Bound Together Page 9

  I knew I’d been having the same effect on him as I could feel his erection pressing against my thigh. I had to fight to control my urge to release it and beg him to take me there on the counter. He took a long calming breath and rested his forehead against mine. I could feel his hot breath on my face. I was sure it was flushed from the heat radiating inside my body. “Oh Layla, you have no idea how much I want to scoop you up in my arms, carry you upstairs and do bad things to your hot curvy body. Very bad things. But what I want to do to you could linger on for hours into the night and you have classes tomorrow.”

  He was right. Caught up in my desire for him I’d completely forgotten about classes. Hell I’d forgotten my own name! I let out a disappointed sigh. He opened his eyes and gave me serious look. “Don’t pout Layla. Education and knowledge are valuable assets. Don’t take them for granted.”

  It was almost a command and for some unknown reason I found it highly exciting.

  “I’ll take you home.”

  Licking my lips, I smiled at him seductively. He took a step back as I slid myself forward and off the counter. Reaching for my hand, which I gave him willingly, he led me outside to the car. Pausing for a moment, he faced me. “I’d like to see you again tomorrow night, say seven?” I nodded as he brought my hand to his lips and planted a gentle kiss on the back.

  The drive home was quiet and I often caught him glancing over at me as he drove. I couldn’t help steal looks at him myself. He was delicious. He was chocolate ice-cream, strawberries and cream, caramel lattes and everything I found most tempting. He pulled up outside the dorms and ran around to my side to open the door. Taking my hand, he helped me to my feet.

  “I had a wonderful time tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up right here. Wait for me to contact you.” He leaned in and kissed me deeply before letting me go. I wished him a goodnight, kissing him back. Walking in a daze to the doors I looked back at him and playfully blew him a kiss. He grinned and held his hand to his chest pretending my kiss had hit him in the heart like an arrow. I chuckled at him before turning away and heading inside.

  When I got inside, I wandered down the hallway with my head in the clouds. Well not quite in the clouds. My mind and my heart were still standing with him on the sidewalk outside. I almost missed my room, except a hand had reached out, grabbed me by the arm and pulled me in. Amy was standing in front of me wearing a pair of pink spotted pajamas and fluffy kitten heel slippers. With her hands fisted on her hips she was glaring at me. “What time do you call this? It’s almost midnight. And did I just see what I thought I saw? Because honey that was capital H.O.T, hot! From that goofy look on your face I assume it went well.”

  I grinned at her and fell onto my bed. “Oh Amy. He’s wonderful. He’s sexy, smart, funny, successful and oh my god he can kiss. I have never felt like this before. I’m seeing him again tomorrow night.”

  Her mouth flew open and she took a sharp breath. “Oh my god Layla! You lucky little minx! Well I’d say that man is hooked on you and has been ever since you backed your ass into that door, maybe that’s why he never saw you coming. He was too busy staring at your ass through the glass.”

  I laughed and hurled my pillow at her. She chucked it right back and we both fell into hysterics. Composing myself, I slid out of my dress and into a night shirt. My cell phone buzzed inside my bag making it move across the bed as if it were possessed. I took it out and opened the message.

  Counting down the hours till I shall see you again. Sweet dreams. J xx

  Received: 23.34

  From: The Asshole

  A girlish squeal escaped my lips and I hugged the phone to my chest. Amy eyed me quizzically. “What did he say?”

  I wasn’t sharing this with her. This was mine and I wanted to hold the moment captive forever. “Oh nothing. Just wishing me a goodnight.” Quickly changing his name in my contact list, I placed the phone on my bed side cabinet and yawned loudly. “I’m really tired and I gotta get up for class in about seven hours. Goodnight Amy.” Raising her eyebrows at me she shook her head. She wasn’t buying my “Just wishing me goodnight” story one bit but she obviously respected my privacy because she didn’t press me for information. Wishing me a goodnight, she switched out the light. The sooner I slept, the sooner tomorrow would come and I would be with him again. The thought brought pleasant memories to my mind and I welcomed them as I began to drift off to sleep. Sweet dreams indeed. Sweet dreams of Jared, the white and gold bedroom, the kitchen counter and whatever tomorrow night would bring.

  Chapter 12

  The Boss

  I made my way through the crowded college halls to my first class. Coming to a halt outside Room 108, I checked my schedule: Doctor K. Harman, Psychology, Room 108. I was definitely in the right place. Nervously, I opened the door and scoured the room for Oliver’s familiar face. Two rows from the back I spotted him. His hand was waving frantically at me to come over. Giving him a relieved smile, I waved back and made my way to the seat next to him.

  “Hey superstar. Ready for this?”

  Slumping into my seat I grinned. “Most definitely! I can’t wait. What about you?”

  He shrugged and gave me a bump with his shoulder. “I dunno, it’s only a matter of time before we all learn too much and come to the conclusion that we’re all total whack jobs right? Men in white coats will be carting us off in no time. But I promise I’ll still visit you when you’re drugged up and drooling.”

  I laughed and nudged him back. “Good to know.”

  Before I knew it, the whole 3 hour class had flown by. Maybe it was because I’d spent at least half of the time thinking about Jared and the other half laughing at our professor with Oliver. Doc. Harman had made the mistake of wearing a long white doctor’s coat to class and Ollie and I simply couldn’t control ourselves. We sniggered and joked throughout the entire class. This did get us some irritated looks from some of the other students but Oliver simply brushed them off with a shrug and a “what are you looking at” glare. He was quickly becoming one of my best friends. We had the same sense of humor, taste in music and we’d even discovered that we shared the same taste in movies. I told him my favorite was Constantine and he’d enthused about how that was his too.

  Sauntering out of the class and into the crowded halls once more, Ollie walked close beside me and draped his arm over my shoulder. “So, how was your date? I hope he behaved like the perfect gentleman.”

  I smiled bashfully. Ollie spotted it and rolled his eyes. “Oh I see. It went well then? Seeing him again?”

  I leaned into him and sighed. “It was great. I had a really good time. He was a perfect gentleman. In fact it went so well I’m seeing him again tonight. I just have to get through my shift at the coffee shop first.” Ollie pressed his lips to my hair and kissed me.

  “I’m glad you had a good time Layla. You deserve the best.” I was lying of course. What he was doing to me on top of that counter was anything but chivalrous. But Ollie didn’t need to know all the intimate details of my evening. I got the feeling he still wasn’t quite in the friend zone yet but I hoped he’d get there soon and I hoped that I would join him.

  * * *

  The movie theater wasn’t the usual hustle and bustle, but I was secretly relieved. I just wanted to hang out and enjoy some down time with Ollie before work and speeding through lines was definitely going to help that. Ordering a large popcorn, Ollie grabbed my hand, entwining our fingers.

  “Don’t want us to get separated in this crowd.”

  I glanced around at the desolate foyer and shoved him playfully.

  “Any excuse to get your hands on me Oliver Green.”

  He blushed but played it down by mischievously dragging me through the hall to the theater. He was practically running and I had to jog to keep up, giggling as I did so. I loved hanging out with him; we had so much fun together. Ollie loved the classic movies almost as much as I did. The Godfather and Reservoir Dogs were just two. We also had a lov
e for indie and alternative rock; though, we did each confess to being classic rock fans in the privacy of our bedrooms.

  The choices I had for our viewing pleasure were slim; especially since I couldn’t bear to put Oliver through an entire ninety minutes of a girl dying of a broken heart and everyone crying. I went for the resident horror flick instead, knowing very well that I would be watching most of it through the gaps in my fingers, as I pressed my palms over my eyes, shielding them from the gore and violent scenes. This of course entertained and amused Ollie endlessly as he sat there munching on popcorn. At one particularly scary part of the movie, I had just lowered my hands when the murderer performed a very sick and gory act on his victim with a long blade. I let out a scream and gripped onto Ollie’s hoodie, burying my head in his chest for comfort and safety. I felt his arms wrap around me as he pressed his lips against the top of my head. “We can leave if you like; if it’s too scary for you.”

  Being in his arms felt so natural, as though we’d been doing it for years; so much so that I felt completely at ease and even brave enough to continue to watch what was happening on the screen. With my head on his chest I could smell the fresh scent of soap and something else that I couldn’t quite place. It was sweet and fruity and I assumed that it must have been his natural scent, as I had never found cologne that smelled quite like that. Peering up at him I smiled, “Just don’t be surprised if I end up using your chest as a shield when the scary things happen.” He pressed his lips against my forehead and smiled.

  “My pecs are your pillow.”

  Begging Oliver to walk me to work was a low point even for me. The movie had left me a little shaken and cautious of everyone; just the way a good horror flick should leave you feeling. Joking, laughing and recalling my many jolts of fear during the movie, we walked the short distance to the coffee shop. Pausing outside, he wrapped me in a tight embrace, swaying from side to side as he did. Pulling away, he gripped his hands on my arms and smiled. “I had fun today, we should totally do it again, make it a regular thing. You, me, popcorn and a movie. What do you think?”

  Giving him a quick peck on the cheek I nodded. “I think it’s a great idea. I really loved hanging out just the two of us. It was fun.”

  Glancing behind me I looked through the window of the shop and realized that my shift had started five minutes before. Giving Oliver another quick hug, we said our goodbyes and I walked through the glass doors to the coffee shop.

  * * *

  I made my way out to the back room to store my things away in one of the lockers. I heard a pair of heels clattering in the direction of the door and Kate entered a moment later. “Hey Layla. Just a heads up, the boss is in today. He wants to look over the books and make sure everything’s running in tip-top form. I’m guessing that means meeting the new girl too.” Kate had worked at Lorraine’s for a year now and was the most interesting girl I’d ever met. Friendly and helpful she was a breath of fresh air during a hectic shift. Her dark hair and pale skin made her look like a china doll, but she was far from it. She had a wicked sense of humor, a filthy mind and she cursed like a guy, which didn’t bother me. In fact, I found it rather amusing.

  She patted me on the shoulder before propping herself up against the lockers to face me. “Just so you know he’s a total hottie! But from what I’ve heard he doesn’t do the whole dating thing so try not to fall too hopelessly in love with him ok?” She gave me a wink. Laughing at her I tilted my head and smiled. “Actually, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I had a date last night with an amazing guy and I’m seeing him again tonight.”

  Her mouth dropped open and she shoved me on the shoulder playfully. “Good for you girl! Only been here a few days and snagged yourself a man. Way to go.”

  The commotion of the afternoon rush of students filing into the coffee shop distracted us. Kate’s head rolled back and she groaned. Glaring at the door she pulled her long hair back into a ponytail before glancing over her shoulder at me. “Well, better get out there before a riot breaks out.” Tying my apron around my waist I followed her out.

  Two hours later, the student mob that had descended upon us had settled down and the shop was beginning to empty when Lorraine came into the front of the shop. “Layla, the boss man would like to see you in the office please. He wants to meet you properly and talk about how you’re doing. Don’t worry he won’t bite.”

  Shooting Kate a nervous look, I made my way through to the back. As I glanced back over my shoulder at her, she gave me a sympathetic smile. Butterflies were swarming inside my stomach. What if he didn’t like me? What if he decided I wasn’t someone he wanted working at Lorraine’s coffee shop? A hundred worrying thoughts ran through my mind as I approached the office door.

  Taking a deep breath I knocked lightly. The door swung opened and I gawked in total shock and horror. “You!”

  Standing in front of me, wearing a gray suit with a black silk tie was a sexy, smoldering Jared. He beamed at me but the distress on my face must have been apparent to him because his smile disappeared instantly. “You’re Mr. Garrett?! You’re my boss!? You own Lorraine’s and you never thought to tell me? How could you not tell me? Do you get some kind of sick pleasure out of humiliating me?” I was rambling frantically and furiously.

  Jared stretched out his hands to me, but raising my own in front of me in warning, I recoiled and backed away. I was furious with him. He’d had every opportunity to tell me the truth but instead, he’d kept it to himself just to humiliate and embarrass me at work. He stared at me and I could see the regret painted all over his gorgeous, perfectly chiseled face.

  “Layla calm down. I was going to tell you last night but it never felt like the right moment. I didn’t do it to humiliate you in any way. Please let me explain.”

  I shook my head and glowered at him.

  I turned to leave but his hand seized my elbow and he hauled me into the office. I grabbed at his hand and shoved it away from me. I was breathing heavily as my body quaked with fury. I was pissed at him and I was in no mood for his games. “There is no explanation you could possibly give me to excuse the fact that you lied. And don’t give me that crap about no opportunity. You could have told me the first day I met you, you could have told me when you came in for coffee the following day. You could even have told me last night, but I guess you were too busy trying to get into my underpants to consider how I might feel once I found out you’re my boss! So, no Jared, I will not let you explain. Now if you’ll excuse me Mr. Garrett I have to go back to work. I may even stay for the late shift to allow Kate to leave early. It’s not as if I have any plans this evening.” My goading had struck a nerve, his expression had darkened. It wasn’t remorse anymore. Now he was irritated.

  We stood there for a moment just glaring at each other. I could feel the sting of tears pricking my eyes and I did not want him to see me cry. I stormed towards the door but before I reached it Jared was there blocking my exit with his rock hard body. I tried to push him out of my way but he was as solid as stone. Thumping my fists against his chest in frustration, I growled at him. “Jared, get out of my way! We’re done here. We’re done period. Let me go…please.” He gazed down at me without budging an inch.

  I ran my fingers through my hair feeling totally exasperated. He reached out quickly and caught my wrists gripping them tightly in his hands. “Layla, stop being so damn melodramatic. It’s not an attractive trait. I said I’m sorry for not telling you and I mean it. I thought if you knew you’d never agree to go out with me, which is absurd because I’m not even really your boss. I’m more like the silent partner. This was my mom’s shop; all I do is handle the finances. I was wrong not to tell you, but it really isn’t a big deal. It doesn’t change anything between us.”

  I shook my head and glared at him as my voice trembled with the anger and unshed tears building inside me. “It changes everything!”

  Twisting my wrists free from his grasp I pushed him out of my way and ran into the ladi
es room, locking myself in a stall before burying my face into my hands and sobbing. How could he have done this to me? I thought he was different. The Jared I’d been with the night before was now just painful memory. The sweet, charming and funny Jared was replaced by the lying, sneaking and manipulative man I’d left in the office. How could he believe it didn’t change anything? He was my employer, he issued my pay check. We could never be equals now.

  The unmistakable squeak of the bathroom door opening caught my attention. “Layla? You in here sweetie? I saw you run out. Are you alright?” It was Kate. I took a deep breath, grabbed some toilet paper and began dabbing my eyes as I sauntered out of the stall. Sniffing a little through my tears I glanced over at her. She gave me a concerned look before wrapping her arms around me for a hug. “Oh sweetie what happened? Was he a jerk to you? He didn’t fire you did he?”

  I shook my head and pulled away from her embrace. Wiping my nose I exhaled loudly “No. It’s nothing like that. He’s a head and heart fuck not a jerk. You remember I told you about the amazing guy I went out with last night?” She nodded and began to run some water in the basin. “Well it’s him. Jared is Mr. Garrett. I had no idea he was my boss. He lied to me.”

  Kate’s jaw dropped and she clasped her hand over her mouth, staring at me she shook her head. “You’re kidding. Oh my gosh. What a tool! Although, technically, he didn’t lie. He just neglected to tell you. I understand you’re upset and hurt but does it really matter that he owns this place? I mean he owns the business but its Lorraine’s place. He only comes in here to get coffee and check the books once a month. If you like him that much it really shouldn’t be an issue honey. Did he give you a reason why he never told you?”