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  Burning Up

  Copyright © 2013 by Marie Coulson

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

  The use of artist and song titles throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way been seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion, with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.

  Cover Design

  Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations

  www.okaycreations.com

  Editor

  Chelsea Kuhel at Madison Seidler www.madisonseidler.com

  Burning Up

  By

  Marie Coulson

  For my family, my soul mate and my readers.

  Table Of Contents

  Chapter 1 - The Big Apple

  Chapter 2 - A New Chapter

  Chapter 3 - Abstinence Makes The Man Grow Harder

  Chapter 4 - Behind Closed Doors

  Chapter 5 - New York, New York

  Chapter 6 - All Work And Foreplay

  Chapter 7 - Talking In My Sleep

  Chapter 8 - Mile High

  Chapter 9 - Home

  Chapter 10 - Familiar Feeling

  Chapter 11 - Bittersweet

  Chapter 12 - An Uncomfortable Truth

  Chapter 13 - Paris

  Chapter 14 - Heartache In The City Of Romance

  Chapter 15 - Unexpected Turn Of Events

  Chapter 16 - Green, Green, Grass Of Home

  Chapter 17 - How Can We Be Lovers If We Can’t Be Friends?

  Chapter 18 - London Calling

  Chapter 19 - Unbreak My Heart

  Chapter 20 - Heart Strings

  Chapter 21 - Home Sweet Home

  Chapter 22 - Music To My Ears

  Chapter 23 - Road Trip

  Chapter 24 - Caged Rage

  Chapter 26 - Walls

  Chapter 27 - Sand, Sea, and Sex

  Chapter 28 - Burning Up

  Chapter 29 - Promises

  Chapter 30 - Taking Chances

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  The Big Apple

  Walking through the crowds, I gazed out of the vast window at the sparkling lights of New York. “Does he know I’m here?”

  Daniel shook his head. “You asked me not to say, so I didn’t. I’m really glad you’re here though. He’s been fucking miserable since we left Long Beach. Besides, with you here, I have someone to talk to and keep me from going crazy. Things are about to get real hectic at the company. You sure you know what you’re in for?”

  I gave him a puzzled look and he smiled at me. “Guess not. Well, you’ll learn.”

  Daniel wasn’t just Jared’s driver; he was his friend, even if Jared didn’t realize it or choose to admit it. I felt that the two of us had also become friends. After all, he’d had my back so many times I’d lost count. When I’d been arrested, it was Daniel who’d called Jared and, as it turned out, broken several traffic laws to get to him. That awful night at Felix’s apartment would have ended a lot differently had Daniel not called Jared and warned him of our activity. I had a lot to thank him for and keeping him company during our time together, was the least I could do. I figured that it must be lonely work driving Jared around, sitting there, in the front seat, a screen between them. It all seemed awfully secluded, isolated and impersonal. I was not going to be one of those high society girlfriends that I saw in magazines and newspapers. The ones that look as though they have caramel stuck to the end of their noses and pout a lot when people speak to them. I was definitely not buying into the hype of that lifestyle. Daniel was stuck with me now, and I was determined to have some fun.

  “Do we have to go straight to the apartment? Will he get suspicious if you’re gone?”

  He eyed me skeptically. “I guess not. I told him I had to run errands and he’s been so distant, he just kinda nodded and dismissed me. I could have been naked and dancing, and he wouldn’t have noticed. He’s really not himself right now.”

  My heart sank. My intense, hot mess, businessman was in pain, and I was the cause. Bitch.

  I was desperate to see him and put him out of his agonizing misery, but I was also determined to get to know Daniel better. I was going to be spending a lot of time with him during the next few months and aside from Jared, he was the only person I knew in New York and I hardly knew him at all.

  Reaching the exit, Daniel gestured to the shiny, sleek Mercedes parked curbside. I smiled at the familiarity of it. He opened my door and ushered me inside before running around to pack my case into the trunk. He got into the driver’s seat and glanced back, smiling at me. I leaned forward and rested my hand on his shoulder. “I’m starving. Dinner?”

  He gave me a look that told me he was unsure if it was such a good idea. “I don’t know. I mean, aren’t you anxious to see him?”

  I shook my head. I wasn’t anxious to see him; I was freaking out from nerves and the more I worried, the harder my stomach churned. “Nope. I’m Hank Marvin and I need something to eat before I throw up from nerves.” He chuckled.

  “Hank Marvin?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, you know, starving? I heard it on TV once.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Since you put it that way, I’d be happy to have dinner with you. There’s a burger joint just around the corner, or do you want something a little fancier?”

  I shrugged. “I think, a nice juicy burger sounds awesome.”

  * * * *

  Sitting in the booth, I scanned my surroundings. New York was a far cry from Pasadena or even Long Beach. It was almost eight in the evening, and the streets were still bustling with people.

  The burger bar was quiet though. It was one of those nineteen fifties diner types and had a jukebox playing in the corner. The waitress rolled over on her skates and placed the most enormous cheeseburger that I had ever seen in front of me. The smell of greasy food and the delicious vanilla from my creamy, ice-cold milkshake was a welcome scent. Every single bite of my meal was like a taste of heaven. I really was hungry. I hadn’t eaten properly in days and I finally had my appetite back. I was definitely looking forward to my first New York bagel, too. Bagels. Coffee. Ollie.

  My heart plummeted into my stomach again and I suddenly lost my appetite. My chest felt tight, and I could feel unshed tears begging to be released.

  I could only imagine how broken he was right now. I’d done a horrible thing and I’d done it over a text! It was selfish, cowardly, and I deserved whatever hate or anger he was feeling toward me. He hadn’t replied or called since, and I knew that we were not only done as lovers, but also as friends. He’d never forgive me now, and I didn’t deserve him to.

  Daniel frowned at me. “You okay? You seem a little distracted. You’re not having second thoughts are you?”

  Snapping out of my mood and forcing thoughts of Ollie out of my mind, I shook my head. “No. I’m just a little tired from the flight.”

  He smiled and took another big bite of his burger.

  Pushing my plate away, I leaned back and cocked my head to the side. “So, I guess you’ll be keeping me company while Jared works, huh? I hope you don’t mind. I promise not to be high maintenance and to make it as much fun as I can.” He grinned and pushed his plate away, cleaning his hands on a napkin.

  “It�
��s my job to take you wherever you want to go. Jared doesn’t usually use the Mercedes unless he’s going to a formal dinner or social. He’ll take the Jag so that leaves me at your disposal. Shopping shows and sightseeing … I’m the man to take you there, with Jared’s permission, of course.”

  Jared’s permission? I rolled my eyes and shook my head at the statement. The whole time we’d been together he seemed to think he could dictate where I could go, how, and with whom. Things were going to change and for the better, I hoped.

  “You leave Jared to me. I want to see everything, all the sights this city has to offer, and Jared is not going to stop me from having fun. I’m an adult and it’s time he started treating me like one.”

  Daniel nodded, but I could see he was conflicted. “Well, if anyone can handle him, I’d say you can. Speaking of Jared, we should probably get going. You ready for this?” I bit my lip and smiled. I was so ready I was practically giddy with anticipation. Rolling his eyes, Daniel paid for our meal, even though I’d begged him to let me and we made our way back to the car.

  I sat in the back because I needed a distraction as my nerves began to swarm in my stomach. “So where’s home for you Daniel?” He looked at me in the rearview mirror. “Illinois. I moved to California when my dad got transferred to another division of his company. I was about thirteen. My mom moved back to Illinois after the divorce, though. How about you?”

  “Pasadena.”

  He nodded and smiled. “Small town boy, small town girl, and here we are in the Big Apple. Have you ever been to New York before?”

  I shook my head. “Other than San Francisco, I’ve never really traveled beyond Long Beach. You like it here? I mean, you must be here a lot with Jared and his business.”

  He glanced in the mirror at me again, and I saw his eyebrows furrow. “Can’t say I hate it or love it. It’s where I am. I have an apartment here that Jared pays for and I look at it as just another place I work. It’s not like I vacation here or anything. I’m on duty all week and some Saturdays, so I never really thought about whether I like it. I hardly know it. I’ve never seen the sights or anything else New York has to offer outside of the functions I drive Jared to.”

  I felt bad for him and decided then, that I would do everything I could to make his time and mine in New York more fun.

  “I guess we’re both gonna have to make New York home for now. Stick with me, Dan. I intend to have lots of fun while I’m here.”

  He smiled and chuckled a little. “Dan?”

  I blushed.

  “Do you hate it?” He shook his head.

  “I like it. Dan. Yep. You can call me Dan, Miss Jennings.”

  I grinned and leaned forward to his seat. “And you must call me Layla. Deal?” His smile widened. “Deal. Well, we’re here. I’ll get your bags and give you a minute to breathe. You look a bit flushed.”

  I looked at myself in the rear view. I was beet red. Nerves were no longer swarming; they were twirling like a tornado in my stomach.

  We’d pulled up in front of an impressive building. With its white brick and elegant golden window frames, it was certainly extravagant and definitely expensive. One look at the name above the golden-framed glass door told me I was right. ‘Garrett Towers.’ It was one of Jared’s for sure.

  My eyes immediately darted to the top floor where he would no doubt have the penthouse. My heart did a little skip and my insides twisted.

  Opening my door, Daniel smiled and held my bags in his hand.

  “Ready?” Now there was a question I couldn’t answer.

  Ready to go up there? Absolutely.

  Ready to see Jared? Oh good God, yes.

  Ready to leave my old life behind and start my new one with him? Well, that would come eventually. Wouldn’t it?

  The doorman saw me exit the car and nodded at Daniel. “Layton, this is Miss Jennings. She’s here to see Mr. Garrett. Would you please grant her entry while I park the car?” The large and burly gentleman scanned me from head to toe as I stood awkwardly on the sidewalk. I bit my lip anxiously.

  Opening the door, he smiled politely. “Of course. Right this way. Let me take your bags for you, ma’am.”

  Daniel grinned at me and nudged my arm, immediately pulling me from my dazed state. “You gotta go in there some time. He’s going to be thrilled to see you. Go on. Get in there, girl.”

  I beamed back at him and threw my arms around his neck.

  “Thank you so much, Dan. Wish me luck.” He snorted.

  “You don’t need it. He’s crazy about you. I’ll catch you later. Have a good night.” Giving me a wink, he got in the car and drove away toward a large pair of iron gates, which I assumed, led to the parking lot beneath the building

  Layton cleared his throat loudly. Giving him an apologetic look, I followed him inside.

  The foyer was a gleaming white and the front desk was a beautiful ivory stone with gold trim. It matched the marble floor perfectly. I stood at the elevator and fidgeted mindlessly. When it finally chimed and the doors opened, I was so caught up in my thoughts; it startled me a little. I could hardly breathe as we entered, and as Layton reached for the keypad, I caught his hand in my own. “I just need a minute.” Taking a deep, calming breath, I held my nerve and nodded at him. He pressed the ‘P’ on the panel, and I hitched a breath as the doors closed and we headed, rapidly, to the penthouse. Well, here we go.

  Chapter 2

  A New Chapter

  Exiting the elevator, I cautiously walked into an enormous entrance hall. It looked remarkably similar to the one back in Long Beach. Maybe he wanted it to be his home away from home?

  Layton tilted his cap at me as I set my bags down. When I looked up, he had left.

  The whole place seemed eerily silent. The light had come on automatically when we had arrived, but it appeared to be the only one lit in the entire apartment. I knew he had to be here; Daniel had told me that much. Leaving my bags where they were, I decided to go in search of him. My heart was pounding in my chest so hard it felt as though it might combust any second. I had no idea where I was going and as I slowly crossed the foyer, I could hear the gentle sounds of Eric Clapton playing.

  I followed the low and soft music. I could see a glimmer of light streaming through the gap of a partially open door. The music grew louder the closer I got and I recognized the song immediately. It was my song. Layla. My heart skipped a beat when I heard the clanking of ice against a glass. He was in there.

  My breathing quickened and I could feel my body turning into jello. My knees were weak and I was almost shaking as my hand reached for the door. I pushed it lightly so that I could see inside just a fraction more. I peered through the crack and my breath caught in my lungs.

  Dressed in his lounge pants with no shirt, Jared paced around the room, gripping a glass of what I assumed to be bourbon. He swirled the drink a little before tipping his head back and downing the entire contents.

  He looked as handsome and striking as ever but as he stood in front of the enormous window, I could see his face in its reflection. His brow furrowed, and a deep sadness was written all over his handsome features. He was tormented, and I didn’t have to look too far to know why and who had caused it. So then why don’t you get your ass in there and end his misery already? I wanted to but I was glued to the spot just staring at him, watching like some creepy pervert through a peephole.

  He turned to face the door and for a moment, I wondered if he knew I was watching him. Shaking his head, he ran his fingers through his gorgeous, golden brown hair. I pressed my hand to my chest and felt the rhythm my heart was playing loudly beneath my ribcage. Just get in there already Layla! I was about to push my way inside when, placing his empty glass on a black coffee table beside him, Jared began to stride quickly toward the door.

  I couldn’t breathe and for a split second, I considered hiding. Don’t be ridiculous. I had to face him sometime and explain myself. Moving back, away from the door, I braced myself, holding my br
eath as my chest tightened. The door swung open and for a brief moment he didn’t see me standing there. His head was down and his eyes were aimed at the floor. He must have seen my feet, because he immediately snapped his head up and stiffened as shock spread across his stunningly handsome face.

  I gulped as he stared at me, his eyes penetrating my own. His eyebrows furrowed as he continued to gawk at me. He was lost for words. His mouth opened but his breath caught in his throat and he stammered, stuttered, and gasped. I stood rigidly in front of him. I wanted to throw my arms around him, to hold him close to me and feel the longing, sadness and hurt wash away from both of us. I was unsure where we stood and I was afraid of his rejection.

  Closing the gap between us, he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me fervently. I was taken completely by surprise, but as soon as his soft lips pressed against my own, I immediately relaxed, savoring the sweet sensations of his mouth, tongue and lips on mine. I moaned as his hands moved downwards from my face to behind my neck. He kissed me as though it were our first, last, and forever. It was intense and full of emotion that I was struggling to hide or control. It was relief, sadness, regret, anger, and love all rolled into one passionate embrace. Tears were stinging my eyes, but they weren’t from anything but the pure happiness of being in his arms once again. My heart hammered beneath my ribcage and for a moment, the whole world stopped turning. It was just us. Jared, me, and our thundering hearts.

  Finally willing to separate from one another, we gazed dreamily into each other’s eyes. He rested his forehead against mine and let out a long and staggered breath. “I thought I’d lost you. I can’t believe you’re here. Please, I’m begging you; tell me you’re staying. I don’t think I could stand to watch you leave again.” I wrapped my arms firmly around his waist and closed my eyes.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” I felt the tension in his body instantly release and he was visibly more relaxed.