reminded me that however powerful I felt, he was in charge. I let my breasts drop and hooked my thumbs into my panties. Leaning forward with my eyes on Daniel, I stepped out of them. I was left with just my black hold-ups on. As I straightened my back, Daniel stood up. I expected him to reach for me but instead he just very slowly circled me, taking in every inch of my body without a single touch. The anticipation was unbearable. I could feel the wetness against my thighs. How long could he hold out? My god, was he ever going to touch me?

He was
so close behind me that I could feel his breath.

“Daniel, please!” I stammered, dizzy with craving.

“Have some self-control, Leah,” he teased.

My knees weakened as he appeared in front of me again. I tentatively lifted up a hand to touch him.

“Hands by your sides.” I let my hand swing to my side and barely able to focus I dropped my head defeated.

Then finally he reached a single finger under my chin and brought my face up to meet his eyes. I felt my skin light on fire at his touch. I tried to push myself against him but he kept a single finger on me.

“Look at me, Leah.”

He then brought that finger tantalizingly slowly down my neck. My breathing increased and I felt waves of pleasure build deep inside me as he followed a path down between my collar bone and between my breasts. As if barely able to contain himself, he paused and exhaled and then his finger continued down my stomach. It was unbearable, I was desperate, my breathing ragged I then I couldn’t stop it my climax washed over me—I came screaming his name, begging for him to touch me. In the midst of my climax I stumbled and Daniel grabbed me and pulled me toward him. The
feeling of his fully clothed body against my naked one seemed to extend my orgasm and I just continued to gasp for air unable to believe the shudders continuing to pass through my body.

“Baby, you’ve got it bad. If that’s what I can do with one finger on nowhere in particular, you are going to have the night of your life.” I couldn’t speak
, but he was right. I wanted him so badly that he could make me come just by looking at me.

He pushed me back onto the bed and I lay temporarily sated watching him undress. He was as hard as I’d ever seen him when he freed himself from his boxer briefs. I pushed myself up to sit so I could get a better view.

“See something you like?”

“Oh
, yes.” I grabbed his bottom and pulled him between my legs and on top of me as I lay back. The feeling of his weight on me, his skin touching mine, his smell surrounding me wakened my senses and I moved my hips against him. I wanted him inside me.

“Leah
, stop. You’re going to make me come.”

“That’s the idea. I want to feel you
. Please, Daniel.”

I didn’t have to wait another second
. He plunged into me, driving right up to the hilt, catching me by surprise. My nails dug into his shoulders so hard I must have drawn blood but I couldn’t think about that. All I could think about was the feeling of fullness I was experiencing, as if it were for the first time.

“I’m not going to last long
, Leah,” Daniel said between his slow thrusts.

“I want to see what I do to you.” I meant it. I wanted to concentrate on him. I clenched around him and he threw his head back and moaned and I watched him fall apart.

Daniel rolled off me and pulled my head to his chest. I could feel his heart hammering away in his chest as I gently stroked his chest. I could stay like this forever I thought. We both lay there wordlessly until Daniel’s heart rate returned to normal. I pushed myself up on my elbow and pushed my lips against his chest.

“Stay there
,” I said as I went to move off the bed.

“Don’t leave me.”

He sounded so sad that I brought our still joined hands to my lips and kissed his fingers. “I’m just going to run us a bath. Is that OK?” He nodded but his voice bled into his expression and he looked worried.

I pushed on my pink robe and slipped into the bathroom, turning on the taps to fill his huge
around bath. I added some oils and switched the dimmer switch on the lights and arranged my iPad to put on some soothing music that reminded me of our first date together.

When I came out of the bathroom Daniel was scrolling through his emails on his
Blackberry and when he looked up and saw me watching him he looked guilty and dropped the phone onto the bed.

“I’m sorry
,” he said, weary.

“Sorry for what? The emails?”

He nodded. “Don’t be. I get it. Do you need to work? I can have the bath on my own.”