Burning Up (31 page)

Walking away, he pulled out the desk chair and sat down, resting his elbows on the desk.

“Keep telling yourself that, Layla. But you know as well as I do that you can’t stay away from me. You feel the pull and allure as strongly as I do. We’re bound together by something stronger than sex. You tell me you’re tired of fighting, and yet you come at me with all you have every time. You like the push and pull, and you enjoy the heat. The only tantrums around here have been yours. And you’re not the only one who’s sick of them. You want to know why I act the way I do around you? It’s because I care about you, and you are so fucking careless with your safety. You behave like a fucking spoiled child and you send mixed messaged left, right, and center. You want to have independence, but you fucking love it when I take charge and tell you what to do. Don’t deny it. You like the dominance and firm hand. Well, I won’t tell you what to do this time, Layla. I’ve told you how I feel. I’ve apologized, and I’ve begged you to come back. I’m not a man who begs, and I’m not accustomed to not getting what I want. I want you, but this time, Layla, you have to figure it out on your own.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Are you serious? God, you are such an asshole! You’re turning this on me? You really know how to charm a girl. Fuck her, insult her, and then throw her out?”

He leaned back in his seat and raised an eyebrow at me. “Did I tell you to leave? I believe I begged you to stay.”

Storming over to his desk, I slammed my palms on the top and snarled at him.

“I wouldn’t stay if you paid me! And knowing you, that’s a distinct possibility! Can’t use sex to get what you want, just throw money at it. Isn’t that how this works?”

“Now you’re just being childish, Layla. I have work to do. If there’s nothing else you wanted …”

Getting up from his desk, he swanned over to the door and held it open for me. I walked over and stood in front of him, glaring. Lifting my hand I slapped him violently across the face. My palm stung and my fingers tingled from the force of the strike.

“
Now
, I regret it!” I hissed.

Marching away, I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves. One minute we were screaming at each other, and the next we were ripping each other’s clothes off. We were dysfunctional with a capital D. But even I couldn’t deny that sex with Jared was … intense. It was powerful, passionate, and pushed my limits to the extreme. But his callous tone and icy demeanor was haunting me as I walked through the coffee shop and out of the door.

Standing outside, I took another long and calming breath. I held my hand on my chest and felt the thunderous beating of my heart. I wasn’t sure if it was anger, excitement, or the slow and painful breaking of every piece of it that was more agonizing.

“Miss Jennings?”

I turned around to see a tall and dark-haired man staring back at me. He had a tape recorder in one hand and a press pass held up in the other. My mouth went dry, and the instinct to run kicked in immediately. Turning on my heel, I began striding away. But he followed me, yelling my name and firing questions at me as we both made our way down the street.

“Miss Jennings, is it true that you and Mr. Garrett are no longer together?”

I ignored him and continued to walk, watching my feet as I did so and refusing to look back.

“Is it correct that due to the agreement set out by Mrs. Felix, Garrett ended his relationship with you in order to pursue access to the child?”

Where was this guy getting his information?

“Miss Jennings, if you don’t talk, how will readers get your side of the story?”

Halting, I spun around and glowered at the slimy and irritating excuse of a man who had been stalking me for the past two blocks.

“There is no story! I have no side. Jared Garrett and his affairs are none of my business.”

Holding out his recording device, he tilted his head to the side and smiled. “So you confirm that the two of you are no longer a couple?”

“I confirm that I have nothing to say because I don’t care. Jared Garrett is no longer my problem, and neither is his ex.”

I moved to walk away, but he wouldn’t give up so easily.

“I have a quote from Mrs. Felix claiming you were the reason behind her split from Mr. Garrett and that you are the sole reason for his denial of parentage of the child. She also states that you have forced Mr. Garrett to take out a restraining order on her in the past due to her relationship with him and the assault on her by you in a shopping mall.”

Oh my God! Was she serious? Assault? I was the one with the split lip, and she had the nerve to try and use it in her case against Jared!

Roaring with anger, I squared up to him. “I have never asked Jared to do anything! Alicia Felix is a money-grabbing slut, and I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her. She’s desperate to get her claws into Jared for years, and clearly she’s resorted to low and underhanded tactics. I don’t hate her; I pity her and her miserable life! And as for the assault, maybe you should check your facts. No one was charged, and it was me who was left with a spit lip! Alicia Felix is just as twisted and unhinged as her husband, and I want nothing to do with any of it! Now, if you’d kindly leave me the fuck alone!”

Turning on my heel I went to walk away, but he called after me.

“If you don’t care so much, why did you just have sex with him at his coffee shop?”

My chest tightened. How did he know that?

I froze and tried to catch my breath as he walked around to stand in front of me. I must have looked as shocked as I felt.

“It’s not rocket science, Miss Jennings. I watched you both argue in the corner and then disappear into the back. You emerged looking disheveled, and the button of your jeans is undone. So it’s safe to assume that you and Mr. Garret are continuing your relationship in secret?”

“I … that’s none of your business!” I screamed.

“Our readers will love this. As a woman, surely you consider what you are doing to be wrong? A woman is left holding the baby, and the father refuses to take responsibility for it because his lover won’t accept it?”

Tears pooled in my eyes, and turning around, I began walking quickly in the opposite direction. I could see the coffee shop ahead and looking back, I heaved a sob as I watched the reporter following me still. This was a nightmare. I was just about to give him a piece of my mind when I was moved aside and a large, thick, and solid frame stood in my path. Blocking the way of the reporter, Jared stood between us and grabbed the man by the collar. His eyes were fierce with fury, and his fist was clenched as he glared down at the man.

“I don’t know what kind of game you are fucking playing you disgusting little toad, but if I ever catch you near this woman again, I will make sure that you never work, write or walk around this city ever again! Do I make myself clear?”

Grabbing the recorder out of the reporter’s hand, Jared tossed it on the ground and stomped on it, smashing it to pieces.

“That’s criminal damage! I’ll have you arrested for this! And for assault!”

Pulling the man closer, Jared growled at him. “Here, I’ll give you something worth writing about!”

Pulling back his fist, Jared hit the reporter twice in the face. He was sure to have a black eye at the very least. Jared packed quite a punch; I’d seen it before.

Falling to the ground, the reporter held his hand to his face. “You’re through, Garrett. You just wait and see. Alicia Felix is going to mop the floor with you and leave you penniless. And this,
this
is gonna help her do it! Jared Garrett, the violent and abusive socialite!”

Jared moved to grab him, but catching his arm, I urged him backward.

“Don’t, Jared! He’s not worth it!”

“No, but you are!” He was furious, and his voice was strained as his anger grew to a boiling point.

“Jared, don’t,” I pleaded.

Lowering his hand, he stood back and glared at the reporter as he got to his feet and walked away from us, smirking as he crossed the street.

Jared let out a long sigh and ran his fingers through his hair before turning to face me.

“Are you all right?”

His face was etched with concern. Just when I think I know him and have him all figured out, he goes and does something like this and totally confuses me again.

Nodding weakly, I wiped my eyes. “I’m fine.”

He glanced around, maybe checking to see if anyone else was watching us.

“Do you need a ride home? I can drop you off if you’d like.”

I shook my head. “I’m fine. My car is around the corner.”

He looked at the ground briefly before nodding. “Okay, if you’re sure. Layla …”

He broke off for a moment and gazed at me.

“If … if you need anything, please call me. If anyone contacts you, you get hassled, or you need anything, I’m here.”

I gave him a halfhearted smile. “Thank you.”

Pulling my keys from my pocket, I twirled and played them between my fingers. I suddenly felt awkward.

“Well, I better go back to work.”

I watched with a heavy heart as he walked away from me down the street. He’d been through so much already in his life and now he would have to face more pain, angst, and a brutal legal battle. I was hurting for him, for us, and for everything we’d had.

The buzz of my cell phone pulled me from my momentary grief. Looking at the caller I.D., I smiled.

“Hi, Mel.”

“Layla, where are you?”

“Just doing some shopping,” I lied. I would tell her about Jared, but later.

“Well, get your ass over to the beach! Ollie and the guys got signed! We’re celebrating old school, baby girl! A bonfire, beers, and a party on the sand!”

I grinned as memories of evenings spent partying on the beach played like a movie in my head. It was just the pick-me-up I needed, and even the thought of facing Ollie wasn’t deterring me.

“I’m on my way.”

Hanging up, I rushed around the corner to my car and jumped in. I checked my make-up in the mirror and sighed. I’d cried all of my mascara off and my cheeks were red and blotchy from crying. I reached inside the glove compartment and pulled out my emergency make-up. Just because I am mending a broken heart didn’t mean I couldn’t look awesome in the process. I was quickly becoming the new queen of break-ups. After what had just been through, I was ready for sun, sea, sand, and shots!

Pulling up at the beach, I checked myself in the mirror one last time before grabbing a blanket from the trunk and hurrying down onto the sand. I could hear Mel and Amy squealing, giggling, and yelling as I walked across the cool sand. L.A. in March usually meant rain, but the weather had been remarkably mild for a few days. It was perfect for partying on the beach, wrapped in a blanket with friends. Making my way over to our usual spot, I smiled as I spotted Mel and Amy who each had a beer in hand and were sitting on the sand, side by side. The sound of their laughter was intoxicating. As I got closer, I could see the ragged mop of brown hair sported by Nick and the spikey blonde of Eric’s hair. But I couldn’t see Ollie. Disappointment plagued me. I wasn’t eager to see him after our confrontation, but I had missed him terribly. I stood and watched them all for a moment. Mel shoved Nick on the arm for saying something lewd and disgusting, no doubt. Eric was plucking at his acoustic guitar with Amy sitting between his legs, her back against his chest, and her hands around the guitar. She’d been begging him to teach her for months.

“Waiting for an invitation?”

The sound of his voice behind me sent a thrill of excitement through me. Smiling, I turned around and threw my arms around his neck.

“Ollie! Congratulations!”

Hesitating a moment, he wrapped his arms around me and chuckled. “Thanks.”

I released him and stepped back a little. “Ollie, I …”

He shook his head. “Not now. We should get over there.”

His guitar was hanging loosely over his shoulder, and as he walked away from me toward our friends, I sighed. Ollie quite literally took my breath away. His dark hair, tattoos, and rock star looks were every girl’s dream. He was wearing torn jeans, sneakers, and a white tee, but on him, it was so much more. It was hot, and I could hardly tear my gaze from him. I know what you’re thinking, I’d been having sex with Jared in the coffee shop only an hour beforehand, and here I was drooling over Ollie. But it was more than sexual, what I was feeling. I wanted to be near him. The sound of his voice, the way he smiled, and the stunningly deep brown eyes that had the power to render me helpless were a force I couldn’t fight.

Nick and Eric got to their feet as Ollie approached and each patted him on the back enthusiastically. Amy practically leapt at the poor guy, and Mel gave him a quick hug but made very little fuss.

“Dude! We totally did it! A contract! Some bitch is gonna pay us to play! Can you believe it?” Nick yelled with excitement.

Ollie nodded. “I know. I still can’t believe it!”

Eric grinned. “Ollie, you, my friend are the man!”

I walked over and nudged Mel gently who quickly grabbed me and hugged me tightly.

“Hey girl! Can you believe it, they guys are gonna be famous!”

I smiled at her. “Aren’t they already?”

Amy bounced over and immediately pulled me into a warm embrace. “They’re local stars, but now they’re gonna be so much bigger! Global!”

Taking me by the hand, Amy led me to the crate of beers and pulled one out for me.

“So, Layla, Now that I’m gonna be a huge star and my junk is gonna be getting all kinds of action, wanna get in their first, have the exclusive before it becomes so fucking in demand that even I don’t get a chance to hold it.”

I cringed. “Nick, I don’t care how famous you get. I will never have sex with you. Not now, not ever.”

He held his hand to his chest and pretended to be injured.

“Oh, that’s cold, baby. I was just giving you dibs on the goods, the offer to unwrap my package.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’d return to sender for faulty goods if I were you.”

“Ouch. There’s nothing wrong with my dick!” Nick protested.

Eric snickered. “Except that it’s attached to you.”

Ollie laughed lightly and sat down on the ground pulling his guitar from behind him.

I sat beside him and gave him a weak smile, handing him a beer.

“Thanks.”

Mel and Amy sat opposite us, side by side, looking sickeningly loved up. They were one of those couples that you couldn’t help but be jealous of, nuzzling at each other’s noses and exchanging gentle kisses, it was the stuff love stories are written about.

Nick raised an eyebrow at them and grinned, earning him a jab in the ribs from Eric.

“Dude, you’re sick, you know that? They’re your friends.”

Nick shrugged. “I’ve got a dick and it can’t help but respond to a little girl-on-girl action. It’s like a seek and destroy missile. A weapon of mass destruction.”

Ollie almost choked on his beer. “Missile? Are you serious? That thing is as dangerous as pepper spray.”

Nick gave him a puzzled look.

“One pump and you’re left with stinging and burning for days. You’ve probably got more exotic diseases in your forest than the Amazon,” Ollie clarified.

Nick got to his feet and held his hand to his chest. “I’m hurt. Besides, I don’t remember either of them complaining. They moaned, oh God, they moaned. One of them is even a biter. Mel, oh kitty clawed at me like I was a scratching post and Amy, she used me as her personal teething toy.”

A sneaker flew quickly at Nick’s head, hitting him square on the ear. Mel cheered in triumph and kicked her shoeless feet in the air.

“Hey, I’m just saying, anytime you feel like adding a little testosterone and making it a ménage et trois, I’m totally available.”

Amy cringed, putting her fingers down her throat. “Urgh. I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.”

Nick sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her playfully. “I’m gonna be a star, baby. That makes you a groupie.”

I shook my head and laughed as Amy struggled out of his embrace and Mel stared daggers at him. Eric grabbed his guitar and walked behind Nick; he pinched his fingers over Nick’s ear and pulled him up to his feet.

“You’re gross. A God damn horny dog that humps your leg no matter how much you train it. Maybe we should get you neutered.”

Mel raised her hand and grasped Nick’s package in his hand. He yelped with pain and desperately tried to remove her hand, but she tightened her grip, digging her nails into his jeans.

“I’ll happily neuter him right now,” she offered, grinning.

Nick was squirming and hopping up and down with pain. “Fuck! I give! Let go!” Nick begged.

“And there was me thinking you were desperate for us to handle your junk,” Amy teased.

Nick’s face was contorted with pain. “You’re turning them blue! Fuck! All right, I’m sorry!”

Beside me, Ollie roared with laughter as Eric continued to hold Nick by the ear and laugh loudly beside him.

“Mel, let him go before you make him impotent!” I yelled through my laughter.

“It might be for the best if he didn’t breed. Can you imagine another one of these walking around?” Eric chuckled.

Ollie shook his head and getting to his feet, he kissed Mel sweetly on the cheek. “Cut him some slack, he’s like a damn puppy. He gets all over-excited and can’t control himself.”

Mel rolled her eyes and begrudgingly released Nick. Eric also let him go and Nick instantly fell to his knees, cupping his crotch and writhing around.

Taking another beer from the cooler, Ollie looked out at the sea and sighed. Leaving Mel, Amy and Eric laughing at Nick complaining about his bruised balls, I walked over and stood beside Ollie.

“Have you ever just looked out and wondered what it would be like to just … drift away?”

I gave him a confused look. “Have you?”

He nodded. “When I was a kid … one summer, I got on a train and bummed my way from Michigan to L.A. I just wanted to see the beach. My asshole father never even noticed I was gone. I got to the beach and just sat there all day, looking out, and wishing I could just … float away. Maybe wash up on some desert island. Anywhere away from him.”

My heart sank and ached for Ollie the boy.

“I even waded out into it and thought about laying down and just letting the tide take me away.”

Gently, I slipped my hand into his as it hung loosely at his side. He glanced down at it and brushed my fingers with his thumb before pulling his hand from mine.

“Anyway, I was just a desperate kid. Things are finally going my way. My mom and brother are moving here, and I just got signed by one of the biggest fucking record companies in the world. All I have to do is go to New York and sign the papers.”

I smiled at him. “I’m really happy for you, Ollie. No one deserves happiness more than you.”

He raised an eyebrow at me and the corner of his mouth curved up. “Shame you didn’t feel that way a few months back.”

“I did. I wanted you to be happy, Ollie.”

Turning to face me, he shook his head and took a long drink of his beer. “Funny way of showing it. Did you ever love me?”

Gazing into his eyes, I cupped his face in my hands and stood on my tiptoes, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

“I always did. I still do,” I told him with a sincere affection. I meant it. Every moment I spent with Ollie only made the feelings stronger. His eyes closed, and the cold sensation of his lip ring against my warm and wanting lips was like ice on a hot summer day. He closed his mouth over mine, kissing me hungrily, passionately, and lovingly. I felt a rush of emotion soar through me, and I didn’t even care when the whistles of our friends began to echo from across the sand.

“Is that a private party? Or can anyone join?” Nick cried out.

Never taking his lips from mine, Ollie flipped him off. I kissed him with a desperate need. Every ounce of hurt and pain was washing away as his arms slid around me. Breathless, he rested his forehead against mine.

“I love you, Ollie,” I whispered.

His nose brushed mine gently and he let out a long sigh. “It’s not enough.”

Letting me go, he walked away and back to our friends. I watched with a heavy heart. I felt as though I was leading him on, making false promises, and holding hope in my hand for him to take. But I meant what I said; I loved Ollie more than he would believe.

* * * *

Sitting on the sand, I began drinking my fifth beer. The bonfire was warm and the dim light paired with the beautiful sunset was so stunning that it resembled something you would see in a magazine. The sound of Eric plucking at his guitar caught my attention, and getting to my feet, I crossed the sand and sat beside him.

“So, I guess you’re pretty stoked about the contract.”

He nodded and grinned at me. “You have no idea. This has been my dream for years. We’ve worked so fucking hard and waited so long. None of it would be possible without Ollie, though. It was all his new shit that got us noticed.”

I looked at him, perplexed. “New stuff?”

He nodded. “Yeah. That music book he carried around with him all the time. It’s crammed with songs he wrote. Really emotionally charged stuff. Chicks eat that shit up. It’s all stuff about love, broken hearts, and whatever.”

I pressed my lips together and looked out at the sea. “They say you should write what you know.”

Eric snorted. “Ollie sure knows heartache. His mom bailed, his dad beat up on him, and then you … well, you know.”

I nodded weakly. “Yeah. I know.”

Putting down his guitar, Eric nodded toward Ollie who was laughing with Mel and Amy as Nick animatedly told some story about one of his latest conquests.

“He really loves you, you know? I mean, I’ve known Ollie a long time, and he’s not the kind of guy who chases after a girl. Girls chase him. They flock to him, and he’s always been knee deep in pussy. Then he met you. It was like he became a totally different guy. Monogamy wasn’t exactly his thing, and the next thing I know, he’s packing a bag and getting on a plane to London to try and win you back. I told him it was a stupid idea, but he didn’t care. Said he had to try, because if he didn’t he’d never forgive himself. Layla, Ollie’s my best friend. I had it real bad as a kid and when I met him, he helped me turn my life around. He bought me my first guitar, and now he’s got us an amazing opportunity to be famous, rich, and play our music for the masses. It’s my dream. He’s an awesome guy, and any girl he ends up with is seriously lucky to have him. He’d treat her like a fucking queen. So, tell me one thing, do you love him?”

I stared at him, speechless. I’d never had Eric down as such a deep and emotional guy. His sweet baby face stared back at me, waiting expectantly.

“I do,” I said a little hoarse.

He nodded and picking up his guitar, he smiled. “Then stop dicking around and tell him you want to fuck his brains out, get married, and make a whole bunch of kids. Because this back and forth shit is getting really boring. Besides, I know it’s exactly what he wants, too. Even if he won’t admit it.”

“Hey! Southern Bell, what are you ladies clucking about over there?” Nick yelled.

“Yeah, you two look very cozy,” Mel teased.

I rolled my eyes and turned my attention to Eric. “Southern Bell?”