Resisting Her (Moving On Duology Book 2)

by Catherine Edward

  I caught up with her soon and I could tell she was distracted. It must hurt. I was in her shoes once. The rejection hurt like a bitch, especially when it came from that one person you thought was important in the entire world.

  As I followed, all I could think of was to tell her she wasn’t alone. To prove I could give her more. The sudden thought was surprising to me. When she walked past my car, I grabbed her and swallowed her yelp. My lips moved over hers with urgency.

  Her hands beat on my chest, stopping when she realized who it was. God, I missed her. The surroundings faded with the kiss and I ached with the familiar need. I was quick to open the door, pushing her inside before climbing in.

  “Orlando... How did—”

  I kissed her again. She moaned softly and opened for my seeking tongue. I used the chance to twirl my tongue with hers. Our hands explored with urgency and she tugged my shirt. A need too hot and demanding filled me. I couldn’t wait. I had to have her there and then. I unzipped swiftly and positioned between her thighs. Her short dress bunched above her hip as her legs wrapped around my waist. Pulling aside her panties, I slid in.

  “I missed you.” My voice was hoarse with need. She gyrated her hips against mine as I pumped faster. It was quick, urgent, but filled with passion. “You feel so good.”

  “Oh, Orlando...” Arianna moaned.

  “Say my name again.”

  “Orlando...”

  “Yes... I love my name on your lips.”

  My hand found her center of pleasure and applied pressure.

  “Orlando... I...”

  She was close. Her channel convulsed, sending me over the edge. “Arianna!”

  My hips pumped a few more times to release the last drop of my excitement. My thumb continued to work her sex as her hips arched, seeking release. Her back arched and eyes rolled into her head as a scream tore out of her chest. Resting my forehead on her, I tried to catch my breath.

  “I thought you left already,” She complained when I straightened.

  “I wouldn't leave without telling you.”

  “Your phone was switched off.” Her hand bunched my shirt.

  “I’m sorry. Isabela was calling non-stop and I locked it in my office drawer.” I kissed her knuckles and traced the smooth skin on her hand.

  “Oh.” She pouted, fiddling with my shirt button.

  “You're cute when you do that.” She laughed when I pecked the pout of her lips.

  “Orlando, what are we?” Her expression grew thoughtful.

  The question caught me off guard. What are we? My throat constricted. What do I tell her? How would she react if I said I wanted to offer more?

  “I don't know. No expectations, remember?”

  Arianna nodded, but her expression fell. How do I explain it? I wanted her. I missed her when I couldn’t see her for three days and loved every moment of us together. The need to stay with her grew every day, but a small part of me was still scared.

  “You are my friend and I trust you more than anyone that much I can tell you now.”

  “That sounds better.”

  Releasing her from my embrace, we adjusted our clothes. It hadn’t been a few seconds, but I missed her touch. “Stay with me tonight.” Her eyes snapped to meet mine. “Or I can stay with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Is that question necessary?” My lips stretched. “I’m not done with you yet.”

  Arianna’s signature smile was back on her lips. I climbed out of the car and then slid into the driver’s seat. “Your apartment is an hour away. I prefer you in my room tonight,” she said.

  “Impatient, I see.”

  “Can you blame me?” Her devious smile stirred my desire again. “How did you find me here?”

  “I was coming to see you. When I saw you crossing the road, I followed.”

  “You saw.”

  What do I tell her? A foreign emotion balled in my throat. The truth.

  “I did.”

  “He’d been pressuring me to meet and said he wanted to talk. He said it was urgent.” I pressed a kiss on her wrist. “You don't have to explain anything, Arianna. I followed you and stayed in earshot to make sure you were okay.”

  “I wanted you to know.”

  My smile was genuine. We soon reached her mansion. The security at the gate allowed our car to enter when he saw Arianna in the front seat. When we entered her home, I wasn’t expecting to see her family. Tension gripped the atmosphere and I noticed Mr. Swanson’s shoulders relax when his eyes fell on Arianna.

  My gaze swept around the room, falling on Alana and it felt like a punch to my gut. They had this uncanny resemblance and I stared at her, unable to bat my lashes. My hold on Arianna’s hand tightened. My girl was right here beside me. Alana’s bloodshot eyes regarded me, lingering on our joined hands.

  Their bewildered look, ruffled hair and tousled clothes said someone dragged them out of their beds. And that someone was her sister. The fact was hard to miss with how everyone stood protectively around her with concern filled gazes.

  “Mr. Cortez?” Her father stepped forward with several questions in his eyes.

  “Hello, Mr. Swanson,” I greeted with a curt nod. “Arianna, why don’t you bring your overnight bag? I’ll wait here.” When she didn’t move, I nudged her. “Arianna…”

  “Huh! Yeah, sure. I’ll be right back.”

  “I wasn’t expecting you,” Henry said again. His gaze flickered between me and Arianna.

  “I came to see my girlfriend.” My gaze flicked to the stairs. “Looks like it isn’t the right time.”

  “Of course not. You’re welcome here anytime.” He looked at the others. “It’s just surprising. I mean, um… you and my daughter.” His laugh was nervous. He ran a hand through his hair. “Should’ve guessed when you refused to rent the Cortez Estate.”

  Anger flared in me. Did he just blame Arianna? Oh, he did. “Arianna had nothing to do about the venue, Mr. Swanson.” Pushing my twitching hands deep into my pockets, I glared at him. “She doesn’t run my business, I do. Besides, the venue was booked on the date you’ve requested.” While I didn’t owe him an explanation, I felt the need to clear her name.

  “Oh.” He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when Arianna came with her bags.

  “I’ll take them,” I took the bags from her. “See you at the wedding, Mr. Swanson.” With a curt nod to them, I grabbed Arianna’s hand and exited their house.

  “Sure.”

  “Something isn’t right,” I told her and held the passenger door open for her to climb inside. “Perhaps, they—” uncertain of how to finish the sentence I looked at her.

  “Perhaps what?” she asked.

  I shrugged. They thought you ran off with Brian. “It’s just a hunch I have, but I feel like your sister might have found out you are meeting Brian tonight.”

  The cute frown was back on her face. I wanted to tell her about Alana’s fake pregnancy but before that I needed proof. First, I needed to figure out what was Alana’s part in those photos and find how and why she fabricated them. There were several questions in my head.

  I cranked the engine lost in thoughts. Why would Alana put herself in a compromising situation like that? If the photos were true like the report claimed, my first suspect was Alana. Why would she degrade herself? I didn’t think revenge had anything to do with it. There was more to this. And, I’m certain I’d get to the bottom with or without Arianna’s knowledge.

  “Thanks for getting me out of there. I was planning to leave after the wedding,” she said after a while.

  The genuine smile on her face thawed my heart. How could I leave her with a bunch of wolves? She didn’t belong there.

  “I’ll get Mike to move the rest of your things in your new apartment. You can stay with me until then.”

  Hazel eyes snapped to meet mine, holding my gaze, almost making it harder to breathe. The blaze in them consumed me. I averted my gaze to the road, feeling the lurch of my hear
t.

  A sense of calm filled me when I parked the car in my spot. I lived in one apartment in this residential towers close to work. I grabbed her bags and we headed to the apartment.

  “Miriam is the housekeeper here. She looks after Boxer and my home. Boxer sleeps with her,” I said, holding the door open for her.

  “Okay.” Her gaze swept around as she stepped in.

  Having her here in my apartment felt so right as if she belonged here.

  “Do you want anything to eat?” I asked, closing the door.

  “No. I’m not hungry.”

  “Good.” Her giggle warmed my insides when I pulled her flush against my body and buried my face into the crook of her neck. “I’m hungry for you.”

  “What are you doing?” Her voice grew huskier as I backed her to my bedroom.

  “You ask as if you don’t know already. I told you I’m not done with you yet.”

  “What’s your plan?” Her seductive voice drifted around us.

  “You’ll find out soon.” With a smirk, I pushed her on the bed. This is where she belongs. In my home. In my bed. And, in my heart. Eyes widening, I was quick to shove that thought aside and focused on the treasure in front of my eyes.

  The nervous smile was back on her face. Cheeks painted red, her chest rose and fell. Her teeth bit into her lower lip, something she did often.

  “Orlando…”

  My name on her lips sounded better. She’ll be mine tonight and for every other night to come. This time, I didn’t deny it.

  Chapter – 17

  Present

  The plane touched down at the destination airport, jerking me out of my thoughts. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my aching limbs. Sleep evaded me the entire flight time as I could only think about her.

  Sheila had booked the tickets in the economy since the first class was full. First-class sure had its perks when compared to the economy. But the discomfort mattered less when I thought about the day I got to spend with Arianna.

  An hour and a long line to the immigration later, Sheila greeted me at the arrivals. Her shoulders sagged with relief as she checked the time. “Here.” She handed me a steaming cup of coffee and a sandwich once inside the car. “Your flight arrived on time. We have enough time to make a quick stop at the hotel before heading over to our first meeting.”

  With a nod, I bit into the sandwich, glad to have something to my liking, unlike the food they served during the flight. The aroma of the coffee lifted my mood considerably. Sheila continued to list out the engagements for the day as our car eased into city traffic.

  Arianna poked in my mind when I climbed into the shower stall. The last time I showered, she was with me. I closed my eyes, remembering the finest details ingrained in my memory. Her soft little moans still reverberated around my ears if I focused. My cock grew hard.

  Fisting my erection, I imagined being inside her. The release hit sooner and a sense of longing filled my chest. The water cascaded around me, washing away the remnants of my journey. My body and mind ached to have her again. I wanted to hear her voice again, but it was too late to call her now.

  With a sigh, I stepped outside and quickly dried off before changing into a suit. Once inside the car, I found my mind racing toward her. Arianna was adamant about attending her sister’s wedding and we did. She wanted to show everyone she has moved on while I went with a different motive. My lips quirked to the sides at the sweet memory.

  “Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. Schultz,” I greeted as soon as Brian stepped into the men’s room.

  “Oh, thank you.” Brian forced a smile.

  I locked the door behind us and grinned, noticing the puzzled look on his face. Walking toward him, I punched him in the stomach. “I want to make a few things clear to you.”

  His face snapped to the side and he fell down when my fist landed on his jaw the second time. “What the hell, man?” He groaned, climbing on all threes, hiding his face with a hand.

  “That’s for kissing my Arianna.”

  I hauled him up and punched him again in the gut. “Never ever try to talk to her again.”

  “I—”

  I gripped his collar and brought him closer. “If you… or the Swansons ever came anywhere near her again, I’ll ruin your lives.”

  “Please…” His hands rose to cover his face when I raised my fist again. “We’re over. I didn’t know she’s with you now.”

  Coward.

  “I was just trying to help—”

  “She doesn’t need your help.” I shoved him and turned away to unlock the door.

  “No. You don’t understand. There are things you don’t know yet. She isn’t who you think she is.”

  I turned, facing him. “If you’re talking about a very specific set of photographs, I know about them.” Brian flinched when I grabbed his shirt again, this time smoothing the creases and straightening the collar. He deserved the prize he married. Alana Swanson perfectly fits him. “I think, it’s you, who need help with your eyesight.” My smile was friendly in the least. “Because… I know my woman.” And it wasn’t her.

  Confusion clouded his features when I exited the men’s room, leaving him there.

  “Sir, we’re here.” Sheila tapped on my shoulder.

  With a sigh, I slipped out of the car, heading into the building. Once upon a time, I looked forward to these meetings. Always looking for more work. It helped me forget my pain, but now, I couldn’t wait to get this over and head home—to her.

  ***

  Arianna Swanson

  Six weeks later

  I stared at the city aimlessly as music blasted in my ears. Some random radio station I found the other day. The music did less to distract my racing thoughts. In fact, nothing had helped to take my mind off Orlando. I missed him more than I missed anything. He was all I could think of.

  It had been a couple of weeks since he left. My new life was good. Better than I expected. I had settled in my new job and even made a few friends. The apartment Orlando arranged for me to stay was comfy, but I stayed over at his apartment more as the weeks flew. I missed many things, though, starting from him. Without my friends closer, the long and lonely weekends depressed me. It only brought his memories more since I had no distraction.

  A lot happened since Alana’s wedding. Rosie resigned from her job to be with Jeff. They were now in Barbados, meeting Jeff's family while Mike was away for his father’s business. We talked every day, but it didn't fill the void I felt in their absence. I missed them. But life has to go on. I looked forward to Rosie’s wedding and couldn't help, but wonder if Orlando would be my plus one.

  A sudden rush of warmth filled my heart when I thought about him. We hadn't spoken in a while because of the time differences. But he always sent good morning and good night messages without fail. Though delivered at wrong timings here, those simple texts made my day.

  A few times when I tried to strike a casual conversation, he mentioned how long his meetings were and how he was growing tired of them. The responses always came late, making me realize why long-distance relationships were harder. Again, he didn’t define our relationship until now. I didn’t know where I stood with him in terms of a relationship.

  I was a fool to even suggest going into it without any expectations. I asked him to live in the moment and not think of anything else. In reality, it was the most difficult thing ever. As Selena sang ‘the heart wants what it wants,’ a sigh slipped out of my lips. At times I almost replied with 'I miss you' and 'I love you'. Then the fear of losing him would fill me and I'd save it in my drafts, hoping to pluck some courage later on. What if he thought I was being clingy? I made that mistake once before he left and he didn’t respond. When he didn’t text for the next two days, the unknown fear had eaten me alive. I relaxed only when his first text came. After that, I trod carefully.

  This was the situation I feared. But never knew I’d fall for him so hard and fast. I guessed it was because I’ve always loved him ever sinc
e he told me I looked cute. Or maybe even before that.

  I eased the phone out of my pocket, sauntered inside and curled on the couch. Browsing through the photos of us together, reliving those memories, tears stung my eyes. I didn't know why I'm so emotional suddenly. I was a mess this past week and wanted him closer more than ever. The music only intensified emotions.

  The empty bed stared at me. We made love almost everywhere in this room. Wherever I turned, I saw him. I pulled Orlando's shirt tighter, sniffing at his fading cologne. A strange habit I picked since he left—sleeping in his bed, wearing his shirt. It offered a sense of comfort and at night made me feel like he was closer. Miriam hadn’t said a word when I hid his dirty laundry the first week I stayed here.

  While Orlando had asked if I could check on Boxer at least on weekends, I had agreed. But after the first few trips, I began staying at his place.

  “Going to work from here was easier,” I often told myself. Boxer helped to overcome my loneliness to an extent.

  “You okay there, Arianna?” Miriam's kind voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Miriam was a widow in her late sixties. She had two daughters who were married and settled in other states with their husbands and children.

  I quickly brushed off my tears. “I’m fine.” I forced a smile.

  “You miss him a lot. I can see that.” The wrinkles on her face stretched. “Did you tell him that?”

  I shook my head. Her experienced eyes missed nothing. “You should tell him,” she suggested. “Men like to hear it from women.”

  “What if he doesn't want this?” My eyes filled with tears at the mere thought. What if he rejected me? He didn’t respond well when I told him I’ll miss him.

  “Master Orlando hadn't been with a woman since his college.” Her dark hand wiped my tears and her kind eyes bored into mine. “I noticed the way he looked at you when he brought you home for the first time. He might not acknowledge it now, but I'm sure he likes you too.”