Closely Guarded Secret (13 page)

“I’ll throw these in the dryer. Would like something to drink?” I ask, once I stop gawking at him and find my voice.

“A beer, if you have it. If not, water will be okay,” he says, looking pleased with himself at my reaction to him.

Our clothes are dripping wet, so I put them through the spin cycle first. I grab a beer and water on my way back to my room, where I leave the door open.

“Here you go,” I say as I hand him the beer. “The clothes were soaked, so it’ll take a little longer before they’re ready.”

“I have a remedy for wet things.” His tongue darts from his mouth and outlines his lips as he eyes me like a lion about to devour its prey. My pulse quickens and I have to concentrate on each breath I take to give the appearance that I’m in control. It works, or I thought it did until he smirks at me.

Lying half naked together in bed is his chance to prove how much of a gentleman he can be. I switch on the TV to a music channel with the volume on low. We’re both leaning against my headboard, legs outstretched, and other than the barely there music, silence takes over the room.

“When did you talk to Steven?” I ask.

“I called you but he answered and said you were getting ready and asked if I wanted to tag along. I wanted to see you, so when he offered, I took him up on it.”

Now it all makes sense. Steven’s eagerness . . . Sampson’s out of character hug. Traitors. Both of them.

“I’m glad you showed up,” I say, not looking at him.

“Are you? You were adamant earlier about me not going, so I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t gage your reaction.”

“If you couldn’t tell my reaction, in the rain . . .” I trail off.

“Yes.” Our hands mingle together, the tips of our fingers meet and a strong charge between us races through me. I have to keep this from going further but before I do, he says, “You take me by surprise, Ali. You also have a beautiful singing voice. Did you have formal lessons?”

“Thank you. No, no lessons. My mother said I came out of the womb singing.” That elicits a snicker from him.

He gives me a wry grin. “Are there other hidden talents you possess?” His sexy tone zaps straight to my clit as a tremor of desire rumbles through me.

“You can’t resist, can you?”

“If we’re talking about you, then no, I can’t.”

“No, that’s not what I’m talking about. You like turning our conversations into double meanings.” I pretend I’m appalled but I’m enjoying the banter.

“I enjoy being around you, Ali. I like the way I feel when we’re together and I’d like to think you feel the same way,” he says as his fingers smooth over my face.

“I like being around you too, Bryce,” I blurt out, still in my alcohol induced haze. Distance. Five minutes of distance is all I need to clear my head. “I’d better put the clothes in the dryer.”

For the first time in a long while, I want to be with someone sexually. Do I divulge any information to him about my past? How much do I feel safe telling him? Should I tell him anything tonight? No, it’s too soon. He doesn’t need to know about Thomas, now. I mull these thoughts over on the way back to my room.

“You said dating’s new to you. What exactly does that mean?” he asks as I lie on the bed and we face each other.

Shit. He wants to be serious.

“I don’t date, that’s all. You know how it is when you’re trying to establish your career, it has to take center stage.”

“How long has it been?” He shifts more on his side, resting on his elbow with his head in his hand.

“Ten years,” I say before I have a chance to think about it. Damn.

His eyes widen. “Ten years? You’re kidding.” Disbelief is written across his face.

“I devoted myself to my career and didn’t want anything to get in the way. I traveled a lot - too many late nights…my job was my priority. I haven’t dated since before college,” I say nonchalantly hoping he’ll let it go.

His expression’s full of suspicion. “I believe there’s more to this than what you’ve said. Or rather, not saying.”

“Your life story is more interesting than mine, Bryce.”

“I don’t like that my life’s out there in black and white, an open book, but it is.” The story in my book would make your head spin.

“Bryce, I’d never base what I know of you on what the tabloids say. Most of the stories are made up with no basis anyway.”

He lets out a small chuckle. “Yes, the tabloids do like to stir the pot, don’t they? Whenever you’re ready to open up, I’ll listen,” he says. With a chaste kiss, he drops the conversation and I’m relieved.

We talk well into the night about his business and more about my job. He mentions a new idea he’s working on. It’s something big but he can’t reveal too much right now. I’m glad he didn’t push the issue of my past. I wish I could open up to Bryce, but I can’t. Not right now.

I
’ve been lying here, staring at the ceiling for a while, not wanting to disturb the sleeping Adonis wrapped around me and it feels . . . right. The sun is shining in my room through the sheer curtains and I know it’s going to be a beautiful day. What a contrast from last night’s hard, pounding storm.

With a smile on my face, I recount last night’s events. Bryce’s surprise appearance, our heated kiss shared in the rain, talking until all hours of the night. Now, he’s lying beside me, still wearing Steven’s robe. With his cheek resting on my breast, his arm draped over my waist, the robe is slightly open and I can’t see anything but I feel it, hard and ready against my leg.

His steady breathing’s a constant, soothing rhythm. I can’t believe we slept in the same bed together. He was true to his word and didn’t try anything. I pinch myself to make sure it’s real but do it too hard and let out a yelp, which makes him stir. When he looks at me, he catches my gaze on his lower torso and looks down.

“Sorry.” Realization hits him as he tries to conceal his erection and peels himself away, leaving me feeling bereft. My vision’s clouded with lust as he stretches his limbs to their full length. His ruffled barely out of place hair and 5 o’clock shadow are sexy as hell.

“Good morning, Bryce.” He looks as good in the morning as he does anytime of day.

“Good morning. What time is it?” he asks, looking alarmed.

I grab my phone, “Nine thirty. You have time before your game this morning.” Its now I remember our clothes from last night. “Oh no, I forgot to take the clothes out of the dryer.” I jump out of bed when I remember and rush out the door, only to return moments later with our clothes, perfectly folded. “Steven saved the day.”

“Steven’s rather good at that kind of thing.” Bryce gives me a wink.

I set out a new toothbrush and let him know before he disappears into the bathroom. When he emerges a few minutes later, he says, “You know, I could possibly be the first man to do the ‘walk of shame’ even though nothing happened.” We both burst into laughter. He gathers his things from my dresser and follows me downstairs, where Steven and Sampson eye us speculatively.

“Morning, Bryce. Want some coffee?” Steven calls out.

“Good morning. Thanks for the offer but I don’t have time.”

“That sleek piece of machinery parked in front of the house. Is it yours?” Steven asks.

“I believe so,” Bryce answers with a humorous tone.

Steven lets out a long, exaggerated whistle, “What kind is she?” She? What is it with men and cars being female?

“Porsche Panamera Turbo S,” Bryce says with pride.

“She’s a beaut, so is your Cayenne Turbo S, for that matter,” Steven quips and I’m embarrassed for him making a big deal over Bryce’s cars. I glare at Steven but he gives me his deadpan stare and goes back to reading the paper.

As we reach the front door, Bryce hauls me into his arms and into a deep kiss. “I wanted to do that this morning when I woke up next to you, but I knew it would’ve led to something else.” I’m flushed all over. I don’t want him to leave. “I’ll see you at eleven,” he calls out over his shoulder and flashes that panty-melting smile before getting into his car.

“So, what happened last night?” Steven’s asks as soon as I walk back inside.

“What do you mean?” I ask innocently.

“Don’t play games with me. Did you?” Steven blurts out.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but no, we didn’t. We talked until we both fell asleep.” A vision of Steven pops in my head of him standing outside my bedroom door, giving pointers on sex. I shudder and erase that thought.

“I guess he can be a gentleman,” Steven says.

“Bryce told me how he ended up at the bar last night.” I look first at Steven, then to Sampson. Steven doesn’t say a word and Sampson is wise not to chime in, but they both have the biggest grins plastered all over their traitorous faces. I’ll figure out a way to get back at them. We talk about last night over breakfast, and how much fun we had. “It’s already ten fifteen. I have to get ready.”

“Where are you in a rush to?” Steven asks.

“A volleyball game.” He looks puzzled.

“Bryce plays beach volleyball on Saturdays and asked me to go. I have to be there at eleven.”

Rushing up the stairs, I’m ready and out the door by ten forty-five. On my way out, I grab my camera for some candid shots. San Francisco is a great people-watching city and you never know what you’ll see.

I get to Baker Beach in record time. The views here are fantastic. Between the glistening of the water, the Golden Gate Bridge and a forested area, this is a photographer’s paradise. I brought my sweater to ward off any chill wind coming off the Pacific, but today it’s warm and I’m not sure I’ll need it.

As I look around, I notice some of the patrons are nude. No wonder Bryce and his fellow players chose this beach. I see Bryce talking with some other guys. Since it’s almost game time, I get out my camera and start taking shots of all the scenes around me. Bryce sees me and makes a quick jog my way. He leans down and plants a quick kiss on my lips.

“For luck,” he says with a wink, and heads back over to start the game.

As he joins his other teammates, I get a better look at his body. Oh my, I was right. His legs do start at his neck. Long, lean, and muscular, is the best way I know how to describe them. His sleeveless shirt shows off his well-sculpted, muscled arms. I think I may be drooling and wipe my hand across my lips to double check that I’m not. I bring him into view in my lens and start snapping away, managing to get a lot of him in action. I’ll enjoy looking at these later.

Grunts and loud sounds come from both teams. It’s a competitive sport, which requires, from the look of it, pain-staking endurance. I watch the intensity of the game as both teams go back and forth with scoring. Just when I think it may be over, Bryce jumps up and spikes the ball, making the other team miss, and scores the winning point for his team. I clap enthusiastically, showing my support. Each of his teammates gives high fives to the others, shaking hands with the losing team.

They all talk for a few minutes then Bryce turns to me. “Ready?” he asks as I approach them.

“Sure. Where do you want to go?”

“Charles dropped me off. Do you think you could give me a ride home?”

“I thought you wanted to go have lunch?” I ask.

“I do, but I need a shower before we go.” Sand falls from his shorts as he shakes them. I’m nervous but I don’t understand why. Does he think we’re going to have sex? My heart rate increases at the thought. Get a grip and stop being paranoid.

“Okay, I can drop you home then meet you somewhere.”

“I prefer we go together.” I’m not getting off the hook that easily.

“I’d like to change clothes, so we’ll stop by my house first before I take you home.”

“You can wait in the living room. I’ll only be a couple of minutes. Would you like something to drink?” I ask once we get to my house.

“Some water would be great,” he says.

Steven is in the kitchen cleaning out the fridge. He looks surprised to see me. “Hey. Just stopping by to change before we go out for lunch.” I grab a bottle of water and take it to Bryce.

As I make my way back to the stairs, I hear Steven talking to Bryce, which makes me happy. I’m glad they get along. Then I hear what Steven says and in an instant, I’m furious and embarrassed.

“I like you, Bryce, and have advocated for you. Seeing you two together last night is the happiest I’ve seen her in years. I’m glad because she deserves to be. She had a bad experience and that’s all I’m going to say about it; so I’m asking you, man to man, please don’t hurt her. She shows the world her tough outer shell, but on the inside, she’s fragile and breakable . . .”

I rush down the stairs in a flash and interrupt the conversation before Steven can blab anymore. I approach Steven, never taking my eyes off his.

“Bryce, are you ready?” I ask.

“Sure,” he says with a strange look on his face.

I bring Steven into a tight embrace and whisper in his ear, “We’ll talk about this later.” I know he can tell from my tone, the fire from Hell will be unleashed upon him for saying that to Bryce.

After driving in silence, mainly due to me being lost in my thoughts, we arrive at his house. My heart beats in double time as I get a feeling of dread sinking low in my stomach. I hope he hasn’t changed his mind about us. Steven and his big mouth.

Maybe I should cut my losses, drop him off and go home? It will hurt less in the long run because I won’t become attached. It’s only our fourth date. The only problem with that is, I have become attached to him and in such a short time. It can’t be normal to feel this way about someone in a few short weeks. This is why I didn’t want to go out with anyone. I can’t handle the rejection. He hands me an access card as I pull up to his parking garage. With shaking hands, I reach for it.

“Hey…” taking my hand he says, “Ali, your hands are shaking. Look at me.” He puts his fingers under my chin, bringing my face toward his.

“What’s wrong? This is the same look you had on the plane during the storm. Talk to me.”

It’s fear you’re seeing, Bryce. Downright, fear. He probably thinks I’m going to have a major freak out. A lone tear rolls down my cheek but I’m quick to wipe it away.

“I . . . I’ll understand if you want me to drop you off.”

“Why would you think that? We just got here.” I see the confusion in his expression.

“I thought maybe after what Steven said.”

“He’s your friend and thinks you need to be protected.” He sounds so sincere. “Though, he didn’t say why.” He searches my eyes for an answer. “Go ahead and drive in the garage.” He directs me to a parking space.

I shut off the car and he turns me to face him. My palms sweat and I feel sick. My head is reeling. I don’t know what to do. I’m starting to panic. Am I overreacting? I don’t know the first thing about dating.

“I’m so sorry, Bryce. I can’t believe he said that to you.”

“Look, I know he was being protective, but I guarantee it will take a lot more than a friendly talk to scare me off.”

“You haven’t said anything since we left my house. I thought maybe you changed your mind.”

“Ali,” he says with a firm tone, “If I didn’t want to be with you, I wouldn’t be. I thought you knew this by now.”

“This is all new to me. I’m figuring it out as I go. I haven’t dated in a long time.”

“Yes, you mentioned that last night. Steven said you had a bad experience. Is that what all of this is about?”

Bad experience. That’s putting it mildly.

“It was a long time ago, Bryce. I’d rather not talk about it.”

“I can appreciate your feelings, but is it something that’ll keep us from moving forward?” he asks.

How can I put his mind at ease when in truth, I don’t know. When he finds out, his reaction will be the answer. Seeing the concern on his face, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I had a bad experience when I was younger. It put me off dating completely, or so I thought. That was, until you came into my life.” His undivided attention gives me encouragement to continue. “You . . . all of this . . . is uncharted waters for me and I don’t have a map.” I lean into his touch as he lightly caresses my face. “You came into my life so unexpectedly, like a whirlwind, and turned everything I know and have closed myself off from, upside down.”

“What kind of bad experience could have put you off dating?” he asks, baffled I think, by my admission.

“What happened . . . changed my view of life and relationships,” I answer evasively.

If he knew, I wonder if that would be a game changer?

“Are you saying you don’t want to see me anymore?” He looks perplexed and I need to put his mind at ease, while at the same time, explain myself without giving too much away.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I count the minutes until I can see you, can talk to you. Can feel your lips on mine. I like when we kiss.” The corners of his delectable mouth turn up into a grin. Bringing my fingers to his lips, he places tender kisses on each one, never taking his eyes off of mine.

“You’re so guarded, Ali. I respect you enough not to push you into anything you’re not ready to do or talk about. I know I need to earn your trust, and one day I hope you feel comfortable enough to confide in me. All I ask, is don’t mistake me for the person from your past and regard me as having the same standards as them. It’s not fair to me.”

“I know. Please be patient with me.” He takes me in his arms and I melt into him.

“I want you Ali, and someday soon I hope you’ll believe me.”

Him wanting me isn’t the problem. It’s me giving myself to him. “Bryce, I need time to adjust to all these new sensations I’m feeling since I’ve met you. I need to know I can trust you implicitly, then we’ll see where this will go.”

“I know. Steven’s right, you’re more fragile on the inside than you let on. The shell you wear on the outside is so hard, almost impenetrable, but I’ve managed to crack it a bit.” A shy smile creases on his lips and it makes my heart melt.