LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4) (13 page)

“That’s your sample of the package for today, Joanna,” he pronounces with authority and then kisses me with passion for a full minute. The taste of his mouth and lips feels so right. He’s full of enthusiasm as well as happiness tonight.

“Thank you, Tristan. I loved the free sample you gave me,” I gush with a brief kiss on his head and then prepare to leave the SUV. The windows are more than steamed up as I open the door to head up to my apartment. I hope Bailey was amused.

My phone buzzes just as I reach the door of my apartment. It’s from a corporate number that I don’t recognize.

“Ms. Joanna Prime?” the voice sounds quite professional.

“Yes, this is Joanna Prime,” I respond with interest.

“This is Ryan Tran, from The Turning Point. We’d like to offer you a full-time position at our clinic as a Psychological Aide. If you’re still interested, I’ll forward you the paperwork, benefits package, and salary details via an email attachment.”

I feel a jolt of excitement and deep satisfaction, when I digest the good news. 

“Of course, I’m still interested. Mr. Tran, this is great news. I am pleased to know about the position. I’ll look over all the details tonight.” My smile feels like it’s going to crack my lips wide open.

“We know that someone with your background and skills will make a good fit with TTP. Take a few days to look over the job description and other specifics. Think about it,” he advises with good will.

“I don’t need a lot of time. Can I give you my answer by tomorrow?” I ask. It’s the only job I really want.

“Of course, Miss Prime. We’re excited about having you on the team. I look forward to hearing from you very soon,” he concludes with warmth.

“Great! Goodbye, Mr. Tran, I’ll respond tomorrow,” I assure him with a tremble in my voice. I’m so excited I can barely speak.

I can’t wait to share my news with Tristan, Ashley, Juan, Carmen and Rob. First, I sit down on the couch in my new apartment and decompress. I make myself a cup of tea and take my shoes off. Then, I check my email. Mr. Tran has already sent me all the electronic documents he mentioned on the phone. I read them over carefully. I don’t need a day or any time at all. TTP is my destiny. I accept the job via email.

I text Ashley, Juan, Carmen and Rob again and promise to call them tomorrow. Then, I put in a call to Tristan but it goes to VM. He must be tired after all of our recent sexual activity. It’s time for me to get some rest, too. I get undressed and change into my pajamas. However, I sleep restlessly since I’m so jazzed up about my new job. I’m also excited about my budding relationship with Tristan. My life seems to be moving at warp speed these days but it’s all good.

Upon waking and cleaning up, I check my phone and there’s an email from Tristan. That’s strange; I’d expect that he’d call me or at least leave me a voice mail. I open the email attachments and sigh. Once again, pictures are causing trouble in our relationship. This time, I’m the guilty party.

TO: Joanna Prime

FROM: Tristan Grant

SUBJECT:  Innocent?

Attachment: Photos

I recently saw these pictures, taken after we met, but while I was injured. Can you explain what they’re all about? You certainly look quite happy to spend time with both of the men pictured. Sincerely, Tristan  

The first one shows Erik and me hugging while he swings me around. It happened just after we moved to Mission Beach. The second, third and fourth pictures show Juan and me in several different sorts of holds on the day he helped us pack up for the move. Of course there are two pictures of us hugging and kissing.

I feel a number of emotions from regret to rage. I can only imagine what Tristan imagines about my relationships with both Juan and Erik. There’s no doubt, he’s quite jealous and possessive. My intuition tells me to expect that Tristan would be insecure over me and other men, given his background.

I assume that Kristen Powers sent the pictures to Tristan. However, how did she know about me at that time? Was she checking Tristan’s phone or calendar? Did his staff tell her that we were trapped in an elevator together or did Tristan himself text her while we were gyrating? I’d like to rip Ms. Powers’ hair out of her head for causing so much trouble between us. Apparently, Tristan hasn’t yet sent her the threatening email that he showed me yesterday. Now he’s probably thanking her because he thinks I’m a tease and a cheat.

There’s only one way to deal with this situation. I reply to his email.

TO: Tristan

FROM:  Joanna Prime

SUBJECT: Innocent

Pictures don’t tell a thousand words. I want only you. See you soon! Hugs, Joanna

After sending the email, I jump in my car and drive to his condo. Since I already know Tristan’s location, I park behind his building and go directly to the front desk of his building. I call Tristan’s phone. He answers almost immediately.

“Joanna, I just saw your latest email. Where are you?” His voice sounds cautious but calm.

“At your place, in the lobby,” I announce with a breathless voice.

“Already? Bailey will be right down to bring you upstairs,” he announces with warmth and clicks off.

I seat myself in the lobby and train my eyes on the elevator doors that lead to the penthouse. Bailey emerges from them within moments and motions for me to follow him. He gives me a tight smile. I’m taken to Tristan’s place at once.

Tristan meets me at the door a few minutes later. He looks haggard but gorgeous. My body vibrates with excitement as I set eyes on him again. I want Tristan on so many levels. First, his body: taut muscles, tousled but inviting thick sandy hair and those chiseled facial features make him look like a Greek God. Second: he wants me and we have an amazing connection. Third: it doesn’t hurt that he’s powerful and wealthy. I find that attractive too.

When we finally meet, we both stand and stare at each other for a full beat. His face and aqua eyes reveal nothing but pain and desire. I note that Tristan’s breathing is shallow. I do something that surprises him. I pull myself gently into his arms.

He stiffens a bit from my pull but doesn’t push me away. “Careful with the ribs, Joanna,” he warns with caution. Then I make my claim quickly and with conviction.

“Please listen, Tristan. Erik and Juan are both like brothers to me. They helped us move and the pictures show me saying goodbye to each of them. I’ve known both of them for years. It meant nothing more than that and they both know it,” I say before kissing him with passion. He sags with relief.

“It’s so hard for me to see you with other men. I went berserk when I saw the pictures of you smiling and having contact with those two guys,” he admits with a deep sigh when we’re done kissing.

“I want you Tristan. Not them. Now you know how I felt when I saw the pictures of you and your escorts.”

“You’re one determined young woman, Joanna. Now that we’re face to face, I’m fine. There’s something so powerful about our physical connection. I need to hold you and feel your energy again, for reassurance,” he declares while hugging me tentatively. Soon, his lips meet mine and we kiss with more enthusiasm than ever. He tastes even better than he looks. I push back to look at him.

His face reflects pleasure and relief as well as shame. That was wonderful but there’s something more going on with him. I can sense it in his body language.

“Would you like to come over to the living room couch?” he asks with a delighted grin. “When we’re face to face, I can’t resist you Joanna.”

“Of course, Tristan, we’ve got a lot to discuss,” is what I can manage to blurt out. He’s got me discombobulated as usual. I take his hand in mine. His breathing sounds restrained but his grip on my hand is nearly painful.

“It’s taking all my self-control to resist having sex with you just now Joanna,” he explains. I look at Tristan with desire and kiss his hand. What I wouldn’t do to give him some pleasure, right now.

“Same here,” I add with regret.

“Yeah. We need to talk about a number of things before we let our relationship go forward,” Tristan insists. Really? He seems tense and worried again. What’s that all about?

I quake a bit at his mood shift but remain quiet, until we’re both seated on the sectional.

“Would you like some wine, baby?’ he gestures toward a side table with his long, slender fingers.

“Yeah, I could use a drink. Do you have a cabernet nearby?”

“I have a Mouton Cadet. Will that work for now?” he asks with a solicitous tone to his voice.

“It sounds fine. Let me get the glasses and pour then,” I offer and he’s more than pleased that I’ve picked up on his cue.

I find two wine glasses and the wine decanter on a side table. I pour us each a generous amount and return to where Tristan’s seated. He’s at the opposite end of the sectional from where I stand with his legs crossed.

“Tristan, the pictures you saw showed me being friendly to two very old guy friends who were giving me their time, efforts and labor.”

“You certainly looked happy to be with them, Joanna. Especially with Juan.”

“First I want you to know that I did not initiate the kiss with Juan. It just morphed into something much more than what I imagined. He kind of ambushed me with that hold and lunge,” I confess.

“He wants you Joanna. The kiss I saw looked much more than casual,” he spits out.

“Yeah. There’s no doubt in my mind that Juan wants something more from me than I want from him. But, I didn’t really know that until he grabbed me.”

“He’d better keep his hands off of you,” Tristan begins and his eyes show growing rage.

“I made that clear just after the picture was taken and Juan accepted it. Things got a little out of hand after we left the bar,” I add.

“No doubt. I can imagine how the whole thing came about. You were drinking at McMurphy’s Pub, felt grateful for his help, and he’s an old friend,” he supplies. Tristan seems so reasonable now. Why’d he get so upset about it, then?

“Is there some reason why Kristen took pictures of me while you were mostly unconscious?” I ask before taking a large mouthful of wine and swallowing it quickly.

Tristan gives me a long sigh, frowns, and then drinks more wine. There’s a story brewing here.

“As I’ve explained before, Kristen wants control over me. I did text her while we were trapped in the elevator. I bragged a bit about being alone, for hours, with this gorgeous young woman. I must have mentioned your name. I had no idea it would set her off like that,” he confesses a bit sheepishly.  

“Did you have a chance to speak with your attorney about the email to Kristen?” I push.

“Yeah, I did. I spoke with him on the way home from your place last night. He agreed that we should send her a Cease and Desist Letter about harassment.”

“So what’s stopping you from sending the letter?” I demand with an irritated expression.

“I compromised my situation later on last night. That is, I did something rash and foolish, after Kristen sent me your pictures,” he admits with embarrassment.

“Oh no. Go on,” I urge with disgust. I have that awful sinking feeling in my gut.