Want & Need

by CJ Laurence

  “Wow, just wow. I really don’t know what to say. It’s incredible.” I lifted a hand to push back a stray piece of hair, only now realizing I was in fact shaking.

  He brushed a hand over my lower back and led me inside. He gave me the full gentleman treatment by pulling my chair out for me, pushing me in, and then pouring me some wine. He excused himself as he went to fetch the starters and I couldn’t help but grin at this unexpected treat. This was, hands down, the best first date I’d ever had.

  He returned after a couple of minutes with two plates. “How adventurous are you feeling?”

  “Depends on what sort of adventure you’re talking about.”

  He chuckled as he produced a red silk blindfold with a cheeky grin. “For the food.”

  I nodded, more than eager to accept his little game. This was such a novel, thoughtful idea, I wanted to play it to its fullest. He scooted around behind me, his hands brushing against my head as he tied the smooth fabric over my eyes.

  “Okay. Open wide.”

  I giggled but did as I was told. Within seconds, a small amount of hot food settled on my tongue. Delicious flavours spread throughout my mouth, my taste buds jumping for joy at the glorious mix of zesty food.

  “What do you taste?”

  I chewed, definitely tasting meat but I couldn’t quite place what. Apple puree was a definite along with some walnuts and something else. I gave him my known answers, asking for more to decide on the rest.

  A minute or so later, he pulled the blindfold from me, showing me an empty plate. I blushed as I wondered just how much I’d eaten.

  “That was fantastic. What was it?”

  “Seared Scottish scallops with apple puree, walnut, and chicory.”

  “Chicory. Of course it was.” I rolled my eyes at myself. “It was absolutely delicious. Thank you.”

  He nodded before leaving with two empty plates. I presumed he must have eaten his whilst I was busy chewing. Returning with two more plates, he lifted up the blindfold, my grin returning as I nodded.

  We played the same game, my senses on high alert as I concentrated on the amazing food he served me. After getting lost at fish and potatoes, he removed the blindfold to allow me to see my food.

  “Poached seabass with seaweed and confit new potatoes.”

  I looked at him, my eyes widened in surprise. “It’s fantastic. You should be a chef.”

  “Thanks, but I would be like a hippo if I was a chef.”

  I laughed, totally understanding.

  After that mouth-watering course, he gifted me with dessert—lemon soufflé topped with a dollop of cream and sliced strawberries. I was floating on cloud nine with this exquisite treatment. What a guy and what a way to impress me for sure. He definitely ticked all the right boxes so far.

  We chatted constantly after the meal. He was so easy to get along with and his eyes so easy to become lost in. He left me breathless with his chivalrous manners. Driving me home, he kept looking over at me, flashing me heart stopping smiles. Like a teenage girl, I could do nothing but giggle and blush as my heart raced to new dimensions. My mind wandered off into unknown futures, imagining us together.

  As he pulled into my drive, he hopped out of the driver’s door, making his way to my door to help me out of his low car. His warm hand grasped mine before he escorted me to my front door.

  “I’ve had a lovely time tonight,” he said, closing the gap between us. “I hope I could see you again?”

  My cheeks burned as I nodded, too excited for words.

  “Can I call you tomorrow?”

  “Sure.”

  His hazelnut eyes lingered over my face for a brief second before he came in for the kill. He melted his rosy red lips to mine, his thumb stroking my hand as he deepened his kiss. Teasing my lips open with his tongue, he entwined us together in a slow embrace. When he broke his hold on me, he bid me good night before leaving me stupefied, and somewhat stunned.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Saturday morning, I found myself round Molly’s after she rang me at an ungodly hour wanting all the gossip from last night.

  “He’s so romantic, isn’t he?”

  I nodded, a stupid grin spreading across my face as I thought of the previous evening.

  “Are you going to see him again?”

  “If he wants to see me again, then yes.”

  An ear piercing shriek erupted from her before she threw her arms around my neck, squeezing the life from me. Her excited state led to her chatting about the wedding for the next hour or so as she informed me of the colour choice, which, thankfully, wasn’t anything exuberant.

  We wandered outside to settle ourselves under the midday sun and enjoy a few of the heated rays. Chris and Scott were out suit shopping and wouldn’t be back until late according to Molly. I pulled my vest top up to just under my bra so I could brown my midriff along with my legs, which were all out in my shorts.

  We must have both dozed off as the first thing I knew of anything was when a soft hand took mine. “Hey, sleepy head.”

  I opened my eyes to see Scott sat next to me, his brown eyes dancing with amusement. I blushed as I realised my state of near undress and yanked my top down.

  “I’m guessing this is why you’ve not texted me back?”

  “I don’t even know where it is,” I said, glancing around for my phone.

  “No worries. How are you fixed for this evening”?

  I bit my lip to curb my growing smile. “Possibly drowning in after sun.”

  He chuckled. “Would you like to stay for tea? I think we’re getting a takeaway and having a film night.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  He lifted my hand to his mouth, brushing his lips across the back of it. My heart jumped as I sat staring at him, totally bewitched. How could two guys have the same effect on me? Or was it now that I had accepted my deepest feelings, I was allowing myself to see things a little differently?

  Molly gave a little squeal from next to me. “Come on,” she said, taking both of our hands and dragging us up. “Let’s get tea ordered.”

  Two hours later, with bellies full of Chinese food, we were starting film number two—an exceptionally gory horror film that Chris chose. From the outset, blood splattered all over the screen, causing both me and Molly to huddle into the cushions whilst both men chuckled at us.

  As I hid my face into the velvet cushion, an arm snaked around my shoulders, pulling me into a strong, sturdy body. A pair of lips kissed the side of my head, sending my heart into overdrive. Thoughts of Paul appeared from nowhere, wondering why he couldn’t do this with me. I liked Scott but he didn’t quite captivate me in the same way Paul did. I forced myself to remember that this would be something I would never have with Paul.

  I lay there for the next couple of hours, in Scott’s embrace, enjoying the warmth he comforted me with. My mind kept trying to betray me but I refused to allow it. I had to focus on the future I wanted despite any other feelings I had for Paul.

  The final movie drew to a close, and I announced it was my time to leave considering it was one o’clock in the morning. Molly jumped up in an instant, her green eyes flashing with mischief.

  “Why don’t you stay?” she asked, her tongue in her cheek.

  “No, Molly. I think its best I go home for the evening.”

  She pouted as I chuckled at her.

  Scott declared he would walk me out to my car after I hugged Molly good night. Stepping outside, the cool night air sent a chill down my spine, covering my body in goosebumps. Before I knew it, a thick suede coat was laid around my shoulders hosted by a smiling Scott.

  He led me to my car, coating us in the peace and quiet of just the two of us. Like the true gent he was, he opened my car door for me. “It was lovely to see you again.”

  “You too.”

  My heart began doing gymnastics inside my chest. Anticipation and expectation rushed through me as I remembered how his lips felt on mine.

  “I�
�ll text you?”

  I nodded.

  He drifted a hand to my cheek, laying a gentle touch on me, and closing the distance between us. He placed a tender kiss on my lips, my grip on reality evaporating in an instant as he sunk me into heaven unknown. Our tongues tangled together in a slow dance, and I began to silently beg him to wander his hands across my body. I wanted to feel his touch, I wanted to know what he felt like.

  All too soon, he broke our kiss, allowing me to drive home not only in a daze but torn between my heart and my head.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Monday morning, I sat at my desk, watching time tick by as Paul still hadn’t arrived. Just after ten, he marched through the door, barely muttering a greeting before shutting himself in his office.

  I began to panic, wondering if it was something I’d done because we’d not spoken over the weekend. I wanted to text him but knowing his usual weekend activities had refrained me from wanting to crowd him too much.

  He opened his door several tension filled minutes later. “Have you got a minute?”

  I nodded, my heart pounding against my ribs. He shut the door behind me, the definitive click cutting through our silence.

  He turned to me, his features blank. “Why didn’t you call me over the weekend?”

  My mouth dropped open. “I didn’t want to demand your time when I know you’re…otherwise engaged.”

  He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I’m a bit stressed. It’s been a long weekend.”

  “Oh. Okay.”

  An uncomfortable feeling began to flourish inside me before he strode towards me, cupping my face and planting his lips on mine. Such passion flowed from him it took my breath away. I couldn’t help but succumb to his need of me. My hands found their home on his chest, clutching at him for support as he swept me off my feet and onto cloud nine.

  He broke our embrace after a minute or so and rested his forehead against mine. “That was all I needed all weekend.”

  His words surged hot tingling hope through me. Once again, I became lost in the complications of us. Not even thinking of Scott, optimism started rising in me that maybe we could go somewhere.

  “Why didn’t you call me, then?” I asked.

  “I wanted to, I really did.”

  “But you still didn’t.”

  He closed his eyes. “It’s complicated, Ky…”

  I sighed, stepping back from him. “Isn’t it always with you?”

  We stared at each other for a few seconds before he reached for me. His fingers grappled with the buttons on my shirt, and I dug my hands into his trousers. Our lips met in a clash of desire as we gave in to our frantic need of each other. He gasped, moaning against my lips when I took hold of him. He pushed my bra out of the way and caressed my chest, potent throbs tingling all over me. I groaned as his touch reconnected with me. I had missed this more than I realised.

  “Is Paul in?”

  I froze at the sound of Mr. Collins’s voice coming from outside. Fear coursed through me at the realisation of being caught.

  Paul’s lips brushed against my ear, whispering, “We’ll be fine. Trust me.”

  Just as I debated my options, the door burst open. Mr. Collins took one look at us before closing the door and announcing Paul wasn’t in his office.

  I shot Paul a confused look. “What the…?”

  “He has an announcement to make.”

  Adrenaline surged through me, wonderment grasping me. “What?”

  “I’m no longer a director.”

  I gasped, horror and panic filling me at the thought of not seeing him every day. “What? Why?”

  He chuckled. “I’m now co-owner. Majority shareholder to be exact. My parents and I bought out seventy per cent of his business and I’m now at the helm.”

  ***

  After the official announcement had been made to the other directors, Mr. Collins and Paul made their way downstairs to tell the rest of the staff. It was another agonising hour before he came back upstairs so I could interrogate him. Unfortunately, as I dashed through his door, Mr. Collins followed.

  He shot me a distasteful glare before settling a hardened stare on Paul. “May I suggest you refrain from fraternising with the staff, Paul.”

  Paul cleared his throat. “Mick, I suggest you be very careful before treading along this road.”

  “Considering I’m still an owner of this company, I suggest you listen to me. I built this company up with my bare hands. Getting involved with staff is not a clever idea. Especially staff like her.”

  Paul glared at Mr. Collins, his jaw clenching and a muscle twitching in his cheek. Anger oozed from every pore. Several seconds ticked by. I wanted to cringe with the growing tension between them both.

  “May I point out,” Paul said, “you entered my office without consent or even knocking first? May I also remind you I now own the majority of this company and I have the final say? As for the staff, Kyra is technically now my employee and will be cared for as such. With regards to your comment regarding ‘staff like her,’ it is wholly unappreciated, and it will serve you well to remember in the future to address her with respect.”

  Mr. Collins fell silent for a moment whilst I stared at the floor, not daring to look at either of them. I couldn’t help but feel a burst of pride and happiness at Paul’s words. Comfort and warmth flooded me as I wrapped myself in the protective essence he’d shown towards me.

  “Don’t expect me to pick up the pieces when it blows up in your face,” Mr. Collins said.

  “It won’t, but thank you for your concern.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  Paul narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t see how that is relevant.”

  “I think I deserve to know considering we’re co-owners.”

  “I think you deserve to remember you are privy to some of my extra-curricular activities. Whilst I cannot help the information you know about that, I can help the information you know about Kyra. As such, Kyra is strictly off limits to anyone except myself. Do I make myself clear?”

  Struggling to contain my growing smile at Mr. Collins being put in his place, a creeping smugness climbed over me. A few seconds passed before I realised Paul had intimated Mr. Collins knew about the swingers’ club. I hadn’t expected that.

  “Yes, perfectly,” Mr. Collins said.

  Paul nodded. “Good. One more word about Kyra and you’re out of the club, understood?”

  Mr. Collins nodded, giving me one final glare before storming out.

  I met Paul’s handsome face with a big grin. “Quite the speech, Mr. Connors. Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me. I won’t tolerate disrespect from anyone towards you.”

  I smiled as he inched his way towards my mouth, his promises of heaven on earth all too real. I revelled in the owner of the company assaulting my senses with his sweet lips, and not for the first time, lost myself in the ideals that perhaps, somewhere deep down, he did actually have feelings for me.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Look, Kyra, I really don’t want to keep going over this point but why would I tell you? It’s not like we’re together.”

  Later that afternoon, I questioned him on why he hadn’t mentioned anything sooner. His cutting words were yet another reminder as to where we stood. My rising hopes were dowsed in bitter disappointment.

  “Okay. I’m sorry I might have misconstrued our arrangement as you actually caring for me in some way.”

  My emotional high from only a couple of hours ago came crashing down, breaking into a million pieces around me. How was it possible for one guy to give me such a rollercoaster ride from day to day? Or even hour to hour?

  I trundled out of his office, returning to my work. I made a point of being civil but nothing more for the rest of the day.

  Arriving home, I received a lovely message from Scott asking how my day was. We chatted all night over text, which cheered me up to no end. It only served to re
mind me that I never had this from Paul. Why couldn’t he just engage me in some flirty text conversation?

  Tuesday and Wednesday, Paul never showed in the office. I had no idea why, and I hadn’t been asked to alter his movements diary. The last I’d seen of him was when he walked out of the office on Monday night with a pale face and his mobile glued to his ear.

  In all honesty, I was still stinging from his most recent clarification of our “beneficial relationship” and was quite grateful for his absence. It also allowed me time to chat with Scott without any distractions. We had now texted every day since Saturday evening. Every time his name appeared in my message inbox, my heart fluttered. I now looked forward to his sweet messages and the wonder of when I would see him again was becoming all too consuming.

  Thursday midday, Paul reappeared in the office. He said nothing as he sauntered past my desk and into his office. Gobsmacked by his audacity and rudeness, I debated marching in to give him a piece of my mind when he called me into his office. I bit my lip, my heart pounding in expectation of our heated embraces once again.

  He sat behind his desk, motioning for me to take a seat in front of him. Dread began to replace my hopes of his sweet kisses. His blissful blue eyes were nothing but flat, emotionless windows. Everything about him today screamed alpha male.

  “Kyra, I think we need to call it a day with our little…arrangement.” He waved his hand in the air as if swatting at a fly.

  I was stunned into silence, struggling to ignore the instant stabbing pain of someone twisting a knife in my heart. Blinded by my own stupidity and romantic fantasies, I was now sat here, a deep ache resounding through me as his words hit home.

  I looked at the floor, my heart hammering against my ribs. “What? Why?”

  He drummed his fingers on his desk. “I can’t explain my reasons. Well, I can, I just don’t want to. I think it’s for the best.”

  Tears pricked at my eyes. I couldn’t comprehend this complete turnaround of events. What the hell was going on? I dared to look at his gorgeous face to see he was looking past me, staring at the wall behind me as if I bored him. That stung like a thousand bees.