Captured Secret (The Captured Series) (33 page)

“I’m not going to complain. That is no longer a limit with you.”

“Only with me, right?”

“Yes, Ty, only you.”

T
Y
FINALLY
GETS
UP
and pulls me to my feet. He dresses in his closet and I go rewet my hair, apply some simple makeup and pull on some clothes. When I come out to the studio, I see the main door is locked. Ty comes in off the balcony and I realize he was on the phone. He is not the happy man I watched walk out of the bedroom. I grab a bottle of water, and see out of the corner of my eye that he sits down behind his desk. My bare feet pad over and I get in the same position I was in yesterday straddling his slim hips. “Are you going to tell me about the phone calls anytime soon?”

“Yes, but not today, okay? I don’t want to ruin this happy day.” He looks beat and defeated. Who the fuck is he talking to? I may just brush the subject with Pierce and see if I can get a hint. If it’s a woman, I just don’t want to know.

“No worries. You know I’m here if you want to talk.” He grabs my face and looks deep into my eyes. It’s almost uncomfortable because I don’t know what he is looking for. My eyes look at those perfect lips, and really, that would just make today the best day ever if I could get mine to touch his. I feel like the wall is lowered a touch every day. But Ty’s quick to grab the bricks and mortar and I start over again and again. “Did I thank you for earlier?”

“Yes, but it’s never hurt a man’s ego to hear it a couple more times.”

“Thank you again, but I am a bit disappointed that you didn’t um…let me…take care of you.”

“Oh, I’m not done with you, baby girl. I know what happens tomorrow, so tonight I will get my fill of you.” As I think of him inside of me, everything between my legs warms and quivers.

I grab his hands that still have my face cradled. It’s bold. He can take it how he wants for all I care. “I’m yours.”

I relax into him as he leans into me. His lips part and my heart starts to bang so loudly in my ears that it’s deafening. I pant as our lips hover over each other’s. His breath is hot and minty and I’m praying for our mouths to collide. “Stella…I…I…” Ty’s words fall off on a whisper. He suddenly releases me, squeezes his eyes shut for a moment, and then looks towards the door. I just stand there panting hoping he finishes his sentence. “So, you excited that Jason is coming in the studio? You haven’t seen him in over a week. Are you going to be able to keep your lips to yourself?” He has the bricks and mortar in his hands, but I don’t feel like he’s in the process of rebuilding the metaphorical wall.

“Um, I’m happy that you are giving him the photos and the cover, but no, I’m not overly excited to see him. And just for the record, he kissed me. I don’t do a whole lot of kissing these days.”

He kicks up his eyebrow as the elevator dings. I jump off him to unlock the door with perfect timing as Mr. Rock Star comes in, and with that adorable face, pulls me into a hug. “Hello, gorgeous! How have you been?”

“Great, Jason, busy as usual. Always busy.”

I’m released and he and Ty give each other a man hug. I watch them go behind the desk and see Jason’s eyes light up. It’s beyond obvious that he is pleased with Ty’s work. I really don’t think that Jason would kiss me in front of Ty again, but this weekend has been damn near perfect and I don’t want to mess that up. I inform them I’m walking to Starbucks, yet neither of them is interested in a caffeine fix as evening quickly approaches. I take my time, walking slowly.

The slushy coffee hits the spot, and when I return, they are quietly talking. I don’t interrupt and am confused when the elevator dings. Zoey and Pierce walk in. Zoey looks me up and down like she’s trying to figure out who I am. The hug I give her is much needed, and I hold her in the embrace a tad too long, because she asks me what’s wrong. Nothing is wrong, really, so that’s my reply. Jason shows off the album cover and our friends give credit where credit is due.

Jason is on his way out when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into an embrace. I hug him back. He tells me quietly in my ear, “Stella, you are practically glowing today. You look amazing,” I blush and I hate it. I really do. Nevertheless, in this moment, I wish the words and feelings that come out this guy’s mouth would come out of Ty’s. He’s so free to tell me what he thinks and feels about me. I hate that it’s coming from the wrong man. Jason smells good and it does feel nice just to get the chaste hug he is giving me. It’s comforting.

“Thank you, Jason.”

He pulls away and says, “Don’t forget, a dinner date, or just dinner is still on the table if you get time, okay?”

“Yep, thank you.”

“I hope I’ll talk to you soon, Stella.” He turns to Ty. “Hey, man. I have a girl who is a friend. She’s is in the biz as well, so she will definitely be contacting you. She’s way ahead of me and if it’s me or her, she’s the one that is going to hit it big.” Ty thanks him and Jason lays a very nice kiss on my cheek and runs his fingertips down my arm as he leaves. Zoey gushes!

Thank God, for Pierce. He doesn’t allow Zoey to squeal and be all happy yet about Jason hugging, kissing me, and asking me out. “Shit, Ty. You should be proud, my man. That was awesome, and all this is going to generate business for you.”

“Yeah, dude, I know. I am pumped. The music business would rock, or really, any commercial work would make me happy. I mean, I like the family stuff, and weddings are great money, but I really hope that it opens some doors, you know? I worked my ass off on that. It can only advance my career and get my name out there. Before you know it, the dream of a gallery on the first floor can come to life.”

“You could have that now, Bro. All you have to do is tell Nan, and it’s yours.”

“I want to do it by myself dude, you know that.”

They decide that we are all going to get some dinner before heading over to Carson’s house. That’s the first time I have heard of this friend of Pierce and Jaxon’s. Apparently, he invites a bunch of friends and coworkers over for the UFC fights. I didn’t realize I was invited. Zoey and Pierce pull me into a third wheel hug and tell me I am welcome anywhere.

I need to go home to change into something casual. The loving couple is heading to Pierce’s and plan on swinging by to pick me up for dinner and the party. Pierce doesn’t want to ride with Ty. He informs Zoey and me that Ty has no problem snatching up a female at Carson’s get togethers. It’s hard to keep my eyes off Ty and not shoot him a dirty look for something he hasn’t even done yet. I remind myself that Pierce isn’t trying to be hurtful. We are not public, so I really don’t get to give Ty a what for.

I grab my bag, tell Ty bye, and walk out with Zoey talking about clothes. I want to hug him bye. I want to kiss him bye. I want to tell him, just for the short amount of time that we will be apart that I will miss him. No dice.

I’m happy when I see Zoey in jeans and realize my charcoal grey, cap sleeve, scoop neck tee which I coupled with an identical white shirt underneath and super low cut jeans with some black embellished flip flops, matches everyone else that I’m dining with. I feel gross and bloated, so I made sure that my hair was cute and my makeup looked good.

We pick the Wing House for some relaxed dining. The service is crazy fast, due to they are scheduled to get the fight tonight. Ty whispers in my ear that I look sexy when our dinner companions aren’t looking. I’m sitting next to him and if you didn’t know us, you would think we were out on a double date. Pierce tells Zoey and me, “Ladies, watch out for Carson. He thinks he’s a male model because they featured him in a fire fighter calendar. He’s positive he is the best looking guy in any room, and every woman that lays eyes on him can’t wait to get her panties off.”

“Well, I couldn’t be more happy to be off limits,” Zoey giggles.

I ask, “Can we all tell Carson that you guys just welcomed me into your bed as a new lover?” Everyone laughs and Zoey of course is on board.

Pierce says, “None of that matters. He is convinced a relationship cannot and will not stop a woman from giving into his good looks.”

Ty and my phone ding simultaneously. It’s Jason, thanking us both for a job well done. I can’t hide my smile that he is so thoughtful. And it begins…

“You are fucking crazy, girl. That boy, no offense, Pierce, is smoking hot. Get your fucking eyes checked, Stella. What are you waiting for? God, I love you, but shit! It’s so obvious how much he likes you. I mean how many times does the boy have to ask you out before you accept?”

I don’t want to do this in front of the guys, but Zoey is not going to let this go. In her defense, she has no clue that the man I’ve fallen in love with has his hand on my knee under the table. “Yeah, he’s super nice, but like I told him, Zoey, I’m just too busy. I work constantly, and when I’m not, I like hanging with you guys.”

“Well, none of us are fucking you, so I can’t see any reason that you would pick us over him! I can tell, that you like him. He doesn’t hide the fact that he likes you, so what gives?”

“When exactly would you like me to have a relationship, Friend?” I don’t know what else to say to throw the hound dog off the scent. Ugh, this woman is relentless.

“Make time, Friend. I’m sure you can find one night. And if you can’t,” she turns to Ty, “I’m sure your part time boss would let you off. Right, Ty?”

“Uh, yeah, just give me some notice.”

“Okay!” I say too loudly. “Give it a rest. I’ll try and find time.” I shoot her a ‘fucking stop’ look, and thank goodness, she reads it loud and clear.

Carson is exactly as I thought he would be. Attractive, but his arrogance makes someone who is hot, not so hot. I would never date, have sex with, or outside of this get together, want anything to do with him. He’s a show boater and is overpowering. The instant we meet, he has those fuck me eyes blazing my way. I just want to get one of his fire hoses and douse them out.
Never, big boy…not while I’m breathing
. The pre-fights are on and most of us are here for the main event. We all are mingling, drinking and talking. Carson is showing special attention my way. He has ladies that are most certainly there for him and only him, but I seem to be in his sights. I enjoy meeting Pierce and Jaxon’s friends, and I know a couple of the women because they work with Zoey at the hospital.

Jaxon challenges Zoey and me to a game of beer pong, and of course, total jackass has to be his partner. Zoey and I get lucky, and then the streak comes to an end, and we end up drinking our fair share of beer. I try to keep my eyes off the tall, dirty blonde that can’t seem to keep personal space between herself and Ty. His eyes continue to find mine every couple minutes. I feel like he’s reassuring me that he is not interested. I beam inside at all the progress we have made. Honestly, I cannot wait for this fight to be over so I can finally be where I want to be and that is under him, in front of him, or wherever he wants me, as long as we have sex.

Finally, it hits me, Carson really isn’t attracted to me. He just can’t believe that I’m not drooling all over him like all the other girls at this party. We go inside and pre-lims are almost over. Zoey and I pee while everyone settles in the living room. When we return, the living room is packed. Zoey goes over to the couch and sits on Pierce’s lap. They start kissing, and I turn to see where I can plant my ass for this fight. Ty gives me a sexy, small smile and motions me over. He’s in a recliner and pulls me to sit with him. I am happy when he opens his legs and pulls me between them.

The fight is awesome, but is over fast as the ground and pound knocked one of the fighters out. I love that sport. We all freak out that our guy won or lost. Mine won, so I’m a happy girl. Back to the bathroom I head, because I broke the God forsaken seal on my bladder. Carson is leaning on the wall as I come out, and he gives me a tour…of his bedroom. It’s huge and I act interested in all his awards and his graduation class picture and blah, blah, blah. I tell him I need another drink and excuse myself to the kitchen. Ty is shaking his head yes repeatedly to Zoey as I walk in on their conversation. I hear her say, “Just try, Ty. You are a good friend to her. You’re together all the time. Tell her what Jason said. Make her go. She needs him. I want to see her happy, Ty. Not lonely. I know you aren’t a love guy. But I’m in love with your best friend and I just want Stella to feel that too.”

He shakes his head yes the whole time. I grab two beers and act as if I didn’t hear a word of their conversation. I giggle and ask them to keep Carson away from me, and how I realize it’s not me he wants, he just wants me to want him. Pierce comes in and whisks Zoey away for another game of beer pong. I ask Ty to walk outside with me as I hand him the other beer. We step out and walk over to his Escalade. It’s quiet outside, and no one from the house can see us over here. Ty leans against the door and I let it fly. “Can you tell her to drop the Jason thing? When she gets something in her head she just can’t let it go.”

“Yeah, she wants me to encourage you to go out with him. Just once.” He seems a bit standoffish.

I lean into him and say, “If I want to date him I will, but tonight, you promised me sex remember?”