Wounded Birds (The Grayson Series Book 1) (18 page)

It must have been devastating growing up without their mother. Their father must have been overwhelmed with the lose of his true love, but the one I feel the most pain for is Trent, who probably feels it was his fault that his mother passed away. I hope one day someone will convince him that it wasn’t, and he could wash away the guilt he has been harboring all these years.

Michael glances at his watch and places his napkin on the empty dish. “I have a meeting to attend.” He rises, pushing the chair back, and the legs screech loud across the slates.

I guess this explains why he gets so protective, but I sense his pain lies deeper than just losing his mother, but the grief expression over his face tells me I need to change the subject. I wrap my fingers over his before he walks away from me, “Michael, where do you picture us going from here?”

He takes my hand and places a gentle kiss over the knuckles. “Ariana, I want us to get acquainted with each other. Take small steps. I’m aware of your scars ... internally and externally. I pray one day you’ll be able to confide in me. I find you alluring, powerful, intelligent, and full of passion that any man would be honored to receive.

“I hope our relationship will lead to the joining of our souls, minds, and bodies uniting us as one, as lovers.” He leans over, and our eyes bond as his lips touch mine, kissing me with gentleness. I gaze into Michael’s eyes, and “The Look of Love” by Diana Krall echoes throughout the terrace.

I stand up and hold my hand out. “Dance with me,” I ask.

He smiles, takes my hand in his and encircles me in his arms. I embrace him like a glove, feeling his heat radiate through me. I rest my head over his chest, hearing the sweet melody of his heart beating against my ear. I close my eyes, savoring this moment.

“You’re not for real,” I whisper. I bring my head up to see his eyes glow with affection. He leans towards me, and we kiss again, swaying with the tender music. We glide across the terrace along with the breeze. We spin a few times then embrace one another rocking side to side.

The music ends and we stop dancing; he holds me just a few inches away from him. Again, a ghostly expression covers over his face, making him look pale and ill. “I can’t get enough of you, Ariana. I want all of you. I’m worried sick I’ll lose you,” he murmurs, brushing his lips over mine.

It breaks my heart to see the pain in his eyes and how frighten he is that something may happen to me.

“I feel at home with you.” He kisses me one last time before he starts clearing the dishes off the table.

I’m planted to the ground, frozen in place. I search the vicinity; everything looks the same, yet nothing is the same. I’m blown away from his tender words.

I snap out of my thoughts, and I glance at the time. Oh shit! “I’m late for the studio,” I rush out, picking up the dishes and Michael places his hand over mine.

“Don’t worry about these. I’ll take care of them.”

“Wow, you cook and clean. Mr. Grayson, you’re beginning to grow on me.” I laugh.

He smacks my butt. “Go get ready,” he says, clearing off the table.

I wince when the cell phone rings. Michael leaps for it, his muscles jittery and his jaw tight. I glimpse the caller ID. “It’s okay, Michael; its Blake.” I answer the call and walk towards my bedroom.

“Hey, Blake. How are you?” I ask as I touch up my mascara and add lip-gloss, which Michael consumed earlier.

“Good morning, Ariana. I’m excellent, but how are you doing?”

“I feel great, on top of the world,” I sing out. I’m walking on air, on fluffy little, white clouds. I hope this feeling never ends. “I’m heading for the studio.”

“Would this have anything to do with Mr. Bossy?” He laughs.

“Maybe, maybe not,” I answer, flashing a huge grin.

“I guess I’ll have to pry this out of you.”

“Did you get your costume for the fundraiser? Remember it’s for the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter on Halloween night,” I ask to divert him from his question.

“Are you trying to change the subject? Okay, I’ll play along.”

“You’re too smart for me.”

“Of course we did. Francis and I are dressing up like Romeo and Juliet. What are you going as?”

“Oh my God! They’re one of my favorite historical lovers. I . . . am going as Cleopatra.”

“Did you invite Michael to come?”

I stop and stare out the window, watching a plane fly by, and a horrendous memory flashes before me, invading me with heartbreaking tragedies. I say a small prayer to the families.

“Um, no, I didn’t,” I say feeling guilty.

“Why not, Ariana?”

“This is personal, and I’m afraid someone might say something at the event if he’s there. I’m not prepared to disclose that part of my life with him at the moment. We’ve only known each other for a short while. He’s an intelligent man. I’m sure he pieced the puzzle together after the show I displayed. I’m just not ready to confirm his suspicions.” I walk into the bathroom and give a quick brush to my hair.

“I understand, love. I’ll keep quiet about the event. I still think you should invite him, Ariana. He’s head over heels for you, and I see the way you look at him. You guys create such electricity between you two.

“I won’t say anymore. Hey, I’m heading toward the studio now. Did you want me to pick you up?”

“Yes, please. Thank you, I’ll wait for you downstairs,” I say with excitement.

“Okay, I should be out front in fifteen minutes,” Blake replies and hangs up.

I walk out towards the elevators, and Michael is wearing his buttonless shirt, and his jacket lays folded over his arm. “Are you ready?” He asks.

“Yes, and Blake is stopping by, so I’ll be riding in with him.”

He looks disappointed, sad even.

“What’s wrong, Michael?” He’s pouty . . . oh, no.

“I was hoping to take you into work myself before I headed home for a shower and . . .” He stares down at his attire. “A shirt with buttons on them, or will your savage side surface again this evening?” He grins from ear-to-ear, his eyebrow's dancing.

I burst out laughing. “I can’t speak for myself, but I have a feeling my ferocious side will be looking for more buttons to pop off. I think you’ll be safer if you wear a knit shirt.” I bat my eyelashes.

“I don’t want to play it safe,” he growls out. “Keep batting those lashes, and I’ll be throwing you over my shoulder and having my wicked way with you.”

I stop blinking, my mouth wide open, and I hold up my hands to surrender. He’ll do it too. “You win. Will you be in Manhattan or are you heading home after work?”

“I’ll be in the city tonight, which reminds me. I’ll be dining with a potential client this evening. I was hoping you would be able to join me. He and his wife arrived from Hong Kong last night.”

“I’m almost sure my calendar is clear. Call me later to confirm.” I glance at my watch. “We need to leave.” I stop and turn to face him. “Where is your office located?”

“By Grand Central Station in the Helmsley Building. Why? Are you planning to visit?” His eyes brighten, and he flashes me a deadly grin that turns me to liquid.

“Maybe,” I say and wink.

Chapter 15

Change of Plans

I am so engaged in my work that, when the phone rings, my heart jumps into my throat. The shrilling sound goes right through me like the sound of someone scratching against a chalkboard. “Hello.”

“Ariana, Sean here. There is a change of plans. I received a call from Mr. James Masino a few minutes ago. He wants to know if you can do an exclusive on the hotel in Positano, Italy, this Thursday instead of next week. Something came up, and he won’t be able to have you guys shoot any footage on the property on the original scheduled date.”

“Wow! That’s short notice. We would need to leave tomorrow. We’ll be losing half a day with traveling, and let’s not forget the time difference.” I explain as Michael pops into my head.

“I’m aware of all that, Ariana, and I’m sorry, but we have no other alternatives,” Sean replies.

“I’ll get Jonathan to reschedule my calendar and make travel arrangements for me and the crew.”

“Perfect, tell Jonathan to call Peggy with your itinerary, and she’ll call Mr. Masino to confirm your arrival and a car to pick everyone up.”

“Thanks, Sean, please ask Peggy to call Jonathan with the final details.”

“No problem, I’ll make sure she reconfirms. Oh, by the way, I never did get a chance to ask how your date went with Michael Grayson since I got back from vacation.” He chuckles.

“Wise guy. I hate to admit this to you, but the lunch went rather well. We’re going out to dinner this evening, Mr. Matchmaker.”

“By any chance, did Michael mentioned anything about his hotel in Hong Kong?” Sean inquires.

“Yes, briefly. I just never got around to asking him if we can broadcast the hotel once it opens. I’m sorry. I’ll ask him when I get a chance. I don’t foresee a problem,” I say tapping a pencil against the desk. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“Excellent. I’ll call you later.” Sean hangs up.

I gasp in surprise at the time. Oh, damn, it’s three thirty already. Where did the day go? I lift up the receiver to buzz Jonathan and get no answer. “Where is he?” Oh, shoot, now I remember, he mentioned earlier about taking a late lunch.

My phone rings again. This may be Jonathan. “Hello, Ariana DiMarco.”

“Since when do you answer your own telephone, Miss DiMarco?” Michael asks.

My heart starts to palpitate, and my stomach turns into carbonated water, bubbling inside with excitement just from the sound of his voice.

“Ha, Ha, Jonathan went out to lunch, so I’m playing PA. How are you?”

“Extremely well, knowing I’ll be seeing you this evening. Now, the million-dollar question, will you be able to accompany me to The Palm at eight tonight?”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to our dinner, especially at The Palm. I’m leaving here as soon as Jonathan returns from lunch. Unfortunately, there has been a change in my schedule. Our trip to Positano, Italy, needed to be bumped up from next week to tomorrow.

“What time is your flight?”

“I’m not sure, but when Jonathan gets back from lunch, I’m going to ask him to book me and the crew on the first available flight out of JFK.”

I hear the phone ringing on his end. “Ariana, I have a call coming in that’s imperative I take. I’ll come and pick you up at seven thirty.”

“Sounds perfect,” I say and glance up with a start. Standing against the door jam is Jonathan, who keeps everything in order for me. I smile at him and hold up a finger as to tell him to wait a moment. I turn my attention back to Michael. “See you later, Mr. Bulldozer,” I say, giggling.

“You’re still calling me that,” he chides. “I thought I might have graduated to Prince Charming.”

“Nah, the title suits you. Bye.”

“I’ll be by at seven thirty.” I sense his grin over the phone matching mine.

I hang up and face Jonathan again with a smile from ear-to-ear.

“Jonathan, you’re just the person I need. I left a few things on your desk. I hope I’m not inundating you.”

“Ariana, you’re always helping me with my school work. I can never do enough for you,” he says with gratitude.

“Aw, Jonathan, I will always support you. Now sit down. I need something, which takes precedence over everything else.” We both laugh.

“So, was that Mr. Hottie on the other line?” Jonathan asks.

“What hottie?”

He flashes me a crooked smile. “Don’t play dumb with me, Miss DiMarco. I’m talking about Michael Grayson, the person you had lunch with almost two weeks ago. The lunch you were dreading.”

I beam with glee, giving evidence away.

“
It is
,” he says, intrigued, pulling his chair closer to the desk to sit. He grins crossing his arms over his chest at full attention.

“Okay, okay. I forgot Patricia, our intern, covered for you while you went on vacation the day after the lunch date. You’re correct, the one and only Mr. Grayson, and he’s a dream and don’t go repeating what I said to anyone else,” I say, pointing my finger at him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Your pretty little secret is safe with me. I’ve never seen you glow so much. Are you sure you’re not pregnant?” He winks with a wicked chuckle.

I gasp. “Jonathan!” I screech out.

“I’m kidding. I’m happy you found someone who rocks your world,” he expresses wholeheartedly.

I smile, and a warm, erotic sensation runs through me. Jonathan’s right. I am shimmering and “Thank you for loving me” by Jon Bon Jovi plays faintly from my computer
.

I tell Jonathan about our last minute travel changes that need to be arranged. He stands and walks toward the door.

“Jonathan . . . you’re the best. How is school coming along, and how much longer before you graduate?”

He stops and turns to face me. “It’s going well. I only have a semester left.”

“That’s fantastic. I’m sure if there is an opening, we can promote you to co-host one of the segments.”

“Really?” He asks, surprised, his eyes gleaming.

“Absolutely. You’re a hard worker and dedicated. You’re a natural. Remember when you had to fill in for Phyllis on the family segment for those three weeks that she was out, you were awesome. Sean couldn’t stop talking about it.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Ariana. Well, let me go and schedule your flight arrangements.” He rushes out, his eyes growing bright and a smile that could light up the city.

“You’re the best, Jonathan,” I yell out.

The phone rings, and Jonathan answers. My buzzer on the phone goes off.

“Joanne’s on line two.”

“Thanks.” I lift the receiver, “Didn’t I get a glimpse of you last night? Did you miss me already?”

“Hi to you too.” Joanne snickers. “I can’t believe I’m heading back to the airport again in a few hours. When I get back, the first stop is at the gym, and Sean will be receiving an invoice from my private trainer,” she says. “I barely squeezed into my pants this morning. What made me take this job anyway?” Joanne grumbles.

“Your love for food and travel, or have you forgotten?” I say, chuckling.

“You’re hilarious,” she mutters. She doesn’t sound too amused with the comment.

“Where is your sense of humor? Anyway, I think you can afford a few pounds. You’re a size what, zero?” I quiz her.

“Well, not anymore I’m not. You judge for yourself. Didn’t my skirt and top appear a little too snug around the waistline last night?” Joanne asks sarcastically.

“No, I haven’t noticed. Nonetheless, when you get back, you’ll lose weight as you always do.”

“True, anyway, how is hot stuff?”

“Wonderful! I’m joining him this evening. He’s taking a potential client and his wife out for dinner and requested I accompany him.” I spin my chair around to face Times Square through my large windows. I’m all giddy. I gaze up into the infinite universe and give my unconditional thanks.

“So how many times have you guys kissed?” I’m not surprised at Joanne’s bluntness.

“Umm . . . well . . . ” I stall.

“Out with the gossip. Are you falling for him?”

“No! Never,” I say, lying through my teeth. “I still don’t trust him. I mean Danny presented himself the same way in the beginning until our wedding night, and out of nowhere, the sadist surfaced from the earths' crust. So why would I take a chance in this happening again?”

“Because Michael is nothing like Danny. Not all men are psychotic.”

I cringe when a certain scene from my past decides to flash before me.

I came home from the grocery store, and Danny was patiently waiting for me by the stairs. Since our neighbor, Michelle, was standing outside, he thought he should show her what a true gentleman he is. He walked toward me, kissed me hello, took the groceries from my arms, and carried them inside.

She was always lusting over Danny. “You have a wonderful husband, Ariana. You should count your lucky stars,” Michelle voiced as she waved good-bye, walking into her home.

Oh, if she only knew. The moment I walked through the door, Danny grabbed me by the hair and pulled me into the kitchen. He blew up like a nuclear bomb, accusing me of talking too nicely to the gas attendant this morning before I dropped him off to work. His car was getting new tires.

“Danny, what the hell is wrong with you? I wasn’t flirting.”

“No, baby doll, you weren’t; however, you’re too damn polite, and guys get the wrong idea,” he hisses out, tugging my hair harder from the roots. I wanted to scream in pain, but this would only add more fuel to the fire.

“Don’t you trust me?”

“No, baby doll, I don’t.”

“Then what possessed you to marry me?”

“Because I couldn’t stand the thought of another man touching what’s mine. Any questions? You belong to me, baby doll, and only me.” He grabbed hold of my arm, twisting into the skin until it burned to the point where I began to bleed. Without warning, his fist slammed into the side of my cheek. The earsplitting pop pierced painfully through my jaw. I couldn’t breathe from the excruciating blow. Spots flashed before my vision until everything went into complete darkness, making me fold like an accordion to the floor.

I jolt back to the present after hearing Joanne’s voice. I shake the images away. “Hello, wake up Ariana,” Joanne calls out.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was . . . I . . . never mind. I’m flying out to Italy tomorrow and arriving home this Sunday. Any idea when you’ll be showing your presence?”

“In a week in a half. I’ll call you as soon as I touch U.S. soil. I want to hear all about your trip and more on lover boy,” Joanne orders.

“I’ll be waiting with anticipation. Take care.”

“Bye.”

I skim through my e-mails and wonder if the psycho sent me any love letters. I’ll have to ask Trent since he forward all unknown correspondences to his server. He must be getting his thrills calling me. I shake off the chills and shut down my computer. I take one last glance out the window, admiring the glittering lights. I stand up from my chair, snatch my laptop and handbag, and head for the door.

Jonathan’s work area is spacious. He’s enclosed in a large cubicle with a half-glass partition, like an office. I want him to feel that he’s appreciated. He does so much for me. This is the least I can do along with the bonuses he receives, which, of course, no one else receives in the studio, but that’s because it comes out of my pay. I don’t mind. I’m blessed to have him in my life.

“Jonathan, I’ll see you in a few days. Thank you for all your help.”

Jonathan nods and hands me a piece of paper. “You’re welcome, Ariana. Here is your itinerary. The flight leaves at four forty-five tomorrow afternoon. A car is confirmed to take you to JFK, and one will be waiting for you at Naples airport. I e-mailed Blake, and the crew their itineraries.

“Anything else I can do for you before I get started on the assignments you left on my desk?”

I kiss him on his cheek and give him a big embrace. “No, except I owe you many thanks for all the hard work you do for me. You are my right-hand person.” I squeeze him one more time. “Thank you.”

“Ariana, I love working for you.”

“With me,” I correct.

“What?”

“You work
with
me, not
for
me. We’re a team.”

He smiles and nods. “Correction, I love working with you. Enjoy your evening and I wish you a safe flight.”

“Thanks, Jonathan. I’ll see you when I get back.” I pass Sean’s office, and peek in. He’s all dressed to impress. His short, curly blonde hair looks great against his navy blue suit. I have to say Sean has the most vibrant, big blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

“Hey, Sean, all is confirmed. I’ll be heading out tomorrow late afternoon.” I wink.

“Be careful. I expect a phone call the moment you land. I don’t care what time of the day you arrive,” he orders.

“Yes, sir,” I salute another bossy boss. I can’t seem to get away from them. I’m like a magnet. They seem to gravitate to me.