Chapter 6
I’m awakened the next morning by the sound of the shower in the master bath. Jordan is no longer in bed, and the day is just dawning. I turn and place my head on his pillow and shove my hands under it. It’s still warm, which means he got up only a short time ago.
The water turns off, and a few minutes later, Jordan comes out with a thick white towel wrapped around his waist. What a view to wake up to. I turn on my side and watch him sure that he’s unaware of me being awake. When he removes his towel, I almost pass out. His posterior could rival Michelangelo’s David.
“Emma, the next time you want to ogle me, make sure I can’t see you in the mirror.”
“I wasn’t ogling you.”
“I beg to differ,” he says as he slips on his boxers.
I can’t see anything on the front of him because of the way that he’s turned, but from last night’s activity, I know that he must be packing a decent-sized package. I hope to find out soon.
He sits down on the bed to slip on his black dress socks, then gets up and heads into the closet. When he comes out, he’s wearing a gray business suit with a white shirt and lavender tie. He seems very comfortable with feminine colors. I like that.
“What time do you have to be in the office?” I ask.
“I make my own hours, but today, I have a breakfast meeting. Unfortunately, I also have a dinner meeting that could run late. I don’t think we will be able to see each other tonight. I’m sorry about that.”
“I’m sorry for that, too,” I mumble.
“You should probably go shower. I need to leave soon.”
“Don’t you trust me here alone?”
“Emma, I do trust you, but you shouldn’t be here alone until I give you the tour. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Then please go shower so we can leave by seven.”
“Seven? What am I supposed to do for two hours? I can’t go home, that would be ridiculous.”
“Then have breakfast downstairs. I’ll call them and let them know you’re coming.”
“Where downstairs?”
“Ballard has a resident’s only restaurant.”
“Then how am I going to have breakfast there?”
“It’s for residents and guests of those residents. Complimentary newspapers are available. Grab one and have a leisurely meal. Doll, I promise that once I give you a tour, you’re more than welcome to stay here alone.”
I throw the covers off and rise from the bed. Jordan nuzzles my face and kisses my forehead then leaves the bedroom so he can give me privacy. I go into the bathroom and stop short. This room is big, huge. A large oval tub sits in one corner near a frosted window. I would love to take a bath since it’s been a long time since I have. The bathroom in my apartment only has a shower stall.
The shower rivals that of the bathroom at my sister Lexi’s previous loft that she shared with her ex-fiancé, Noah. It has four showerheads, one coming from straight overhead. The stall itself is like a small bedroom tiled in travertine with two benches in opposite corners. It’s so inviting that I could stay in here all day.
I enter and turn on the spray. It comes out cold, and I jump away with a small yelp until it warms. Several shelves hold shampoos and body washes. I check them out and find that it’s my favorite of both. I assume that Jordan saw them in my bathroom, but how presumptuous to think I would be using them in his home.
I take my time, letting the water run over me. I’m not paying attention when I hear a tap on the glass. Jordan is standing there fully dressed in his suit, holding a thick white towel.
“It’s getting late. You should come out.”
I turn the water off, and even though he’s seen me practically naked, I’m still shy. Instead of opening the door fully, I stick my hand out for the towel. He smirks at me as he holds it out.
“Emma, you’re blushing.”
“I am not.”
“You are, and I think it’s sexy.”
“That you’ve embarrassed me?”
“No. That after what we’ve shared, you’re still shy. I’ve already seen your body, and it’s hardly anything to be ashamed of. Women would kill for your beautiful ivory skin and lovely breasts.”
Even though he’s just paid me a compliment, I can feel my face heating even further. Jordan chuckles as I step out of the shower and leaves the bathroom. I quickly towel off and dry my hair as best I can then head to the guest bedroom to dress. I find deodorant and a brand new toothbrush on the dresser. The room also has its own bathroom, which I use to brush my teeth.
I find Jordan sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee and reading The Wall Street Journal.
“You look lovely in that outfit, and those shoes are perfect. You should wear your hair up more. It shows off your pretty neck. ”
“Time was running short, so I put it up in a ponytail.”
He approaches and slides behind me, latching onto the back of my neck with his mouth. His tongue strokes the tender skin, making my body flame. When he releases me, he’s all business.
“Ready to go? I have my breakfast meeting in eight minutes. I’ve already called downstairs, you’re expected at Avalon, that’s the restaurant. You can take the elevator to the floor marked M, then follow the signs. I’m getting off on the twenty-first.”
Jordan holds out his hand and leads me to the elevator. Inside, he still has my hand, and he turns to kiss me as the car nears the twenty-first floor.
“Enjoy your day,” he says as the doors open, dropping my hand. Then the doors close, and I’m left alone. I press the M button, and my stomach once again lurches as the elevator starts down.
I’ve been sitting at my desk for the last three hours, and I can’t work worth a damn. I’ve done exactly one chapter on the redo, and I’m thankful I got to chapter forty-one the night before. I need to deliver the manuscript back to Nicky by tomorrow. I prefer to do it today.
My problem is that I can’t stop thinking about Jordan. He’s gotten under my skin as much as he says I’ve gotten under his. I’m horny as hell, and I’ve been squirming in my seat trying to relieve some of the pressure, but it’s not helping. I’m almost positive that the rose-colored thong that I’m wearing is drenched with my arousal.
Twice, Angelica has turned around to stare at me. My chair squeaks each time I move, and it’s been doing that a lot. She asked if I had ants in my pants, if she only knew.
“Emma! Get a cup of coffee or something. That chair is driving me crazy. What’s with you today? ”
“Nothing,” I mumble. I get up and go into the break room. Of course, there is no coffee. The pot is dry and burning because someone forgot to shut the element off. I pull the carafe and put it in the sink, then remove the plug from the wall. When I turn, Nicky is leaning against the door jamb watching me intently.
“How’s the Dayton manuscript coming? You know I want it on my desk by the end of the day tomorrow.”
“I do, and I’m almost finished. You might have it on your desk by the end of the day today.”
For the first time since Nicky has been my boss, I stare into his flame blue eyes and notice something that I never saw before, desire. It dawns on me that Jordan is right. Nicky has a thing for me. How could I not have noticed it before? All he has been is nasty and curt with me. Now his eyes are traveling up my body like he wants to devour me. It makes me wonder if he knows about me and Jordan.
“Is there something else you need?”
I watch Nicky’s jaw flex as if he’s having a hard time restraining himself. He’s so different from his stepbrother, almost creepy.
“No. I’ll expect the manuscript on my desk by tonight.”
“I said I might be done with it.”
“It’s only eleven. You have all day, and you just told me that you’re almost finished. So why can’t you get it done?”
Every time I talk to him, I feel defeated, “You’ll have it by the end of the day today. Satisfied?”
“Are you being insubordinate?”
“No. I’m only stating a fact.”
“That I should be satisfied? I won’t have a problem writing you up. I’ve had it with your attitude. I’ve tried to be nice. Come with me.”
I glare at him but follow as he heads to his office. My anger is at the edge, and I want to tell him off. I want to quit, but I need this job until I can springboard to another publishing company. He holds the door and slams it shut as I sit in front of his desk. He positions himself in his chair and takes his familiar pose of steepling his hands. You would think he was a school teacher the way he acts.
“You’ve had a problem with me since I got here. Your attitude is shit, and I will no longer tolerate your insubordination. You would think that you would be a little nicer to me as your boss. I guess you don’t value your position. I have a stack of resumes from people begging for your job.”
“Nicky, I’ve done nothing to you. You always seem to have a problem with my work, no matter how good it is.”
“It’s not good, that’s the problem.”
“I beg to differ.”
“I’ve overlooked many mistakes, and instead of sending a manuscript back to you, I pass it on above your head. I’m not doing that anymore. I can’t babysit you or give you any more attention than I already do.”
“Like some people?”
“Excuse me? What did you say?”
“Maybe if I were one of the stupid interns, you wouldn’t have a problem. Would you like to bend me over your desk and fuck me? Is that your issue? I won’t crumple to the Scarborough charm and drop my panties?”
Nicky’s face goes crimson. His fingers fold over, and knuckles turn white with pressure.
“How dare you. I should fire you on the spot for accusing me of such a thing. I treat all my employees the same,” he roars.
I know I’ve pushed him too far, but I have to finish it because it could mean the difference between me living in the street with no job and keeping him at bay.
“I saw you, Nicky. Friday night with Sasha. I was working late trying to put as much time into the Dayton manuscript as possible. Maybe next time you want to fuck a teenager, you should close your door all the way.”
I cross my arms and purse my lips waiting for his response. I might look cool on the outside, but my heart is beating so hard that it feels like it’s going to rip out of my chest. In the next two minutes, I’m either going to be cleaning out my desk or accepting an apology from this sniveling asshole.
“I was helping her with an issue. I would never take advantage of my position,” he says in a much lower voice.
“I know what I saw.”
He leans back in his chair with a frown on his face, and I have a feeling that I’ve won this round.
“You shouldn’t spread rumors. I’m engaged.”
“I have no plans, but my discretion comes with a price.”
“You’re blackmailing me?”
“Not really. I just want the respect that I’ve earned. I want you to admit that I’ve done a good job, and you’ll ease up on me.”
Nicky looks at the ceiling, contemplating what his next move is.
“Fine. But I expect perfection. Oh, and you never got rid of the roses on your desk. They need to go.”
“Why? It’s just a vase with some flowers in it.”
“Who were they from?”
“An admirer.”
“When they die, you get rid of them immediately. I don’t want bugs in this place. Understand?”
“You have my word.”
I stand and exit, holding in the crushing desire to laugh as I walk the hall to my desk. He thought he had the upper hand at the end of that conversation. I let him think that was the case. I feel overjoyed, and to celebrate, I grab my purse to go downstairs for a cup of coffee from the cafeteria.
“Angie, do you want anything? I’m going to get coffee.”
She looks at her watch, “It’s not lunchtime yet. ”
“I know, but I need a cup, and I’m sick of making a pot each time it’s empty.”
“No, thanks. Charles is coming to have lunch with me in a half-hour.”
“I’ll see you in a little while.”
I whistle as I go to the elevator. I feel so happy. I finally got Nicky off my back, and all it took was me catching him fucking an intern. I know it’s evil and devious, but I need this.
Downstairs in the cafeteria, I take my time. I can’t think about lunch because the breakfast I had at the Avalon of Belgian waffles, bacon, and fruit salad still has me full. I just need a good cup of coffee. I’m thankful that Jordan offered to make a reservation there. I sat reading the New York Times and eating in a comfortable booth. I could get used to that treatment.
As I finish up with the cashier, my phone starts to ring in my purse. I fish it out, and the number is unknown. I let it go to voicemail. A minute later, I get a text.
Miss Stanford, please answer your cell. I need to speak with you. Jordan
I’m just about to type something back when my phone rings again. I hurry over to a corner of the lobby and answer it.
“Miss Stanford, it’s proper for someone to answer their phone when receiving a call. That would save us both from wasting precious time. Where are you?”
“I just got a cup of coffee.”
“I have fifteen minutes and would very much like to see you. My limo will be in front of the building in two minutes. I’m on my way now. Hurry.”
Oh, God, he’s coming to see me. My stomach tightens with nervousness. Why am I reacting this way? I slept in his bed last night. We’ve been intimate, and he’s made me come—nothing to be nervous about. I keep telling myself that, but it does no good. Jordan does something to me like no man ever has.
I walk out of the building, and Albert is pulling the limo up to the building as I step outside. He tips his hat just as I reach the door and pulls it open. I slip inside the cool confines and sit on the leather seat opposite Jordan. He looks yummy and has removed his gray jacket, which is draped next to him. He quickly moves near me, lifting my cup of coffee from my hand, which he places in the cup holder in the door.
“The thought of going through the whole day without seeing you was not an option. I was hoping you were free.”
“After the gifts and breakfast, I think I can spare a few minutes for you,” I say curtly.
Jordan raises his eyebrows, “Oh really? Can you?”
I giggle nervously because the look on his face tells me that he wants to take me right here. I want him to take me right here. I’ve never felt so wanton in my entire life. I could just give in to him so easily. Jordan cups my face, looks at me, his eyes transfix me. I can’t turn away.
“There are so many thoughts running through my head. I can’t concentrate on my work since I met you.”
Oh, I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one.
“What are you doing to me, Emma?”
He pulls me onto his lap, and I straddle his legs. His kiss is urgent, and I feel drugged, under his spell. Jordan moves his hands along my legs, sliding them under my skirt until he’s pressing against my mound. His fingers seek out the thin panel of my thong, and he hisses.
“So wet already. You’ve been thinking about me? Haven’t you?”
Oh God, yes, I want to scream. I want him to get this over with and fuck me. But he does no such thing. He continues to kiss me, hard and bruising as if he can’t get enough of my mouth while his fingers find my entrance. I give a soft moan as he penetrates me.
I clench around him with each thrust, and he uses his thumb to rub my already sensitive bundle of nerves. Seconds after he touches me, I’m orgasming as I cry out his name. He softly rubs me until I complete, then removes his fingers and sucks on them. I slump against his shoulder, spent and sated for the time being. I needed this. His erection pressed against my hip, and I reach between us.
“Doll, I wish I had time. Oh, how I wish.”
“Jordan, you make me feel so guilty. How can you keep satisfying me?”
“I want you to be comfortable with me.”
“I’m already comfortable with you. I want to be with you.”
“Soon. We could spend a weekend together at my apartment. Would you like that?”
“Yes. I want to spend time with you. But you said you work on the weekends.”
“I’ve never had a reason not to work. You give me that.”
“This weekend?”
“Possibly. I have a few things going on, but I’ll try to clear them so I can have the whole weekend to spend with you. I want no interruptions.”
I shiver at the thought of spending the entire weekend with him. More than likely in that large bed of his. He slides me off his lap and chastely arranges my skirt down over my legs.
“I’m going to my meeting with your scent on my hand. It’s probably not a good idea since I need to concentrate on what my attorneys are discussing. I won’t be able to knowing the very fingers I touched you with will be holding a pen to sign a multi-million dollar deal.”
“You promise this weekend?” I’m so desperate for him to be inside me.
“I can’t promise, but I will try my best.”
He cradles my head while he plants one more mind-altering kiss on my lips. Then he lets me go and buzzes Albert to let me out .
“See you later, doll,” he says as he holds the fingers that were inside me under his nose as I exit the limo.
My legs are weak and shaky. I wish I were wearing flats because the short walk to the building is not easy. I know he’s watching me, and once I get inside, the limo pulls away from the curb. I forgot my coffee and will have to get another, but I need to sit down first before I fall. After a few minutes, I’m able to stand with stability and head to the cafeteria.
For the rest of the day, I’m worthless. I sit there staring at the manuscript, and no progress is made. I don’t see Nicky, and Angelica says nothing because I don’t hear her anyway. I’m daydreaming about Jordan. Gorgeous Jordan with his magic fingers and mouth. I want to know what he can do with his cock.
I practically float home, and when I arrive, the place is a disaster. I’m going to kill Nathaniel. Beer bottles, wrappers, several empty pizza boxes, and cigarette butts litter the kitchen and living room. It smells like a dive bar. The bathroom is even worse. Someone threw up and missed the toilet. I begin screaming Nathaniel’s name and kick his door open.
Two women, a blonde and redhead, are lying in bed with him, naked. They both look up at me when the door bangs against the wall, looking stoned.
“Hey, baby girl, how was Jordan?” he sounds high.
“Is she joining us too?” The redhead asks.
“No, I’m not, and you’re leaving. Now.”
“Who died and made you boss?”
“You heard her girls, time to go.”
They groan, and I turn away as they get up to search for their clothing on the debris-strewn floor in Nathaniel’s room. I stand there looking at the ceiling until they’re dressed and follow them to the front door .
“Goodbye, ladies,” I say as I slam the door after them.
I’m seething, and I fill a glass with cold water and enter Nathaniel’s room. He seems to have fallen back to sleep. I move towards his bed and dump the water on his face. He wakes up, sputtering.
“What the fuck was that for?”
“Get up, you disrespectful asshole. Look at this place. Don’t you have to be at work tonight?”
“It’s Monday.”
“No, it’s fucking not. It’s Tuesday, and you said you had to be at Stackhouse tonight.”
“SHIT. What time is it?”
“Almost six. What time do you have to be there for soundcheck?”
“Seven-thirty.”
“Well, get your ass up and shower so I can do your hair.”
He jumps up, and I turn away from his nakedness. When he’s in the shower, I start cleaning up the mess in the kitchen. I grab a black garbage bag and shove all the garbage into it. By the time Nate comes out of the bathroom, it’s half done. I guess I’ll be spending my night cleaning.
A few minutes later, he calls me to work on his hair. I grab the blow dryer and try to get it to the point of being just damp. The pomade works better when it is. As I work it in, we have a chat.
“Nate, why do you do this shit all the time?”
“I’m just enjoying myself. Get off my case.”
“But what you do doesn’t just affect you, it affects me. Just look at this place.”
“I’m sorry, baby girl. I know I sometimes get a little out of hand. I just need to exorcise my demons.”
“Fucking women, smoking weed, and drinking is not a constructive way to deal with your demons. Do you want to end up like your parents?”
“That’s a fucking low blow. I’ll never end up like them. ”
“They’re alcoholics. You have an addictive personality, and you’re fifty percent more apt to become an alcoholic because they are. Those aren’t very good odds with the lifestyle you’re leading.”
He pushes my hands away and stands, grabbing his wallet off the nightstand.
“I don’t need a lecture from you, especially since you have your own problems.”
“What problems do I have?”
“How about being afraid of relationships? Not all men are like those two assholes you dated. You’re never going to find out if you keep pushing people away. You serial date, one here, one there. How is that meaningful?”
“It’s not, but at least I don’t fuck everything that walks by in a skirt.”
“Maybe you should since you’re afraid of cock.”
“Fuck you, Nate.”
“If we did, you would know what it was like to be fucked. Maybe you should give me a shot.”
My mouth drops open. He says it with such acid in his tone that I’m wondering if it’s the weed talking or he has an issue with me. I say nothing as he leaves me standing there. I can feel tears prick my eyes because Nate has never talked to me that way before.
I have no time to worry about his baggage. Our apartment looks like the city dump, and the bathroom is disgusting. I change into old sweatpants and a partially ripped t-shirt. The first thing I do is spray the vomit that dried on the floor in the bathroom. Let that sit for a while before I scrub it, which is probably going to make me want to puke.
I find rubber gloves in the kitchen cabinet and put them on to finish wiping down the kitchen. What a fucking mess this place is. At least no one came into my room. I decided that even though Nate was an asshole, I’m going to clean his bedroom. I fold his clothes, one by one, and find a bag of weed and some pills in a baggie under a pair of jeans.
I’m fucking pissed because, as far as I knew, Nate was only smoking weed and doing nothing stronger. I dump everything in the toilet and flush it. We’re going to have to have a serious talk when he’s more coherent and less belligerent.