Completely Captivated Page 17

  But I’d hear her angry voice. The one that didn’t want to hear from me. The tone that said all the things she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, because she was too good of a person to try to hurt me in that way.

  “Motherfucker!” I dropped my phone on the couch and paced across my condo. From the door, across the width of my home, to the wall of windows overlooking the bay. Then back again.

  Going nowhere fast.

  Getting nowhere slow.

  * * *

  Jared

  “Let me walk you in.” I put the car into park and cut the engine outside Christa’s apartment. “To make sure you get in there safe and sound.”

  “Jared, I’ve been walking inside my apartment alone for many years now, and I always make it in safe and sound. Tonight won’t be any different. Thank you for dinner, and for the offer, but I’m dead on my feet and have a full day ahead of me tomorrow. Drive safely.”

  She jumped out of the car before I could even respond. She was quiet the entire ride back for some reason. She seemed more distracted and even a little jumpy, but she never said why. I chalked it up to the predicament that shithead of a husband had left her in. Her heart was broken, her pride was wounded, and her mind was twisted. Expecting to be more than a friend with a shoulder she occasionally cried on was a surefire way to set myself up for disappointment.

  I watched until I saw lights in different rooms turning on and off in her apartment before I left. It was still early by my standards, and I wasn’t ready to sit alone in my condo just yet.

  “Sean, where the hell are you?”

  “I’m at this terrible dive bar called Entranced. Have you ever heard of it?” The music blaring from inside the club pulsed through my car stereo speakers. The voices of the drunk girls urging him to rejoin their private party quickly followed.

  “Dive bar? Try the most popular new nightclub in the city. Yeah, I may have heard of it once or twice.”

  “Then get your ass down here. There are two girls hanging all over me. Hot, willing, and ready. I’ll share one with you, since I’m nice like that.”

  “I’m on my way. Don’t you dare leave before I get there.”

  “The party is just getting started, brother. We’ve been waiting for you.”

  My foot pushed on the gas pedal a little harder, the speedometer needle moved to the right a little more, and my knuckles gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Sean and his two companions were three sheets to the wind by the time I found them inside. In no time, I’d slammed multiple shots and was quickly closing ranks on them.

  The scantily clad brunette at my side slid over a little closer to me, and I caught a trace of the sweet scent of her perfume. With every smile, she leaned toward me and moved nearer. She put her hand on my arm and threw her head back in laughter, using nonchalant ways of letting me know she was interested.

  I wasn’t quite as bashful and tentative as she was, though.

  When she put her hand on me again, I wrapped my fingers around hers and pulled her to me. She didn’t resist, and I didn’t delay. My eager mouth covered hers. My hungry lips claimed her soft ones. My tongue demanded access with a swipe across the part in her lips, and she willingly complied. She tasted sweet, like the Redheaded Slut shots she’d been downing.

  The silky slide of her tongue across mine was an aphrodisiac itself. The slight moan that escaped her throat spurred me on. My fingers gripped her hair at the root, and I tilted her head, giving me better access to devour her like a fine delicacy.

  Her fingers tightened on my shirt, her muscles tensed, and she pressed her breasts against me. My fervor was matched motion by motion. We lost ourselves in each other, the shots and beers we drank removed any inhibitions or second thoughts. All I could think about then was burying my cock balls deep in her pussy and hearing her scream my name.

  “Maybe you two should get a room.” Sean’s voice pulled me from the Redheaded Slut-shot induced haze and back to the table in the nightclub.

  My make-out partner looked up at me from under her lashes. “Maybe we should.”

  The suggestive undertone of her voice shot straight to my already hard cock, making it twitch behind my zipper. I stood and pulled her up with me. “We’ll be back.”

  Couples had disappeared down the hallway behind the stage, so that was the direction we went. The hallway was long and dimly lit, with recessed doorways every ten feet or so. The dark alcoves provided the perfect spot for a club quickie, or a voyeur’s wet dream since most of them were taken by couples in various states of sexploration.

  We finally found one that was empty, and I claimed it by pushing…err…what’s her name against the door. I closed in on her in a heartbeat; my body crushed against hers and our mouths clashed, needy with want. My hands roamed over her body, noting the weight of her breasts in my hands, the curve of her hips, and the bare skin of her ass thanks to her thong.

  I pushed her short skirt up around her waist, her thong down toward her ankles, and freed my cock from the confines of my pants. Her soft hand wrapped around my girth, stroking back and forth, increasing her grip slightly with each pass. I drove my fingers deep inside her wet pussy, pumping in and out of her while she rode my hand, increasing her pleasure.

  “Fuck me, Jared.” Her words were breathy but high-pitched.

  I was quick to oblige. Sheathed and hard as a hammer, I gave her what she wanted and then some. With her back pressed against the door and her leg hooked over my arm, I pushed into her, driving to the hilt. Her body wrapped around me tightly, the friction producing the most intensive pleasurable pain. I reached down and lifted her other leg, using her weight as leverage as I pulled her down and pushed her up. The fast-paced frenzy drove her to the edge. Her cries of pleasure built until she screamed loudly, and I give up control immediately after.

  After I lowered her legs to the floor, she quickly tugged her panties up and straightened her skirt. We separated awkwardly, each heading for the bathroom, and I began to plan my escape route. When she entered the ladies’ room, I stepped into the men’s and disposed of the condom, then quickly darted down the hall and keep moving until I was on the outside of the club. When I reached the line of cabs waiting out front, I texted Sean to let him know I was leaving. There was nothing worse than an awkward goodbye, especially when I didn’t remember her name and I wasn’t interested in a repeat.

  “You are cold, man.” Sean’s reply pinged on my phone. I could hear the laughter in his voice despite the words he used.

  “She can go home with you for round two.” My reply got the point across—don’t give her my contact information.

  “Only if you twist my arm.”

  By the time I reached my condo, I already regretted what I’d done. Another one-night stand, another meaningless encounter. I was alone again, lying in my bed, thinking of the one I wanted more than anyone. The one who should be there with me—the one who should’ve always been with me, but I was too stupid to see it before it was too late.

  My tossing and turning didn’t stop all night, and by daylight, I was even more tired than when I got home the night before.

  And I still needed to pick up my car I’d left outside the club.

  The hot water in my shower helped revive me, or at least, made me feel alive again. I ran a towel over my hair and quickly dried off before throwing on an old pair of shorts and a T-shirt. It was my first Saturday off work since I started, and I planned to take full advantage of doing nothing at all.

  All day.

  I waited until the last possible minute to go get my car. Before I called a cab, I had an idea that could help improve my mood and help me reach my goal.

  “Hello, Christa. How was your day?”

  “Busy. I’m glad it’s over. How was yours?”

  “Very unproductive, exactly the way I planned. But I do need a favor, if you feel up to it. If not, I understand.”

  “Of course. What do you need?”

  “A ride down to Entranced to pick up m
y car.”

  “Oh, umm, sure. I guess you went down there after you dropped me off last night?”

  Shit.

  “Yeah. My best friend from college called as I was driving home. He talked me into meeting him. I didn’t want to take a chance on driving after I’d had a couple of drinks. Losing my license and losing my job costs more than the price of a cab ride home.”

  “Wise decision. So, you just need a ride downtown?”

  “Yeah, but if you’re busy or too tired, I understand. You’ve had a long day, and I don’t want to impose.”

  “You’re my friend, Jared. You could never impose on me. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you, Christa. You are the absolute best.”

  Quarter After One

  Christa

  “He loves you, ya know?” Allie said from behind me. She wasn’t exactly asking a question as much as she was pushing me to surrender to what my heart knew it wanted.

  “I thought he did.”

  “Those flowers are gorgeous. I didn’t even know Stargazer lilies were your favorite, and I’ve known you forever.”

  “You’ve known me just over two years.”

  “Feels like forever. Still, I spend nearly every day with you, and I didn’t know that. He remembered after one conversation about them. What does the letter say?”

  She had asked no less than ten times about the letter from Aaron that was waiting in my mailbox when I got home today. In return, I’d told her no less than ten times it was none of her business. As my best friend in the world, she rejected that response.

  It was pointless to argue with her.

  She grabbed the envelope from the table and took a seat, making herself at home as she read a very personal letter from my soon-to-be nonexistent husband. I didn’t have to read over her shoulder…I knew every word by heart.

  She read it aloud anyway.

  * * *

  My love –

  I remember the day I found you. From behind the counter in your coffee shop, you put me under your spell, and my heart was forever yours.

  I remember the day I lost you. When I left the office building, I thought that day was the worst day of my life. But I was wrong. Every day without you has been the worst day I’ve ever had. So, every single day is literally the worst day of my life.

  To pass the time and to prove my love, I’ll tell you every day one reason why I love you.

  Day One: I love your ass. It makes me smile.

  Forever yours,

  Aaron

  * * *

  “Christa, how can this not melt that foot of ice around your heart?” Allie put the letter back in the envelope and stared at it for several seconds. “Do you have any idea what I’d give to have someone love me like this?”

  “I don’t believe him. Allie, how am I supposed to trust him again? He crushed me.”

  “He’s trying to make up for it. Think of all the ways he can make it up to you for the rest of your life. Make-up sex. Make-up jewelry. Make-up vacations. A lifetime of groveling from a hot, sexy man who loves your ass. How can you possibly ask for more?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at her—I knew she was joking. Partially, anyway. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right. I’m also right about not trusting this Jared guy with you. I’ll go pick him up and take him to his car.”

  “You’d do that for me?”

  “Of course. Now get ready for a night out of drunken debauchery. We’re going out and staying out until dawn, or until one of us pukes then passes out. You haven’t been properly introduced to the club scene. Whatever you’re wearing when I return is what your ass is going out clubbing in, so you’d better make it something good.”

  Even though going out after a long day was officially the last thing I wanted to do, I had no doubt Allie would do exactly what she said. She’d drag me out of my apartment in my ratty old pajamas without a second thought. She left to play taxi for Jared while I jumped in the shower.

  The hot water felt so good on my aching muscles I was tempted to stay in my locked bathroom and ignore Allie. But she was right. I did need a night out with her to let loose, to enjoy myself, to do things I’d never done before. However, I couldn’t stop laughing to myself when I thought about the look on Jared’s face when Allie arrived for him instead of me.

  I should’ve had her text me a picture of his reaction.

  For the first time in several weeks, my hair wasn’t pulled up in a ponytail. My face was fully painted with all the makeup. My clothes made me feel sexy—or sexier. Let’s not get too crazy. But our night out would be a night to remember. I could feel it.

  I was slipping my feet into my shoes when I heard the front door open, followed by Allie’s laughter carrying down the hallway. The sound of it—the unmistakable mischievous cackle—pulled a bubble of laughter from my own chest.

  “What did you do to Jared?”

  “Nothing permanent. Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, I’m ready.” I stepped into the hall and met her.

  “Whoa. You clean up nice. I may even be into you myself.”

  God, I loved her. I never would’ve made it through the previous several weeks without her beside me. My cheerleader. My confidante. The irritating thorn in my side.

  “You can’t afford me. I know how much you make.”

  “Yeah, my boss is a slave driver who pays me in scones and coffee.”

  “You could do worse. Where are you taking me?”

  “The same place Jared left his car last night. I’m telling you, Christa, that boy is full of shit. He dropped you off and hit the hottest club in the city for a reason. He got laid last night.”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “Of course not. Mark my words, though. Now, let’s see if we can do the same for you.”

  “No.” My tone was instantly firm and resolute. “If you even try to hook me up with some guy, a dance, anything, I will leave you there alone. This is a girls’ night, and I’m going with my girl, and I’m leaving there with my girl.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I hear you.”

  She ushered me to the door and to her car. Within minutes, we were outside the club, and I was instantly ready to leave.

  “Look at that line. We’ll never get in.”

  “Of course we will.”

  She took my hand in hers and pulled me toward the bouncer manning the door. He looked up at us, the serious expression on his face enough to stop me in my tracks, but not Allie.

  Then his face split in two with a bright, handsome smile. “Hello, Allie. Who do you have with you?”

  “This is my friend Christa. She needs to get shit-faced tonight. Christa, this is Rory Shields.”

  “You’re Rory?” The inflection in my tone was impossible to miss. In my defense, that name was impossible to mistake.

  “Yeah. Do I know you?” He narrowed his eyes, furrowed his brow, and studied my face intently.

  “Not me. But I’ve heard all about you from Jen Miller.”

  “Oh, really?” His smile was even bigger at the mention of her name. Interesting. “You’re friends with Jen?”

  “Yes, she’s one of my closest friends.” My eyes darted between Rory and Allie. “How do you two know each other?”

  “Rory is my cousin. You’ll have to tell me everything Jen has said about him. Give me all the dirt.”

  I smirked at her. “I know he’s good friends with Jared.”

  “Ugh.” Allie rolled her eyes in disgust. “You could’ve left that part out. All right, Rory, we’re going in to party now. Thanks for having our backs.”

  “If you drink, you’d better take a cab home, or I’ll have your ass.”

  “I’m designated driver and party master tonight. Christa is the one who needs to get drunk.”

  Rory opened the velvet rope and allowed us to enter. The throngs of people waiting at the entrance grumbled, but he ignored them. Allie steered me through the packed club and stop
ped only for a moment until she spied an open table. She made a beeline directly for it, with me in close tow behind her, and we snagged it just in time. The waitress appeared almost as soon as we were seated, and Allie ordered for both of us.

  Water for her. A continuous flow of Mind Eraser shots and beer chasers for me. Any thought that the energy we exerted with all the songs we danced to would counter the amount of alcohol I’d consumed flew out the door with all my cares. I was officially numb and carefree.

  And I felt young and entitled to do something utterly stupid and immature for the first time in my life. But I was too drunk to care what anyone thought about it. Or maybe that was my excuse, since I was justifying it while drunk.

  Either way…I had to know.

  * * *

  Aaron

  My phone rang, forcing me to move my arm that was draped over my eyes and look at the clock. I’d had another sleepless night, but a phone call at a quarter after one in the morning was rarely a good sign. One look at the screen sent my blood racing and gave my heart palpitations. Christa.

  I snatched my phone off the nightstand and bolted straight up in the bed. “Christa? Baby, are you okay?”

  There was no response, but the call was still connected. I heard muffled noises at first then the line suddenly became clear. I imagined her phone rolling around in her huge bag, accidentally dialing my number, but she hadn’t disconnected yet.

  “Baby, please say something. I miss you so much. I love you, Christa. With everything I am, I love you.” I begged her to answer me, just to say something. Anything.

  “Aaron,” she finally choked out. That was all the encouragement I needed.

  “I’m on my way, baby.” I didn’t wait for her to object. I was taking a chance I might later regret. But I wasn’t missing it for my life. I threw my shorts on and drove like a bat out of hell to get to her apartment as fast as I possibly could.

  I called her back as I climbed the stairs two and three at a time to get to her door. She picked up the phone but didn’t say anything.