Page 36 of Under the Influence
I slide out my wallet and rifle through the contents, holding up my black card. Nodding to the owner who thinks I don’t realize she snuck in. “Anything she wants. Double it for yourtip.”
“Y-yes, sir, Mr. Trivoli. Thank yousir.”
I don't say a word when I step outside of Joy's shop. Sharp and Paxton look even more apprehensive than her after standing outside in the cold for the past forty-five minutes. Awkward encounters with other customers eyeing them with suspicion as they enter the salon. Curious to know which celebrity's in the shop. Only to find me. I'd forgotten how intrusive the bodyguards can be. Even worse I'd forgotten how I'm not supposed to go anywhere withoutthem.
My mind occupied with my final. And Gio, who’s more and more chiseling away at my supposition that we’re nothing more than a fleeting dalliance. Easily dissolved once again if he gets spooked. And revolving guilt from Leighton's message. From defying rational logic and choosing a fragile commitment from the man I love rather than the man I should be grateful to settle down with. Leighton's sweet and stable and steady. All the qualities a woman wants in a man. Unfortunately, he’s just not who I love. I can't be unfair. Even if Gio never came back into my life, Leighton would always be second and he deservesbetter.
Smiling and offering my thanks to Sharp opening my door garners only a curt head bob, so I scramble quickly into the back seat. Needing to be as unobtrusive as possible. I slide out my phone and tap Leighton’s name.I'm sorry I can't meet you. I just wanted to make sure you please tell your mom thank you and I appreciate the invitation. It was very sweet of her to include me forChristmas.
Well, at least I can be polite and have good manners with Patti despite the ruined relationship with her son. She's a kind woman who always made me feel welcome in her home. Although I could tell she wants Leighton and me to be much more than good friends. Dropping not so subtle hints about being eager to have a daughter-in-law and that she would just love to be a young grandmother. Definitely more impatient than even Leighton for me to chose him. My cell vibrates with hisresponse.
She still wants you to come. So doI.
He may have changed his mind but so have I. To follow what my heart already knows.Thank you. But I don't think it's a good idea. Things are best the way theyare.
I don't think that anymore. I want to be withyou.
Shame swirls in my stomach from his earnestness.We can still befriends.
I can't believe you said that. We can't be thatlame. ;) ;) ;)
A giggle bubbles in my throat from the sad accuracy of his comment. The cliché is lame but true.I'm serious. We can be friends. I care about you and want you to behappy.
I'm happy withyou.
I force myself not to type ‘I’m happy with Gio.’ The comment would be cruel and only instigate more of an argument since I know how he feels about Gio. Just like he knows how I feel about Gio after he’s waited so long for me to get over him.I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurtyou.
Make it up to me by meeting with me.Please?
I hate that I’m so terrible at this. Not normally such an indecisive personality. I’m purposeful when I have to make decisions for work and school and life. But with men,thesetwo men, I’m too ambivalent. For better or worse, I’ve made up my mind with Gio. I need to convey the same conviction with Leighton so he accepts my decision.No,I
My words disappear as the screen fades to black. I tap furiously with no response. Completely dead and won’t turn back on. I stare at the phone dumbly as if that will make the power restore. Strange how the battery died without anywarning.
“We’re here MissAnderson.”
“Thankyou.”
After shoving my cell into my bag, I hop out almost as quickly as I climbed in. Butterflies soar in my tummy. A goofball smile stares back at me in the elevator. Unable to hide my giddiness. I’m home, and Gio’s waiting forme.
I shoot through the doors as soon as they part and race toward the stairs. Not because I’m scared. But because I’m not. Not anymore. I understand the panic he felt. For him to think I was cheating on him after I experienced the same fear over him and those two girls. So deliriously happy we were bothwrong.
“Books?”
Goosebumps raise on my flushed skin, and I spin around from his husky voice. I didn’t think it was possible to be any more eager for him but I was so utterlywrong.
He’s gorgeous. Barefoot in his crisp jeans, with a smirk on his face and a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. I fight every urge to trail my fingers down his smooth skin peeking through his open dress shirt to his already unbuckled belt. Ready for the clothes and the leather and the drink to be gone. Ready for him to be with me. “I’msorry.”
“Iknow.”
Her heels clicking across the marble in the foyer is hotter than fuck. Hurrying because she wants to fuck me. As much as I want to fuck her. “Turn around and grab the rails,Books.”
The strap of her bag slips out of her hand and the tote drops to the floor. Both of us ignoring her brush and lipstick tumbling out. The only sound echoing across the stone floor except for the squeak of her heel as she twists to face the stairway. My gorgeous obedient girl. Delicate fingers curve around the spindles before she looks back at me in anticipation. Watching as I set down my glass and slowly walk toward her. Taking in her succulent behind wiggling witheagerness.
“Do I need a safeword?”
She thinks she’s funny. Teasing me when I’m barely hanging on. I sheath her back and cup her throat, tilting her head back to give me complete access to her small ear. “No, because you’re never escaping my punishment regardless of what yousay.”
I slide my other hand up her quivering thigh and welcome her shudder when I breach the waistband of her tiny panties. I like my fingers buried in her luscious pussy when I swat her ass. Just to make sure I don’t get too carried away with her petite form. And relish the feeling when she comes all over myhand.
