Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1) (2 page)

I’m immediately brought back to reality, and a little more than curious, when I hear something about Nathan playing a guitar last night. Now this is new information. Good God, he looks like Michelangelo’s David, he’s mysterious, has a tattoo, and now he sings. My brain can’t register this package of a man. There is no category for him.

“Sorry, Bryer. Business. I’m back.”

“Seriously? Business?” I question amused.

“We’re almost done,” he says, keeping his secrets to himself.

My hour comes to a close. Wet with perspiration, strands from my ponytail stick to my cheeks. A line of sweat runs down the front of my shirt.
Lovely.
Then I see Nathan’s eyes chase this discolored trail.
Oh, well then.

Then just like the woman before me, I’m flat on my back on the mat, and Nathan has my legs spread while he leans over stretching me. “I think you’re enjoying this just a little too much.”

“Not too much.” Smirking as he presses his body into mind. I look into his eyes and find something playful there.

“I give!”

“Come on, Bryer. You can go deeper.” He smiles.

Did he really just say that to me, or has the blood from my brain drained making me hear things? “Go as deep as you like Nathan, I can take it” I watch as he scans my body, pondering my last reply. Then in the blink of an eye, back to trainer.

“Let me help you up.” He reaches for my hand and pulls, and I fall flat against his chest.

“I don’t know my own strength.” As I slowly push myself off him, he smirks.

“I think you know exactly how strong you are.” My breathing, or lack thereof, has surely given me away.

“See you next week, Bryer,” he says.

I nod and gather my things to leave. He’s watching. I know he is.

***

AS I DRIVE HOME
, I’m dizzy from lust and the workout from hell. I chug water and wonder if I should be operating heavy machinery. All sorts of visions dance through my head as I drive. Does he have a client-trainer no dating policy? What about a quick fuck me against the wall rule? That’s probably out too. I should probably stop obsessing. He sees dozens of women, some who actually wear makeup to impress him. Why would he pay any attention to me?

I decide to clean my apartment while I still have some energy left. Plus it kills a couple of hours till I call Gen back and see if we have plans for tonight. Even pizza and a movie would be better than sitting home alone. Yeah, a chick flick is sounding better by the moment. Three hours later and I feel like this has been a very productive day. So I dial Gen’s cell.

She answers on the first ring, “Lo.”

“What happened to hell? It’s just Lo now? It’s too difficult to say hello?”

I love teasing her because as my best friend she laughs at anything I say. Who wouldn’t encourage that? It’s been that way since college.

“I thought I would start a new thing.” She giggles.

“By all means.” Returning her giggle.

“What are the plans for tonight? Stay in? Go out?”

Gen pauses and I hear paper rustling. “I got this flyer in the mail about a new club. It’s pretty swanky, but no cover tonight. Do you want to give it a try?” Gen lives for any reason to dress up. I guess my workout attire is a no go.

“Yeah, that sounds great,” I say. “What time are you thinking? I can drive since I drank last night. You can help yourself to all the alcohol you want. I’m going virgin.”

“You wish.” She’s such a smartass. “Pick me up at eight o’clock. I’m sure there’ll be a line, so wear something sexy to get us in.”

“I will.” My little black dress is my only choice.

“Laters,” Gen says.

“Laters? Where did you pick up that line?

“A book.”

“You are full of yourself today.”

We both laugh and hang up.

***

“DO YOU HAVE
a break now?” Clayton asks as I walk into the office.

“Just an hour. Why? Hungry?” I know what’s coming.

“Do you want to tell me what really happened last night?”

“It was a bad dream. Haven’t you ever had a nightmare before, Clayton?”

“Not the kind where I break my best friend’s house and try to kick his ass. That’s fucked up.”

“I guess it happens when I drink,” I lie.

“What was with the drinking anyway? I never see you drunk. You had every woman screaming your name last night, and you decide on a bottle and my couch? What the fuck is up man? That’s just a damn shame. There was mega pussy for the taking.”

“Jesus, Clayton, I just didn’t see anyone who I wanted to go home with. It didn’t have to stop you. You had women all over you last night.” I’m getting a little pissed that we are even having this conversation.

“I thought taking my drunk best friend home was the smarter move. So sue me.”

“Clayton, you’re such smartass.”

“I’d rather be a smartass than a dumbass.” He laughs hysterically.

“You don’t have to worry. If you’re still keeping score on my sexual conquests, I’m meeting a friend tonight.” Giving him the stare-down.

“Another friend? You mean fuck buddy, don’t you? Who is it this time?”

“Someone I train, but she’s a referral from my father. It’s nothing - believe me. She knows the score.”

“Why would you fuck someone who could ultimately do damage between you and your father? That’s not very smart, bro,” Clayton says.

“I don’t plan on having my father find out, so dial it down. Are you hungry or not? I have forty-five minutes now.”

“Fine. Get me whatever you’re having,” Clayton says.

I run across the street to Tony’s Restaurant to pick up some grilled chicken and broccoli for both of us.

“Thanks man. You couldn’t add one piece of bread to the order?” Clayton complains.

I look at him as if he’s lost his mind. “No can do. You know how I eat. You should be doing the same.”

Nodding, he shuts up and eats. I swear sometimes he can be such a fucking girl.

“So, what’s going on with the blonde? Is she up for grabs?” Clayton asks with a mouth full of food.

I almost choke. “Bryer? She’s totally off limits, Clayton. She’s innocent, and too good for your sorry ass.”

“Oh really Nathan? It sounds like you may have plans for that ass yourself.” He accuses. He’s right, but I still deny it. I’m not ready to give anything away, especially to Clayton.

“She’s not my usual type,” I say. “She’s not going to go for someone like me, who’ll only want a week or two of her company. She won’t want to play. She’ll want to play house.”

He nods, believing every word that comes out of my mouth. But the truth is I would go for the girl next door if I got the green light. Could she handle me, though? No commitment? No strings? I’m a player and I make no excuses for it. I’m cringing at the truth.

“I’m leaving early today. Can you lock up when you’re done?” I ask.

“Sure, I plan on weight lifting in the manager’s workout room after closing, so I’ll be here.”

“Well lock the door to the workout room if you are not alone. I don’t want anyone walking in on you again.” Frowning to get my point across.

He laughs as we both remember the uncomfortable scene when I walked in on him with a beauty bent over the weight bench and witnessing Clayton’s hard ass working double time.

“Yeah, don’t worry boss. I didn’t exactly enjoy the exhibition either, although I won’t let the shock on your face get in the way of a good fuck.” He continues to laugh.

“That’s mature, Clayton.” Meeting him eye to eye.

“Immature is a word boring people use to describe fun people.”

“Clever, I’m sure you stole that from somewhere, I’m leaving.”

“I might be in late tomorrow,” I say as I walk out of the office, not wanting to see his pompous expression.

I LAY MY LITTLE
black dress on the bed then get on my hands and knees to look for the dreaded fuck me pumps that every man loves and every woman wears but secretly hates because they hurt like hell. I have them tucked away in the original shoebox for safekeeping and pull them out, cringing.

Now for my sexy underwear. No grannies tonight. A black thong with black lace bra is the perfect choice to go with this square neckline dress. It will definitely accentuate my curves that God so generously gave me, I admire my choices laid out on the bed, I approve.

Now for a quick shower, then I apply makeup--just simple mascara and red lipstick. I was blessed, or cursed, with large plump lips, which I have chosen to embrace rather than hide. My hair is usually the easiest task. I only half dry it and scrunch up the waves so they flow down my back. Nature does the rest.
Voila
.

***

WE ARRIVE AT
the club at eight-thirty and my feet hurt already, plus parking is horrible and the walk turned out to be three blocks.

“The line is long,” I complain.

Gen frowns at me. “What a shame. I warned you.”

She’s evil.

“It’s been almost an hour and we’re not even close to the bouncer, Gen. I’m getting a foot rub out of you.”

“Ewww, gross. That’s not happening. I’ll walk up there.” She smiles her way up to the bouncer, who looks at Gen like he wants to haul her over his shoulder and do the cave-man thing.

I watch his eyes travel up and down her body. My best friend doesn’t appreciate this, and there’ll be hell to pay if he’s not careful. She’s a hellcat. But I don’t blame him. She is gorgeous. She has hair like a lion’s mane--thick, long, wild, sandy colored, and all natural, of course. Her tall frame is model-thin, and she has an olive complexion that makes her look sun-kissed. I hate her a little.

The bouncer finally finds her eyes. “Can I see your ID?” She rolls her eyes as she rummages through her purse.

I snicker, thinking there’s no way he’s serious. We’re both twenty-seven. He just wants to get her name.

“Genevieve.” He pronounces it slow and sexy, much to my amusement. My best friend hates her name.

“This should be pretty,” I say.

Gen gives the bouncer that ‘I may just pick you’ tonight smile. “Yes, that’s me, but you can call me Gen, hun. This is my friend Bryer.” Attempting to push the focus on me.

He nods and gives me a quick once over. Nice. I’m used to it by now, I just brush it off I’m used to standing in her shadow, I’m comfortable in the shadow.

He drops the velvet rope and we’re in. She’s good.

“This is very cool.” I love the lighting. It’s dark but almost glows. The sconces on the walls are dimmed, creating a very romantic setting for a club. “Check out the candles on each table.” These are a nice touch, but might be a fire hazard as the night moves on. Some clumsy drunk might fall on it, like my date, Tumbleina.

“I know what you’re thinking, Bryer. I won’t burn the place down, I promise.” Gen hugs me and smiles as we walk.

“The music is loud.” I shout, trying to be heard over it even as I can feel the bass beating through my body.

We navigate through a huge crowd, and I hope there is an open table somewhere, but the only spot is a rail table where you can watch everyone dance. This appeals to me.

“I love to people watch,” I say. “And it’s much quieter over on this side of the bar.”

“Yeah, this should be a great spot.”

“Tonight will be pure entertainment since I’m not drinking. Everyone here has already had a few. There is nothing funnier than watching drunk people dance.”

“I second that.” Gen grins.

I can practically hear Gen’s thoughts as I see her deciding whether to get our waitress’s attention or fight her way to the bar. I’m positive there’s a small war going on in her head.

“Head to the bar,” I say. “I’ll keep an eye out for a waitress. Get me something without alcohol.”

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll be back lickety-split.” She disappears into the sea of people. Lickety-split? Oh, I’m not letting that go.

I stand and lean over the rail, thinking this might release pressure from my screaming feet. I’m sure my toes will never forgive me.

A man approaches and makes eye contact. Of course, this creepy guy waits until Gen leaves. He’s getting closer, his eyes slide down to my cleavage and that’s where they remain until he’s close, too close., I see his leering smile, and notice his silk shirt open a button or two too many.

“Think, think,” I say to myself, but it’s too late. He’s here.

“They say dating is a numbers game... So, can I get your number?” he says, completely serious.

I laugh out loud. Did I just laugh in his face? By his shocked response, I did. I just hurt his feelings, if he has any. It was a definite hit on his ego.

“Oh hey, sorry, but I’m here with someone.” I’ll let him think I’m with Gen. He can wonder what that means.

At that moment, bless her heart, my best friend arrives. She hands me a fruity looking concoction while she drinks her standard lemon martini. I nod and, without blinking an eye, she kisses my cheek, slow and long.

“Hey baby!” Gen makes it so convincing even I believe her.

I love this girl. Creepy guy glances back and forth, and I’m sure a threesome is running through his mind, but our look of annoyance obviously paints a clear picture. Once he realizes all his fantasies aren’t going to come true, he turns and walks away.

I clink Gen’s glass. “So, are we going to be a thing tonight? Or are you on the prowl?”

She tilts her head. “What do you think?”

We both turn to check out the dance floor, where Gen spots possibility number one and two. “I’m heading to the dance floor to check out a few candidates, I’ll be right back.”

“Lickety-split?” I tease.

She looks over her shoulder “You like that, do ya?”

I’m engrossed by guys trying their hardest to dance but failing miserably. It’s why I came, pure entertainment.

Towards the corner, I spot a couple dancing. The man has one hell of a backside, and it’s hard to look away. His tight, low riding jeans fit so snug I want to reach out and touch that beautiful ass. His sexy partner moves in rhythm to the music while his legs gently rub against hers. This lucky girl is being seduced.