by Faith Starr
“I’d love too.”
She had the honor of entering codes in secured areas so we could gain access to the garden. I had the honor of pushing the wheelchair.
“What a lovely day, Niles. Smell how beautiful the flowers are today. They’re in full bloom.” She spoke to him as she did to me. Who knows? Maybe in Niles’s own way he understood her. “Noah, we love to take our afternoon walk. We look at all the pretty flowers and birds flying around. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we’ll even spot a butterfly or two. When we do, we just love to watch how beautiful they are when they dance in the air.”
Patty was so animated and full of life when she spoke. It was a joy to be around.
“Thank you, Patty.”
Eternal gratitude, that’s what I felt for this woman. I gently squeezed her hand. She smiled at me in quiet understanding.
A solid thirty-minutes later, we headed back upstairs.
“I’ll see you next Sunday, Niles. Have a good week, buddy.” The floor was so fucking cold and hard. One would think I’d learn and wear slacks or jeans to my visits. Nope. Every week I knelt in front of his wheelchair in shorts.
“You do the same, Noah.” Patty locked his chair in place.
“Have yourself a good week too, Patty. I look forward to seeing you next Sunday.” And I did. I considered her part of the family.
I went back through the security checkpoints to exit the hospital.
Anticipation got the best of me during my drive home. If traffic didn’t stop me, I’d arrive with enough time to shower and change for my date with Jordin.
23
Jordin
“You never called to tell me about last night,” Casey reprimanded while I pulled out clothes for my date with Noah.
“It was great. Noah and I had sex, and by the way, I saw your father with one of the grad students.”
“He’s taking me out for dinner tonight.”
The phone lounged in the crook of my neck so I could continue rummaging through my closet for something good to wear. I had no clue where he was taking me so dressy casual was the look I was going for.
“I’ll take it things went well.”
“You could say that.”
This might work. I held up the garment in front of the full-length mirror.
“Tell me, girlfriend. I know you’re hiding something.” If she only knew.
“We had fun.”
“What kind of fun?”
There was a sexual tone to her voice. Unfortunately for her, I wasn’t ready to tell her about my escapades with Noah in the bedroom just yet, even if she was my dearest friend.
“I’ll keep you posted on the juicy details.”
I neatly placed option number one on my bed.
“You better. I was going to see if you wanted to grab a bite, but it seems you already have plans.” She didn’t sound disappointed. Rather, she sounded happy for me.
“Another time. How was your date with Rich?” Just because I didn’t kiss and tell didn’t mean she wouldn’t.
“We had fun. And last night I went to Joe’s Sports Bar with Eddie, Sophia, and Josh. Eddie kept talking about you. He’s definitely got a thing for you.”
“Eddie? So you’ve said.”
“Come on. All the private tutoring he keeps requesting? I told him you were out on a date.”
“Good. Maybe he’ll get the message I’m not interested.”
Option number two?
Nah.
I shook my head disappointedly at my reflection.
It was back into my closet for something better. It was slim pickings. There wasn’t much left to choose from.
“Rich met up with us toward the end of the night with some of his friends as well.”
Ooh. The plot thickens. “Did he know you guys were going to be there?”
“Yeah, I told him on Friday night we were going and asked him to join us.”
“That’s great.”
This might do.
I brought it to the mirror and held it up. I nodded excitedly. Yes, much better.
“He’s a really nice guy.”
“Did you leave with him?”
Drum roll please.
“I woke up in his apartment this morning if that answers your question.”
“That answers it. So I’ll take it things are going well.”
I placed the outfit flat on my bed so it wouldn’t crease and put the first one away. Now it was time to find shoes. I went back into the closet.
“He’s sweet, smart, and has a great sense of humor. I just don’t feel head over heels in lust with him.”
“How was it last night?”
These are cute. Not the most comfortable.
They would have to do.
“You mean between the sheets?”
“Ugh! You’re so direct.”
I placed them on the floor in front of my bed.
“It was good. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by how well packed he was.”
“TMI, Casey. I don’t need to hear about the size of his penis.” I cringed at her incessant need for graphic details.
“His penis? You’re too funny.”
“A barrel of laughs. See what happens.”
“Yeah, last night definitely kicked things up a notch.”
“Please remember beauty’s only skin deep. Once you get to know someone, he can become more or less attractive depending on what’s on the inside.”
It was now time for makeup. Fortunately, my hair was only slightly damp. Noah seemed to enjoy playing with my curls last night so I allowed it to air dry.
“Yes, mother. Anyway, love, I guess I’ll do some work on my project since you’re busy.”
“Speaking of which, I spent the entire day working on mine.”
“Woohoo! Now you can take all the wonderful things you learned about and act them out with Master Noah.”
I almost poked my eye with my eyeliner pen because her sarcasm made me smile.
“Goodbye, Casey.”
“Have fun tonight. Don’t let him pull out the whips and chains just yet.”
“You’re crazy.”
My make-up wasn’t overdone, exactly how I liked it. Now I could proceed with dressing.
I took another look in the mirror, satisfied with the outcome. I had about fifteen minutes to spare. I couldn’t wait. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long. Noah arrived right on schedule. I still couldn’t get over how a man as attractive and hunky as Noah Dorian wanted to go out with me. What an ego boost.
“You look beautiful as always, Jordin.” He stepped inside and gave me a peck on the lips. My heart skipped a few beats, and I instantly felt that pull to him.
“You look quite ravishing yourself, Mr. Dorian.” But then again, he always did.
“It must be the company I’m with that brings out the best in me.”
“Such a Casanova.” I smiled. I grabbed my purse off the counter so we could head out. We began our short walk to the elevator, hand in hand.
“I hope you’re hungry.”
“Famished.”
His hand prevented me from taking another step forward. “Please tell me you didn’t skip eating something today?”
“Guilty.” I stared ahead of me, not wanting to make eye contact. And when I did, crap! His disappointment in me made me feel the emotion I’d expressed. “I was busy working.” Sadly, my rationale didn’t make the shame disappear.
“Jordin, I’ve already told you how upset it makes me when you don’t eat.”
Damn. He was pissed. Casey’s words flashed through my mind. I wasn’t ready for a punishment that involved whips and chains just yet. Yikes. The thought alone gave me the shivers.
“Then take me out and feed me. Come.” I slipped my hand into the crease of his elbow and tugged him forward toward the elevator, anything to get us away from this dialogue.
“Hopefully that will be later.” He raised his eyebrows flirtatiously.
“Insatiable man.”<
br />
“Being around you has that effect on me.”
Would now be an appropriate time to drool? His eyes were so gorgeous, especially when they gazed in mine like that.
“I’m sure it’s not me giving you that effect.”
“Hey.” He pulled me into a tight embrace. “Don’t doubt your sensuality, Jordin. I find you very sexy.”
Me, sensual? The most sensual I’d ever been was when I wore negligees for Studious Sam, which for the most part went unnoticed. Believing Noah’s charms was going to take some time.
“It’s taking all the control I have not to fuck you right here in this elevator, but there’s a camera overhead.” A surge of moisture gathered between my thighs. I had to consciously remind myself to breathe. “You also haven’t nourished yourself properly so it’ll have to wait.”
Bummer! I kind of liked the idea, although, I didn’t think my neighbors would approve. The most erotic place I ever had sex was in the bedroom where you were supposed to have it. No hallways, cars, bathrooms, planes, or any other public place. Pathetic.
He led me to his car. Of course he behaved like a perfect gentleman and opened the door for me.
“I hope you like seafood.” His eyes were full of hope. It was so cute.
“What if I said I don’t?” I had my serious face on. Why not tease a bit?
“Then I would tell you the restaurant has other selections on the menu, but that their seafood is the best I’ve ever eaten.”
Killjoy. “Then I’m looking forward to trying it. You already won me over with the Italian place.”
“I’m glad I’m winning you over.”
That race was already finished.
He brought my hand to his lips and planted a kiss on it. He then intertwined our fingers. They remained locked together. It felt so natural for us to be sitting this way.
The drive was beautiful. He put the top down but kept the windows up, which my hair appreciated. I would hate to walk into the restaurant looking like Roseanne Roseannadanna.
The place was located by the inter-coastal. It was definitely not Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips. I’m talking top notch.
A young hostess with legs up to the heavens and breasts on full display greeted us. “Hi, Mr. Dorian.”
Please give the girl a bib. Could she possibly drool anymore? It was one thing if I did it. After all, I was his date. But her? Ugh!
“I have your table all ready for you.”
I bet she did. Wench.
We followed Miss Legs, both of us getting a firsthand glimpse of her derriere swaying side to side, across the dining room. Noah squeezed my hand. Had he sensed my insecurity?
“Let me know if you need anything, Mr. Dorian. I would be happy to get it for you.”
Yes, sweetheart, I can see your fake cleavage too.
She handed us our menus without giving me a second glance. He nodded politely in acknowledgment.
“Nice girl.”
He obviously sensed my sarcasm, taking my hand and kissing it. “The only girl I’m interested in right now is you.”
“Come on, Noah. Didn’t you see the way she came on to you?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in her. You shouldn’t be either.”
I didn’t get it. He wasn’t fazed. What was wrong with this man?
24
Noah
Jordin was so full of self-doubt, beautiful and intelligent, yet so insecure. A real shame. If she only saw in herself what I saw, she would never again think twice about my attention being diverted away from her. She seemed to have all the bases covered when it came to my ideal woman, and she challenged every instinct I had to run in the opposite direction.
A waitress approached with two glasses and set them down in front of us. “May I offer you a glass of wine?”
“You choose, Noah.”
“Depends on what we’re eating.”
I ordered some appetizers and informed the waitress to give us a few minutes. She nodded and stepped away.
“A wine connoisseur?” Jordin’s eyes opened wide in appreciation.
I hated to burst her bubble. “Hardly, but I do know that different wines go with different foods. Do you see anything special you’d like to try for dinner?”
“My goodness, I don’t even know what half of these selections are.”
Her carefree and unaffected attitude impressed me to no end. Most of my dates would’ve ordered the most expensive items on the menu. Not that I cared. I just really enjoyed Jordin’s simplicity. Beyond refreshing.
“Hmm. Pan-seared salmon served with capers and slices of lemon. What are capers again?”
She was so adorable.
“Capers are a condiment. They’re kind of like green olives but with a tangy lemon flavor.”
“That sounds like it could be good. How about you? What’re you thinking of having?”
If she only knew it had nothing to do with food.
“Are you referring to dinner?”
“Noah.” She smiled with reprimand.
“Let me see… Maybe I’ll try the ginger-glazed mahi-mahi.”
“Yum, that sounds good too. So does the grilled tilapia with wine and tomatoes. Decisions. Decisions.”
“We can always share.”
That snapped her out of her dilemma. “Okay. I think I’ll play it safe and go with the tilapia, then.”
“Playing it safe is something you’re comfortable with, isn’t it?”
“Who doesn’t like to play it safe?” She shrugged.
“I don’t. There’s always the comfort factor in playing it safe, but I prefer to take risks.” Always had, always would.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I think you should.” Keep the eye contact going. This was getting fun.
“So what kind of wine do you suggest I have with my fish?”
Guess she was shutting down that conversation and playing it safe. How ironic.
“Grilled tilapia would be good with a zinfandel or merlot.”
“Impressive, Mr. Dorian, how about with your mahi-mahi?”
Testing me? These were easy questions. I would easily pass. “Maybe a Riesling or Vouvray.”
“How do you know all this?”
“You’d be surprised by what you can learn from me.”
“I was referring to wine selection.”
There was no need for clarification. I knew exactly what she was referring to. I was merely playing around with her.
“My aunt and uncle always had wine with dinner. They have a wine cellar in their home.”
“Cool. My parents drank lemonade and iced tea.”
“There’s nothing wrong with either of those. I enjoy them as well.” I enjoyed everything that had to do with her.
Her cute smile made my dick suddenly join the party. And the waitress returned right in time to crash it. She took our orders after she placed a dish of fresh, hot rolls on the table.
“What is it with you and bread?” This time Jordin didn’t decline. She helped herself without me even offering. “I’ll just have one. I wouldn’t want to drink on an empty stomach. You might take advantage of me.”
Ah. Very nice. She played the game my way. I didn’t want to spoil her fun by telling her I usually won.
“I would never do such a thing.”
“Good. I’m glad.” Her playfulness turned serious, her shoulders slightly hunched. She sliced open her roll and applied a small amount of butter.
“I wouldn’t.” It was important for her to know that about me.
“The view from here is gorgeous. I never even knew this place existed.” She took a small bite.
My dick took special notice at how she licked her lips afterward. Shit. Now I was getting hard again. My body needed to learn self-control around her.
“I would love to take you to all of my secret hideouts.” Especially the ones in my apartment. And now seemed like as good a time as any to try some of them out since my cock was alrea
dy on board.
“Are we talking about food?” She already knew me so well. That earned a smile.
“This time I actually was. Derek, Mitch, and I like to try different family-owned restaurants. They usually have so much more appeal than the larger franchises. At least most of the ones we’ve been to do. Some weren’t so hot. I won’t subject you to those.”
“Thanks. I would appreciate that. With all the time you spend at the club, when do you find time for fine dining?” She took another bite of her roll, doing the same fucking thing with her tongue, but this time she noticed me watching and stopped. Her cheeks turned pink. She looked down at the table and instead wiped her mouth with her napkin.
“I do have a life outside the club, Jordin.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. It just seems like you’re always working.”
“As are you. We both have hectic schedules, but it’s important to take time off and enjoy or else life will just pass you by.” Mmm, the bread was good, soft and doughy.
“Are you speaking from experience?”
“I’ve lost myself in work numerous times, and what I do is very important to me, but I also like to indulge in other things as well.” This time my mind actually wasn’t in the gutter.
“Such as?” I could tell she wasn’t sure.
“Aren’t you full of questions tonight?”
“I’m just interested.” As was I, in everything she had to say.
“I’m glad. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and art.”
“Solitary hobbies, Mr. Dorian,” she said with an “I told you so” tone of voice.
“Some things I like to do with others.” Not many, but there were a few. She understood perfectly what I was meant because again, her cheeks turned pink.
“Do you spend all your free time with your brothers?”
“Pretty much. I’ve learned over the years that my family is who I can count on and trust.”
“Trust issues. We’ll have to delve in to that topic at a later time.” She tried to keep a straight face, speaking lightheartedly.
“Okay, doc, it’s your turn. Hobbies?”
“I also love to read and listen to music. I enjoy going to the theater, seeing movies, and of course, I love self-help and inspirational books. I also meditate and go to yoga classes several times a week. They help keep me grounded and focused.”