Burning Up (15 page)

As I climbed out of the car, Amy and Mel gave me a gut-wrenching and slightly overdramatic, sad look.

I rolled my eyes. “Guys, it’s not forever.”

Amy gave a sniffle, and I could see the tears welling in her big, brown eyes. “Do you really have to go so soon? I thought you were staying until Sunday?”

I bit my lip and wrung my hands mindlessly. “I know, but I have to go now. Jared and I have so much to talk about, and being here with you guys has made me realize just how much the two of us have to do if we really want to make it work. I have to know where we stand and if we have a future. I’d rather do it sooner than later when I’m even further away.”

Mel nodded. “I can see that. I just hate the thought of you being there alone while you go through it all. I still say he’s trouble, and he has way too much control over you.”

I gave her a warning look. Holding up her hands defensively, she continued.

“But if it’s really what you want, who am I to stop you? Besides, when has Layla Jennings ever done what she’s told?”

My mind immediately wandered to Jared. Doing as I’m told wasn’t one of my strong points and it infuriated him. I had to admit that I got a kick out of it though. It was slightly sick and definitely childish but I had always been the rebellious type. It was my one major fault.

Pulling them both into a tight hug, I sighed heavily. Saying goodbye to my parents again had been difficult, but leaving my best friends was even harder. Amy and Mel were my friends, confidants, and guidance counselors all rolled into one. Releasing me, Mel dragged my case from the trunk and handed it to me. I quickly took out my ticket and checked my flight details. Due to my leaving earlier than planned, Jared’s private plane was still in New York, and if I was honest, I was looking forward to surprising him with my impromptu arrival. No doubt he’d be irritated that I had traveled alone and without the proper protection, but I didn’t care.

Amy and Mel walked with me into the airport, and as we said our goodbyes, my heart sank. Watching the two of them walk away, hand in hand, made me realize just how much I would be missing over the next few months. Their new home, their growing relationship, and the two of them would be graduating the following year, while I would only be a sophomore. Sitting in the departure lounge, I pressed my earphones close to my ears and hooked up my iPod. Setting it to shuffle, I smiled as
Crazy
by Aerosmith played loudly. Memories of the coffee shop and the couch came flooding back, and my blood heated instinctively as I thought about Jared and I, fumbling, grabbing, rocking, and grinding together all over it. I was so caught up in my erotic thoughts that I almost missed them calling my flight for boarding. Pulling my case behind me, I took my seat in the regular, economy class section, and as the flight attendant gave her routine safety speech, I turned up my music and stared out of the window.

Music was my passion, and I missed the fun and excitement of being on stage with the band. Seeing them up there together was heartbreaking. I was one of them. We weren’t just a band; we’d been a group. And I’d ruined it. I’d wrecked everything in one stupid and emotionally damaging move. I’d spent weeks punishing myself and hating myself for hurting Ollie, and after seeing him at the apartment and then at the bar, I was more confused than ever. He was hurting, angry, and vicious, and yet the way he had looked at me, told me that there was more to it than I knew. There had to be. People don’t just fall out of love. Josh had broken my heart into tiny pieces when he’d cheated on me, and yet, I still loved him. It had taken me a long time before I could finally move on and date again. I’d lost my first love, and the moment I was ready for a new one, I jumped head first into the deep with Jared
and
Ollie. Was it any wonder that I’d ended up drowning in them both?

The music on my iPod changed, and as I glanced down at the screen, I rolled my eyes. I was right, the universe was out to get me and teach me a lesson for playing with hearts, including my own.
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
by the Bee Gee’s began to echo in my ears. Teaching my father how to use technology had clearly been a bad idea. My entire playlist was now littered with all of his favorite songs. Part of me was enjoying the small piece of him that I was now carrying around in my pocket, but as the music and beautifully emotional lyrics washed over me, I could only think of Ollie. Just like that, I was back to the plane I had boarded as I had cast him aside and chosen Jared. My body also remembered how it felt, and the ache I had felt back then, was once again settling in my chest. This time, it was … different. This time, I wasn’t his to lose.

* * * *

Walking through the airport, I smiled. Paris. I’d always dreamed of being there, but to actually be in the city of romance, was everything I could have hoped for. As I pulled my case behind me, the sounds of the people speaking and conversing with one another was something I could only describe as surreal. The accent and the beautiful language were intoxicating. I felt like I was in an amazing romantic movie. I stepped outside and gazed around at the buildings. It was nothing like New York. It seemed less … hustle and bustle and more relaxed. I could have seen myself living in a city like this for the rest of my life.

A line of very stylish and elegant looking cars was parked outside the airport. If I hadn’t seen the ‘taxi’ sign on each of them, I would have assumed they were picking up high-class passengers. Walking over, pulling my case behind me, I waved at a small, plump, balding man who was leaning against one of the cars. He gave me a quick nod and gestured for me to come over. I prayed that he spoke English because the very basic French I had learned in high school was about to either get me to the hotel or get me lost.

“Bonjour. Je voudrais aller á l’hôtel Hilton?” I attempted. Grinning, the driver nodded. “Trés bon! Your French is very good.”

I blushed a little and returned his smile. “Thank you. I know enough to get by, but I couldn’t hold a conversation. Thank God you speak English!”

He held out his hand for my case and opened the rear passenger door for me. Sliding in, I sighed with contentment. Jared would be so surprised to see me, and the spontaneity was worth the anger I would no doubt encounter when he learned I had travelled alone.

As we drove through the scenic and truly beautiful streets of Paris, I could see exactly why people called it the city of romance. The history, grand structures, and stunning gardens were beautiful. It inspired writers, poets, and lovers all across the world, and my heart was filled with love simply being there. America didn’t have that history. Romantic movies were set here and Paris had been the setting of many a sweet proposal, marriage, and declaration of love. I couldn’t wait to take in the sights and sounds of it all with the man I loved.

Pulling up outside the hotel, I bit my lip and smiled. The driver hauled my case from the trunk, and it was immediately taken by a formally dressed concierge. I tipped him generously. Well, at least I think I did. I wasn’t entirely sure of the dollar to euro exchange, but thirty seemed generous to me.

The concierge had a wonderful French accent, but I could hear the twinge of an American accent filtering in. He’d clearly taken classes in English from an east coaster. I had to stifle a giggle.

He showed me to the reception desk where a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman with half-moon glasses sat, typing at her computer.

“Bonjour.” She smiled sweetly.

“Hello, Layla Jennings? I’m staying with Mr. Garrett.”

She quickly typed and began scanning her monitor.

“We weren’t expecting you for another two days. Does he know you’ve arrived?”

I shook my head. “No, I’d like to surprise him. Could you just direct me to the room? It was a long flight, and I’m eager to get settled.”

She smiled again and nodded. “Of course. Henry?” she called out to the bell-boy standing beside the elevator. Standing beside me, he took a key from the receptionist and smiled.

“Miss Jennings is staying with Mr. Garrett. Please take her to the correct room.”

He nodded but said nothing. Gesturing toward the elevator, he smiled at me.

I followed behind, taking in the splendor of the hotel décor. It was much like the other Hiltons I had stayed in, but this one was in Paris!

We stopped at the top floor. Figures that Jared would choose a room where he could survey the entire city. As the elevator doors opened, the bell-boy gestured down the hall. I assumed he didn’t speak English or he was mute because he made no attempt to converse with me at all. I walked along the long hallway, following him a step behind. As we approached the end, I tapped his shoulder and in English and French, asked for the key. He nodded and pointed at the door on the left hand side. I handed him a twenty and smiled, thanking him as I did so.

Standing outside the door to our room, I took a deep breath. I could hear music coming from inside and I grinned. Billy Joel. A favorite of Jared’s and I had to admit, it was beginning to grow on me, too. Pressing my key into the door, it opened gently. I crept inside and placed my bag beside the door. I stood in a small corridor. The music echoed and I followed it through to a large and sophisticated lounge. I was just about to walk through to find the bedroom when three, young, tall, and giggling women strolled into the lounge and stared at me. Each was wearing lingerie and heels. I froze. Completely devastated, I couldn’t speak, think, or breathe. This couldn’t be happening. I was in the wrong room; I had to be.

Walking over, one of the women, a brunette with large brown eyes, smiled and tapped my shoulder. “You should hurry up and get undressed. Mr. Garrett doesn’t like to be kept waiting. He’s had us here for an hour and still can’t seem to decide which one he prefers.”

I gawked at her. I was about to snap something venomous back at her, but was interrupted. Calling from the bedroom, I heard Jared’s voice.

“Ladies, can we get on with this? I have a meeting in two hours and still have further requests. I don’t want to end today’s session until I’m totally satisfied. Yesterday’s was a total disaster. I’ll be having words with Philippe. I gave him specific instructions as to what I wanted.”

The girls rolled their eyes and made their way back to the bedroom.

My chest felt tight, my heart pounded in my ears, and rage filled my body. Storming to the door, I slammed it loudly behind me and bolted down the hallway to the elevator. Slamming my fist against the panel, I hit the button, and as the elevator descended, I pressed my back against the wall, held my hand, shakily, to my chest, and tried to calm my breathing. I was a moment away from completely losing it. Tears pooled in my eyes, and my anger was reaching boiling point. Clearly, the only one of us getting a surprise was me. As for spontaneity, I’d say three hookers, two days in a row, was certainly spontaneous! I felt sick.

Exiting the elevator, I ran for the street, and as the cool air breezed over me, I was finally able to breathe again. I looked around as tears streamed down my face. I didn’t know where to go or what direction to go in, but I walked. I walked with no idea where I would end up, but anywhere would be better than here. 

I’d walked for over an hour before I’d finally calmed down enough to take note of exactly where I was. Eventually, I  found a small café on the corner of a quiet and hidden street. I sat at a small, round, glass table outside and cradled the cup of coffee in front of me. My hands were shaking, my eyes were sore from crying, and I felt as though someone had reached inside my chest and tore out my heart. I kept replaying what I had seen in my mind, and I couldn’t make sense of it all. How could he do it? Why would he do it? He’d fought so hard to keep me and confessed his fear of losing me so profusely that I simply couldn’t believe that he would cheat. But I hadn’t imagined those three women. I could still picture the lacy, racy, and expensive lingerie. I could smell their perfume. My stomach churned with grief. It was a feeling that was familiar. Jared’s fidelity had come into question before, and after finding the truth, I’d forgiven his secrets, lies and general dis-honesty. I couldn’t think straight.

Arthur Kent’s words began repeating in my mind. Maybe Jared couldn’t do the whole monogamy thing. Maybe his needs, desires, and sexual hunger were something I just simply could never fulfill. Sighing deeply, I sniffled and wiped my eyes with a napkin. I would have to return to the hotel. I’d left my case there, and my passport was inside. And besides, I needed to see him. I had to confront him, scream, yell, cry, and call his cheating ass out!

Slamming the napkin on the table, I stood and began the walk back to the hotel. The knot in my stomach tightened with every step I made, but my anger was fueling my journey.

* * * *

Riding up in the elevator, my chest felt heavy as I fought back the tears that were eager to run freely down my face. I wouldn’t be weak; I couldn’t break down, not now. Jared had wronged me for the last time.

I still had the room key in my pocket, and as I pushed open the door, my boiling rage began to spill over. With my fists clenched, I marched into the lounge before heading to the bedroom. I wanted to scream at him and scratch the women’s eyes out, but when I entered, they were gone. I stormed through to the bathroom, but that too was empty. Turning around, I stopped as my eyes fell on Jared. Standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets and his tie loose around his crisp white shirt, he glared at me. He raised an eyebrow and as I walked toward him, he stared at me, without a word. Lifting my hand, I stood in front of him and slapped him hard across the face. I slapped him so hard that my palm was stinging from the contact it had made with his slightly unshaved cheek. He didn’t blink. Infuriated, I hammered my fists on his chest and growled loudly.

“You asshole! You lying, cheating, fucking asshole! I hate you!”

He remained as solid as stone. Breathless, I stood back and glowered at him. Taking a hand from his pocket, he scraped his thumb across his chin.

“Are you done?”

I couldn’t believe his attitude! How dare he treat me this way. “Finished? I’ve barely started! How could you!?”

He shrugged. “I have no idea what exactly it is you believe I’ve done, Layla. I came out of my room to find your bag in my hall and
you
nowhere to be found. So, I have a few fucking questions myself before you begin to cast your accusations at me.”

I scoffed and threw my hands in the air before skirting around him and entering the lounge. He followed me but said nothing.

“Oh really? You have questions? Well, I have a several! First, who the fuck were those three women? Second, I hope you really fucking enjoyed them because it’s the last time you’ll be dipping your cock into anyone for a long time when I’m done with you! And third, how could you do this to me? After everything!”

He shook his head and chuckled. I rushed at him and shoved him hard.
Asshole
. Grabbing my wrists, he pulled me against him. My chest heaved against his broad, muscular frame, and I was panting with fury.

“Once again, Layla Jennings jumps to conclusions and gets the completely wrong idea.”

I tried to struggle free, but his grip on me tightened.

“I didn’t imagine them, Jared! Three women, in their underwear, in your suite! What possible excuse could there be? They were in the wrong room? You were being a good neighbor and allowing them to use your bedroom as a changing area!? How stupid do you think I am!? And what’s more, this wasn’t the first time they were here!”

He shook his head, and spinning me around, he drove me back against the wall, and pressed me against it forcefully.

“I wasn’t fucking them which is exactly what you think I was doing! There I was thinking we were over this trust shit and you swoop in, unannounced, and don’t even tell me you’re in Paris! You have no regard for your safety or my fucking sanity! Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?”

I gave a sarcastic chuckle. “Are you kidding me!? You were in here with three women who, and I quote, you couldn’t decide which one you wanted, and you have the nerve to question my honesty!? You are such a douche!”
He growled and practically roared as I continued to try and free myself from his grasp.

“I didn’t have sex with any of them! They’re models!”

Now, I really
did
laugh. His attempt to squirm his way out of this was leaving a lot to be desired. “And that’s supposed to make a difference? Ha! So they were expensive whores, but still whores nonetheless.”

“I wasn’t buying
them
! I was buying the clothes and underwear they were modelling!”

“That’s disgusting! Not satisfied with looking, you have to have a souvenir, too! You really are a sick, twisted, deviant little …“

He cut me off as he threw his head back, released my hands, and laughed.

“You think that’s what I was doing!? Layla, I was buying them for you!”

I gave him a confused look while still glaring.

“Your entire wardrobe was delivered here three days ago. I unpacked it, and came to the conclusion that not only do you wear too much denim, but you also don’t possess any outfit suitable for the places, people, and social events that we will be encountering in Europe. I was getting you a whole new collection. I’m a notoriously bad shopper and after my personal shopper, Philippe, became frustrated walking around the boutiques and leaving empty-handed, he suggested models. I chose those three models because they are the same size, build, and height as you. But I
only
saw you. Not them.”

I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair.

“You expect me to believe that?”

Taking my hand, he pulled me into the bedroom and over to the large closet that stood against the far wall. Opening it, he gave me a satisfied and smug smile.

“Yes, I do expect you to believe it because it’s the truth. See for yourself. Evening gowns, dresses, casual outfits, everything you could possibly need with the shoes and accessories to match.”

Reaching out, I caught a long, red gown in between my fingers and felt the silky fabric. It was clearly expensive, and I could see the row of tags on each garment as they lined the enormous closet. Okay, so maybe he was telling the truth, but that didn’t mean he was off the hook. Closing the doors, I took a deep breath and faced him.

“So you bought me a new wardrobe, and you suddenly think it’s okay and acceptable for you to have three half naked women walking around your suite? It’s not! If I had pulled some shit like this, you would have gone thermonuclear! I’m expected to what? Say it’s okay just because you didn’t sleep with them? It’s not.”

Storming out of the room, I made my way to the hallway and grabbed my case. I was done fighting. Catching my elbow, Jared halted me and tore my case from my hands, throwing it aside with ease.

“So that’s it? You’ll just bail? Too easy, Layla.”

Tears threatened as his deep blue eyes searched mine.

“I don’t know what you want from me, Jared. You just don’t see what was wrong with what you did, and I am so sick of the double standards when it comes to the two of us and trust.”

He raked his fingers through his golden hair. “You mean the way I trusted you to tell me the truth about your visit home?”

I gave him a confused look. “What are you talking about?”

He closed his eyes tightly for a moment before sighing deeply.

“I know you saw him. I know the two of you spoke, and I also know, he had you against a wall. When were you going to tell me that?”

My heart sank. How did he know? My mind raced, trying to understand how he could possibly have known. The concierge? Amy? And then, it dawned on me. Scowling at him, I snapped.

“You had me followed, didn’t you? Daniel was following me! No wonder he never called to check up on me, he already knew everything! Oh my God. And you want to talk about trust? You don’t even trust me enough to give me my privacy!”

“And clearly, for a damn good reason! You’re mine, Layla. I won’t share you, and I won’t just let some little rock star wannabe try to steal you away!”

“Well, I don’t know exactly what Daniel thought he saw, but what happened between Ollie and me in that foyer wasn’t exactly friendly. He called me on my shit and we parted on bad terms. There, happy now? I lost a friend and found out my boyfriend was stalking me all the way from Paris! Oh, and that he spends his spare time watching women in underwear try on
my
clothes.”

He shook his head and grunted in frustration. “Enough! Layla, I’m sorry, okay? There, I said it. I told you I would screw this shit up, and I told you I’d do it more than once. I’m new at all of this, and I don’t expect you to like everything I do. But, I expect you to be patient and if I do something that pisses you off, talk to me about it. Hell, scream, yell, and fight with me, but don’t just fucking disappear! I was out of my mind when I saw your case there. My heart nearly gave out when I searched the hotel for you and found nothing. I had no idea where you were or even if you would come back. When I saw your passport, I realized you’d be returning for it and decided to wait for you. When I saw
you
, I didn’t know if I wanted to kiss you or spank the shit out of you for making me so fucking crazy with worry!”

My breath caught in my throat, and I swallowed hard, trying to subdue my anger.

Slowly walking toward me, Jared took my hand and entwined our fingers. His cheek pressed against mine, and I could feel his breath on my neck.

“I love you, Layla. What don’t you understand about that? I would do anything for you. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

His lips grazed my jaw just below my ear. My body trembled at the mere touch.

“I’m sorry that I had those women here, but I swear, I would never be unfaithful to you. I belong to you entirely.”

Placing our interlinked hands on his chest, he trailed kisses from my jaw to my ear.

“
This
belongs to you. All of it.”

My breathing quickened and my body heated as his lips moved slowly to my collar bone. His free hand was stroking my hip while gently lifting the bottom of my shirt, allowing his hand to skim across my skin. My whole body was treacherously answering the lustful and sensual call of his hot, tense, and erotically charged body. His fingers tightened around mine as he gently and gradually guided my hand down his chest, over his perfect abdomen, and pressed it firmly against his bulging crotch.

I could feel the thick, firm, and solid erection through his pants. My fingers instinctively closed around it, grasping it in my palm. I began to stroke him up and down, my body reacting to the deep and pleasurable sounds he made as my hand toyed and played around the tip of his cock. Pulling down his zipper, I slipped my hand inside and thrust it into his shorts. His cock twitched as my fingernails grazed the sensitive tip. He let out a staggered breath, and in a swift movement, he was holding me firmly against the wall. His hips pinning mine while my hand explored him, stroking, rubbing, and teasing him.

My fingers tightened around him and he hitched a breath. He lifted his hands and pressed them, palm down against the wall on either side of my head, caging me in. His teeth nibbled gently on my earlobe before flicking the tip of his tongue over to soothe the hurt. I could feel my knees weakening. Giving into the buckle of my legs, I dropped to the floor and grinned up at him. His eyebrow raised, he smiled back at me.

“You hurt me, Jared.” My hand began pumping his thick, rigid length and he let out a soft moan.

“I know.”

I shook my head. “Is that all you have to say for yourself?”

Leaning forward, I licked the tip of his solid erection gently. He hissed through his teeth, still holding his hands firmly against the wall.

“Fuck, Layla!”

I shook my head again. “I think you need to do better than that. For what you put me through, I should make you suffer for hours for that.”

A ghost of a smile spread across his deliciously plump, pink lips. “I would let you do it.”

I had to hide my own grin. Closing my lips around the head of his cock, I slowly moved back and forth, rolling my tongue as I did so. He let out a soft moan and scraped his bottom lip with his teeth. I couldn’t help but get a sick and twisted thrill from the anguish I was causing him. I could feel his whole body tense as my hands moved behind his thighs and I scraped my nails up and down them rhythmically. My teeth grazed the tip of his cock again and he slammed his fist against the wall.