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Dream over.

I scan my eyes around the large room, which I have now been left in completely alone.

I can’t believe I came here...

To go from such a passionate reunion, to being somewhat ignored is completely bewildering to me. I realise he is probably busy, but then why would he want me to come and see him here in the first place? Not knowing what to do next, I stroll around the room and look at each of the artworks on the wall one at a time. Not really seeing them for what they are, only mindlessly trying to fill in the time as I nervously await his return.

At least half an hour would have easily passed and there is still no sign of him, Amy or anyone else for that matter. I hear muffled voices from beyond the hall, but no one has veered up this way since he left. Annoyed and impatient, I head back through the main lobby taking in a curious glance to the staircase that leads to a lower level where most of the voices seem to be coming from. Without completely stopping I can’t see anyone or anything. All I eye is the black metal rail that steps down with the timber and the still muffled conversations downstairs. I keep walking until I make it outside and take deep breaths trying to calm myself down. The sun is still shining outside but the chilly afternoon temperature is a reminder that it’s Autumn here, and the only cardigan I brought with me is still packed in my suitcase.

Where the hell are my suitcases?

I scan my eyes around to the side of the house where the driver had parked and despite the car still being there, the driver is nowhere to be seen. I move to the rear of the vehicle to check the boot, but it’s locked.

Great!

I wrap my arms around myself to try to dispel the cool air from hitting the exposed skin on my arms and continue wandering around the property. I make my way to the rendered fence and as I glance over the edge I see Jay’s back yard far below. A huge square concrete pool is embedded in the surrounding paved area, nestled amongst a sea of plants and trees. My vision halts at an outdoor lounge that rests on the far side of the pool where there are three woman seated. They are so distant that there is no way I could hear a word they are saying or make out their features to any lengthy detail , but even from here I can see how pretty they are. They are so skinny; all legs with blonde hair and I can’t help but wonder why they are there or who they are.

Are they the reason he is ignoring me?

This was such a bad idea.

My aeroplane breakfast is sitting in the back of my throat, parked there and waiting to be put into drive. I wish I could call Rosie to help set me at ease but her nagging me about not using my phone over here with the expensive international rates, recalls loudly in my head.

“Penelope?”

I roll my eyes as I hear Jay’s faint call from afar forcing my gaze away from the girls below.

He’s suddenly realised he has a guest, how thoughtful of him.

I slowly walk around the front of the vehicle toward the doorway until I am in view and he spots me immediately. He looks relieved.

“I thought you had taken off on me again.”

I force a smile.

As I approach him I can feel the air around me thicken rapidly, like it does when we become in close proximity to each other. Still annoyed at him for leaving me so soon after arriving, I try to brush the dense air aside confidently.

“Are you cold?” he asks as he begins gently rubbing his firm hands across my skin before I, not-so-subtly, shift away.

“I’m fine,” I clip.

He doesn’t seem to notice.

“I have some business to take care of this afternoon,” he starts whilst running his hand through his tussled hair. “I don’t know why I have staff to do these things when I may as well fucking do it myself,” he mumbles.

He sounds angry.

Why would he need staff for?

“I organised a hotel for you so I will get the driver to take you there now. Makes sense for you to rest after your long flight. I will pick you up later and we will have dinner,” he states so formally that I immediately begin thinking this is a weekly routine for him. Perhaps I am this week's choice.
'The emotional wreck from Australia.'
I cringe.

“So are you ready to go?” he adds.

I can’t help but act a little surprised, and I suppose, a little rejected. After all of my worry, I just assumed he would make me stay here at his place with him.

Why doesn’t he want me to stay here?

My thoughts drift to the model-looking women in the backyard and quickly assume he probably has enough
company
here in his house already. I swallow heavily trying to keep the chunks from rising out of my throat and onto the pavement. It wouldn’t be a great impression to say the least; although it may finally get his attention.

“I would have asked you to stay here, in the guestroom of course,” he quickly adds with a tiny smirk like he can read my mind. “Things are just so busy here. They basically work all night, so it won’t be very private.”

So he works from his house?

Is that who those women are?

“Okay,” is all I manage as I stroke my chilly, exposed skin. He nods his head to someone behind me and to my surprise the driver has reappeared.

“This way please.”

I turn back toward him and he is already fiddling through his phone, seemingly disinterested in me again.

I want to cry.

I want to run.

I hold in my emotions without breathing a word and slide into the vehicle before risking a final glance. He’s still typing frantically away on his phone, not caring about me leaving at all; and as the car backs out onto the street I see his image behind me slowly fade into the distance.

I received a call from the front desk saying I would be collected promptly at 7pm for dinner, but there were very little details about where I would be going or even who I should expect to collect me. I wasn’t even sure that Jay would be joining me considering how disinterested he seemed at his house. For all I knew, I could be taken by a cabbie through a drive through service. Since arriving at the plush hotel I have managed to have an hour long nap, shower, sort through my clothes and get ready for my dinner date; something that was really difficult to do with such little information. Glancing at myself in the hall mirror I am pleased with my reflection for once. The choice to wear all black from my stiletto boots to my blouse was mainly because I was still agitated and it irrationally seemed like a fitting colour, and well I didn't really have a lot to choose from due to my crappy packing skills. As I wait by the door, still puffing my loose curled hair and touching up my makeup, I can’t help but feel confused by his bizarre behaviour since I arrived. I can’t seem to work him out at all! I have had time to process everything between us so far - letting it flash frame in my analytical mind, and all I keep getting is a traffic light of amber when all I really want is green.

One minute he wants me, the next he doesn’t care!

I feel stupid that I flew all this way on a whim to see him, mainly out of curiosity and to be honest, a little out of fantasy. As Rosie so obviously pointed out it would be any girl’s dream to be in this position, being flown around the globe to see this sexy famous muso who would have his way me. But despite her observations, this wasn’t who I was. I was never the kind of woman to even contemplate being a fling – famous guy or not. None of her excitement was what convinced me to come. Despite my reluctance to admit it out loud, I can’t
deny
the feelings that arise when we are together or the attraction that builds so intensely between us. Escaping my past was also a great distraction, but beneath it all – it’s
him
that I came here for.

My realisations are halted by the ring of the room phone, as it sounds loudly before me.

“Hello?”

“Ms Price, your car is here to collect you,” a professional tone announces.

“Umm, okay. I will be right down.”

I straighten up my sheer blouse and grab my clutch and room key; nervously fleeing out the door.

Here goes...

Making my way into the hotel lobby, I’m in awe of how striking the entire place really is. Burnished, beige coloured porcelain tiles across the floors and such intricate details along the foyer’s front desk. This was easily a luxury five star hotel. On my approach, the doorman opens the main glass door for me and I am struck again by the cool air outside; taking in the pebbled valet area and statuesque potted palms. The area is bustling with many cars, staff and guests; ushering to and from their destinations with mindless chatter and dripping with money. I stand frozen, blankly staring at the scene surrounding me really unsure about what I was supposed to do. I nervously glance side to side hoping to receive some guidance before a concierge silently answers my prayers and stalks toward me sincerely.

“Ms Price?”

I nod in reply and fidget with my blouse.

Obviously I stand out for not fitting in here…

“This way please.”

I follow the man to the very last vehicle and notice its one of the same black Range Rovers that had been parked in front of Jay’s house. As I get closer, I see him. Those striking blue eyes I would know anywhere by now are blazing fiercely in my direction from the driver’s seat.

I gulp timidly.

“Have a good evening Ms Price,” the concierge chirps as he opens the door. I clamber into the car as graceful as possible and automatically place my seatbelt around my lap with fumbling fingers. Inside the vehicle is dark and deathly silent. Slowly and carefully I raise my eyes to look at him. Even in the dimness, I can feel his eyes burning through me.

“You look gorgeous,” he oozes effortlessly as his voice slices precisely through the dense air and sends the shivers down my spine.
I clear my throat quietly hoping he didn't hear me.

“Thank you,” I whisper looking away from him and straight ahead.

We wait for a few moments until the vehicles in front of us clear before we gradually start our journey. I can’t help but feel relieved that he is driving so I won’t have to feel his gaze on me the entire time, as just sitting next to him in an enclosed space is intense enough.

“Have you enjoyed your afternoon?” he asks casually.

I roll my eyes.

He HAS to be kidding!?

I immediately feel the routine rebuttal build in my chest and don't have time, or want to stop it.

“What? You mean sitting in a hotel room all by myself all day? Sure, it was fantastic!”

Shit!

The irritation in my voice shot straight out of me and I immediately regret being so forthcoming.  I don’t know what it is, but he seems to bring out so many extreme emotions in me. I shift my eyes uncomfortably between the road ahead and the window beside me – anything to avoid looking in his direction.

"Are you angry with me?" he asks in surprise.

You think?!

I don’t reply. I keep my eyes firmly fixed on the passing blurs through the window.

“Penelope, I apologise if I hurt your feelings earlier,” he starts. “I have some things going on at the moment with my work, things that needed my attention,” he explains diplomatically, like I am a spoilt child demanding attention from its mother.

I roll my eyes.

“A simple, ‘I have things to deal with’ would have sufficed,” I reply trying desperately to keep my sarcasm to a minimum. I hear him take a loud, over the top sigh.

“Look I’m not used to this,” he starts more empathetically while I am not yet feeling the same remorse.

“Used to what?" I spit out so abruptly it makes me shift uncomfortably in my seat. "You were the one that invited me here."

I don’t look at him and he doesn’t reply. The remainder of our drive is spent in an edgy silence where every tiny sound is magnified by our deaf surroundings.

A short while later we seem to arrive at our destination as he pulls his vehicle up to a man dressed in a sharp dinner suit behind a roped off area. He leaves the car running and hops out just as my door is opened by another man dressed in the same classy attire.

“Thank you.”

I am met by Jay at the door, who I notice is cautiously looking around us and at the same time taking a firm hold of my forearm urging me to follow him. His head is down toward his feet and his grasp squeezes so tight I almost think it will cut off my circulation.

Without question, I take his demanding lead around the vehicle toward the sidewalk where a very plain, concrete building is perched on the corner. The main street is bustling with cars and loud music, but not having been to LA before I don’t have any clue to where I am. Jay is moving quickly; making it very difficult to take much more of my surroundings in, but as we make our way to the front of the building I see the restaurant sign in bold red letters
'Bravio'.

Wow!

I remember reading about this place owned by some hot shot Hollywood producer and had talked to Rosie about going there. At the time, it was one of the hottest new restaurants on the Boulevard.

My eyes are wide with excitement taking the place of my previous annoyance. When we reach the grey doors he lets go of my forearm allowing the blood to flow back into my fingers, but still continues glancing over his shoulder like he is looking for something before signalling me to enter. As soon as I step inside I am struck by how dim this place is. I almost can’t even see for a moment as my eyes adjust to such an un-lit space. I feel him behind me as he places his delicate touch at my lower back and we walk together at a steady pace towards the main desk.

As my vision comes into focus I am beyond thrilled. There is an elegant, yet funky oval bar in the centre of the room with leather booths scattered around it. Several smaller table and chairs in the same fabric fill the remaining space. To the far side there is a tall, straight staircase that runs from the main floor to an upstairs area. There seems to be some kind of a DJ setup along the railing, but I can’t make anything else out from here.

“Please follow me.”

We follow the gentleman host as Jay keeps his firm, protective hand on my lower back. I take in subtle glances around the booths as we pass by and swallow heavily when I notice how glamorous their occupants are. I fidget self-consciously as a result, another reminder of how different this world is. I feel so...
naked
. We are escorted up the staircase, past some more booths and the DJ I noticed from the lower level, until we are in the furthest corner of the room. The single, private table in near darkness is our final destination and presumably our table for the evening.

“Thank you,” he states to the host.

He extends his arm out in front of him signally me to take a seat and as I slide along the lounge, he follows in close behind. He visibly relaxes as he slumps down and finally seems to have taken a breath.

“Welcome to Bravio may I offer you something to drink?”

A brunette beauty with perfect tanned skin and a low cut LBD comes into view. I squirm in my seat awkwardly at how beautiful she is, another reminder of the kinds of people he is obviously used to. I begin to wonder whether this girl would think we were even on a date. Perhaps she assumes we are related. But as I take in the object her brown eyes are focused on, I know she won’t be wondering about me at all.

“Yes, can I order the Sangria and a tall glass of OJ,” he replies promptly without asking me what I would prefer. Although I flush with embarrassment as I assume the juice he ordered was for me after my horrid drunken display the first time we met.

“Anything you want,” she replies with innuendo after eyeing Jay, quite flirtatiously I might add. She has either recognised who he is, or his sex-on-legs appeal has caught her eye. Whatever the reason has me wanting to poke her eyes out.

Since when did I get so… possessive?

“What’s a Sangria?” I ask over-interested; mainly in reaction to the waitresses over-the-top display. He turns his entire body to face me, as we are seated close in the centre of the circular style seat. As his intense eyes meet mine I can feel their gaze run through me, sending the acquainted tingle down my spine and making me forget all about the waitresses heavy feet as she storms away.

“It’s a cocktail, red wine a bit of brandy,” he responds still not moving a muscle. I manage a small smile still conflicted by all of the events earlier today, but keep my eyes in his direction. He seems to actually notice my expression this time.

“Penelope, please forgive me if I offended you today,” he starts with a real sincereness to his usual unyielding tone. He looks uncomfortable. “That obviously was never my intention. This is all, different.”

I crinkle my nose, confused. “How do you mean?”

He shifts uneasily in his seat, taking his eyes off me for a moment.

“Your drinks sir.”

The waitress places the OJ in front of me smiling in-genuinely and the Sangria in front of Jay; allowing her hand to linger much longer than required and almost leaning her bulging cleavage over the table towards him.

Could she be any more obvious?!

“Thank you,” he answers formally seemingly not noticing her behaviour.

Or probably
used
to such behaviour.

I shrug off my thoughts as soon as she leaves us alone before I continue my probing. “How do you mean this is ‘different’?”

Again he doesn’t answer, but swaps the OJ and Sangria so that the alcohol is in front of me and not him.

“Here,” he motions, avoiding my question. I do as he requests and take a tiny sip of the beverage.

The sweetness from the fruit with the rich red wine is quite tantalising and I lick my lips from the near saccharine sting the taste leaves on my tongue. I see him bite his lip before taking a tiny sip of his juice, never once breaking his intense stare away from me and my mouth.

“Did you order this for me?”

“Yes. I don’t drink.”

“Not at all?” I ask surprised.

“No, not anymore.”

I take another slow sip of my drink and place it carefully down on the table. As my eyes meet his, he is still gazing right through me. It’s chilling.

“You didn’t answer my question,” I coax. He continues searching my eyes trying to deliberate his words, as the severity of his stare slowly starts to soften.

“I haven’t done this for a very long time,” he starts shakily.

“Haven’t done what? Been out to dinner?” As stupid as the question sounded out loud, I was hoping my sarcasm was going to force him to be more open.

“Well, no, I have been out to dinner,” he smiles nervously before adding, “It’s just been a long while since it was really with anyone.”

Oh God.

Is he saying that I am someone? Maybe, someone maybe special?

My eyes widen at the honesty of his comment with Rosie’s words playing loudly as the soundtrack to our scene.
‘Obviously he likes you Penny!’

I begin to squirm anxiously, battling the emotions rising inside telling me I can’t do this. My feelings are mixed between fuzziness of his almost declaration and fear for whether I’m ready to go through this right now; and I unknowingly take a large gulp of my drink. When I place my glass back down on the table, my face is met with his, as he slides over toward me closing the already small gap between us.

Oh my.

Placing my hands nervously in my lap - I tense. He leans his resilient arm onto the back of the booth behind me, our knees barely touching under the table. The atmosphere around us thickening like it does, making my edgy state even worse until I really look into his eyes. They are
completely
open. For the first time since I met him, I feel like he is willing me deep into his soul for me to see his vulnerability; wanting me to
really
see him. I become mesmerised by his gorgeous blue eyes, so clear, so perfect, that they’re both painful and desirable to look into. He delicately raises his hand towards my cheek and ever so gently slides a stray loose curl behind my ear.

“Do you have any idea how exquisite you are?” He tenderly strokes my cheek as his warm, enchanting breath surrounds me, making me feel so light headed I could almost float to the ceiling.

What me?

It suddenly feels like we are the only two people in the world. That this isn’t reality at all. All I can manage is a slight shake of my head to seemingly answer his rhetorical question.

He smiles gloriously.

“So intriguing. Mysterious. So innocent.”

I exhale slowly. I’m not going to let him silence our conversation with his charm. As irresistible as he is when we are this close, I know where this leads and I am determined to get some more out of him to salvage my heart further turmoil.

"Why do you say that?" I ask with unsteadiness in my voice.

"I don’t know..."

He pauses for a moment trying to gather more words, as I wait eagerly in anticipation. "You are so different to anyone I have met before." He shakes his head confirming his statement. "The night we met...”

I swallow shyly as I recall the emotional drunken state I was in, before he rests his hand around the nape of neck.