Loving the White Liar (9 page)

“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.

“Leisure Travel Agency, this is Hilary.”

“You sound happy.” My heart fluttered in my chest as I turned in my chair to whisper, “I am. So far, this job rocks. I mean, it’s customer service, but everyone calling in is excited about a vacation, you know. Not all demanding and ‘get me a side of ranch’.”

He chuckled then whispered back, “I just called to make sure your first day was going well.”

“Did you have fun this weekend?”

Jayden had gone on a fishing trip with his Uncle Stephen. He’d made no apologies, as the trip had been preplanned, but I could tell he didn’t want to go. I told him I’d be working doubles, anyway, training my replacement, and sent him off with a promising kiss.

“Caught some rainbow trout. We are having it tonight.”

“I could have another date, sir. You haven’t asked.”

The silence on the other end of the line let me know this may not have been a smart card to play. His voice was ice. “Do you?”

“Of course not,” I said quickly.

“I have to go. Have a good rest of your day.”

“Wait, Jay—”
Shit.
It was a stupid move. I was so over petty games years ago. I shouldn’t have done that but at the same time, his reaction was pretty uncalled for. He’d called me to make me happy and I’d shit on it.

Crap.

Looking at the clock, I noted it was three-thirty. Suddenly, the rest of my day looked a little bleaker. I snapped out of it quickly, helping Marcy plan a European vacation for a family of six. On my very first day, I’d learned the differences in all kinds of currency, what countries were strict, and which were the best to visit in what season. Marcy was amazing. She was beyond patient and I could tell it had nothing to do with it being my first day, which was a relief. The worst kind of job nightmare was starting a position only to have your new boss go all Exorcist after a few weeks. I’d definitely taken a bite of that pea soup once or twice in my life.

I decided to nip this misunderstanding with Jayden in the bud. I did my usual laps when I got home then showered quickly. It had been almost a week since our last date and I wanted his smile, his kiss, his conversation.

I also wanted to rip his clothes off and worship his baby maker. But hence, I would settle for the first three and keep at it at his pace.

My dress was way too short and showcased my legs, and I’d blown out my hair for a lengthy affect. I wore my only owned pair of stilettos and smelled of vanilla lotion (an aphrodisiac for men according to my witchy sister Sabrina). I knocked on his door, waited and got nothing. I was just about to walk away when it opened.

“Hi,” Randy, the guy I recognized from the pool, greeted me. He washed me with his eyes in a slow, sick way and I shivered, immensely repelled by it. Though Randy was far from an eyesore, he gave me the creeps.

“Hi, umm, is Jayden here?”

“No,” he said as Jayden passed behind him, eyeing me before he went down the hall and into his bedroom, shutting the door. Stunned with what just happened, I looked back to Randy who was clearly busted. It was as if Jayden didn’t care that I’d seen him.

And it was complete bullshit.

I saw golden fur in the corner of the room as I scanned it. Thinking quickly, I whistled for him. Trip plowed his way through Randy’s legs and into me. I grabbed his leash from the floor next to the door and hooked it up to his collar as I glared at Randy.

“Well, you can tell that asshole that I am stealing his dog, and when he’s ready to talk, he can have him back.” I attempted to stalk off, but Trip took off like a bat out of hell, earning his name and making me stumble in my too short skirt. I heard Randy start to laugh hysterically as I begged Trip to slow down. I fell twice on the way back to my apartment, scraping my knees on the concrete while I hung on to Trip for dear life. When I fell the second time, one of my heels snapped. Trip looked back at me as an afterthought and came at me, tongue lashing to lap up my face.

“Dumbass. Seriously, CHILL OUT, TRIP!” After a brief pity party, I made it back to my apartment and let Trip loose to run through the house, hearing an absent crash as I limped to the kitchen with my blood covered and newly purpled knees. Grabbing a plastic baggie, I filled it with ice then caught my reflection in the microwave. My hair was jacked from the humidity and my mascara was smeared from Trip’s heavy petting. Fifteen minutes ago, I’d been ready to rock Jayden’s world. Five minutes ago, he had carelessly told me to kiss his ass.

And for what?

I thought about the stupid stunt I had just pulled and decided it was a bad move to steal his dog. If he wanted nothing to do with me after something as stupid as playing coy, then I needn’t bother. Even as I thought it, I knew it wouldn’t fly. I had a serious taste for Jayden Monroe, and I didn’t want it to be over. Still, if we even had a chance, I would make it clear that his reaction to my teasing wouldn’t fly, either.

I would’ve immediately taken the dog back, but the truth was I was exhausted and hurting from stealing him. It would have to wait until I had at least cared for my slimy knees. I sat in my bathroom, wincing as I ran a rag over my bloody knees when I heard a knock on the door as Trip barked, alerting me. I was suddenly fearful it was Jayden. Shoes still on and one still broken, I limped my way to the door and looked through the peephole to see that, in fact, it was...and he was angry.

I opened the door as Trip stood next to me, happy to see his master.

“What the hell, Hilary!”

“Sorry, it was a bad move,” I said, opening the door.

“You don’t just take a man’s dog,” he scorned, snatching Trip’s leash from my hand.

“Yeah, spoken like a true hypocrite.” Jayden’s eyes covered me as he noticed my broken shoe and torn up knees.

“What happened?”

“Don’t ask. There you go. You have your dog.” My voice was trembling and I couldn’t for the life of me make it stop. Emotion filled my chest as he scrutinized me. I let him take me in, my arms crossed over my chest, before limping to my couch and relieving my feet of my heels. He walked over to the table where I had thrown my wet washcloth and sat on the couch next to me, lifting my legs so my feet were in his lap. He resumed cleaning my knees without a word. I watched him as he gently dabbed up the dirt and then leaned in and blew on them.

“I’m not good at the boy/girl stuff,” he offered after a few minutes.

“You ever thought about trying the man/woman thing?” He refused to look at me, keeping his eyes trained on my knees.

“Clearly, you don’t like to share. I get it. I don’t, either,” I remarked about my comment earlier. “I don’t think it’s worth throwing away a handful of good dates, but you obviously feel differently.”

“I think about you day and night,” he said as his eyes finally drifted to mine with a look so intense if I hadn’t already been sitting, I’d have to. The flutter in my stomach warmed me and spread quickly throughout my limbs.

“I’m trying here, but I’m not an easy guy to get along with.”

“You’ve done a great job of being an asshole today,” I agreed.

“I’m not sure what I want from you, Hilary.” He leaned in and blew on my knees before he placed a soft sweet kiss below both of them. I closed my eyes against the growing fear of what he was about to say.

“If this is going to be some speech about hooking up just for fun, I should warn you now, I’m not the type of girl for that.”

He pulled me into his lap gently to avoid bumping my torn skin.

“I overreacted,” he said in apology and then followed it with actual words. “I’m sorry.”

“I stole your dog,” I said with a smile.

“I have to admit, it was pretty slick,” he said, his hands massaging up and down my legs.

“Don’t shut me out like that. You ruin a perfectly good argument that way,” I said, leaning into him.

“Should we be arguing this early?” he asked with a smile.

“Why not? Emotion shows you care. We’d make a great Fred and Ethel,” I said hoping, he’d catch on to my
I Love Lucy
comparison. It was my absolute favorite show.

“Let’s shoot for Lucy and Ricky,” he said as his fingers threaded through my moisture-induced afro. “You look like hell.”

“Thanks,” I said quickly as I pumped my hand behind my head twice with ‘hot stuff’ emphasis.

“Clean up and come over, okay? Randy is going out with the screamer and staying with her tonight.”

“When are you going to let me cook for you?”

“When your knees don’t look like mini ET’s.” I chuckled as he leaned in to sip my lips and whispered a low, “I’m sorry. I would have come around.”

“I would have forgiven you, too, but I missed you and I kinda didn’t want to wait any longer.”

He looked at me as if what I said shocked him and I felt my cheeks heat. It had only been a little over two weeks and I was already missing him. He leaned in so sweetly and took my lips again. This time I felt the difference in his kiss. It was filled with emotion and I sighed as I opened for him, his tongue stroking mine so gently I felt my eyes water. He lifted me slightly to get more comfortable and I melted smoothly into him. When he had tasted my mouth in its entirety, he pulled away.

“Bring a bag,” he ordered with hooded eyes.

“A...oh,” I said, my sex yawning and stretching after a long nap. I ran my hands through his silky thick hair and smiled. “What a tantrum.”

“That’s nothing,” he warned.

“I’ll take my chances,” I said, looking into the deep blue eyes outlined in violet.

“I hope you really mean that,” he said, lifting me off his lap. “See you in a bit?”

“Yeah,” I said as he called to Trip, who had taken up residence on my recliner.

When he closed the door, I clutched my hands to my chest.

Too fast, Hilary. This is too fast.

But there was no use in reasoning with my carefree will now. My heart was already slightly attached to the man who had just walked out my door.