Nobody Knows (4 page)

With nothing else to say, I sipped my drink quietly. My plan of remaining anonymous had failed. I had gone to a bar I had never been to before, a bar I didn’t even know existed, hoping just to relax and fade into the background. But as I glanced around the room, I knew my attempts had been futile. The man sitting next to me was the most gorgeous man in the bar, and women who were already obviously on a date, or out with someone, were blatantly staring at Joel.

“Doesn’t that make you uncomfortable?” I asked, before realizing I should have kept my mouth shut.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing. Doesn’t matter.”

“No. You can’t just do that. Say something then just back down. Come on, Gillian, out with it.”

“When women stare at you like that. They don’t even bother to try to hide it,” I confessed painfully, feeling my face turn a deep beetroot red.

“Honestly, I hadn’t even noticed,” he replied, his dazzling aqua eyes never once leaving mine. “Does it make you uncomfortable?” he asked genuinely, signalling to the waiter for another round.

Moments later, another drink in hand, my confidence flying high with the help of white rum, I finally managed to make a decision. “It’s not me they’re looking at.”

“You sure?”

For a long moment we just sipped our drinks and bounced along to the music. We weren’t touching, but the warmth from his leg was radiating through my flimsy dress, and I was caught regretting my wardrobe choice. I should just have donned jeans and an oversized comfy jumper.

I drained the last of my drink from my glass and smiled slightly, trying to mask the hiccups. “I better start heading home,” I murmured, not knowing what else to say or how to break the silence.

“One more drink?” He winked, again waving his arm in the air. Another round of drinks appeared almost instantly. “Thanks, Jacob.”

“Can I get you anything else?” he offered politely.

“Just the bill, thanks.”

Jacob had barely scurried away when Joel casually reached over and laid his hand on my knee. I could feel the warmth take over my body. The only thought running through my head in that moment was
God, I hoped I shaved my legs properly
. I couldn’t help smiling to myself. I looked Joel in the eye deliberately, waiting for him to say something, anything. But he gave me nothing. It was as if it was the most natural thing in the world for his hand to be resting on my knee.

Jacob returned with the check and instinctively I reached for my handbag. “Don’t be silly, I got this,” Joel said dismissively, pulling a hundred dollar note from a wad of them held together neatly in a gold money clip in the front pocket of his jeans. When Jacob returned with only thirty dollars change, I almost fainted.

“How…how much were those drinks?” I asked, embarrassed. I always paid my own way and wasn’t about to change that now.

“Forget it, you’re not paying. My treat.” He winked slyly before downing the last of his mojito in one long mouthful and jumping to his feet. Doing the same, I stood up and went to reach for my jacket, but I was too slow. Joel was already holding it out for me to step into. Completely unaccustomed to being treated like this, I timidly wiggled into my jacket in as ladylike a manner as possible.

Flicking my handbag over my shoulder, I said, “Thanks…I mean for the drinks and everything. I’ve had a really good time.” I meant it, too.

“Why are you talking like the night is over? To me you look like the type of woman who loves a delicious chocolate mud cake, and I know the perfect place to get it at this hour,” he elucidated, reaching down and taking hold of my hand.

Looking down, I couldn’t tell where his fingers ended and mine began, but I felt completely at ease with him. I don’t know if it was the glasses of wine, or the delicious rum concoctions, or his smooth, easygoing candor. “What makes you think I am a mud cake lover?” I teased, trying desperately not to completely melt at his fingertips.

“That’s easy. You’re female.” He laughed. It was a deep throaty laugh that sounded completely natural and easy.

Walking down the stairs with Joel’s hand in mine, for the first time in a very long time life felt good.

We bought the biggest, most delectable slice of mud cake I had ever seen. Rich, moist, covered in chocolate ganache and served with the biggest dollop of whipped cream, it was a heart attack on a plate. But it was so good. Joel insisting on paying, and I was starting to learn more and more about the handsome man sitting in front of me, slowly but steadily rubbing his foot against mine.

“So…” I asked, stuffing another piece of cake in my mouth. Knowing that I would have to spend all day tomorrow running around the lake, I figured I might as well enjoy the naughty things in life. Punishment could wait until tomorrow.

“So…did I or did I not tell you that I knew just where to get the best chocolate mud cake in town?” Joel grinned, sneaking a fallen chocolate chip from the side of my plate.

“You say that everywhere you buy chocolate cake, Joel,” said the bouncy blonde with a giggle, clearing the table beside us.

Joel was obviously a very popular guy. Not that I couldn’t see why. But I was just more curious as to why he was wasting a Friday night treating me to cocktails and cake. “So, tell me something about you,” I asked, completely intrigued.

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything.”

Taking a deep breath, Joel looked nervously out of the corner of his eye, almost as if I was the only one who was going to hear him. “I’m the youngest of three. Two older sisters. I’m an uncle to five nieces. My dad died when I was seventeen. I hated school so I dropped out of year eleven. I had no idea what it was I wanted to do with my life, but I wanted to drive a fancy car. So I fell into real estate pretty much by accident. But now I love it. Every day I get to talk to new people and I love watching them get excited over something they really love. That’s all you get for now. The rest you have to earn.”

I forced a frown and flashed my sad little puppy eyes at him. “And…”

“Nope, that’s all you get,” he asserted, rubbing at my cheek. “You have chocolate everywhere.”

“Don’t change the subject! I want to know.”

“Know what?”

“Did you get it?” Joel raised a quizzical eyebrow at me, as I scraped the remaining few chocolate crumbs onto my spoon. “The car. The reason for real estate. Did you get the fancy car?”

“You tell me,” he whispered seductively into my ear before grabbing my hand and leading me out of the bakery.

Chapter Three

Despite the icy cold wind that had kicked up, I didn’t feel a thing. I was completely intoxicated by the man in front of me. As we rounded the corner, he pushed me up against the side of the building and kissed me passionately, his warm, strong hands cupping my face, lifting it up to his. I didn’t even feel the bricks scraping at my skin through the flimsy material of my dress.

When I eventually pulled back, I sucked in long cold breaths. I watched hypnotized as puffs of condensation lifted up between us. “What was that about?” I asked, not really sure whether I was asking Joel for an answer, or myself. Joel shrugged, annoyed, which just made me want him even more. “So, where’s this car?” I said, finally remembering why we had come out in the cold.

Joel began to walk away, his hands buried deep in his pockets, his head down, trying to keep out of the wind. I just stood there, frozen hopelessly to the spot. As anger began to bubble up inside of me, I watched as Joel spun around. “Are you coming or not?” He grinned cheekily.

I wanted to run to him, but forced my feet to take slow, steady steps. He stood at the corner, hands buried deep inside his jean pockets, his beaming smile lighting up the night. I was completely smitten, and I hoped that his kiss was an indication that he was as well.

When I reached his side, he took my hand and stepped onto the road and led me towards a car park. “Which one?” I asked nervously. I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen. Ferraris, BMWs, Porsches and even a Maserati.

“Over there,” he said, heading in the direction he indicated. He pulled the keys from his pocket and pressed the button. The lights flashed, and it became obvious which car was his, a sparkling, metallic black, Audi TT convertible. I heard myself gasp. How could someone his age have such an imposing car?

“Is that all?” I teased, trying my best not to appear impressed. Slapping my bum playfully, he began kissing my neck feverishly. I couldn’t tell whose arms were going where as I ravished his body.

“Not here,” I panted.

“Okay,” he murmured in my ear, still kissing my neck.

I pushed him away with all the force I could. We needed to get out of there. No way was I going to finish what we had started in a dirty, very public car park that had the strong stench of urine. As much as I wanted him, more than I had ever wanted anyone or anything before in my life, I wasn’t going to be that trashy. Picking up some guy in a bar was one thing, but having it on with him in the local car park was quite another.

He slid across the bonnet like he was some kind of movie star. I was just afraid he would scratch the paint and blame me for it. If it was my car I wouldn’t be sliding over it, even if I was dressed head to toe in lamb’s wool. I jumped into the passenger seat and when we took off, gravel was sent flying about haphazardly as we fishtailed out of the car park.

Without thinking, I turned in my seat to face him. I didn’t say a word as my hand came to rest on his thigh. I stared at his face as he tried to concentrate. I knew I was making it harder for him, but I didn’t really care. Up close he was even more perfect than I remembered from his office. He was handsome in a stylish, sophisticated playboy way.

He pulled the car to a halt at a set of deserted traffic lights. “Hurry the fuck up,” he swore under his breath, looking over at me, my eyes still firmly fixed on his jaw line. I leant over as far as I could and kissed his cheek, then whispered in his ear. I was becoming as impatient as he was. The light turned green, and with a screech of the tires, and black smoke billowing out behind us, Joel took off.

I had no idea where he was taking me, and the fact that my car was parked back near the bar wasn’t even an issue. Although I had a couple of drinks, I was by no means drunk—tipsy, yes. Confident, absolutely. Horny, definitely.

When the car came to a halt in front of an immaculate cement rendered house, I was shaken back to reality. Joel had already jumped out of the car and was opening my door when I realized I still had my seatbelt on.

“Wow,” I exclaimed, stepping from the car. “You live here?” I asked. Joel didn’t answer, he just began kissing the back of my neck and nuzzling my earlobes.

“Have a look at this place,” I said in shock. It was the most beautiful home I had ever seen. The front yard, even the view from the driveway, was inspiring. I could hear running water somewhere close by, and a million tiny lights illuminated the front garden, showing off an immaculately landscaped yard.

“I’ve seen it,” Joel murmur into my ear. “Let’s go inside.” He basically dragged me through the front door as I tried to take in as much beauty as I could, but my feet barely touched the ground as he led me through an oversized oak door.

Inside was even more amazing. The high ceilings featured built in lights which had been switched on and then dimmed. Everything was pristine and perfect—white leather lounge, the biggest flat screen television I had ever seen hanging on the wall, the glass coffee table with no sign of magazines or even a coffee ring. It was one of those living areas that you saw only in the home decorating magazines. Everything was simple, stylish, modern, and all in its place. Beyond the lounge room I could see into the kitchen, where the granite bench tops had nothing on them, not even a toaster or a kettle. Everything was put away, and no trace of dust or even living.

“Are you sure you live here?” I asked, trying to look around the rooms. I was secretly dying for the grand tour, I wanted to see more. I could only imagine what the bathroom would look like.

In the midst of that thought Joel kicked off his shoes and ripped his shirt up over his head. I completely forgot about the house. If I thought his house was in perfect condition, his body was something else entirely. Everything that I guessed was under the suit when I first met him was there, and an even bigger surprise packet.

Running my fingers softly over his flawless washboard six pack, I was completely and utterly gone. In that moment I forgot about everything else. Joel dropped to his knees and undid the zipper on my boots. It was the most erotic and sensual thing anyone had ever done to me. I knew I was melting and by the time he stood up again, and I stepped out of my boots, I wanted him. More than I had ever wanted anything before in my life.

“Bedroom?” I panted desperately in his ear, the only chance I had of coming up for breath.

As he tugged down the zipper on the back of my dress, I could feel my heart pounding and my pulse racing. I could feel the wet warmth of his breath on my quivering shoulders and my entire body was covered in tiny goose bumps. My dress fell to the floor, and for the first time I felt self-conscious. Before that moment I hadn’t thought of it, but standing in the middle of his perfect, oversize living room in only my black bra and underpants, I felt exposed and vulnerable—ashamed, even.

But Joel didn’t give me a chance to think. Taking my hands in his, he led me towards the back of the house. Pushing open the bedroom door, I was surprised to see that even that was kept immaculate. The cynical part of me wondered if it was kept so perfect because tonight he was expecting to bring someone home, or if this was the way he actually lived.

His jeans fell to the floor, and with the only free hand I had, I pushed the bedroom door closed.