“No, nothing’s bothering me, honey. I’m just thinking.” She pouts, running her fingers down my chest.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Would you get upset if I speak frankly?”
“I always expect you to speak frankly when you are with me.”
“What do you feel when you look at me; when you are with me?”
“I am very happy. I enjoy your company and I enjoy you.”
“Well, when I am with you it’s as if time stands still. I have never felt this feeling before. It’s like no one else exists, but you….but us.”
I remain, silent, for once unsure how to respond. I decide that being silent is the best way to deal with her remarks. “What I’m trying to say Ethan Stone, or whatever else they call you, is that I have fallen in love with you. There I said it,” Riley announces.
I still remain silent.
“Well Ethan, aren’t you even going to respond?”
“I like you a lot. Love, well that’s a word that’s foreign to me, because I have never been in love,” I answer honestly, caressing her locks. “Riley, I don’t even know if I am capable of love as others see it. People say I am detached, unfeeling, uncaring. But I just don’t feel emotions the way other people do.”
“At least you are honest. And I am not asking you to say you love me, I just wanted you to know that I love you, and I am a girl who speaks her mind.”
Riley reaches over and kisses me. This time her kiss is soft; deliberate, as if she is trying to make love to me with her lips. We kiss for what seems like an eternity. Riley is pouring out her soul to me in the form of her lips and I gladly accept.
I feel strange. I feel as if my heart is melting. My chest is bursting. What the fuck is going on, Ethan. Are you fucking falling for this girl?
I give in to the moment… the sensations; gently sliding my cock in and out her wet pussy, while staring in her eyes. This time it’s not about fucking. I am making love to the most beautiful woman in the universe.
Riley…sweet, innocent Riley.
CHAPTER 15
Riley
Sleep eludes me.
I toss and turn while flying back to New York on Ethan’s private jet. Images of the previous two days flash through my head at varying intervals.
My heart is brimming with mixed emotions. Sadness that I have left the man that I love and yet a sense of freedom that I can go back home and objectively examine our relationship, or whatever the heck is going on between the two of us.
I glance through the window down at the spectacular lights of the city. Although not a native New Yorker, I have grown to adore the city and its people. It’s somewhere I could see myself calling home.
“This is your captain speaking; we have begun our descent into JFK. Please ensure your seatbelt is properly secured,” a voice crackles through the intercom. Instinctively, I check on my seatbelt, which is securely fastened. I can feel the sleek craft descending and steel my nerves. I hate flying. I don’t have a phobia or anything like that, but I am not a fan of being in the air.
My insides churn, but just for a second, as the plane makes a smooth landing and cruises down the runway before coming to a halt.
I exhale, unfastening myself from the confines of the seatbelt. The flight attendant assists in removing my hand luggage from the overhead compartment. My much larger suitcase is sent tucked in the cargo hold.
Immigration and Customs is boring as usual. I peruse the few faces trying to escape the precincts of the private airport and get back to their everyday lives. No one stands out, just people in expensive clothes going about their everyday business.
One of the perks of travelling by private jet and being a guest of Ethan Stone is that you are given the VIP treatment at airports and I breeze through the processes.
There are perks to being beautiful and making your way through airports is one of them. I give the agent my most seductive look and stroll outside, where thankfully Ethan has a limousine waiting for me.
You have to hand it to Ethan; he sure knows how to keep a lady in style. The man is in my thoughts during the entire journey to my apartment and the waiting questions from Jada.
“So how was it?” She jumps at me, hardly giving me time to sit down or catch my breath.
“It was really wonderful,” I gush. “Jada, don’t scold me, but I have fallen in love with Ethan.”
Jada’s mouth opens and her jaws drop. “You don’t say, Riley. Now why the heck have you gone and done a thing like that?”
“It wasn’t as if I planned it, duh,” I defend myself. “It just happened. The man is in the air I breathe. He has captured me in a way no other human being has. Jada, I am consumed by Ethan.”
My roomie sits beside me on the sofa and places a reassuring arm around my shoulders. I lay my head on her comforting chest. “Riley, I can’t tell you I didn’t see this coming. Ethan is a devastatingly handsome and sexy guy and rich by any standards.” She looks me sternly in the eyes. “But there is just something about him. Call it cockiness, he just seems like he considers himself above everyone else on this planet.”
“Jada, you don’t know him like I do. Yes, he is super confident and feels like he can do anything in the word. But around me he is kind, thoughtful and loving. And he is a stud in bed.” I giggle at the erotic memories flashing through my mind.
“So what did you guys do while you were down there?” Jada’s tone softens. “Without moi?”
“Just simple things - like going to the beach, dinners or just sitting and chatting, and lots of love making.” I burst out in a fit of giggles, which seems to be contagious, as Jada follows suit.
“Well, I guess I can ease up on him a little, after all, the guy did risk his life to save yours. Is there nothing Ethan cannot do?” She eyes me quizzically.
I shake my head and Jada laughs again.
We chat for a while longer and I am about to retire to bed for the night when my cell phone rings insistently. I glance on the instrument and see Alex’s name flashing across the screen.
Now what could Alex want at this time of the night? Strange, since he hasn’t called me in a while.
“Hi Alex,” I put on my sexiest voice. “How are you, darling?”
There is a chuckle on the other end of the line. “Someone is in good spirits,” his voice booms. There have been times in the past when that sound would have sent a shiver down my spine, but not tonight.
“Well honey, I am more tired than anything else.” I respond with a slight yawn.
“Really now? I thought you would have come home with Jada, but she says you stayed on a couple days at Stone’s invitation,” Alex scoffs.
Do I detect a hint of jealously in his voice?
“Yes, I was one of his houseguests.” I try and deflect the question.
There is a pause on the line. “Let’s have dinner tomorrow night and catch up,” Alex finally ejaculates.
“Sure Alex, just call me tomorrow with the time and place. I have an early photo shoot, but I will be finished by late afternoon. It will be nice to catch up.” With that I say my goodbye and wearily flop into bed. I am fast asleep as soon as my head hits the pillows.
***
I wake up startled at the crack of dawn. I glance at the clock and grimace.
Shit, I am running late, again.
I quickly dash into the bathroom and take what for me is a record-breaking bath and pull on a dress. The car sent by my current clients will be around in a few minutes, so I don’t even have time for breakfast.
Jada is sleeping like a log in her room. Lucky her, God bless her soul.
The intercom beeps and I figure it’s time to haul ass, so I grab my purse and gently close the door behind me, so I don’t wake my roomie. A limousine is waiting for me on the sidewalk and I quickly slip inside, politely acknowledging the driver. The man, a black, heavyset, slightly balding guy, gives me the once over and smiles, obviously pleased with what he has seen.
A
fter a short and uneventful ride, I arrive on the set of my latest gig, a photo shoot for Young Love’s winter collection. The designer is one of the celebrated up and comers and all the rage with the younger set at the moment.
I am greeted like a star and for the next several hours lose myself in what I love most of all, modeling. I love the runway, but I have a special love affair with the camera. Nowadays, however, when I am shooting I pretend that it’s Ethan’s eyes instead of the lens. That sure gets my creative juices flowing.
Exhausted when we wrap at about five, but conscious that I have a date with Alex that night, I head home in a thoughtful mood. Life’s a funny thing. A few weeks ago I would have been over the moon to be on a date with Alex. Now, I think I only accepted out of curiosity and the fact that I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of the man who discovered me.
Speaking of Alex, my phone rings and it’s him on the line.
“Hey Alex,” I answer matter-of-factly.
“Hey supermodel, how did your shoot go today?” His voice smiles on the other end of the line.
“Great. A little tiring, but who’s complaining. Rather to be a tired model that an out of work model, I should say.”
“So surprise, I am cooking for you tonight. So haul your crazy ass over to my place at say, around eight, and don’t eat anything before you come over.”
“Really, Chef Alex? Sounds like an offer I can’t refuse. I will certainly be there,” I chuckle.
“See you then,” Alex signs off.
I exhale.
Imagine, Alex cooking for me. Something sure is up and I guess I will find out tonight.
I ride the limo home and flop on the couch as soon as I enter the apartment. “You seem tired, Riley. Wanna get some popcorn and watch a movie tonight?” Jada offers graciously.
“I wish I could, honey, but guess who I have a date with tonight?” My eyes widen.
“Ethan is here in New York?” Jada asks, a dazed look on her face.
“No, silly,” I chuckle. “Alex! And he has even promised to cook for me. Now isn’t that interesting?”
“It’s more than interesting. Alex, who could hardly find the time for you? I wonder what he has up his sleeve?”
“I guess I will find out tonight. By the way, choose something not too sexy for me. I am too tired to pick out an outfit.” I commandeer Jada, who smiles and hits the wardrobe. She loves dressing me and putting on my makeup.
I must have dozed off, because the next thing I feel is Jada’s small fingers poking my side. I awake with a start. “What time is it?” I ask sheepishly.
“Time to hit the shower and get dressed. It’s almost seven O clock,” Jada scolds me.
“Aww, I am so lazy tonight. Wish I didn’t have to go, but I can’t cancel on Alex. He will surely be offended,” I blurt out.
Jada helps me off the couch and into the shower. The hot, energizing spray pricks against my flesh in a stimulating manner. Slowly, my mind and body come to life. Now I am feeling wide awake. I dress in record time for the second time today and with Jada’s help I am out of the apartment and heading for the waiting taxi at a quarter to eight.
Alex has a funky apartment in the Village. I have been there once, to a small party he hosted in my honor shortly after my arrival in New York. I had loved the place and was peeved that Alex had not invited me back.
I press the buzzer and Alex lets me in. He lives on the third floor, in a two bedroom apartment, so I have no qualms about climbing the stairs. There is no need to knock on the door, since he is already standing outside when I arrive, martini in hand. “Thank you darling,” I snatch the drink and give him a peck on the cheek.
Alex responds with a hug. “Man, you look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you,” he says, while his roving eye darts over my body.
This is not quite the always business-like and professional Alex that I am used to. “You hardly notice me, that’s the point,” I respond, gliding into the apartment.
I glance at the framed photographs on the wall and can’t help but marvel. Most are of famous people and coupled with the tasty, artistic pieces of sculpture and furniture has my mouth hanging open.
For the first time, however, I notice a number of photographs of me mounted in a corner of the apartment. “I never noticed those when I came here before, Alex,” I comment, strolling over towards them.
“That’s because they weren’t there before. I put them up about a week ago,” he answers, staring at me.
“I am flattered.”
“Don’t be, you photographed well and I should be the one flattered to have photographs of the world’s next supermodel in my collection.”
I laugh. Alex always knows the right words to say. Pity this time it’s a little too late. “Anyway, dinner is served. I hope you are ravenous, Miss Riley Hamilton. I have cooked up a feast worthy of royalty.”
The mention of the royalty sends my mind racing towards Ethan and Cary Island, but I plant myself at the expensive dining table, while Alex busies himself in the kitchen. The dining area is well decorated with fancy cutlery, adding a touch of class to the occasion. Someone is sure rolling out the red carpet tonight. I wonder why?
Alex, true to his word, produces a culinary smorgasbord that has my taste buds all in a twist. The sautéed shrimp on a bed of potatoes is simply to die for. “My compliments to the chef.” I rave after downing the last morsel.
“Thank you… thank you.” Alex bows. “This was created specially with you in mind.”
“I am honored. Why thank you, Chef Alex.” I laugh out loud.
Dinner out of the way, Alex offers me a seat on the artsy couch in the living room and another martini. I sip the tasty concoction and settle back to listen to Alex’s pitch. “So Riley, it’s nice to finally have you here, it’s been a long time in coming.” He peers into my eyes with such intensity that I have to look away for a moment.
“It has been a long time Alex, but you have always been busy.”
“I have a confession to make, I have tried to stay away, because from the first time I saw you I have been attracted to you, but didn’t want to take advantage of our relationship.” His stare is still very much fixed on my face.
“Really, Alex, I had no idea, you never gave me even the slightest clue. I had thought the contrary, that you were not interested.”
“Well, now you know.” Alex moves closer and places an arm around my shoulder.
What the hell am I to do? I really don’t want to hurt his feelings?
I look over at Alex and he brings his lips down toward mine, swooping in for a kiss.
I slide away from his incoming lips. “What’s the matter, Riley? I thought you liked me and wanted to see me?” He looks at me wide-eyed.
“I did…I think, Alex. But things are kinda complicated now.”
“Is it Mr. Ethan Stone?”
I sigh. “Yes, I am seeing Ethan. I am so sorry, Alex.”
“I can’t believe you would get involved with that man, Riley. I hear he is the devil himself. He uses beautiful young girls like yourself; casts them on the scrap heap and then moves on to another prey,” Alex fumes. “They say he loves no one but himself and has this God complex, like he is above everyone else.” He gets up and paces the floor.
“He is not really like that, with me.” I find myself defending my lover, again.
“Well, just you wait, Riley. I have done a bit of digging and he is a cold-hearted bastard, who, if you are not careful, will destroy you. I heard he killed a woman once.” There is a look of anger on Alex’s face.
I rise to leave. “I am sorry Alex, but I am in love with Ethan and no matter what people say, it won’t change how I feel about him.”
“Then go ahead, but don’t say you haven’t been warned.”
“Thanks for caring, Alex,” I kiss him on the cheek and head towards the door, wanting to flee the apartment and get back to the sanctuary of my own bedroom. It suddenly dawns on me that Ethan has called just once
since I got back home. I know he is busy, but he can at least call more often.
Once downstairs, I hail a cab and head home. I am paying the cab fare when I look up and nearly freaking faint. Standing in front of my apartment waiting for me is Ethan himself… in the flesh.
CHAPTER 16
Ethan
I walk her to the steps of the plane and hug her goodbye. Riley slowly ascends the steps, but turns suddenly and races back into my arms. She hugs me passionately and stares at me, her eyes all aglow. Something jolts inside me, a kind of electricity sizzles through my body. It’s a sensation that I have never felt before.
She finally lets go, after what seems like an eternity, kisses me on the cheek and disappears into the aircraft.
I watch the plane take off and wave goodbye. But something is amiss. Something strange is happening.
Don’t leave, Riley
I walk away, arms akimbo. The two days spent with Riley have drawn me closer to her in a way that I don’t want to admit, even to myself. It’s a weird feeling for a man who normally doesn’t experience emotional attachments. This sensation is foreign to me, but somehow I like it.
For the next few hours I try to work, but give up in frustration and eventually push away the papers. Strangely enough I am not in the mood to make money right now.
I want you back here, Riley.
Braddock and the rest of my staff are puzzled at my broodiness. They have known me to fuck a girl or two and jump right back into the saddle at work. This time around everyone is walking around me on egg shells, no doubt wondering what the fuck is happening to the cold-blooded Ethan Stone.
Why the heck am I all fucked up over a young small town girl?
Again, I try to focus my attention on the big takeover coming up, but I can’t seem to concentrate.
I am distracted…Me Ethan, distracted? You gotta be kidding me.
Morning comes and I am still feeling the blues. There is just one thing to do. I summon Braddock and tell him to get the plane ready. We are heading to New York. I need to see Riley Hamilton.
His Prize Model (A BBW Romance) Page 13