The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) (14 page)

“I’m sorry. I thought it would help,” I said. “And did it?”

“Actually, yes.” His confident tone was accompanied by a confident smile. “I was able to sweet talk her into forgiving Mya’s mistake and give our firm another chance.”

“How’d you do that?”

“I assured her I’d be overseeing the project.”

“And she liked that idea?”

“I think she did,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Do I need to be concerned?”

“Of course not, little sister,” he said and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do I need to be concerned?”

“Why would you need to be concerned?”

“I noticed your dance partner earlier. You and Anthony looked to be having a good time together.”

“He was keeping me company while my brother charmed Dr. Reynolds.”

“Well,” he said, turning to face me. “I didn’t like seeing another man’s hands on you.”

“Oh really?” I teased.

“Not one bit and now I have to keep my hands off of you the rest of the night. I can’t even dance with you.”

His voice was playful, but I knew there was some truth behind it.

“Again, my apologies, Mr. Saben.”

“I guess we’ll just have to rectify this situation tonight when we’re alone.”

The way he was looking at me was even hotter because we both knew we were under a strict no touching order. I could feel how badly he wanted to touch me, just as my body was aching to feel him as well.

“Then I look forward to meeting up with you tonight.”

“As do I,” he said, surreptitiously taking my hand for a second before letting go. “Now, I’m off to mingle again, but remember, I’m watching you.”

He held up two fingers to his eyes and I started laughing, shooing him away and wondering what lay in store for me tonight.

Twenty

It was late when the evening started winding down. My feet hurt from standing too long and I was bored as Drew made his rounds. I stayed by myself mostly, drinking wine and munching on the hors d’oeuvres and engaging in occasional conversation with Anthony and Mya. I was relieved when Drew approached me, telling me we could leave.

“Finally,” Drew groaned the moment the limo door closed and we were alone.

I didn’t have a chance to respond before he took my face in his hands, pressing his mouth hard against mine. His lips were greedy, but I didn’t mind and when he pulled back, I was breathless.

“Don’t ever make me stand in a room with you again and not be able to touch you.” His voice was stern and his brow was creased as he stared at me. “That was torture, Natalie, and something I will not endure again.”

“It wasn’t easy for me either,” I replied as I saw the lights of downtown L.A. pass by through the heavily tinted windows. “But I’m glad everything worked out.”

“Me too,” he said, his eyes focusing on my thigh that was exposed from the slit in my dress.

I watched as he rested his hand on my skin, slowly inching it up, my breathing quickening the higher it got.

“What are you doing?” I whispered.

“I told you I was going to rectify the situation when we were alone. I always keep my promises.”

“But, Drew…we can’t…not here…the driver…” I was silenced by his finger on my mouth.

“It’s taken care of, Natalie,” he assured me quietly. “He can’t see anything or hear anything. I told him we wanted a long drive around the city before returning to the hotel. We’re all alone with nothing but time.”

His hand moved even higher and I couldn’t stop the soft moan that escaped my lips as he started pulling my panties off, so slowly I almost couldn’t take it. He took off his jacket, loosening his tie and undoing the first few buttons of his shirt before kneeling before me, both hands gripping my thighs now as his lips began making a trail in my inner-thigh.

“This is what I’ve wanted to do all night,” he whispered. “Just sit back and let me.”

I knew better than to argue and I closed my eyes, resting my head against the seat, doing my best to stay quiet as he explored my body and just as I was about to lose all control, he stopped, leaving me panting for more as he stared at me. He reached over pulling down the straps of my dress and slid it all the way off. I wasn’t even embarrassed that I was totally naked and he still had his clothes on, not with the way he was looking at me as if I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

Positioning himself between my legs, he leaned in kissing me deeply and then pulling away so that our lips were almost touching.

“Every time I see you, you’re even more beautiful than the last time.”

I didn’t say anything because he kissed me again. As our mouths danced over each other, I quickly undid his shirt until it was off, moving to his pants next and he sat down beside me.

“Come here,” he said, his hands on my hips as he encouraged me onto his lap.

I didn’t protest and I took a deep breath knowing what was coming next. Even though I’d tried to be quiet, there was no stopping the moan that left my body as we became one. I’d experienced so many things I never imagined before Drew, but this moment was unlike anything else. He made me lose all inhibitions and just live for the moment. Never would I have imagined doing something like this, but with Drew, anything seemed possible.

~~~

When the limo pulled in front of the hotel an hour later, we had collected ourselves. I couldn’t bring myself to look at the driver though as we left, but I noticed Drew handing him another tip and I expected this one was much larger than the first one.

Drew took my hand and led me into the lobby. We were quiet the entire way up to our room, but when we closed the door behind us, he took off his coat, tossing it onto the bed and flopping himself down in the chair.

“I’m beat.”

“Perhaps we shouldn’t have exerted ourselves the way we did.”

“Are you kidding me? That was one of the hottest things we’ve ever done. I’ll be thinking of that for days, wondering when we’ll get to do it again.”

“Hotter than the club in Tokyo?”

“Ooh…that’s a tough one. Tokyo was incredible. Nothing beats the first time.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at how giddy he looked, almost like a little boy who’d just conquered the video game he’d been working so hard at.

“In order to preserve my honor, I have to assure you I have never engaged in any sort of activity like that before. I’ve always been a good girl…until I met you that is,” I said as I began undoing the dangly earrings I’d worn.

I was trying to make a joke, but I could see he didn’t think it was funny. He sat up quickly and made his way to me.

“I hope you’re not ashamed of us, Natalie…of the things we share.”

“I’m not, Drew. I just wanted you to know I don’t usually strip down to nothing in the back of a car,” I said with a smile, but he still didn’t appear to share my lighthearted mood.

“I don’t care what you’ve done in your past. All that matters is now and I happen to think you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.” His hand was on my cheek, his eyes moving slowly over my face until they rested on mine, staring hard. “I know you’re not the same person you were when you met me. I know you still feel guilty about what we did to Ethan. I know I’m the reason for that and I’m sorry for making you think you’re no longer a good girl,” he said, forming the words in air quotes. “You’re different now though. You’re a woman now. You’re living now and I don’t think you knew what living was until you came to New York.” I knew he wasn’t trying to insult me. He didn’t mean it to hurt me. The truth was, he was right. I’d spent my whole life in Iowa always doing the safe thing. Safe was good, but taking chances made life exciting. I’d learned to take chances ever since Drew came into my life and I thought that was a good thing. “I don’t think you have any idea how much I love you, Natalie.”

“I think I do know,” I said softly, smiling at him.

“I hope so because I try and show you every day,” he said as he kissed my neck and then it grew quiet for a few moments.

“Do you know what I missed most tonight?” I finally asked and he turned me to face him, holding my hands.

“What was that?”

“That we didn’t get a chance to dance. We’ve never done that.”

I watched as a smile spread slowly on his face, one eyebrow rising a little higher than the other.

“Are you saying you want to dance with me?”

“I am,” I said and his grin grew bigger.

He went to the dresser, picking up his phone and doing something with it until I heard music begin to play. It was the unmistakable intro to the U2 classic
With or Without You.
He set the phone down and came over to me, extending his hand.

“May I have this dance?”

I smiled at him, placing my hand in his and he pulled me to him, sliding his hand slowly around my waist. We began to sway gently to the beat, back and forth. He was so light on his feet and I was surprised at what a good dancer he was.

“I didn’t know what a good dancer you were.”

“I try,” he said, suddenly letting go of my hip, pushing me so I glided away from him for a moment before spinning me and then pulling me back into him.

“How’d you like that?” he grinned.

“I liked it very much, Mr. Saben,” I said and then both of his hands were on my hips and he was lifting me into the air as he spun and set me back down, wrapping his arms around me again. I rested my head on his chest and he held me closely as we moved together. I loved this feeling. I loved having him so close.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked softly after a few moments of silence.

“Immensely,” I answered.

“As am I,” he said and it grew quiet again. I could hear his heartbeat and I closed my eyes as we swayed together. I forgot for a moment that I’d be returning to New York soon and it was anybody’s guess as to when we’d be together again. I didn’t want to think about it. I only wanted to think about now.

“I love you, Drew,” I said a few moments later and he stopped, stepping back and holding me at arm’s length.

“I will never grow tired of hearing that from you,” he said, leaning in slowly, his lips meeting mine.

His kiss was light and sweet as his finger tips framed my face. I could feel myself starting to get lost in him as the song faded, but then the familiar guitar strums of U2’s
Vertigo
started blasting through the air and he pulled back.

“Talk about a mood killer,” he said with a laugh.

“I got my dance though.” I grinned and he took my hand.

“And I promise it won’t be our last.” He stared into my eyes and then kissed me softly. “Let’s go to bed,” he said quietly.

We changed into our pajamas and after I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I climbed under the covers where Drew was already waiting for me.

His arms were open and I went to him, resting my head on his chest as he reached over and turned out the light before wrapping me in his arms.

Life with Drew was exciting. He’d shown me passion I’d never imagined and love that had proven to be unconditional, but it was times like these I enjoyed most…quiet times in each other’s arms. It was these times where I could feel just how much he loved me.

We didn’t say anything for a long time. The only sounds I could hear were the deep breaths he took and the fan from the air conditioner. My mind started drifting and it eventually found its way to my conversation with Anthony. I told myself not to think about it, but I couldn’t stop. What
were
my dreams? What did I want for myself? What legacy did I want to leave? I’d been so caught up in the drama of my life since moving to New York I’d almost forgotten about myself and perhaps it was time to remember.

“Drew? Can I talk to you about something?” I asked quietly and I felt him moving beneath me and when I looked up, his eyes were watching me curiously.

“Of course,” he said, kissing the top of my head. “You can talk to me about anything.”

“At work lately…I’ve been going out with one of the field reporters. You met her…Kara,” I said, glancing up at him and he nodded in recognition. “I’m learning a lot and it’s interesting.”

“That’s great. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I think I might want to go back to school actually…to see about going into that field,” I told him and I could tell by the way his body stiffened for a moment that I’d caught him off guard.

“This is sudden. Have you been thinking about it?” he finally said.

“Not really. I mean…it’s crossed my mind a little, but it just kind of happened tonight,” I said and it was quiet for a few moments.

“Can I ask what transpired?”

“Just some conversations I had while you were entertaining the good doctor,” I began, trying to keep it light and I heard him laugh a little.

“That’s the last time I leave you unattended then since you come back with these radical ideas.”

“Radical?” I exclaimed, sitting up to see him grinning heartily.

“Don’t look so offended. You know I’m not serious.” He cupped my face with his hand, kissing me, the smile still on his face. “I’m anxious to hear more.”

“It’s just a thought. Maybe I won’t even do it.”

“No,” he said quickly. “You should do it or at least look into it.”

“You think so?” I asked, doubts starting to trickle in.

“I think you should do whatever makes you happy, Natalie. You know I’ll be here to support you in whatever you do. Now,” he said and I looked at his profile in the dark until I met his eyes. “It’s my turn to ask you something.”

“Anything.”

“What did you discuss tonight that brought you to this? I only ask because you didn’t discuss it with me and I worry I might’ve missed something…a need of yours that I’m not meeting.”

I watched as his smile from earlier turned to concern.

“I didn’t mean to worry you with this. I’m sorry for that.” I took his hand and I held it with both of mine. “Sometimes I watch you or people like Mya and your sister, Kayla, and I envy what you all have.” He tilted his head in curiosity as I continued. “You had a goal. You knew what you wanted. You had a vision for your life and you did it. You’re independent. When I think about my life…I can’t say that.”

“Natalie,” he interrupted softly. “I hate hearing you talk like this, as if you’re some kind of failure. I know you’re frustrated, but if it’s any consolation, I think you’re perfect.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his words, but it faded as I realized he didn’t understand. No matter how I tried to explain, he wouldn’t because he hadn’t experienced it.

“I just want more…out of myself,” I responded softly.

“Then I think you should go for it and whatever I can do to help, just ask.”

I could see by the way he looked at me that he meant what he said. His support wasn’t feigned. It was real and true because he loved me.