Bound Together (55 page)
Authors: Marie Coulson
Amy squealed as her cell
buzzed, letting her know our dates were here. Exiting the dorm, I
rolled my eyes as a black limousine pulled up to the curbside.
Stepping out in all his finery, James Felix shot Amy a devastating
smile. There was no denying he was handsome. With his slender but
fit frame, blonde hair and boyish good looks, he was the regular
boy next door. Exiting the other side I saw my date. Muscular in
build, his dark hair was slicked back from his face, reminding me
of superman in the way he wore it and allowing a perfect view of
his chiseled good looks. Was it a law that all these high society
men had to be so overwhelmingly good looking? Approaching us,
grinning, the two men exchanged a look and Felix nodded. What was
that about? Kissing Amy on the cheek politely, he showered her with
compliments before turning his attention to me. “Ah, the equally
beautiful Layla, this is my dear friend Sebastian.” Taking my hand,
Sebastian placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. My mind played a dirty
trick on me as an image of Jared doing the same thing on our first
date flashed before my eyes. Shaking it from my head, I smiled and
studied his face. Dimples appeared as he smiled and he had the most
dazzling green eye’s I’d ever seen. “Layla, it’s an absolute
pleasure to meet you. May I say, you look truly stunning.” I smiled
and thanked him for his compliment as he took my hand and led me to
the car, following Felix and Amy closely.
The drive was painfully
uncomfortable. Amy and Felix were fawning all over each other as
Sebastian and I made small talk. It turned out that he had known
Felix from college and while Felix went into restaurant ownership,
he had decided to continue as a chef. He was very sweet, quite the
gentleman and any girl would have been swooning and giggling in his
company. But there was only one businessman that would ever get me
giggling and Sebastian wasn’t him. I tried to push Jared from my
thoughts but it was no good. There were reminders of him and our
time together everywhere and as we pulled up outside the
Hyatt Regency, I knew it wasn’t about to get any
easier.
Taking my hand, Sebastian
assisted me from the car and linking my arm in his own, escorted me
in. The ballroom was just as I remembered it,
magnificent. Decorated in white and deep reds, the tables and
chairs were draped with the finest dining arrangements as
glistening crystal and silver gleamed on top. Walking across the
room, we passed the table at which I had sat, dined, laughed and
reached orgasmic euphoria. A slight smile spread across my lips as
I remembered the experience but the smile didn’t last as it was
soon followed by a sharp stab through my heart as I recalled the
phone call that had followed. His call from
her
.
Amy caught my eyes and
shot me a concerned look. Shaking my head, I let her know that I
was not alright. I was still grieving for my relationship, the love
I couldn’t let go of and for Jared. Understanding, she gave me an
apologetic smile. Finding our table, Sebastian pulled my chair out
for me and gestured for me to sit. I tried to put on a brave face
but I was hurting, deeply.
Seeing the obvious
discomfort on my face, he sat beside me and placed his hand over
mine caringly. “Are you alright? I can’t help but notice you seem
unhappy.” Letting out a long breath, I looked at him and shook my
head. “I just got out of a serious relationship. This place has a
lot of memories and I’m just finding it a little difficult. I’m
sorry.” His eyes lit up and he laughed. I stared at him in shock.
What exactly had I said that was funny? “Oh Layla, thank god. I
just broke up with my girlfriend two months ago and this is the
first date I’ve been on. James insisted I come this evening and
that I needed a distraction. I hate to admit it but I came here
under duress. I’m really not looking for another relationship. I
was terrified you were going to end up severely disappointed this
evening.”
I breathed a sigh of
relief. “Oh that’s wonderful news. I mean, it’s not wonderful you
got your heart broken but I am glad were on the same page. I’m only
here because Amy begged me.” Glancing across the table, we watched
our friends canoodling and whispering to each other and laughed.
“Well, since we’re here, there’s a free bar and music, we might as
well enjoy ourselves.” Standing, he held out his hand for mine.
“Want to dance and drink your troubles away with me Layla?”
Nodding, I took his hand and got to my feet.
“
Misery loves
company.”
Standing at the bar,
Sebastian told me all about his ex-girlfriend and how he’d
discovered she was seeing someone else behind his back. “I never
did find out who it was but to be honest what does it matter? She
told me she would end it but I would never have been able to trust
her again. I did get the feeling he was a nasty piece of work
though. She’d come home sometimes with strange marks and bruises
telling me she’d fallen or knocked against things. But if he was
what she chose then she got whatever she deserved. What about
you?”
Swirling my drink in my
glass I stared at him. “We could never be honest with each other.
That was the bottom line. Then I found a woman at his house and he
couldn’t give me an explanation. Game over. Cheaters and liars seem
to be the running theme tonight.” The band began to play a
beautiful waltz and placing his glass on the bar, Sebastian bowed
playfully. “My lady, may I have this dance?” My heart stopped as
the words left his lips.
My
lady
. Breathing rapidly, I chastised
myself for allowing that man to haunt my thoughts
again
. Taking his
outstretched hand I smiled as he led me to the dance
floor.
Amy and Felix joined us
as Sebastian twirled me about the floor. My heels clanked and
clipped against the wood as he danced swiftly and elegantly to the
music. We talked and he made jokes as we tried to forget our
worries and enjoy the evening we had been forced into attending.
The music ended and I took the opportunity to step out for some
air. I was flushed and warm from all the dancing. Sebastian offered
to escort me but Amy interrupted him, insisting that she too needed
some air. After the way she and Felix had been carrying on it was
no wonder she was hot and bothered. They were like horny teenagers.
Walking through the lobby, Amy was grinning like a moron. “Things
are going well between you two then?” She skipped a little as she
spoke. “Oh Layla he’s wonderful. He’s such a gentleman and he’s so
unbelievably charming. But he’s naughty and rude at the same time.
I’m in love!” I smiled at her as we approached the exit. Pushing
our way out of the hotel entrance doors I froze. Standing next to a
sleek silver Mercedes was Daniel.
He spotted me and hurried
over to greet me. Smiling profusely he gave me a warm hug, taking
me completely by surprise. “Miss Jennings, it’s so good to see you!
How are you? Are you well?” I glanced at Amy as she excused herself
and headed back inside, leaving me alone with Jared’s driver. “I’m
well enough thank you.” I swallowed hard and nodded at the
Mercedes. “Is he here Daniel?” He didn’t answer. Staring over my
shoulder he nodded and walked away back to the car. A scent filled
my senses and my heart constricted tightly in my chest. Sweet
cologne, vanilla and soap. My body betrayed me, heating my blood as
my insides clenched.
Traitor
. Breathing hard, I kept my
back to him, staring across the street. His breath warmed the skin
on my neck and a shiver crept up my spine as my stomach churned and
somersaulted inside me. “
My
car is undergoing repairs.” His fingertips grazed
my bare shoulder and I had to remind myself to stay calm. My
breathing was already becoming erratic simply from the proximity of
his body to mine. “You look breathtaking Layla.”
Turning to face him, I
stared at him. His eyes were the piercing blue I found so hypnotic
but there was no light in them. His face was slender and he seemed
paler than I remembered but his black tuxedo made him look every
part the elite playboy. “My god I’ve missed those eyes.” Reaching
to my face he brushed a lock of hair from my eyes and as his hand
grazed my cheek, I closed them savoring the memory of his touch
against my skin. I felt as though I could breathe again, but it was
short lived. My eyes flew open and I recoiled. “What are you doing
here Jared? You’re not in the culinary business.”
His hands at his side he
looked at me, clearly wounded by my sudden frosty demeanor. “I own
shares in a restaurant.” Snorting a laugh, I arched an eyebrow at
him. “Have your fingers in a lot of pies don’t you.”
Stepping towards me, he
leaned to my ear. “I believe the delicious temptation I had my
fingers in last time we were here, was yours?”
I flushed and my insides
clenched again, hard. Glaring at him I sniped, “Well you can rest
assured that’s a delicacy you won’t be indulging in
again.”
Skirting around him I
headed for the door. His hand caught my wrist and halted me. I
stood broken and breathless, my eyes to the ground. “Please Layla.
I miss you. I can’t stop thinking about you, about us, about
everything we had. I’ve tried to leave you alone, telling myself
it’s the right thing to do, to let you move on. But I can’t let you
go. I can’t stop loving you.” Tears pooling in my eyes, I couldn’t
look at him. “You had me Jared. I gave you all of me and I gave it
willingly but from the first time we met you lied, hid and kept
things from me. We didn’t have honesty and without it our
foundations crumbled, taking us down with it. I have cried a river
of tears over you and I can’t do it anymore. I don’t think I will
ever stop loving you, no matter how heartbreakingly hard I try to.
But it’s not enough. Let me go.” I meant it in every sense of the
word. I glanced back over my shoulder as he released my wrist. He
stood on the sidewalk staring at me as I turned away and walked as
fast as my feet could carry me back to the ballroom.
My heart was pounding and
tears were running down my face when Amy caught me in the lobby and
ushered me to the ladies room. “Layla, oh my god, what
happened?”
Shaking and sobbing, I
sniffled and sputtered through my tears. “Jared’s here. He saw me
outside. I can’t think straight. He’s hurt me so much and yet I
can’t stop wanting him.” Wrapping her arms around me, she held me
in a tight hug before grabbing a handkerchief from her purse and
getting to work on my mascara smeared face. “You’re only human
Layla. You can’t be expected to just get over someone in a few
weeks. You were in love for goodness sakes. Stop hating yourself
for having feelings. It’s not wrong to feel this way. You will get
over him. Not tomorrow, maybe not even this year, but you will, I
promise. Now let’s get back in there and try to enjoy ourselves.
Sebastian seems nice and he told Felix he’s having a really good
time.” I smiled at her, knowing that Sebastian was as heartbroken
as I was and that the reason we were having fun together was
because there was no pressure to perform. We both knew where we
stood and it was a welcome relief for us both.
Walking to our table, the
two men stood and pulled our chairs out for us to sit. Taking my
hand Sebastian smiled. “Are you alright? You seem a little
flustered.” I nodded weakly and leaned to his ear. “I just saw
someone I wasn’t expecting that’s all.” An understanding passed
between us and he tightened his grip on my hand knowingly. Sitting
for dinner, the four of us talked about the restaurant business and
I was fascinated by the many different cuisines Sebastian was
expert in. I had been placed between Felix and Sebastian and I
listened, entertained, as they poked fun and ribbed each other
about their time in college. “He was a complete ass. The great
James Felix, every girl wanted to get in his pants and all their
boyfriends wanted to smash his face in.” Felix laughed, tipping his
head back in the process. “Good thing I had the sports star here to
back me up. He was so huge, like a brick wall.”
I laughed as Sebastian
shrugged. Amy was speaking to an older woman who was sat at our
table. Felix explained that she was the chief buyer for one of
California’s top designer stores. Amy was desperate to get into
fashion. Her excellent taste and keen eye for trends made her a
perfect candidate for any possible internship. Excusing himself,
Sebastian left the table to speak to a colleague who was standing
at the bar.
Taking a sip of my drink
I sputtered and choked as a hand slipped up my thigh underneath the
table. Snapping my head at him, Felix gave me a wicked grin. What
was he doing? Not wanting to make a scene at the table I quickly
brushed his hand away and glanced at Amy. Leaning into my ear, he
growled. “Oh she’s sweet and all, but there’s something about you
Layla that brings out the animal in me. This food is delicious but
I’d much rather be devouring you.” I flinched and nausea flooded
me. Turning her attention to us, Amy touched his arm and he
immediately regained his charming and gentlemanly disposition as if
nothing had happened. The band began to play and Felix stood and
offered me his hand. “Miss Jennings, would you do me the honor of
giving me the next dance?”
“
Over my cold, lifeless,
dead body she will!” I turned in my seat and stared in shock as
Jared swiped Felix’s hand away from me.
Straightening up, Felix
gave him a smirk. “Garrett. Nice to see you too. Come to make sure
I’m keeping your money in good company?” Jared stepped closer, his
eyes filled with fury and his voice spitting with venom. “Get you
filthy paws away from my girl.”
buzzed, letting her know our dates were here. Exiting the dorm, I
rolled my eyes as a black limousine pulled up to the curbside.
Stepping out in all his finery, James Felix shot Amy a devastating
smile. There was no denying he was handsome. With his slender but
fit frame, blonde hair and boyish good looks, he was the regular
boy next door. Exiting the other side I saw my date. Muscular in
build, his dark hair was slicked back from his face, reminding me
of superman in the way he wore it and allowing a perfect view of
his chiseled good looks. Was it a law that all these high society
men had to be so overwhelmingly good looking? Approaching us,
grinning, the two men exchanged a look and Felix nodded. What was
that about? Kissing Amy on the cheek politely, he showered her with
compliments before turning his attention to me. “Ah, the equally
beautiful Layla, this is my dear friend Sebastian.” Taking my hand,
Sebastian placed a soft kiss on my knuckles. My mind played a dirty
trick on me as an image of Jared doing the same thing on our first
date flashed before my eyes. Shaking it from my head, I smiled and
studied his face. Dimples appeared as he smiled and he had the most
dazzling green eye’s I’d ever seen. “Layla, it’s an absolute
pleasure to meet you. May I say, you look truly stunning.” I smiled
and thanked him for his compliment as he took my hand and led me to
the car, following Felix and Amy closely.
The drive was painfully
uncomfortable. Amy and Felix were fawning all over each other as
Sebastian and I made small talk. It turned out that he had known
Felix from college and while Felix went into restaurant ownership,
he had decided to continue as a chef. He was very sweet, quite the
gentleman and any girl would have been swooning and giggling in his
company. But there was only one businessman that would ever get me
giggling and Sebastian wasn’t him. I tried to push Jared from my
thoughts but it was no good. There were reminders of him and our
time together everywhere and as we pulled up outside the
Hyatt Regency, I knew it wasn’t about to get any
easier.
Taking my hand, Sebastian
assisted me from the car and linking my arm in his own, escorted me
in. The ballroom was just as I remembered it,
magnificent. Decorated in white and deep reds, the tables and
chairs were draped with the finest dining arrangements as
glistening crystal and silver gleamed on top. Walking across the
room, we passed the table at which I had sat, dined, laughed and
reached orgasmic euphoria. A slight smile spread across my lips as
I remembered the experience but the smile didn’t last as it was
soon followed by a sharp stab through my heart as I recalled the
phone call that had followed. His call from
her
.
Amy caught my eyes and
shot me a concerned look. Shaking my head, I let her know that I
was not alright. I was still grieving for my relationship, the love
I couldn’t let go of and for Jared. Understanding, she gave me an
apologetic smile. Finding our table, Sebastian pulled my chair out
for me and gestured for me to sit. I tried to put on a brave face
but I was hurting, deeply.
Seeing the obvious
discomfort on my face, he sat beside me and placed his hand over
mine caringly. “Are you alright? I can’t help but notice you seem
unhappy.” Letting out a long breath, I looked at him and shook my
head. “I just got out of a serious relationship. This place has a
lot of memories and I’m just finding it a little difficult. I’m
sorry.” His eyes lit up and he laughed. I stared at him in shock.
What exactly had I said that was funny? “Oh Layla, thank god. I
just broke up with my girlfriend two months ago and this is the
first date I’ve been on. James insisted I come this evening and
that I needed a distraction. I hate to admit it but I came here
under duress. I’m really not looking for another relationship. I
was terrified you were going to end up severely disappointed this
evening.”
I breathed a sigh of
relief. “Oh that’s wonderful news. I mean, it’s not wonderful you
got your heart broken but I am glad were on the same page. I’m only
here because Amy begged me.” Glancing across the table, we watched
our friends canoodling and whispering to each other and laughed.
“Well, since we’re here, there’s a free bar and music, we might as
well enjoy ourselves.” Standing, he held out his hand for mine.
“Want to dance and drink your troubles away with me Layla?”
Nodding, I took his hand and got to my feet.
“
Misery loves
company.”
Standing at the bar,
Sebastian told me all about his ex-girlfriend and how he’d
discovered she was seeing someone else behind his back. “I never
did find out who it was but to be honest what does it matter? She
told me she would end it but I would never have been able to trust
her again. I did get the feeling he was a nasty piece of work
though. She’d come home sometimes with strange marks and bruises
telling me she’d fallen or knocked against things. But if he was
what she chose then she got whatever she deserved. What about
you?”
Swirling my drink in my
glass I stared at him. “We could never be honest with each other.
That was the bottom line. Then I found a woman at his house and he
couldn’t give me an explanation. Game over. Cheaters and liars seem
to be the running theme tonight.” The band began to play a
beautiful waltz and placing his glass on the bar, Sebastian bowed
playfully. “My lady, may I have this dance?” My heart stopped as
the words left his lips.
My
lady
. Breathing rapidly, I chastised
myself for allowing that man to haunt my thoughts
again
. Taking his
outstretched hand I smiled as he led me to the dance
floor.
Amy and Felix joined us
as Sebastian twirled me about the floor. My heels clanked and
clipped against the wood as he danced swiftly and elegantly to the
music. We talked and he made jokes as we tried to forget our
worries and enjoy the evening we had been forced into attending.
The music ended and I took the opportunity to step out for some
air. I was flushed and warm from all the dancing. Sebastian offered
to escort me but Amy interrupted him, insisting that she too needed
some air. After the way she and Felix had been carrying on it was
no wonder she was hot and bothered. They were like horny teenagers.
Walking through the lobby, Amy was grinning like a moron. “Things
are going well between you two then?” She skipped a little as she
spoke. “Oh Layla he’s wonderful. He’s such a gentleman and he’s so
unbelievably charming. But he’s naughty and rude at the same time.
I’m in love!” I smiled at her as we approached the exit. Pushing
our way out of the hotel entrance doors I froze. Standing next to a
sleek silver Mercedes was Daniel.
He spotted me and hurried
over to greet me. Smiling profusely he gave me a warm hug, taking
me completely by surprise. “Miss Jennings, it’s so good to see you!
How are you? Are you well?” I glanced at Amy as she excused herself
and headed back inside, leaving me alone with Jared’s driver. “I’m
well enough thank you.” I swallowed hard and nodded at the
Mercedes. “Is he here Daniel?” He didn’t answer. Staring over my
shoulder he nodded and walked away back to the car. A scent filled
my senses and my heart constricted tightly in my chest. Sweet
cologne, vanilla and soap. My body betrayed me, heating my blood as
my insides clenched.
Traitor
. Breathing hard, I kept my
back to him, staring across the street. His breath warmed the skin
on my neck and a shiver crept up my spine as my stomach churned and
somersaulted inside me. “
My
car is undergoing repairs.” His fingertips grazed
my bare shoulder and I had to remind myself to stay calm. My
breathing was already becoming erratic simply from the proximity of
his body to mine. “You look breathtaking Layla.”
Turning to face him, I
stared at him. His eyes were the piercing blue I found so hypnotic
but there was no light in them. His face was slender and he seemed
paler than I remembered but his black tuxedo made him look every
part the elite playboy. “My god I’ve missed those eyes.” Reaching
to my face he brushed a lock of hair from my eyes and as his hand
grazed my cheek, I closed them savoring the memory of his touch
against my skin. I felt as though I could breathe again, but it was
short lived. My eyes flew open and I recoiled. “What are you doing
here Jared? You’re not in the culinary business.”
His hands at his side he
looked at me, clearly wounded by my sudden frosty demeanor. “I own
shares in a restaurant.” Snorting a laugh, I arched an eyebrow at
him. “Have your fingers in a lot of pies don’t you.”
Stepping towards me, he
leaned to my ear. “I believe the delicious temptation I had my
fingers in last time we were here, was yours?”
I flushed and my insides
clenched again, hard. Glaring at him I sniped, “Well you can rest
assured that’s a delicacy you won’t be indulging in
again.”
Skirting around him I
headed for the door. His hand caught my wrist and halted me. I
stood broken and breathless, my eyes to the ground. “Please Layla.
I miss you. I can’t stop thinking about you, about us, about
everything we had. I’ve tried to leave you alone, telling myself
it’s the right thing to do, to let you move on. But I can’t let you
go. I can’t stop loving you.” Tears pooling in my eyes, I couldn’t
look at him. “You had me Jared. I gave you all of me and I gave it
willingly but from the first time we met you lied, hid and kept
things from me. We didn’t have honesty and without it our
foundations crumbled, taking us down with it. I have cried a river
of tears over you and I can’t do it anymore. I don’t think I will
ever stop loving you, no matter how heartbreakingly hard I try to.
But it’s not enough. Let me go.” I meant it in every sense of the
word. I glanced back over my shoulder as he released my wrist. He
stood on the sidewalk staring at me as I turned away and walked as
fast as my feet could carry me back to the ballroom.
My heart was pounding and
tears were running down my face when Amy caught me in the lobby and
ushered me to the ladies room. “Layla, oh my god, what
happened?”
Shaking and sobbing, I
sniffled and sputtered through my tears. “Jared’s here. He saw me
outside. I can’t think straight. He’s hurt me so much and yet I
can’t stop wanting him.” Wrapping her arms around me, she held me
in a tight hug before grabbing a handkerchief from her purse and
getting to work on my mascara smeared face. “You’re only human
Layla. You can’t be expected to just get over someone in a few
weeks. You were in love for goodness sakes. Stop hating yourself
for having feelings. It’s not wrong to feel this way. You will get
over him. Not tomorrow, maybe not even this year, but you will, I
promise. Now let’s get back in there and try to enjoy ourselves.
Sebastian seems nice and he told Felix he’s having a really good
time.” I smiled at her, knowing that Sebastian was as heartbroken
as I was and that the reason we were having fun together was
because there was no pressure to perform. We both knew where we
stood and it was a welcome relief for us both.
Walking to our table, the
two men stood and pulled our chairs out for us to sit. Taking my
hand Sebastian smiled. “Are you alright? You seem a little
flustered.” I nodded weakly and leaned to his ear. “I just saw
someone I wasn’t expecting that’s all.” An understanding passed
between us and he tightened his grip on my hand knowingly. Sitting
for dinner, the four of us talked about the restaurant business and
I was fascinated by the many different cuisines Sebastian was
expert in. I had been placed between Felix and Sebastian and I
listened, entertained, as they poked fun and ribbed each other
about their time in college. “He was a complete ass. The great
James Felix, every girl wanted to get in his pants and all their
boyfriends wanted to smash his face in.” Felix laughed, tipping his
head back in the process. “Good thing I had the sports star here to
back me up. He was so huge, like a brick wall.”
I laughed as Sebastian
shrugged. Amy was speaking to an older woman who was sat at our
table. Felix explained that she was the chief buyer for one of
California’s top designer stores. Amy was desperate to get into
fashion. Her excellent taste and keen eye for trends made her a
perfect candidate for any possible internship. Excusing himself,
Sebastian left the table to speak to a colleague who was standing
at the bar.
Taking a sip of my drink
I sputtered and choked as a hand slipped up my thigh underneath the
table. Snapping my head at him, Felix gave me a wicked grin. What
was he doing? Not wanting to make a scene at the table I quickly
brushed his hand away and glanced at Amy. Leaning into my ear, he
growled. “Oh she’s sweet and all, but there’s something about you
Layla that brings out the animal in me. This food is delicious but
I’d much rather be devouring you.” I flinched and nausea flooded
me. Turning her attention to us, Amy touched his arm and he
immediately regained his charming and gentlemanly disposition as if
nothing had happened. The band began to play and Felix stood and
offered me his hand. “Miss Jennings, would you do me the honor of
giving me the next dance?”
“
Over my cold, lifeless,
dead body she will!” I turned in my seat and stared in shock as
Jared swiped Felix’s hand away from me.
Straightening up, Felix
gave him a smirk. “Garrett. Nice to see you too. Come to make sure
I’m keeping your money in good company?” Jared stepped closer, his
eyes filled with fury and his voice spitting with venom. “Get you
filthy paws away from my girl.”
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