by Faith Starr
“He put up an argument, stating he was fine, but eventually caved in and agreed. I helped him get upstairs to his place where he subsequently passed out.”
“Did members catch sight of any of this?” I scrubbed my chin, my thoughts on fast forward.
“Only a few and it was bits and pieces. I don’t think they realized what was going on. Either way, I apologized and told them the night was on us. They seemed content with the outcome.” Derek shook his head in disapproval.
“That son of a bitch.” My fist hit the desk in anger. “He’s digging himself deeper into a hole. We can’t afford to sit idly by while he does whatever the fuck he wants. He’s missing jobs, skipping out whenever he wants to, and now disrespecting our members, which is the ultimate insult.”
“I agree. I guess we’ll have to speak with him tomorrow since tonight is out of the question. So what happened with the therapist? I noticed that the two of you made a quick disappearing act.” His tone became soft and even-keeled.
“She felt dizzy. She hadn’t eaten anything, so I fed her.”
“So tight-lipped, why the secrecy?”
I kept a straight face, not giving anything away, not that there was anything to give, yet. “There’s nothing to tell.”
“As I see it, you won’t let anybody else in the club help her, and you escort her to events even when you’re off duty. It seems to me there might be something to tell.” He smiled smugly.
“There’s nothing to tell, D,” I again denied, but this time with a little agitation in my tone.
“Fine, if that’s the situation, I think she’s rather cute, so it shouldn’t be an issue if I flirt with her to see if she’s interested.”
Say what? “The fuck you will.” My tone escalated, I pointed at him. “Stay away from her.” He needed to understand what I said so it wouldn’t have to be repeated. I took a deep breath to get my emotions in check.
“See. I knew you liked her.” Derek smiled proudly.
“Asshole.”
“I call it like I see it. I’m going to go and check on things. I’ll catch up with you later.” He stood and left my office, leaving the door open on his way out.
It remained that way because I had no desire to get up and close it. Since I was at my desk and knew sleep wasn’t coming any time soon, I started going through the stack of files piled up in the corner of it.
“What’re you doing in here? Where’s your lady friend?”
Evie’s grand appearance was unwelcome. She scanned my office for Jordin.
“I’m working. Shouldn’t you be doing the same?” I wasn’t in the mood for her right now. My mind was still on the Mitch situation. And I certainly wasn’t going to discuss Jordin with her.
“The last of the guests just left. The bar’s cleaned, and I’m finished for the night. Do you feel like taking a break?”
“Nah, not tonight, but thanks for the offer.”
“Is it the psychologist?” She eyed me suspiciously.
The file in my hand got dropped on my desk so I could give her my undivided attention. “Is what the psychologist?”
“The girl you brought to the party. Is she the reason you don’t want to hang out with me tonight? This is the second time in a row you’re not up for a good time upstairs.”
“It has nothing to do with her.” It had everything to do with her. I couldn’t get my fucking mind off her. But Evie didn’t need to know that.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“There is no problem.” I didn’t like the feeling of being on the witness stand. “After I finish in here, I’m going upstairs and going straight to bed.”
“Fine.”
Her sassy attitude wasn’t necessary. “Listen, we have a casual thing. You know that.”
Escucha, tenemos una cosa ocasional. Tú lo sabes.
Maybe if I said it in another language, she’d understand.
“So you’ve said.”
“Then it’s a nonissue.” I’d had it with this bullshit.
“See you later, Noah.” She turned on her heel and left.
Fuck. Why did I have the feeling things between me and Evie were about to get ugly?
11
Jordin
My hands fidgeted on the steering wheel while driving home. I thought about how kind Noah had been to me back at the club and at his place. And how mortifying was that? I almost passed out in the middle of a play party. Shoot me now. The bottom line was I had gathered all the information I needed from him. So theoretically, no further visits were necessary, but not seeing him again was no longer an option.
During the rest of the quiet drive, I mused about him incessantly. Once at my place, I took a hot shower then climbed into bed. I hoped sleep would shut down my thoughts, even if only temporarily.
Unfortunately, it didn’t help. I dreamed about Noah all night only to daydream about him the following day.
After working at the clinic, I met up with Casey on campus to help her father out again. His assistant was still out of commission. Maybe grading papers would help break my sudden bout of OCD, minus the CD. I was totally obsessed with Noah Dorian, my mind not able to remain focused on anything else for an extended period without an image or fantasy of him popping into it.
“I need to go and teach a class. Do you two think you can have these exams graded by the time I finish?” Dr. Sloan stuffed papers inside his briefcase at his desk. “Casey, you can use my computer. Jordin, my laptop’s on the coffee table. I’ve already loaded the files on both. You’re all set to begin.”
“No problem, Dad.” Casey ambled over to his desk.
“Thanks. I appreciate all your help.” He slung the strap of his case over his shoulder and waved goodbye. Off he went.
“Excuse me, Jordin? There’s somebody here to see you.” The administrative assistant from the front desk stood in the doorway leading into Sloan’s office.
“See me? Who is it?” Nobody visited me in the department offices.
“A Mr. Dorian?”
Casey’s jaw opened wide. “Noah’s here to see you? Holy shit.” She ran over from her father’s desk and sat next to me, shaking me excitedly. “Go and see what he wants.” She pressed my back to nudge me off the couch.
This was great. I now had my own personal cheering section. Too bad I was still in shock.
“Wait a minute. I’m coming with you.” She fluffed her hair and stood, grabbing my hand and pulling me up with her. “I want to see this guy for myself.”
How did Noah even know I was here?
We walked up front, and there he stood, all chiseled beneath a fitted, collared shirt. Shit. I took a deep breath because I needed my mouth to work.
“I’m Casey.”
She must’ve become aware of my spontaneous speech impediment.
“Noah Dorian. It’s nice to meet you.”
He may’ve nodded at her in acknowledgment to be polite but the spotlight was definitely on me. He eyed me so intensely it was almost like he saw right through me.
Casey bumped me with her elbow, reminding me I too had a voice.
“Hi, Noah. What’re you doing here?” Ah, thank you, mouth. Finally I was able to string a few words together.
“You forgot your notebook at my place last night. I figured you’d need it.” He held it up to show me the proof.
Casey’s eyes lit up, her finger going over her lip in curiosity. “You were at his place last night?” She made it sound like the top story airing on TMZ.
I gave her props for playing it off so cool. At least her tone of voice did. I couldn’t say the same for her body language. She practically climbed out of her skin with enthusiasm.
“I was observing an event.” I provided clarification.
She flashed me her really expression.
Whatever.
“You didn’t have to come all the way down here to return my book. But thanks.” My focal point remained fixed on Noah’s blue eyes. They always seemed to captivate and draw me
in.
“No problem. Since I’m here, would you like to go out and get a coffee or a bite to eat?”
He was so casual. I had never seen this side of him. He came off as so young and carefree.
“I’m kind of in the middle of something right now.” Besides, I looked like shit. I couldn’t go out in public like this. The last thing I expected when getting dressed to help Casey out was for Noah Dorian to show up to the university to take me out.
“She would love to go get a coffee or something to eat.” Casey spoke on my behalf. “I’ll take care of the grading, Jordin. You two go ahead and enjoy.”
She shoved me into him. Damn! He reached for my arm to steady me.
Casey left for her dad’s office without so much as a goodbye. I was going to wring her neck later.
“Shall we?”
Well, didn’t Noah seem all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed all of a sudden?
“Yeah, sure, let me just go and grab my purse. I’ll be right back.” I hurried back to Sloan’s office to get my belongings. I pointed to Casey who sat behind her dad’s desk, already grading papers again. “You’re in so much trouble.”
“He’s so hot.” She spoke passionately.
Yes, I know he is.
With a five-finger wave, I said goodbye.
Noah was patiently waiting for me at the front desk. I wasn’t blind to the stares he received from the other females in the office either. Who wouldn’t stare at an abnormally handsome male who put any other man to shame just by being in the same room with him?
“Ready to go?”
“Yup.” Meditation 101 now kicked into high gear.
“Should l bother to ask if you’ve eaten something today?” He opened the door to the department building, allowing me to exit first.
“I had oatmeal this morning.” That had to count for something, right?
“It’s almost five thirty.” Obviously not to him. “We’ll have a meal together instead of coffee.”
With the lump forming in my throat I didn’t think I’d be able to swallow food.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I called the office, and the secretary told me.”
My jaw dropped in disbelief. “So much for confidentiality.”
“It’s not like you were in a therapy session.”
That damn boyish smile of his had my heart aflutter.
“I hope you like Italian. I know a great place nearby.”
“Sure. Who doesn’t like Italian?” I put my hand out in question. He took hold of it and led me outside to the parking lot.
“My car’s parked here.” I gestured.
“Then that makes two of us. I’ll bring you back to retrieve it after we put some food into you.”
His demeanor was one of dominant confidence. Not being a submissive type of person, it baffled me how he had me completely under his spell, agreeing to any and every request.
We stopped in front of a gorgeous white convertible BMW 6-series. Of course he had to have the car to go with the rest of the package.
“Do you mind if I put the top down? It’s a great day to do so.” He was so laid-back and relaxed today.
“Not at all. That would be great.” And fun too.
The only issue I had with him taking me to dinner was I didn’t feel presentable. I presently sported yoga pants, a T-shirt, and a pony tail. I was a walking Playboy centerfold.
“I hope the restaurant isn’t fancy or anything. I’m not quite dressed for dinner.” I gestured to my sports attire with disdain.
“You look beautiful. You always do.”
This man was going to be the death of me.
12
Noah
Being ever the gentleman, I opened the car door for her, getting a nice view of her full, round ass as she climbed into the passenger seat. Mmm, what I would love to do to that ass. She had the Sofia Vergara thing going on, full in all the right places.
“Nice car.” She fastened her seat belt, watching the dashboard spring to life when I started the ignition.
“Thanks.” I flipped through the channels on the Sirius menu, stopping on a classic rock station. Bryan Adams’s “Run to You” had always been a favorite of mine.
“I listen to this station all the time.” She sounded so excited by the coincidence.
“I guess we have something in common, then.” She smiled at me. I took her hand in mine and rested both on the armrest in between us, her skin soft to the touch.
The rest of the drive was quiet, other than the wind and road noise. It was a comfortable silence. Time passed easily and quickly. Before I knew it, we were entering the restaurant.
“Mr. Dorian, how nice to see you again, I have your table all ready for you.” The maître d’ smiled and led us to a small table away from the other diners.
“You must come here often.” Jordin beamed, seemingly impressed.
“Weekly. They have the best lasagna, if you like pasta dishes.”
“I do. Maybe I’ll try it. So is this like your table when you come here?” She arranged her silverware and placed the red cloth napkin on her lap.
I did the same to mine. “No. The size of the party determines the table I get.”
“Would you mind telling me how the maître d’ knew to have a table set for two ready for us?” She smiled accusatorily.
“I phoned earlier to reserve it.”
“You also mentioned coffee. What if I had disagreed to come here with you?”
“You didn’t.” I leaned my elbow on the table and waited for a witty comeback.
“That’s not the point. What if I had?”
“It’s a moot point. You’re here with me, aren’t you?”
The waiter approached with fresh-baked rolls. He set the basket on the table.
“None of those for me.” She put her hand up to stop me from placing one on her plate.
“Why? You don’t like rolls?”
“My hips don’t like rolls.”
Again with the fucking body complex. “I think your hips look divine. Here, try one.” I wasn’t about to enable that kind of behavior. “They make killer garlic rolls. Besides, from what you’ve told me, you haven’t eaten a thing since breakfast.”
“Are you counting my calories for me?” She grinned, still not completely convinced.
“No. I’m making sure you feed that luscious body of yours.” Score. Her cheeks turned a nice shade of pink. “You don’t agree?”
“I agree I feel extremely uncomfortable right now.” She shifted in her chair and adjusted her napkin.
“And why’s that?”
“It’s just you, being you. You make me feel a bit on edge.” She rubbed a few fingers along the inside of her collar, pushing her shirt down a little.
No fair. I wanted my hands inside that T-shirt.
“Why?” I didn’t understand how she could be so intimidated by me. Yes, I could. But I didn’t want her to be.
“I don’t know. I guess it’s just me being me.”
Jordin was too beautiful to feel insecure. “I don’t want to make you feel that way. If it’s something I’m doing or saying, please tell me.”
She didn’t.
“Oh my. This roll is divine. I haven’t had a garlic roll in forever.”
Her entire body took pleasure in the experience. Her eyes widened, her tongue licked some of the garlic off her lips, and her back slightly arched. Shit, my dick took equal pleasure. Fuck me. She was hot.
“I’m glad you like it. You shouldn’t deprive yourself of the finer things in life.” Jordin being one of those finer things. Hopefully, she wouldn’t deprive me of her.
“Garlic bread is definitely a finer thing in my life—the whole carb thing. I try to keep it to a minimum or else it can get out of control.”
“Ah, so you admit to liking control?” I would play this out my way.
“Don’t we all?”
“I certainly do.”
Her cheeks turned pinkish.
13
Jordin
His look of seduction, the slightly parted lips, the desire in his blue eyes, the yearning as he leaned forward to study me, sent shivers down my spine. I was pretty sure Noah Dorian wanted to dominate me, but that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. All I had to do was keep my head screwed on right to keep him from doing so, something easier said than done, because my body was already on board for whatever he had in mind.
The waiter returned, right in time to break the intensity of the moment, and took our orders.
Noah wouldn’t let me order the grilled chicken. Poor sport.
“I brought you here so you could enjoy their delicious food. Please, indulge me and try something new.”
“Fine. I’ll have whatever you’re having.” I knew I wasn’t going to win this argument so I gave in. He smiled at his accomplishment and ordered our meals, his captivating smile doing crazy things to my insides.
“Thank you.” He nodded politely, clearly satisfied with my compliance.
“For what?”
“For taking a risk.”
“Trust me. Sitting here with you right now is risky enough.”
“Why do you say that?” His mouth turned slightly downward.
“Never mind.” I brushed off his comment with my hand. The last thing I wanted was psychoanalysis during this meal. I had done enough of it earlier at the clinic.
“What do you plan to do once you finish your coursework?”
Great. A change of subject.
“Well, as I’ve already mentioned, I’m required to do a full-time internship before I graduate. There’s an opening in my department I’m applying for. The benefits are great, and they actually pay a salary, which isn’t always the case when doing the fifth-year internship. Unfortunately, some of the other students in my program have their sights set on the position as well, which is why I’m busting my ass with my dissertation. I want to have my draft done by the middle of December so I can prepare for my dissertation defense in April. I don’t want to file for an extension. I want the department to see how focused and motivated I am. It’s important for me to stand out against the rest.”