Page 112 of Torrid Love
These last four weeks have been more blissful than I could have ever imagined. For the first ten days, we used my house as our kinky nest. Eventually, Rod started missing his massive Manhattan Beach mansion, so I packed a few bags and moved to his place. I thought I’d miss being in my own space, but nothing compares to falling asleep and waking up in his strong arms.
I smile and hum to myself for no reason these days. Half the time, it’s like I’m walking on sunshine. Temperamental artists are a hell of a lot easier to handle because my utter happiness shields me from their capricious and irrational demands. After years of feeling defective, Rod brings out a whole new lexicon of emotions in me.
I’m whole.
Complete.
Unbroken.
Perfect just the way I am.
It’s like he’s repaired the jagged crack in my heart left behind by my parents and my assailant.
I’m unapologetic in admitting this relationship makes me feel part of something greater than myself. Something I thought would elude me for the rest of my life. Something I didn’t deserve. Him being a sex god is bonus. Thanks to my boyfriend’s remarkable prowess in bed, I went from a shy and insecure lover to a much more confident one. I wouldn’t call myself a maneater just yet, but I can hold my own and more importantly, I can satisfy him. It’s mind-blowing to hear him roar my name as he climaxes and to know I’m the one responsible for taking him over the edge.
Wow.
Other than my dreamy relationship, work has been pretty amazing. I’ve acquired a lot of new clients. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.
Oh, you must be wondering what happened with Joel’s proposal.
The British rock star is persuasive and incredibly generous. He showered me with extravagant flower arrangements and obscenely expensive video equipment for days in his attempt to sway me. He only stopped when he found out Rod was now my boyfriend. Johanna, Elsa and Isobel think it’s an amazing opportunity. Even Rod has been nudging me to accept. In the end, the decision was taken out of my hands––for now, anyway. Brawn Impulse’s latest hit exploded in the UK, Japan and Korea forcing them to postpone their American tour. Joel’s offer is still on the table.
Rod has a jam-packed day of meetings. He was gone before I got up this morning. Since he’s insisted on driving me to the airport, I know we’ll have time to catch up before I fly out, but I wouldn’t mind stealing a kiss. Yeah, I know, I’m spoiled. What can I say? I’m lucky we work next to each other.
I grab my phone off my desk to text him, but decide against it.
“Some things are best delivered in person,” I say out loud.
I still have a few things to knock off my list before calling it a day, but I could use a break. Not to mention, word has it Loki was in a giving mood this afternoon and stopped by Sugar Glaze Shack. There are donuts and then there aredonuts. Sugar Glaze Shack’s are way up there.
“A strong cup of coffee and a sweet treat is exactly what I need,” I declare, pushing myself away from my desk.
I stand up, smooth down my hair and straighten the lower part of my dress to make sure I still look presentable. I changed and touched up my makeup not long ago because when we arrive in Miami, the team and I will be whisked away to a celebrity party. Traveling in jeans and Chucks won’t do this time.
I pass my staff––who is so immersed in their work they don’t even bother looking up––and head to Pending Inference. As I stride through the industrial space, I smile at a bunch of familiar faces on my way up to Rod’s office. A short elevator ride later and I’m on his floor.
“Hey, Marissa. Is Rod still in a meeting?” I ask his executive assistant.
“He is.” The blonde squints her blue eyes at me. “He’s in the large fish tank with a few stuffy guppies from a big recording label and his shark-ally, Loki.”
I laugh. “You kill me every time you say that.”
“Well, it’s true,” she says. “That conference room looks like a giant aquarium and those idiots in there with them don’t look too smart––hence the analogy. It shouldn’t be much longer. Mr. Wolfe should be out any minute now.”
“In that case, I’ll stick around for a bit.”
“FYI,” she says, “I hope you know your dress will turn heads and don’t think I didn’t catch sight of the killer black heels. Very designer, by the way. Ahhh, if only I could walk in those without looking like a drunk sailor, I’d make the hubby very happy. I’m so pathetic at it, he’s given up on buying fuck-me heels. Bless him.” Marissa has a unique sense of humor. “Miami men won’t know what hit them. Oh, bite my tongue, you already have a man. The boss might veto your departure,” she grins from ear to ear.
“Really?” I ask excitedly.
She cocks an eyebrow.
I only have eyes for one man, but I’m tickled pink by her compliment.
“Where are you hiding the donuts?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Oh, so this little visit has nothing to do with a man but everything to do with dessert,” she sneers. My staff and Rod’s know we’re seeing each other. It’s amazing how many people weren’t surprised by the news. I guess my boyfriend and I were the only ones who were oblivious. “I’m glad to see you have your priorities straight,” she explodes in laughter.
