by Faith Starr
“You sure have a nice voice, Niles.” Patty spoke proudly. You’d think he was her son. I didn’t know what the history was between them, but it had to be a long one because her love for him was evident. “I hope you’ll let me hear more of it.”
She chatted away during our stroll to the elevator. We took it downstairs and exited the back of the building through a security door. It was serene and beautiful outside. The secured grounds housed a large garden with a walking path, along with several small fountains and statues located throughout. Other aides pushed wheelchairs as well.
“It sure is a nice day to be outside.” Patty gave us a play by play of the garden as we followed the path.
Noah stopped in front of a rose bush and pulled two red ones in full bloom off it. He handed one to me and the other to Patty.
“Thank you.” I graciously took the flower, smelling it, then holding it close to my heart. Intentional or not, I wasn’t sure, but that’s what I did.
When Noah had invited me to come along with him on this excursion to visit Niles, I could almost swear he’d had no forethought into sweeping me off my feet. Yet, that’s exactly what he had just done.
“Well, Noah. Aren’t you just the sweetest thing? You hold on to this one, pretty lady. He’s a gem.” Patty smelled her flower.
“You’re going to scare her away with all your compliments.”
“I’m not afraid. Bring it on.” I raised my brows to challenge him.
“Ooh, and she’s a feisty one too. You hold on to her as well, Noah.” Patty laughed animatedly, raising her hands like one would if singing with a choir.
“I’ll consider it.” His smug smile definitely earned him brownie points.
“Hey.” I smacked his arm.
“Just kidding.” He winked at me, making my heart beat a little faster.
We continued our walk for quite some time. Patty fed us stories about her experiences with Niles. Both Noah and Niles were lucky to have her. She truly was a keeper.
All in all, the day turned out to be spectacular. Noah had given me a glimpse into his private cocoon of a life, he admitted we were dating, I got to see him for the soft soul he truly was, and I got to witness an important event in his life, his brother speaking his name after years of silence.
Again, Noah was deep in thought during our drive.
“Thank you for taking me there. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to do, but I’m so glad you did.” I took his hand and squeezed it assuredly.
“I am too. I want you to know I’ve never brought anyone there before.” His concentration remained focused on the road ahead of us, but I sensed his concern over this.
“Why’re you telling me that?”
“Because it’s important for you to know that I keep my private life just that, private.”
“No, really?” I couldn’t help but tease.
He smiled at me, this time squeezing my hand before bringing it to his lips and kissing it. “Yes, smartass.”
“I’ve already picked up on that. You don’t have to worry. Your secrets are safe with me.”
“Thanks.”
“You know it’s nothing to be ashamed of, right?” I kept my focus ahead of me. I didn’t want him to think I was psychoanalyzing him again.
“I’m not ashamed. My brother means the world to me.”
“I’m glad.” I wouldn’t try to convince him otherwise, but deep down there had to be some shame if he kept it such a big secret. “May I ask you a personal question?”
“Shoot.”
“What happened to your parents?” Tension filled the car. I wanted to open a window to get some air. “Noah?”
“I think our hour’s up, doc.”
Message heard loud and clear.
40
Noah
We didn’t get back from visiting Niles until late in the afternoon. The last twenty-four hours felt like a roller coaster of fucking emotions. I couldn’t wait to lock myself in my office and get back to work.
“It must’ve been some night to keep you away this long.” Mitch was fishing for something in Tasha’s drawer when I entered the club. I didn’t want to tell him about Niles yet. I wasn’t in the proper mind-set for a round of twenty questions.
“How’re things here on the home front?” I unlocked the door to my office, more than ready to get inside its four walls, my safe haven.
“It’s all good. Tonight the dungeon’s rented out for a private function.”
He got a thumb’s up. I entered my office and sat behind my desk. I jiggled the mouse to bring the schedule up on my screen. Derek strolled in casually, taking his usual seat.
“Have you spoken to Syd?”
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that question?” His defensive tone garnered my complete attention. I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet he wore a tight-lipped smile with one hand clenched into a fist, possibly ready for a fight. I wasn’t about to feed into that shit. I’d had enough for one day.
“She made a fool of herself last night.”
“She also made it clear where her affections lie.”
He could glare at me like I was the guilty party all he wanted to. I knew the truth, and he would figure it out sooner or later.
“The feeling’s not mutual, and you know it.” I pushed my chair a few inches away from my desk, feeling the need to cross my leg over my knee. Maybe it was a defensive tactic on my part, but I didn’t give a fuck.
“I get it, but I’m still pissed.”
Yeah, I could tell. And if he didn’t stop rubbing his shoes so vigorously against the stone floor, he was going to scratch it.
“I’m innocent in all this.” I held up my hand. There was no way in hell I was going to allow him to blame me for it.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Look, I had an inkling about her feelings, but I’ve made it perfectly clear to her on more than one occasion that nothing was ever going to happen between the two of us, other than what happened that one night.”
“Either way, she and I are finished. I’m done playing seconds.”
“You’re wise to think that way. I wouldn’t tolerate that type of behavior.”
Mitch waltzed in and took a seat next to Derek.
“I don’t want to talk about Sydney. We’re history,” Derek snapped. Mitch’s brow creased in curiosity at D’s tone. “On a completely different subject, I think you might be interested to hear that Master Frank called to reserve the viewing suite this week. He said something about you agreeing to do a scene with Giselle. Would you mind telling me what that’s all about?”
The two of them eyed me suspiciously.
“That dick pretty much blackmailed me into agreeing to it, which brings up yet another topic. I think we should reexamine our roles in the club. Now that Uncle Phil’s retiring and we’ll be required to be at the publishing house more, we need to figure out how the transition’s going to affect the club.”
“It shouldn’t be difficult for you at all. Dad wants your business and marketing sense over there. I don’t know what in the hell I’m going to do there.”
It pissed me off when Mitch doubted himself. If he only knew how competent he really was.
“I’m content working at the publishing company and would rather spend more time there. I’ll continue to manage the business activities here, but I want out of the rooms for good. I don’t want to do scenes or man the floors anymore.” Giselle was it for me. She was the end of a line that had long been crossed.
“Shit. The cute little therapist is really getting to you.”
Did he think he was a psychologist too now? And if he didn’t get that stupid grin off his face, I was going to slap it off.
“This has nothing to do with her. I’ve been telling you guys how I feel about this for a long time. I don’t like being in the public areas of the club. If I want to engage in play, I’ll do so in private with someone I’m involved with. Not with members who mean nothing to me and vice versa.”
“We aren’t supposed to mean anything to them. The primary purpose of the club is to fulfill needs.”
No shit, Sherlock. I didn’t need Mitch’s further explanation on the subject.
“I understand that, but I think we need to change our direction and step out of those roles. We can easily hire others to do them. Plus, I think it would be more professional for us as business owners to do that. We all agreed when we started this thing that we would only be in the rooms temporarily while establishing the business, but once it took off and was bringing in profits, we would hire others to do the acting while we directed. It’s important for us to man the floors, oversee the goings-on, do the financials, and keep our guests satisfied. That’s how we have built such a great reputation. If we’re leading with our dicks, those tasks cannot be done effectively.”
“I see your point.” Derek rubbed his chin. “As much as I like leading with my dick, I’m getting tired of doing scenes as well. I respect that you want to retire from playing, but we have to work out a plan before we can make any changes. Hiring qualified and trustworthy people is critical and may take some time.”
“I have a folder full of résumés. Some of them are members who would like to become employees.” I reached over to the corner of my desk, picking it up and setting it in front of them. Derek slid it closer to them, opening it up and browsing through the stack.
“Listen, I’ve been a fuckup for most of my life, but there’s nothing for me at the publishing house. I get that I’m on the board and all, but it’s not my thing. This place is my thing. I’d like to step up my game and have more responsibility here while the two of you focus on the publishing business.”
That’s my boy. Maybe there was hope for him after all.
“I’m all for it as long as you agree to put your heart and soul into it like we have. I’ll have Tasha call Frank to set up a time this week for me to play with Giselle, but then I’m done.”
“There are some good ones in here.” Derek nodded in satisfaction. “Why don’t we go over to the conference table and look through them together?”
We followed him over, grabbing a seat on each side of him.
“Why’re you still wearing your suit?” Mitch eyed me curiously, a résumé firmly in his grasp.
Shit. I had actually forgotten I still had on the same clothes from the party. “I stayed at Jordin’s place last night and haven’t been home yet.” I didn’t bother to look at either one of them. Why add more bait?
“I think you’re full of shit if you don’t think she has any influence over your stance or decision about no longer playing. You’re falling hard and fast for that girl.”
If I said I wanted to slap Derek’s stupid-ass grin off his face before, I now wanted to punch him square center in it.
“I’m not falling hard or fast for anyone. I have enough on my plate with all the upcoming changes we’re going to be making both here and at the publishing house.”
“Okay, bro, whatever you say.” He resumed his focus on the résumé in front of him, both his and Mitch’s grins not going unnoticed.
“Assholes,” I muttered under my breath.
41
Jordin
“Jordin Turner!”
Julian’s voice could be heard all the way down the hall.
“Were you watching for me from out your peephole, Julian?” I walked toward his door.
“I heard loud footsteps. About last night, doll, do tell.”
Footsteps—he practically called my name as soon as I stepped out of the elevator. Crazy man. I went inside his apartment and sat on his leather ottoman.
“I must say he’s quite a vision.”
“I know. Isn’t he?” An image of Noah’s face appeared in front of me, causing me to smile.
“Stop daydreaming. How was the dinner?”
“Other than a childhood friend of his revealing secrets about her sexual rendezvous with him, it was fine.”
His mouth dropped open. Julian loved drama. “What kind of a rendezvous?”
“I tuned her out. All I could think about was how much I wanted to shut her up by slapping her across the face for being so inappropriate and disrespectful.”
“Meow.”
His clawing motion made me giggle. He was such a character.
“I’m being serious. Here we are at this fancy party meant to toast Noah’s uncle, and this girl gets trashed off her rocker and begins to divulge personal bedroom stories. She embarrassed both herself and the entire table with her antics. And guess what?”
“What?” He sat on the edge of his seat, his eyes wide in anticipation.
“I’m sure you’ve heard of Dorian Publishing?”
His mouth opened as wide as his eyes. “No way?”
“Way.” I nodded, still not believing it myself.
“Holy shit, Jordin, this guy is like big-time.”
“I know. I was intimated by him owing the club, but now this?” My insecurity was like a shadow outlining my body.
“It’s just money, doll. Does he act all high and mighty?”
“No, not at all. I mean, he likes nice things, and you should’ve seen the house he grew up in. It’s insanely beautiful. But for the most part, he’s very down to earth. And his aunt and uncle were cordial and welcoming.”
“So what’s the problem, then?”
“There is no problem. It’s just a little intimidating. His family has a lot of influence in town.”
“Not just in this town, darling. Dorian Publishing is global.” His hands outlined a circle in front of him.
“Yeah, I know. So his uncle is semi-retiring, and Noah and his brothers are going to be taking over and running the business.”
“What about the club?”
“I’m not sure about that.”
“Maybe Noah is unimpressed by his wealth.” He shrugged.
“I don’t understand how he can’t be, but at least he doesn’t act holier than thou, although, he did spend a fortune buying me those dresses.”
“And let us not forget the Louboutin shoes.” Light shone in his eyes.
“Which were surprisingly comfortable, even though I sat most of the time.”
“Those shoes are meant for looks, doll, not comfort.” His look of disgust at my lack of fashion sense made me smile. He was so over the top. It made it difficult not to get caught up in his zest for life.
“I’ll keep that it in mind. What about you?”
“I’m in a drought, love. Does Noah have any single friends?” Sadly, his praying hands weren’t going to help him in this particular instance.
“Ha-ha, anyway, I have to go home and get some work done.” I stood and stretched. It had been a long night and day.
Julian walked me to the door and gave me a loving hug. I kissed him on the cheek and went next door to my apartment.
“Love ya.” His voice echoed in the quiet hallway.
“Love ya back.” As did mine.
And so began the tedious task of reviewing my research. So much had changed in my life in such a short amount of time.
After my experience with Noah and the blindfold, I couldn’t wait to try more. And the fact he trusted me enough to tell me about Niles, and meet him, had me feeling that much closer to him.
Still, our relationship was odd, to say the least. We didn’t talk on the phone or text often, and I never knew when I was going to see or hear from him again. Yet when I was with him, he showered me with compliments and attention.
I didn’t want to read into things and was trying to go with the flow, but I was developing real feelings for him, and it frightened me because I didn’t know how he felt or what he wanted in return.
Meeting up with Casey for yoga the following morning wasn’t as exciting as it usually was. A part of me wanted to avoid her because of the information I had about her father and Tammy. I hated keeping the secret from her, but it’s not like I had a choice. I had to remain silent.
“I have to go see my
dad. He asked me to stop by and fill out some paperwork regarding my internship placement. Do you want to tag along?”
My towel didn’t do an effective job of mopping up the sweat on my neck. “Sorry, I can’t. I have to go home and get dressed for work. I’ll just catch up with you later.”
“What’s going on, Jordin?” At least she waited until we were outside and away from others before bringing up the inevitable.
“Nothing. Why do you ask?”
“Because I know you went with Noah to his family’s party, and you didn’t even call to tell me about it.”
I could easily tiptoe around this accusation. “I’m sorry, Casey. I guess I’ve been a little distracted.”
“I’m sure you have been.” Even better, she was smiling. Fishing for information I could deal with, as long as it had nothing to do with her father.
“Why don’t we have dinner tonight?”
“I already made plans with Sophia, Eddie, and Josh. But you can come with us. It’s not like we have any formal plans or anything.”
“Sounds good. Text me the info, and I’ll meet up with you guys.” Meeting up with her in a group setting I could do. It would prevent private discussions.
Feeling relieved with the outcome, I drove home to get ready for work. Once at the clinic, time passed in the blink of an eye. My sessions were booked back to back, plus I had a group to run. After work, I spent a few gruesome hours on my computer. It was a long and tiring day, one worthy of a night out with the gang.
“Jordin, how’s your dissertation coming along? Are you learning firsthand?”
Everyone seemed so preoccupied with my topic. I found it somewhat humorous. Unfortunately for Sophia, I wasn’t in the mood to discuss it since I’d just spent the last few hours working on it and was slowly turning into a participant. That was a dissertation in itself.