Manage Me (Toven's Circus #1) (18 page)

"What the hell was that?" I get out, noticing my legs are shaking.

She grins while holding a hard red candy between her teeth and drops it back into her mouth saying, "cherry cough drop."

I drop my head into her shoulder and just laugh. Taken down by a cough drop and a fucking hot mouth.

        ******************************************

Jaden

If I had my way I would have stayed in bed with Nell all day but after our water activities, I quickly got dressed and left on my bike to go meet up with Emily. I didn’t tell Nell where I was going and she didn’t ask. I didn’t want to lie to her, and I hoped if she'd asked, I would have been honest but I really don’t know. I was crazy about her. She is relaxed and mellow. She likes having fun but it wasn’t all about fun all the time. She didn’t get out of control and so far the few verbal spats we’d gotten into never escalated into more than what they were. She and the band get along great and when it comes to the music, she just gets it. I have seen her carting that small violin case around with her. I hope she will play for me or maybe with me but I had plans to make that happen soon.

The coffee shop I told Emily to meet me at is only a few blocks away, so I arrive there quickly. I pull into a spot, parking my bike, and head into the shop. Looking around the café, it’s fairly empty and Emily is not there yet, despite the 20 minutes that I’m running behind. Grabbing a latte and a piece of banana bread, I make my way over to the far corner, away from anyone else. A little while later, a large black town car pulls up out front and Emily breezes in. Dressed to the nines, including a white fur coat, most likely made from the souls of baby rabbits. Did I mention that it was summer? And yes, we are in Oregon, it is still around 85 degrees out. As she approaches, I get a glimpse of what is underneath the large coat, a short, skin tight white skirt with a painted on wide-necked see-through top giving a clear view of her large bra covered fake tits.

“Hope you didn’t dress up for me.” I deadpan, as she sweeps up and air kisses my cheek. She plops down across from me, puffing her bottom lip out in a pout that I used to find suggestive but not anymore. I think of Nell’s soft lips and how I love sinking into them, and wonder how I ever found silicone hot when the real thing was some much more lush. Fuller, softer, and less like kissing a rubber hose. 

“Of course I dressed up for you, Baby. I’m glad you noticed.” She leans forward on the table pushing her expensive tits up, till they nearly fall out of the shirt. Why the fuck did I ever think that she was hot? It’s not like she left anything to the imagination, just spills it out all on the table for anyone to see. Not like Nell, she covers herself up but gives you subtle peeks at what she has going on underneath. When her toes brushed against my leg, I startle but I'm able to hide the movement by leaning towards her, pulling my legs out of reach. Leaning forward was a bad mistake as her expensive overbearing perfume tries to suffocate me. It, too, is trying way too hard for attention.

“I hope you called me here because you changed your mind about us being together.” She purrs.

“Uh…Nooo.” I say giving her a weird look. “I told you last night that I would meet up with you today. I called you to tell you were to meet me.” I explain but am weirded out that I am having to since it was just last night that we had this conversation.

“Yeah, whatever, that’s what I meant.” She says flipping her hair over her shoulder looking indifferent.

“Okay,” I saw frowning, what the fuck, was she high last night? “Anyway, I wanted to talk to you because my reaction yesterday was harsh. You surprised me, but that doesn’t change the fact that we won't be becoming anything more. I wrapped my shit up, even though you said you were on birth control. I get that shit happens beyond our control but it’s fairly obvious by the precautions that I took anyway, that a child was the last thing I wanted to come out of the weekend.” She pouts in earnest now, her blue eyes welling up with tears.

“But Jaden, this baby is yours. Are you just going to leave me to raise it on my own?” she says, tears escaping.

“You said you have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, yeah? It’s possible that the test you said you took was wrong, right? So let’s wait to hear what the doctor has to say. I don’t want this but I am not the kind of guy that’s just going to leave a chick to deal with all this on her own. If you are in fact pregnant and decided to keep it…”

“What do you mean IF I decide to keep it?” She hisses in a barely contained whisper. I look around nervously to see if anyone is listening but no one is looking our way.

“I am not saying anything. I am saying the decision in entirely up to you, if you are in fact pregnant. I am also saying that, I do not know that it is mine, if you are. I want the testing done before I agree to anything. I also want this kept out of the papers and media, period. Whether you are or aren’t, there will not be a single word of this said anywhere, do you hear me? If you are and it is mine, then we will figure it out.” Emily’s furry had receded and the tears are back but she nods. Knowing that having some big scandal would make life hell for both of us.

“Okay Jaden, I will let you know what they say tomorrow after my appointment. And I want you to know that I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I didn’t plan this and I am not the whore that you seem to think that I am. You are the only man I’ve been with in over a year. I know what the tabloids say about me, but I don’t sleep around and I don’t make dumb mistakes like this.” She shutters out making me feel like shit.

“Look Emily, I am sorry. I don’t mean to be an asshole to you. I’m freaking out and despite the fact that I am somewhat of a whore, this is a first for me. I’m not handling it well and for that I’m sorry. I hope that we can at least be supportive of each other through this and if you are pregnant, that we can maintain a friendship for the sake of the child.”

“Thank you, and yes, friends would be very good.” She nods giving me a waters attempt at a smile. “Are you going to start seeing Craven’s daughter?” Her question throws me for a second, she clearly doesn’t realize that I know she tried to stir up shit between Nell and me. So I decide to play dumb.

“Uh…How do you know Nell?” I ask hoping to deflect from answering her question.

“Oh, Craven mentioned it when I was at his office last week. I was talking to him about my upcoming tour and inquired about your tour since I wanted to meet up with you. Or I did want to meet up with you.” She pause, pouting out her bottom lip and giving me her best puppy dog eyes but I just look blankly at her. “Anyway, he mentioned that Nell was going in on a trial bases with the band as you guys needed a new manager.”

“Yeah, she is working out well. Seems to know her shit.” I say

“I saw you two getting off your bike yesterday when I surprised you on the bus. Obviously something had happened and since you will be stuck with her throughout the tour, I just thought maybe you two were going to get together.” All tears are now gone and her eyes are bright again. Almost like nothing ever happened. It seems like a quick mood change, even for her and I had a bad feeling that she was fishing for something. I want to rip into her for lying to Nell and stirring the pot between us but something tells me not to trust her. I need her not to realize how important Nell is to me. If she does, she will run off to tell Craven and get Nell fired from the tour. So I decided to lie.

“No, nothing is happening with us.” I say with a convincing snort. “I told you I wasn’t ready for all that right now.” She smiles at this, being reassured in some way by what I said.

With things going well and wanting to get the fuck out of there, I decided to lie again and leave before I say something that set her off again. Standing I say, “Well, I told my parents I would meet them for lunch, so I better be heading out.” I lean forward placing a hand on hers, “I am glad that we could talk and work out a plan.” I give her a genuine smile and she grins back. She pops out of her chair throwing herself into my arms; giving me a huge hug, and before I can free myself, she presses her lips against mine. She doesn’t linger more than a second or two but I am so stunned I didn’t ever move.

“I am so happy, too, Jay,” she says bouncing back, “Walking me to the car?”

Seeing no other choice since she’s strutting towards the door, I follow her out the door to her town car. She grabs my hand pressing her cheek into it. ‘Thank you, Jay, for apologizing and coming around. I know deep down you are such a great guy and we will work out in the end.” She has a huge grin on her face while she nuzzles into my palm, then pulls away slipping into the dark car, that pulls away second later.

I rattle my head around trying to figure out what the fuck just happened. Swiping at my mouth with my sleeve, I cringe at the lingering perfume smell. I walk over to my bike, hopefully the wind will rid me of that horrible stench, while I ride back to the bus and my Beauty.

As I ride, I run over the conversation we had in my head. Something was definitely going on with Emily, but I am just not sure what. It’s true I don’t know Emily very well but in the span of that conversation her moods changed like we were on a damn roller coaster. I just hope that she keeps her word to stay quiet about it. My mother would be heartbroken, my dad pissed, and I have no idea what Nell would think. But I know if I was her, I wouldn’t want anything to do with the problem.

Pausing at a red light, I make a quick decision to arrange a surprise for Nell. Pulling over, I dig out my cell phone and call a friend who owns a clothing store in L.A., she has a fashion blog online and an awesome style that I know my girl will love. We chat about what I want and she promises to have it there by the time we need to get ready for dinner tonight.

Chapter 26

Nell

One would think spending the afternoon with a rock stars would be exciting, but in all honesty it was pretty mellow and uneventful but amusing. They all got along like siblings, or like how I assumed siblings got along. They played video games together, fought over stupid things, yelled, screamed, wrestled around like a bunch of crazies, and then acted like nothing happened before starting all over again.

I’m curled up in the booth set at the table with my kindle, Jaden sitting next to me on a laptop playing Farmville, when I feel eyes on me. Looking up he’s sitting there watching me instead of on his screen.

“Whatca reading?” He asks, an amused look on his face.

“Uh…” I say, his eyebrows shoot up in question as I feel my face redden. “It’s called Misled.”

Frowning now, he asks, “Well that’s misleading,” He smirks. “Why is a book called Misled causing you to blush when I ask about it.”

I laugh, “I don’t know. It’s a book about a motorcycle club, the Prez of an MC and the daughter of the former Prez. It gets very…hot.” I giggle seeing the realization dawn on him and his eyes glare.

“So you’re reading about some other hot guy when I am sitting right here?” He asks grumpily and I snort out a laugh.

“Awe, Beast, are you jealous?” I giggle and his frown and glare deepen.

Ripping my reader out of my hand, he tosses it on to the bench across from us, and grabs my hand pulling me forward until we are nose to nose.

“I just don’t see why you would want to waste your time with imaginary cock, when you have a ready and willing one that belongs to you right here.” He whispers taking my hand and grabbing the hardening junk in his pants.

I run my nose along his before replying, “Who said I was imagining an imaginary cock?”  Before I know what is happening, I’m upside down staring at Jaden’s fine ass as he cares me through the bus.

The rest of the afternoon is spent playing with Jaden’s not so imaginary cock.

                 ******************************************

Digging through the clothes I was able to mash into the suit case and garment bag I brought, leaves me wondering how I ever decided on any of the crap I packed. Jaden informed me when he got back that we were going to dinner with everyone’s, except Ryker’s, families this evening. I hadn’t planned on family dinners when I was packing and nothing I brought was suitable especially for meeting Jaden’s family for the first time.

Jaden is lounging on the bed, playing a video game against Ryker and Finn, who are on the other end of the bus. And yes, they even have headsets on, just so they can whisper sweet nothings to each other, via insults and name calling.

“What type of restaurant are we going to?” I worry, wondering if I have time for a shopping trip.

“Uhh…It's just this German place that we all really love. It’s family owned and not crazy, FUCK OFF, BITCH!!!” he screams and I chuckle as his guy on the TV blows up. “Sorry Beauty, not you.” He says, mashing buttons on the controller.

“Well, I have nothing to wear. Do I have time to go shopping?” I ask, hoping I can quickly find the perfect something. His guy gets blown up again and he lets out a huff as the other two hoot and shout. “You’re not very good at that game.” I say with a snicker. Jaden stands, tossing the controller on the bed before he moves lightning quick, and suddenly I’m laying beneath him. He nuzzles into my neck, awakening the ever quick to react skin.

“I rarely play” he murmurs sending chills chasing after his warm breathe.

“I think you play me precisely well.” Truly not trying to be cute, as the idea that we were talking about a video game has completely fled my mind.

“Mmm Beauty, I love to play you.” He says softly across my jaw making his way towards my lips. “Stop worrying.” He says and I’m about to argue when there’s a knock on the door.

“Yeah.” Jaden calls, a huge grin breaking across his face.

“Someone’s at the bus door for Nell.” Ashton says through the door.

“Better go see who it is Beauty.” He grins, pulling me to my feet.

I scurry out to the door in my pajamas, a pretty brunette woman stands at the bottom of the bus stairs holding a pile of boxes.

“Nell Craven?” She asks with a big smile.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“These are for you.” She says stepping forward handing the pile up to me. I grab them and thank her. Turning around, I look around at Ashton, Finn, and Ryker who are all looking at me grinning. Jaden must have stayed back in the bedroom to wait for me.

“What’s in the boxes?” Ask Finn.

“I have a slight idea it’s what I get to wear tonight.” I say excitedly recognizing the labels on the boxes. I hurry back to the bedroom, deposit my load on the bed, and wrap my arms around Jaden’s neck before landing my lips on his.

I can feel him smile against my mouth while he sweeps his long fingers into my hair taking control of our kiss. By the time we separate, I am breathless and needy for him again but I don’t want to keep his family waiting just so I can get into his pants. Instead of climbing him and sitting on his face like I would really like to do, I turn to look at what he got for me.

The top box is white with Jimmy Choo written in silver. The other two were black and white houndstooth with a tiffany blue badge reading L.A.M.B, which I knew instantly. Squealing and dancing from foot to foot, I quickly throw off the lids one by one. But I pause to look at Jaden before peeling back the tissue paper. He has a soft smile on his face, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes, and I can’t help but think, boy he’s pretty.

With a grin, I focus back on the boxes and slowly start peeling away layers of cardboard and tissue. In the Jimmy Choo box, lies a stunning pair nude peep-toe stilettos with a slight platform in polished gold.  The smaller L.A.M.B. box holds a white short sleeved crop top shirt, that didn’t seem like dinner attire, but I don’t question it and keep going. In the large L.A.M.B. box is a tea length, high-wasted, soft peach tulle skirt. Making the short crop top much more family friendly.

Looking down at the perfect outfit sends me launching into Jaden. Knocking him back on the bed and sealing my lips to his. Straddling his hips, his hands grabbing my ass while I enthusiastically thank him with my lips.

“Wow, this is all too much, but I have nothing else to wear to meet your parents and I really want them to like me so I am just going to say; thank you Jaden, so much.” I ramble after breaking the kiss.

“Remind me to buy you gifts every day.” Striking forward to steal another kiss then nuzzling into my neck, making my blood buzz once more for him.

“Will your parents care about my tattoos?” I hesitantly ask sitting up, worried about needing to wear something to cover them. 

“Have you seen me lately?” He holds his arms out, and I check him out making him laugh.

Cocking my brow, I say, “Yes, my sly fox, I have seen,” I gab up the front of his shirt and tug him up to meet me. Brushing my lips up against his, I add, “every bit of you.” Leaving him hanging, I quickly pull back, scoop up my beautiful new outfit, and escaping out of the bedroom to the small bathroom to get ready where he can’t see me.

I have the perfect accessories and underwear to go with it that I dig out of my bag in the rack. Grabbing everything I need, I dart into the main bathroom and get ready for meeting Jaden’s parents for the first time.

Chapter 27

Jaden

“Beauty, you coming?” I rap on the bathroom door and it pops open.

I feel like the wind had been knocked out of me. Nell is so stunning standing before me that I have to physically fight the need to drop to my knees at her feet. She has always been stunning. More gorgeous than any woman that I have ever seen. But she, Nell, is mine. I may only know a small amount about her but her body and soul sing to mine.

“Do I not look okay?” She asks as I just stand here staring at her like a fool.

“You look…” pausing I reach out to her hip pulling her to me. “You are the most beautiful creature in my world.” I say softly, gently brushing a large curl behind her ear. Curl? “Your hair is curly?” I puzzle.

Blushing “Yeah, it’s naturally curly. I usually straighten it, but curly seemed to go better with the dress.”

“I like it,” I say softly tugging on a curl just to watch it spring back up, “a lot.” Making her grin.

“I’ll remember that. Should we go?” She starts to move past but I don’t move like she expects, so she just bumps her body into mine. “Are we going?” She laughs but I swallow it up into my own mouth. Feasting, not caring that we need to leave.

******************************************

Jaden hangs on to my hand as we make our way through the restaurant. We enter into a privet room and seeing his family I try to shake of his hand but his grip just tightens. Loud hellos and introductions are made to Ashton and Finn’s families then Jaden pulls me to the head of the table, where a tall older version of him is pulling him in for a big hug. A tall slender woman with beautiful chestnut colored hair glides around them and wraps me up in a crushing hug.

“Oh, she’s gorgeous!” her thick, distinctly southern accent sweeping over me as she gently rocks me from side to side.

“Mom, let Nell breath.” Jaden says chuckling.

“You hush! I only get to meet the girl that my baby loves for the first time once!” she says in giddy but firm tone. My eyes widen at her words and jump to meet Jaden’s, who just stands by grinning like a loon. I embrace her back enjoying her soft warm embrace and her sweet flowered scent. Stepping back but hanging on to my hands she examines me from head to toe.

“Thank you, Mrs. James, it’s so lovely to meet you. Jaden has said wonderful things about all of you.” I say politely completely out of my element with this warm woman.

“You hush with that Mrs. Nonsense, you call me Elle or Mom. You won my baby’s heart, you’re family now!” She beams but Jaden complains from behind her.

I feel my face redden and say, “I don’t know about that. We’ve only known each other a week and I didn’t even like him for most of it.” I laugh nervously.

“That’s a James man for you. They tend to move at lightning pace. I’ll tell you the story of Nate and me during dinner. Its doozy.” She says talking enthusiastically with her hands.

A tall man with the same captivating mossy green eyes as Jaden steps forward shaking his head and smiling. “Guess that’s my cue, I am Jaden’s father, Nathen, but call me Nate.” He says shaking my hand with a chuckle, smiling at me “It is so nice to meet you, Nell. We all look forward to getting to know you.”

“Thank you. I am excited, too. Jaden talks about all of you often.” I say enjoying watching Elle kiss and smother Jaden, who takes it like a champ, seeming to enjoy basking in her love.

“Good things I hope,” he teases pulling an empty chair out for me.

“Of course. You two have raised a wonderful man, whom adores you both.” I say about to sit but am swept up in another hug, this time by a tiny woman with long mahogany curly hair, her skin a darken tan color, and beautiful hazel eyes framed by dark lashes.