Mid Life Love (37 page)

“Are you going to speak to me at all
today?” I narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for him to answer, but he didn’t say
a word.

I rolled my eyes and turned around,
following the attendant back into the dressing room.

I slowly slipped out of the white gown
and watched as she unzipped the black bag that hung over the door. As she
removed the dress from the plastic, I gasped.

“Stunning isn’t it?” She smiled and
signaled for me to raise my hands above my head. She took her time pulling it
over me—zipping up the back, and aligning the strapless top.

I looked at myself in the mirror and
shook my head. The dress was flawless. It was a nude colored gown that
accentuated my every curve. It was covered in sparkling crystals and the
sweetheart neckline gave way to a skirt that fell in soft satin waves, a skirt
that made it appear like I was floating as I walked.

“Miss Gracen?” The attendant held the
door open for me. “Are you ready now?”

I nodded.

I walked into the studio room,
immediately feeling the pressure of Jonathan’s eyes on my body with every step
I took. I stepped onto the small platform and moved in front of the tri-fold
mirror.

“Are you going to say something about
this one?” My eyes connected with his. “Why haven’t you said anything? You
don’t like any of the dresses?”

He blinked. Then he stood up and walked
onto the platform, circling around me like he was assessing every inch of me.

“You’ve looked beautiful in every dress
you’ve tried on today—every single one.” He trailed his fingertips across my
bare shoulders. “I’ll buy them all.”

“But I can only wear one to the
IPO ball. You’re supposed to help me choose which—”

“I will.” He pressed his finger against
my lips. “After you try them on for me again at home...”

I flipped past all twelve of those dresses and
picked out a small little black dress. It was extremely simple, but it had a
few elegant details along the straps that made it stand out.

I snapped on a bra and pulled the dress over my
head. As I was doing my make-up, the doorbell rang.

It’s only six o’ clock... He’s an hour
early?
“Ashley! Caroline! Go get the door!”

I put on a thick layer of mascara and a touch of
blush. I brushed glittering bronze over both my eyelids and the doorbell rang
again.

“Ashley and Caroline, get the door
please
!” I
took out a tube of red lipstick. I was about to place it against my mouth, but
the doorbell rang again.

Ugh! Are they sleeping or something?!

I rushed down the steps and opened the door.
Jonathan
.

He was wearing black slacks and a white button down
shirt—with the sleeves pushed back to his elbows, with the top buttons undone.
He didn’t look too happy to see me. He looked enraged, like he was about to
hurt someone. 

My heart started racing and I tried to say
something—anything, but no words came out of my mouth.

“Hello,
Claire
.” He seethed.

Silence.

He looked me up and down, narrowing his eyes at me.
“You look really nice...Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes...”

“And where would that be?”

“I’m...” I took a step back. “I’m going out on a
date...”

“Really?”

“Yes...”

“You sure about that?” He shut the door and moved
forward.

“Jonathan, I’m—” I felt his lips against mine, his
arms possessively folding around me.

I murmured as he slid his hands underneath my dress,
as he whispered, “You’re not going anywhere” against my neck.

My knees started to buckle and he caught me before I
could fall. He assaulted my mouth with his tongue until I couldn’t breathe, and
then he carried me upstairs to my room.

“You’re still
mine
.” He tossed me onto the
bed and moved on top of me. “You’ll always be
mine
.” He kissed me again
and again, making me moan at the passionate touches I’d been missing all these
months.

“I meant to say I love you too...” I choked out once
he let my lips go. “I love you too...”

He ripped my dress off and kissed a line down my
stomach. “Then why’d you leave me?”

“
Ahhh
...” I felt his tongue swirling between my
thighs, preventing me from answering.

“You shouldn’t have left me.” He unbuttoned his
jeans and slid them off. Then he moved back up and straddled me, looking deep
into my eyes. “You really shouldn’t have done that.” He pushed his dick into
me—taking his time entering, sliding in inch by inch.

“Please....”

“Please
what
, Claire? Give you what you want
even though you don’t deserve it?” He wasn’t even halfway inside yet; he was
teasing my nipples with his tongue, enjoying my frustration.

“Please, just—” The loud ring of the doorbell
interrupted my sentence. “Just fuck me...”

“Shouldn’t you go get the door?” He raised his
eyebrow. “It’s probably your
date
.”

I shook my head.

“Why not?” He slid in further. “It’s not nice to
keep him waiting.”

Before I could respond, he buried himself deep
inside of me and I wrapped my legs around him. He thrust into me wildly—kissing
my lips to stifle my screams, keeping his eyes locked on mine.

“Mom! Mom!” Caroline called from the other side of
my door. “Damien’s outside!”

Jonathan smiled and slowed his rhythm. He pushed my
legs away from his waist and rolled over so I was on top of him. “Move.”

I did as I was told, rocking my hips against him,
leaning down to kiss his lips—not ever wanting to stop, but then my door opened
and in walked Caroline—then Ashley.

“Um, Damien is downstairs...” “We told him to wait in
the living room.”

My eyes widened and I gasped. I reached for a
blanket to pull over my body and looked down at Jonathan—only he wasn’t there.

It was only a dream.

It was only a dream?!

My chest tightened and tears formed at the corner of
my eyes. I rolled off my bed and onto the floor, staring straight ahead.

“Do you want us to tell him you’re not here?” “We
should tell him that anyway...” “Why? I thought we agreed that we liked him.” “We
do, but I don’t think she does...He is pretty hot though.” “You think he’s as hot
as Jonathan?” “Ha!
No
! But if she ever asks, we should say yes to make
her feel better.” “Hmmm. Okay.” “Well, I don’t think I’m allowed out of my room
for more than five minutes so you should probably go tell him that she’s not—”

“No, it’s okay...” I stood up. “Thank you.”

C
laire

I rearranged my clothes in the hotel suite’s closet
for the umpteenth time and shut the doors. Bored, I walked into the living room
and sat across from Damien.

“Is that five or six shipments?” He gave me an
apologetic smile as he continued to talk on the phone. “Can you get that
verified by receiving please? Yeah...No, I’m at the Juniper conference...Seven
days, so that gives you plenty of time to figure out what’s going on...Alright.
Keep me posted.” He set his phone down and sighed. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

“It’s okay. It’s a working vacation. I completely
understand.”

“Come here.” He locked his eyes on mine and I walked
over, prepared to sit in the other chair, but he pulled me into his lap. “Are
you okay? You didn’t say much on the way over...”

I stilled. I didn’t think he’d noticed that since
his music had been so loud. I’d kept my head turned towards the window for the
entire two hour drive, wondering why I’d agreed to come here when I was still
so wrapped up in someone else. 

“I’m just a little stressed,” I said. “I guess I
just need to relax.”

“Hmmm.” He pressed his head against the back of my
shoulder. “Do you want to do something to relax together then?”

“Depends on what it is...”

He ran his hands up and down my hips and kissed the
back of my neck, making my body yearn for more. “Lay down with me?”

I nodded and eased out of his lap.

He clasped my hand and led me into the bedroom,
pulling the covers back and using the remote to dim the lights. He disappeared
for a moment and I decided to get more comfortable.

I took off my earrings, slid out of my shoes, and
suddenly felt him unbuttoning my pants from behind. I felt my nerves running
wild, but not out of desire or anticipation; it was out of anxiety.

Why do I feel like this is “cheating”?

He spun me around and unfastened my shirt and my
bra, sliding them off my shoulders as he looked into my eyes. Then he smiled
and pulled me onto the bed.

Motioning for me to get in first, he started to
undress himself, leaving nothing but his briefs on.

I climbed into the bed and sighed as he climbed in
behind me, as he started to press kisses along my bare back. I rolled around to
face him. “I don’t know if I can—”

He cut my words short with a deep and inviting kiss,
making me forget whatever I was about to say.

I tried to hold back, tried to resist, but I
couldn’t help it; I kissed him back—letting my tongue dip deeper into his
mouth, running my hands against his hard chest.

He tore his mouth away from mine and began kissing
down my neck, my collarbone, my breasts. He sucked one of my nipples into his
mouth and softly bit it, making me cry out in pleasure.

Ohhh....Jonathan...

He gripped my other breast and kneaded it with his
palm, using his fingertips to pinch the most sensitive part. Before I knew it,
he’d started moving his kisses down my stomach—past my belly button, and
another memory of Jonathan crossed my mind: 

Jonathan pulled his mouth away from
mine. “I love kissing your lips, Claire...”

“Which set?”

“Both.” He ran his hands against my bare
thighs.

“Well...” I stifled a moan as he started
to move his lips lower and lower. “Which one is better?”

“I believe it’s a tie, but I’ll do a
comparison right now to make sure...”

I felt Damien attempting to pull my pants down as he
placed another kiss against my navel.

“Wait.” I sat up and folded my arms across my chest.
“We can’t...”

“What?” He kissed my stomach again and looked up at
me. “Why not?”

“I’m...” I needed one hell of an excuse. As much as I
wanted to deny it, my body was on fire and I knew he could feel it. “I’m on my
period this week... I’m sorry that I didn’t—”

“Is that why you’ve been so tense today?” He raised
his eyebrow. “You think the only reason I invited you was to have sex? Or that
if we didn’t have sex this week I wouldn’t be interested in you anymore?”

Um yeah
.
“Um...”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Claire. I’m not
usually this forward and I don’t want to rush things with you at all. It’s
just...Being around you sometimes, it’s hard to control myself.” He smiled as he
re-buttoned my pants. “You wouldn’t believe the effect you have on me...”

He moved so he was lying next to me and kissed my
cheek. “Will your period prevent you from letting me hold you?”

I laughed. “No...I would like that very much.”

He wrapped his arms around me and I leaned back
against him, not feeling comforted at all; his embrace wasn’t the one I needed.

––––––––

I
emerged from the bathroom in a long purple dress,
one of Jonathan’s purchases from months ago. I figured I might as well put all
the dresses he bought me to use; they were all too elegant to wear to anything
else.

“
Wow
...” Damien stood up once I walked into the
living room. “I’m not so sure about going to this ball now...”

“Why is that?”

“Because someone might try to steal you away from
me...You look too good to be true.” He looked me up and down. “I think the
highlight of the week will be getting to see you in a different dress every
night.” He kissed my lips and led me out into the hallway, onto the elevator.

We were heading to the seventy fifth floor’s “sky
room,” to attend the conference’s welcoming ball. He’d told me that all the
power players needed to make an appearance and that it was pretty much an
opportunity for the CEOs to show off their dates and size up the competition.

If it were up to me, I would be back in our suite
scarfing down the cartons of mint chocolate chip ice cream I’d ordered, not
rubbing noses with the elite. Nonetheless, I’d already talked him out of making
me go to the “Ladies Only Meet and Greet” and I didn’t want to push my luck. 

He held the door to the ballroom open, and as soon
as we stepped inside, I had to hold back a gasp.

The sky room was
colossal
—it looked like it
was large enough to hold an entire football field; its ceiling and walls were
made of plated black glass and I counted at least twenty silver chandeliers
hanging several feet above our heads. There was even a massive stage at the far
end that stretched across the room’s imposing walls.

Damien held me against his side as we walked around
the room, as he introduced me to each of his friends and colleagues as his
“girlfriend.”

“Wow...” “Where’d you find someone like this to put up
with you?” “She’s too pretty for you.” “If you ever get tired of him, I’d be
happy to take you out, Miss Gracen.” “She’s a vision, Damien...”

I smiled at all his friend’s compliments, and once
he and his CFO started discussing acquisitions, I excused myself to the
beverage bar that lined the side of the room.

As I was pouring myself a glass, the lights above
flickered and everyone started clapping.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2013 Juniper
Conference!” A woman walked on stage with a mic in her hand. “Over the next few
days, we’ll all be sharing our ideas on the direction of technology
advancement, relaxing at one of the retreat’s many spas, and trying not to kill
each other since we’re all fierce competitors.”

The room erupted in laughter.

“Tonight’s opening ball was generously sponsored by
Lowell Enterprises. Unfortunately, Mr. Lowell’s flight has been delayed so he’s
asked for his former apprentice to make the opening statements instead.”

I looked around to make sure no one was watching me
and poured an extra pint of vodka into my drink.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome founder and
CEO of Statham Industries, Jonathan Statham!”

The crowd cheered and I dropped my glass onto the
floor, turning around to look for him.

Jonathan walked onto the stage from the side,
smiling at the applause, surveying the crowd. He waved at the people who were
playfully screaming his name, stopping to make eye contact and say “hello” with
those he knew personally. As he continued to look over the audience, his gaze
veered towards the beverage bar and his eyes met mine.

He stopped walking and blinked. He opened his mouth
like he was about to say something, but then he turned towards the crowd again
and smiled as he took to the podium. 

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” he spoke.

“Good evening,” the crowd responded.

“As many of you know, this week is about fostering
new friendships, and rekindling ones that may have gotten lost in the madness
that is technological advancement. That said, I’m looking forward to
reconnecting with all of you—no, just
a few
of you...”

The crowd laughed.

“Mr. Lowell isn’t a man of many words and he only
wanted me to say a few things: Let’s make sure that this conference is as
unforgettable as the ones that came before it, and that tonight—the first
night—is all pleasure and no business whatsoever. We have all week for that.”
He flipped over a notecard. “To the newest attendees, be sure to network with
those who are in your same field and choose your morning sessions very wisely.
To those who have been here before, I’m sure I don’t need to say much about how
this works. And to those who are here with a
date
,” he said as his eyes
met mine again, “there are plenty of things for you to do here during the day
if you choose not to accompany
your date
to the tech events. Thank you
all so much. Enjoy the rest of your night.” He kept his eyes on me as the audience
clapped, and then he walked off the stage, shaking hands with whoever stepped
in front of him.

I turned around and made myself another drink. Then
I felt an arm wrap around my waist.

Jonathan?

“So, this is where you disappeared.” Damien laughed.
“Are you having a good time so far?”

“Yes.”
I need to get out of here...
“Could you
tell me where the restrooms—” I felt Jonathan getting close before I could see
him. That electrical current that rushed through my veins whenever he was
nearby suddenly shocked me into silence.

“What were you saying, Claire?”

“Good evening, Mr. Edwards.” Jonathan’s deep voice
made both of us turn around. “It’s interesting to see you again.”

“Well, well well, it’s Jonathan Statham.” Damien
pulled me closer, making Jonathan clench his jaw. “I’m shocked you didn’t bring
up your new
s
Phone red in your speech. Are you actually becoming
classier or are you taking classes on how not to be an asshole?”

“I’m taking classes—from the same lawyer who handles
your divorces. Has he prevented your ex-wife from suing you for all your worth
yet or wait—how many ex-wives do you exactly have now? Three? Four? Are we
counting the six week wife from Vegas these days?”

“Touché.” Damien rolled his eyes. “Claire, this is
the royal pain in my ass I’ve been telling you about—Jonathan Statham, and
Jonathan, this is my girlfriend, Claire Gracen.”

“
Girlfriend
?”

“Yes,
girlfriend
. She used to work as a
director in your marketing department. Small world, right?”

“Too small.”

“Mr. Edwards?” A woman tapped Damien’s shoulder. “We
have Tamisha J. from our overseas headquarters here to see you. She wants a
quick picture if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He kissed my cheek. “Be right back,
sweetheart.
Jonathan
...” He walked away.

I looked up at Jonathan and we stared at one
another, not saying a word for what felt like an eternity. My heart was
pounding against my chest, my nerves were jumping up and down, and the palpable
electricity between us was pulling me closer and closer to him.

Even though his eyes were cold and his lips were
pressed into a subtle scowl, he looked sexier than he’d ever looked before.

I took a few steps forward, without taking my eyes
off him, and tried to keep it together. “Jonathan...I am
so
sor—”

“I didn’t leave you with my competition for too long
did I?” Damien pulled me against his side. He kissed my cheek again and I could
see a vein in Jonathan’s neck swelling.

“Have you heard about Hannigan from TruCorp,
Jonathan?” He didn’t wait for him to respond. “Differences aside, I think he’s
really onto something with his new data configuration board. It looks pretty
promising.”

“I’ll have to look into that.” Jonathan stated
dryly. “Thank you, Damien.”

“What are bitter rivals for? I’m actually glad you
decided to show up here for a change. It’ll make for a more interesting week.”

“
Yes
.” Jonathan narrowed his eyes at me. “It
will definitely be
interesting
.”