Hanging by a Moment (From this Moment Book 1) (10 page)

“Glad to hear it.” He smiles his super sexy smile at me.

And my heart nearly gives up.

After dinner Luke takes my hand, lacing his fingers with mine and we stroll leisurely together on the wood and steel pier.

It is a beautiful night. The sky is a deep shade of purple with lots of twinkling bright stars. A bright clear milky white moon peaks from behind the clouds highlighting the ocean and the waves crashing against the pier as we walk. The air is crisp just perfect for a romantic stroll. However I’m not cold, the heat from his body warms me through our layers of clothing. It is quiet all around us; the only sounds are the waves crashing against the sides of the pier. And the sound of my heart that is beating so loud I’m sure he hears it.

After a few steps he stops and turns to face me. His hands hold me at my waist pulling me closer towards him. Blood shoots through my veins faster than a concord.

Looking down at me, he has a serious expression on his face. One hand comes up to gently stroke me along my jaw.

“I had a really great time tonight. And I must say I’m impressed that not once did you try to jump me.” He grins at me with a wicked look in his eyes.

I smile. “Disappointed?”

“Very.”

My body breaks out in goose bumps and I shiver at his response.

“Cold?”

“A little.” He drapes his arms around my shoulders, drawing me in closer.

“Do you always tackle guys like that when they sleep?”

“Are you ever going to let me live that down?” I ask him with my hands on my hips.

“Never. You know that has never happened to me before.” His voice is hoarse.

“Luke, shut up.” I shove him playfully on his shoulder.

“Emma, shut up. And kiss me.” Pulling me into his hard warm chest, he lowers his lips to mine.

I am lost in all things Luke as he kisses me softly and sweetly. Gliding his tongue slowly around my mouth, he runs a finger tip from my hipbone to breast.

I moan into his mouth as he presses closer into me. My fingers fist into his dark silky hair.

He pulls away reluctantly from my protesting lips. “You know you are intoxicating and I’m addicted.”

Kiss me.
I want him to kiss me again. So I place my lips on his, licking his bottom lip. He kisses me with the same sweetness as before but there is more urgency now in his kiss. Cupping my ass in both of his hands, the heat from his hands burn through my skin and he presses me into his firm body.

He leaves me breathless when we stop. Taking my hand and linking our fingers, we head back in the direction of the parking lot.

As he opens the passenger door of the Range Rover, waiting for me to climb in, an older gentleman approaches us.

“Good evening, Luke.” The man dressed in an expensive tailored black suit greets Luke as he extends his hand.

Luke’s response nearly has me tripping on my own feet.

“Mr Jameson. How are you?” He shakes the man’s hand before wrapping his hand around my waist.

Oh my God!
This must be Miss Jameson’s father. My subconscious is ready with her boxing gloves.

I watch the two men, scrutinising them, trying to gather information just by their body language. Mr Jameson has his one hand resting on Luke’s shoulder and is pleased to see Luke. Luke on the other hand is relaxed and smiling at something the older gentleman has said. I realise there is nothing except a genuine good natured relationship between them. The two of them very comfortable with each other and it is visible they share a very close relationship.

“This is my girlfriend, Emma. Em, Mr Jameson is an old family friend.”  Luke introduces me as his
girlfriend
. I swoon. His voice sounds way too casual and calm.

The man definitely in his sixties, smiles warmly at me, extending his hand as we exchange pleasantries.

I wonder how Mr Jameson can be so pleasant with Luke if Luke broke off an engagement with his daughter. Clearly there is no animosity between the two of them especially if he introduces me to him... as his girlfriend. The cogs of my brain are working overtime.

Mr Jameson and Luke talk a bit about Luke’s last soccer game and after a few minutes we all bid good night to each other.

Luke is in a good mood on the way back to the dorm humming along and tapping his fingers along his steering wheel, thoroughly enjoying Sam Smith’s Like I Can as it blasts through the sound system. I wonder if he will ever tell me about Miss Jameson.

We walk in silence to the front door of my dorm, his fingers threaded through mine. The air around us is crackling and I feel his fingers tighten around mine.

My heartbeat quickens as I anticipate his next move, hoping he is not going to leave me here like the last time. My subconscious and I pray for him to kiss me... again. I steal a glance at him and find him watching me from the corner of his eyes.

With my free hand I open my clutch to retrieve my door key.

“Look at me.” He orders gently.

I turn to face him. His white shirt is lifting with the rise and fall of his chest. My eyes travel slowly up to his face. To his eyes that are as dark as midnight. My breath catches and my body tenses. The only sound is our heavy breathing.

His lips come crashing down on mine. My hands fly up to his head pulling the silky strands. This makes him groan and he deepens the kiss. His hands grip my hips, pressing me closer to his hot hard body and I feel the pounding of his heart against my chest.

I whimper when he ends the kiss.

He runs his thumb over my swollen lips. His breath is coming out hard and fast as he struggles to get his words out. “Have you ever felt like this before?” His words are a breathy whisper along my lips.

“Never.” I breathe out shakily.

His fingers caress my jaw. “I never thought it was possible. But I want to do this right. You are too precious.” His voice is raw and raspy. “I’ll pick you up for dinner tomorrow at six.” I notice he didn’t ask me.

But I nod in agreement.
I’m not insane to turn him down.

He drops a soft tender kiss on my forehead. He waits for me to step inside the building before making his way back to his car.

Of course the minute I enter my room, the Spanish Inquisition starts.

“Did he kiss you?”

“Did you have fun?”

“When are you seeing him again?”

“Tell me, tell me!” Brit is impatiently bouncing questions off me.

“I will if you give me a chance.” I grin back at her.

She sighs as she hears about our evening. And is excited as I am when I tell her we are having dinner again tomorrow.

I go to bed and my dreams are filled with visions of beautiful blue eyes, soft lips and a bright clear moon.

Chapter Nine

During breakfast I endure another inquisition this time by an equally excited Jane. I should have just drafted a memo and pinned it on the student bulletin board.

I’m let off the hook when Luke walks in with Travis and Brad, only to have Jane direct her inquisition at Luke. She fires off questions to him, wasting no time getting straight to the point. “So Luke, did you have fun last night?”

I know I did.
I look up at him anxiously holding my breath. His warm adorable eyes are glued on me making me feel like I’m the only person in the room. He smiles his super sexy grin at me and my cheeks flush.

As he speaks he picks up my hand and kisses my knuckles gently. “Yes, Jane. That would be the reason why we are going out again tonight.” He answers her without breaking eye contact with me.

I’m lost in the oohs and aahs that surround me.

I am still floating in the clouds when Luke laces his fingers through mine and walks me to my Business Leadership class.

Just a week ago I was lost in my own little world of self misery. My thoughts occupied on how easy it was for Ethan to give up on our relationship.
Uh... Ethan who?

And now I’m floating on cloud nine sipping champagne with the angels. Thanks to the gorgeous guy sitting across the desk from me. Honestly, I never imagined getting over the hurt caused by Ethan. I assumed I was going to live life afraid of rejection and end up with my nine happily married cats.

I jerk my head up when I hear Luke’s smooth voice. “Penny for your thoughts?” He whispers to me.

Looking up at him, I smile shyly before I answer. “You do remember last week this time we hated each other’s guts.”

He gazes at me with a pained expression in his blue eyes. “Last week this time I met the most beautiful woman.” He pauses. “And I almost blew it.” He rises from behind the desk walking over to my side before placing a soft kiss on my trembling lips.

I hear a few shocked gasps coming from the girls sitting across us. They have been eyeing Luke since he arrived and were doing every little thing their pathetic minds could conjure up to get his attention. Ignoring them, I look back at him, finding him staring at me intensely. “I hope you forgive me for being such a jerk?”

“I do.” I reply, my voice choking. I certainly did my bit to scare him off.
The fool that I am.

Mr Jones walks in and starts his lecture and I try my hardest to concentrate while sneaking grins at Luke.

Luke walks me to my next class where we part ways. The rest of the day goes by very quickly.
Thank God!

****

After my lunch with Brit and Jane I rush back to my dorm to start getting ready for tonight. The boys do not join us as they have a gruelling soccer training session. I indulge in a long hot shower taking extra time to pamper and groom myself.

Luke is taking me for dinner at the Cavendish Hotel, situated about forty five minutes away from college. The five star hotel is ultra glam so I pull out one of my favourite dresses. It is a light blue wrap dress that sits just above my knees, pairing it with my tan coloured heels. I decide to leave my hair down, cascading in soft waves.

Brit is watching me dress with the biggest smirk on her pretty face. “You look gorgeous, Emma.” As I check out my reflection for the hundredth time.

“I’m flattered, compliments from the supermodel herself.”

“Get over it. You’re a total babe. When are you going to do the world a favour and realise it?” She shoots back at me.

I shrug at her.

I have been wondering the entire day why someone as attractive as Luke would be interested in me... an average maybe slightly too skinny plain invisible girl. And I know it is not because he is into average slightly too skinny plain invisible girls. I have seen Miss Jameson... a born supermodel herself. I would have expected him to be attracted to someone like Brit... tall gorgeous blonde with a body to die for. They would make a most striking couple. Stop! I mentally shake the thought of Brit and Luke together.

****

The butterflies come fluttering back in my tummy at the same time there is a knock on the door. Once again I am greeted by a mouth watering specimen carrying another huge bunch of white calla lilies. Luke is wearing a light gray dress shirt – undone at the collar - and paired with black pants that sit low on those heavenly hips of his.
Yummy!

“Hi.” He greets me. “You’re looking breathtakingly beautiful, princess.”

Ooh.
I melt.

“Hi.” I murmur.

He hands me the flowers which I place on my desk next to the bunch from yesterday which is now nestled in a tall glass vase filled with iced water.

Saying goodbye to Brit, he grips my elbow before escorting me out to his car. We travel in silence as he taps away to Sam Smith’s Stay with Me.
Oh, I’ll stay forever. No need to ask me twice.

I feel him taking a quick glance in my direction. “How you doing there?” he asks me casually.

I turn to face him, admiring his chiselled jaw line that is highlighted by the passing street lights. “Good. And you?”

“Can you not tell?” He steals another glance in my direction. He looks like he wants to devour me.
Anytime.

His answer has me feeling light headed. I struggle not to moan as heat travels from my heart to gather in a pool between my legs. Thank God I’m not standing. He steals a peek at me, smiling that super sexy grin of his. My body is fighting a losing battle.
“I wish I knew what was going through that pretty little head of yours.”

If only he knew.
I flush scarlet.

“Hey. I can get tickets for the next Yankees game. You want to join me?” I remember him mention his family has a private suite at the Yankee Stadium.

“Looking forward to it.” I smile.
Yes another date.
I want to jump on this car seat. I would be crazy to say no even if he did ask me to fly with him to the moon and never return.

He places his warm hand on my exposed thigh giving me a gentle squeeze.

Ooh.
Immediately my blood pressure shoots up dangerously high at the same time my heart starts to thump its way out of my chest. It feels like he turned on the switch to my groin and I squeeze my thighs together. I lick my suddenly dry lips. And all too soon my knee is exposed to the cold when he removes his hand to flick on the turn signal.

The Cavendish Hotel is a magnificent work of art. The twenty storey building is lit up by the full moon that greets us as it lies nestled in the purple evening sky surrounded by twinkling stars.

The valet opens my door before walking across to collect the keys from Luke’s hand.

I almost collapse as Luke places his warm hand on my back guiding me through the high pillars which flank both sides of the magnificent glass doors, leading us into the majestic hotel.

Walking inside the massive foyer, I cannot help but admire the decor. High ceiling adorned with big bright chandeliers that light up the all white marble foyer. Beautiful arrangements of white long stemmed roses in tall glass tubes are placed at the entrance of the various hallways. I recognise some of the amazing artwork gracing the walls – Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Rembrandt, they are all here.
Wow.

Luke’s warm hand slides lower down my back and my toes curl in response as he guides me to one of the elegant dining rooms. I’m in awe of this place. The restaurant he has chosen is unlike any place I have been to. All ivory and terracotta with spots of green coming from the tall glass vases filled with some kind of lush green plant.

After the waiter takes our order, Luke covers my hand with his and gently rubs his thumb inside my palm. “What are your plans after college?”

I have not really thought about this. I suppose Brit and I will move back to Manhattan sharing an apartment like we discussed. This time I will have my own place... my own home. And I will be applying for internships to a couple of advertising companies after mid terms. I tell him so.

The waiter returns with our drinks.

“What about you? I take a sip of my chilled wine.

His eyes light up. “Back to Bad.”

Huh! I cock my eyebrow. “Bad?” Are you into some kind of illegal shit?

He laughs. “Well you really have stayed away from Manhattan far too long. Bad is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city. And I own it.” He says casually.

Whoa. I wonder how I did not come across this little bit of information during my search on him.

My eyes pop wide open. “You own a nightclub?” I guess in his family they gift each other businesses for Christmas.

“Yes. I bought it straight after high school with my trust fund my grandfather left me. That is why I need my Business degree. I want to know everything there is to run a successful business.”

Okay, so the Greyson offspring don’t actually receive businesses as presents. They receive trust funds! Extra large trust funds that could probably buy them a planet!

We pause in conversation waiting for the server to place our dinner in front of us.

“So you are not joining the family business?” I pop a piece of steak into my mouth.

“Hell no!”
He snaps making me wish I didn’t ask. His face flashes with anger.

I flinch from his sudden change of tone but I’m curious as George so I dig. “Why?”

His voice is even when he answers. “If I intend to succeed in life it will be on my own.”

“A self made man. Now that is a quality I admire.” I suppose his entire life people assumed he was just going to live of daddy’s money. No wonder he got mad when I asked him if he was going to join the family business.

He feeds me a piece of his lemon herb lamb. “Have you applied for an internship at Greysons?” His question nearly makes my eyes drop out of its sockets and my food out of my mouth.

“Eh. No.” And strangely enough I never thought of applying to Greysons. It is one of the largest corporations in the country but the thought never crossed my mind. And now I know I will never apply there. If I’m going to make something of myself I’m sure as hell not going to buy myself into a career as Luke Greyson’s girlfriend. Like him, I will earn my way into one.

“Why not?” He looks at me with curiosity.

I shrug. “Never thought about it.”

“What? One of the biggest corporations in the country and you never thought of applying there. I could speak to my dad and he can arrange something with HR.”

Absolutely not!
“No!” My voice is a shade lower than a scream.

His blues drill into me. “Why the hell not? You’ve smart, intelligent and perfect Greyson material.”

Duh? I’m dating you.
“I’d rather earn my way on merit than buy myself an internship just because I know you.”

He nods. “That is honourable. But the offer still stands in case you change your mind.”

“Thank you.” But that is an offer I will never use.

After dinner he orders us dessert. I opt for the double chocolate mousse while he has the traditional New York cheesecake which I find is absolutely delicious when he feeds me some.

After eating his last bite of cheesecake, he steeples his slim elegant fingers in front of his face. “I want you to know that I’m really enjoying this evening. In fact I enjoy every minute I spend with you.” My heart does a little dance as I look up into intense pools of blue warmth. “I want to spend the night with you.”

Breathe, Emma. Breathe.
He is asking me for permission. Holy fucking hell! My heart has a heart attack of its own.
Oh God yes,
my subconscious is screaming hysterically. I realise he is waiting for an answer. I lick my suddenly very dry lips.

“I’m not sure.” I blurt out without thinking.
Aaahhh!
What the fuck, Emma? Of course I want to spend the night with him!
My mind keeps reminding my tongue... now say the fucking magical words. “Um...” And that is as far as I can go.

“No pressure.” He takes my hand into his; lifting it up to his lips and kisses my palm softly.

What the hell is wrong with me?
I am definitely attracted. Damn it... I definitely want him... and there is no but. Okay, there is a but. What if I’m not good enough and that ends us.
Well there is only one way to find out,
my subconscious yells at me.

He continues to speak, his voice a soft seductive whisper. “I want to possess you body, mind and soul. I’ll wait until you are ready to give yourself to me.”

And he calls that no pressure!
My insides are a quivering mess. Luke drives me to complete and utter destruction. And what the hell does he mean by wanting to possess me body, mind and soul? I can’t have a logical thought when I’m near him nor can I get my voice to work.

The minutes are ticking away as our evening draws to a close, making me more nervous and anxious with each passing second.

I’m torn as he hands his credit card to the waiter. I need to find my voice that seems to have run away to join Cirque du Soleil. I really want to stay with him... I silently beg he asks me one more time.