“Do you realize what time it is, sweetie?”
It’s dark but I’ve no idea of the time. “Why?”
Crossing the room, she grabs the remote to my television. “Because it’s nearly nine. I’m sure he’s already playing,” she says as she hands it to me.
She’s right, damn it!
“I’m still bored and lonely, Mom. Come watch a movie with me,” I plead.
“No can do, sweetie. Your father and I have a hot date in the back yard. There’s a meteor shower tonight. I’ll send Eden up, he’ll be happy to watch a movie with you,” she says then flounces out the door.
She’s sending Eden into my bedroom now? What in the hell is going on?
Flipping on the TV, I search the guide for a movie. I’ve woken up in the twilight zone or perhaps aliens have invaded and my parents are now pod people, not sure which, but something isn’t right.
A slight wrap on the frame of my bedroom door brings my attention to it. There he stands waiting for me to allow him in. He’s showered and changed into loose fitting, black pajama bottoms and a white T-shirt, and bare feet. My gaze rests on them.
Yep, just like I thought. His feet are perfect, just like everything else on him.
Eden’s velvet voice draws my attention back to his gorgeous face. “So are you going to invite me in, Alyssa? Your mother has informed me of your boredom. I’m here for your amusement, Princess.”
With open arms, I say, “Please enter my prison, Eden.”
His chuckle is cute as he moves fluidly across the room, taking a seat on the bed, facing me. In an instant his knuckles drag across my cheek, making my breath catch in my throat.
Why does his touch do this to me?
“How do you feel, baby?”
Princess and baby in a matter of seconds, he knows how to say the sweet words. My smile is a product of them. “The same. Light headed and groggy.”
His hand creeps up my arm, settling at the back of my neck. He pulls me forward, touching his lips to my forehead.
God, his lips are soft!
Moving his hands to my shoulders with gentle pressure he eases me back to lay my head on the pile of pillows my mother has placed on my bed.
“If your head is light you shouldn’t be sitting up,” he tells me.
The emerald color of his eyes is the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen. Or is it my drug induced state which makes me see them this way?
“Your eyes are gorgeous.”
OMG! Did I just say that out loud?
His velvet voice is but a whisper. “They are nothing compared to yours, precious.”
Now I can add, ‘precious’ to the list of endearments this guy has in his vocabulary of loving words. Perhaps he’s a ladies’ man.
His charm may have worked magic on my parents, but I’m savvier than they are. It will not work on me.
“Stop messing with me, Eden.” I bat at his arms which I find have been placed on either side of me, his face too close to mine.
A sigh from him gives me enough information to know he wants to kiss me. I can’t let that happen. In slow motion, he pulls himself out of my personal space.
“Do you have to accuse me of messing with you? I’m merely stating a fact. Your beauty is beyond compare. You should know that.”
“Ha! What a line, Eden. Tell me do all the girls fall into your bed with that one?”
The pained expression on his face makes me regret my words. “No one has ever fallen into my bed, Alyssa. I am made for one person and one person only.”
No way! I’m not buying that. “Please lover-boy! Tell me more of your lines. They are priceless. And just who is this one person you’re made for? Do tell.”
In haste, he moves off my bed. The bottle of pain pills sits on my nightstand. He opens it taking out one of them.
Holding out the pill and a bottle of water, he looks at me with what appears like hurt in his eyes and says, “Your mother told me to make sure you take this. So please do that for her.”
His face is blank, making me feel like an ass. I take what he’s offered and swallow the pill down. I’ve never talked to someone so meanly.
Why did I just do that?
“Eden, I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I never talk to people like that. You get so close to me sometimes I think you’re about to kiss me. Some things I can’t allow. I am taken, you need to remember that,” I say, and find he’s placed his hand over his stomach.
He seems as if he’s in physical pain. Why would that be?
His expression softens as he takes a seat in a chair which has been placed next to my bed. A chair which has never been there before.
“I remember, Alyssa. You belong to that boy. The one who plays with his band tonight instead of sitting with you and making sure you have everything you want. The one who is probably singing to some other girl, while you lay in this bed with an aching head and body, because he left town with no mention of it to you.”
Taking the remote to the television from the side of my bed, he presses a button on it, choosing a movie. ‘The Notebook’ springs up on the screen.
Incensed, I sit up and say. “How dare you, Eden! You don’t know him at all! He’s the best guy in this whole world. He has waited for me since we were ten years old. No one else has turned his head, not once in almost eight years. How it hasn’t happened, since I’ve been kept under lock and key with a plethora of over the top rules and regulations is a mystery to me. But he hasn’t, and he’s had every opportunity to find someone else. I will not let you or anyone else speak negatively about him.”
Rising, he places his hands on my shoulders easing me back again. “Sorry, I upset you. That was not my intention. I shall keep my thoughts to myself. If it helps you to know, I was not trying to kiss you. I would never do that to you. Just rest, let the pill do its job and watch this movie with me. It’s one of my favorites.”
Tucking me in tight before he takes a seat in the chair again, his eyes fall on the television screen. I feel shut out. My rant has made him tire of me.
We’ll never be friends if I keep jumping to conclusions. For some reason, I would hate it if we couldn’t become friends.
It’s a mystery to me why that is, but I want him in my life. Even though we’ve just met, I would miss him.
The silence surrounds us for an hour as we watch the movie. It comes to my attention most men don’t care for romantic, tear jerkers like the movie we’re watching.
As a matter of fact, most men wouldn’t be so attentive to a girl they’ve just met. He dresses like a fashion model and his hair is always immaculate.
My parents trust him to spend time alone with me. Hell, he even told me he would never kiss me. That’s it! He’s gay!
The click of the television breaks my train of thought. Eden rises, coming to my side, making sure I’m comfortable.
“What a sweet way to pass on to the next world. Don’t you think?”
Oh, the movie. He wants to talk about the movie. Yeah, straight guys never want to talk about a sappy, love story.
“I suppose it would be the best way to go,” I say. “If you were all in love like they were.”
Turning off the lamp next to my bed, Eden kisses his fingers then places them on my cheek. I find it a sweet thing to do.
“One day may that kind of love find you, Princess.” He retreats to the bedroom door.
“Good night, Eden,” I say as he closes the door behind him.
I can’t see his face in the dark, but I bet he’s smiling. “See you in the morning, baby.”
Too bad he’s not into girls. He’s a rare find. Laura might’ve liked him. If I wasn’t already spoken for I’m sure I’d like him.
He’d be hard to say no to, though. Crap, he’s hot. Such a shame for all the eligible girls in the world.
Chapter 14
EDEN
Alone in the kitchen, I make a plate of scrambled eggs and toast for my mate. I’ve sent Toni and David out to buy some
things for her. I’m making dinner for her this evening.
Our chef taught me how to prepare a lobster dinner for her. It’s her favorite and should help me win her over. After all, what female doesn’t like a man who can cook, and her favorite meal no less?
Last night she gave me such a tongue lashing over how I spoke of that boy. I have to be careful what I say about him. She’s fiercely protective of him.
Her love for him must be strong and it makes me incredibly imbalanced. I struggle between sorrow for her soon to be broken heart, and anger at myself for letting this happen to her.
Scotty is off at school and we’re alone this morning. As alone as we can be with the invisible boyfriend ever hovering at her side.
How long will it take her not to hear from him before she gets mad about it?
Taking the tray of food up the stairs I tap at her bedroom door. “Come in,” her sweet voice answers.
She sits up as I enter her bedroom. She looks radiant and seems to be making a swift recovery as her color is much better. As if she could get any more beautiful and yet she does.
“I made you breakfast, Princess. Your parents took Scotty to school then they had to run some errands. You look as if you’re feeling better.”
Placing the tray over her lap I catch the smell of lavender as she shakes out her hair. “I must look a mess, but I do feel much better. Please excuse my appearance, Eden.”
If this is a mess? I’m one lucky man.
“You look as beautiful as you always do, baby. You eat while I run you a warm bath. You can bathe after breakfast. Should I find you something to wear?”
Her eyes dance as she looks at me. “Why not? I should think you could pick me out a much better outfit than I could ever hope to come up with.”
My taste in clothes has not been lost on her. How fun it’s going to be to introduce her to all the latest designers.
Linda already has her closet at home and on the jet filled with beautiful things. She’s going to be so surprised.
“Good, I’ll make you look great.”
Shaking a fork full of eggs my way, she says, “I’m sure you will. I trust your judgment, Eden. Thank you for doing all this. These eggs are cooked just right. A good cook and fashion coordinator, plus easy on the eyes, you’ll make someone a very happy man.”
What did she just say? I’ll make someone a happy, ‘MAN’?
No way, not her too. “Oh yeah, Princess? Do you really think so?”
Stuffing eggs into one of the pieces of toast, she looks at me. “Of course, I do. And I want you to know I’m cool with your lifestyle choice. No judgments here, guy.”
My lifestyle choice! How could she think such a thing?
I feel the need to get away from her and regroup. “Let me get the bath water going,” I say. “You’re nearly done with your breakfast.”
Making her bath, I find her shampoo and take a quick whiff of it. How badly I want to bury my face in her lovely locks.
Shit! She’s come in and caught me smelling her shampoo.
“You can use it too if you like it, Eden.”
She goes to brush her teeth. Her pajama bottoms hanging askew on her narrow hips. The back of her hair a bit messy, yet still gorgeous.
She wipes her mouth after she rinses out the toothpaste and peers at her reflection in the mirror. I think it’s time to let her know without a doubt I am not gay.
Moving in behind her I put my hands at her waist and straighten her PJ bottoms. Her eyes catch mine in the mirror.
She smiles at me. “Thanks, Eden.”
A platonic gesture she considers it. I need to step it up. I wrap my arms around her, laying my chin on her shoulder as I look at her in the mirror.
“Beautiful even in the morning after a tragic accident. Do you ever look bad?” I ask.
Her hand strokes my cheek. “I do right now, you tease. You, on the other hand, look devastating, you handsome devil.”
She still thinks I’m gay. I turn her in my arms. Holding her tight against me as I look down at her. She smiles innocently up at me, placing her hands on my shoulders. Well, at least, she feels free to touch me and let me hold her since she thinks I’m not into her.
“Your bath is ready, cupcake.”
“Thank you, that’s so sweet of you.” Her sentence is punctuated by a sweet kiss on my cheek.
Okay, I can’t take any more of this. Not releasing my hold on her I steadily walk back towards the bath.
She giggles as I move her with me, making me crazy for her. A quick turn, and I have the wall behind her. Before she can figure out what I’m doing I press her body against the wall and run one of my hands to grab a section of her hair. Pulling it back, I press my lips to hers.
The angle of her head makes her lips part, and I thrust my tongue into her mouth. Her breath sucks in as she gasps at my sudden intrusion.
I’ve waited forever to feel her like this. Heat radiates all over my body and already I grow hard with a need for her.
Though I don’t want this kiss to end, it has to. I soften my kiss, then pull my lips off hers. Her cheeks are pink, eyes wide and mouth slightly open.
“Did that feel gay, Alyssa?”
“No, no it did not,” she says, nearly breathless.
I let her go and walk out of the bathroom, closing the door behind me. The wall holds me up as I fall back on it.
My knees went weak when our lips touched, but I managed to hold it together. How fortunate for me she’s mine and I can kiss her for the rest of my life.
Now that I’ve tasted her, I will have to fight myself even harder to give her the time to come to me.
Maybe I shouldn’t have done that after all. Shit! I hope I didn’t push her away.
She’s probably in there right now thinking of herself as a cheater. I’ve probably made her hate herself.
This was a mistake. I’m not even supposed to touch her like that. It’s exactly what Linda told me not to do, but I did it anyway.
Damn, do I ever do what people tell me to?
I think too highly of myself. The tutoring was to temper my lusty ways. I’ve frightened her, I know I have. Her eyes were wide and full of fear.
Or was that something else I saw?
Hell, I didn’t even wait to see what she thought about it. I took off like I’m some cocky male on the prowl.
How could I do that to her?
She’s too special to be treated like that. I had wanted her to ask me to kiss her, not take it as if I’m a thief.
Thumbing through her closet, I find very little which is appropriate for such a special creature. Plain, plain, plain.
How could I have let her live like this?
Like she’s a normal, middle-class girl, as she’s so far from that. My hand lands on a royal blue sundress. It’s inexpensive, but still pretty. She can wear this if she’ll still wear what I pick out.
She may send me away, or try to anyway. She can’t really do that, but she can say it and I’ll have to give her some time.
Damn it, I’m a fool!
Dropping the dress on the bed along with the silver sandals I found, I give a longing look at the closed bathroom door. How I wish I could take back what I’ve done.
A note!
I’ll leave her a note to help her not be furious with me. Then I’ll wait for her to come to me.
Damn, I pray this works.
Chapter 15
ALYSSA
What the Hell was that?
Soaking in the bath Eden made for me, I’m still tingling from his kiss.
How could I have ever thought he was gay?
He surprised me by holding me against the wall and kissing me. I’d never have allowed that if I hadn’t been so free with him, physically. I thought he was gay. Why wouldn’t it be okay for him to touch me?
Well, he was really holding me, now that I look back at it. I hate to admit this, but that short kiss made me feel something I’ve never felt with Kyle. Maybe it’s a mistake to th
ink Kyle’s the one for me.
No! Don’t even think like that!
Kyle is sweet and charming and honest. Something I guess I’m not.
Oh, I am a cheater. A horrible person. Should I tell him about the kiss?
No, definitely not. It would only hurt him. But how can I look him in the eye and lie?
Even if it isn’t a spoken lie, but an omission of a small fact, it’s still a lie. I go under water, maybe I could drown myself in this tub and never have to face him or Eden again.
I pop back up as the air runs out of my lungs. Death is too good for me. I’m an intolerable human being. I have to face this thing with Eden, whatever it is.
I cannot let my relationship with Kyle go just because a hot guy showed up on my doorstep and seems to want me.
No matter what Eden says, I know he’s a ladies’ man. He’s too slick not to be. So focused on me. Like a wolf on its prey. I will not fall for it.
I get out of the tub and dry off, wrapping my hair in the towel. Pulling on my robe, I cross my fingers Eden is not waiting in my room for me.
He does know I have to get dressed. As I open the door I don’t see him anywhere.
Thank God.
He’s laid out a dress and sandals for me to wear.
Should I wear this?
After all, if he’s so hot for me, wearing something he’s picked out may not be a good idea. No, I better go a lot plainer than this. A T-shirt and jeans with an old pair of sneakers. My hair in a simple ponytail. No make-up, no perfume.
Should I put on deodorant?
That’s a stupid question, of course I should. I’m not an animal!
What’s this?
A letter has fallen from the bed when I picked up the dress. Christ, he’s left me a letter.
Shit! I hope he hasn’t left!
Alyssa,
I fear I may have over-stepped your boundaries. I am truly sorry. The thought of you believing I wasn’t one hundred percent heterosexual was too much for me. That is no excuse for taking you like I did. I’m well aware of your love for another and it was wrong of me to put you in the position I have.
You’re a wonderful person, please don’t think otherwise. I did that to you against your will, and I swear to you it will never happen like that again.
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