I Carry Your Heart (Heart Series Book 1)

by C. M. King

  “It’s for my eyes only,” I snapped, giving him a look of disgust.

  “Greedy.” He smiled winking, but then his grin grew even wider.

  I turned to see who was catching his attention. I shielded my eyes from the mid day sun, only to see a handsome stranger equally grinning back walking our way.

  “Talking about sexy, here’s my favourite guy.” Elijah winked, motioning to the man who was barely metres away.

  He reached up, taking off his sunglasses. “You must be Izzy?” he asked, dazzling us with his smile. “Happy birthday.” He kneeled down, leaning over to give me a soft kiss on the cheek.

  Wow, he was cute.

  My eyes scanned his sun kissed, perfect face, which was instantly recognisable from the photo.

  “It’s good to finally meet you, Elijah’s told me so much about you.” He flashed a smile and I melted a little.

  I narrowed my eyes, giving Elijah the death glare. “Hope it wasn’t all bad, you never know with him,” I snapped scowling. I was no longer in a happy place after the stunt he had just pulled.

  “Do I sense some hostility here?” he asked chuckling, his eyes flashed between Elijah and myself.

  Elijah scowled back handing him a glass of Pimms. “Oh Izzy is just pissed I tried to get Joel to send me a cock shot.”

  Sam started laughing and Elijah joined him. He collapsed down onto the rug, shaking as he clutched his stomach.

  Great, now I had both of them to contend with.

  “Would you have looked if he had sent it?” I asked.

  Did I even want to know the answer?

  He sat up and stared at me like I was crazy. “Of course, I’m not going to pass up an opportunity see the sex god’s cock.”

  “Are you okay with this Sam?” I asked, feeling enraged. Even more so watching him shrug slightly, he wasn’t bothered at all. They were both as bad as each other.

  “Hey, I gave up trying to rein Elijah in months ago and yeah I would have looked too. There’s no gay guy on the planet would pass up a chance to see your boyfriend up close and personal.”

  I pouted, looking away.

  Was everyone intent on stealing my boyfriend?

  It was getting ridiculous now. Maybe the joined at the hip part didn’t seem so silly after all? A warm hand brushed up against my arm, I looked over into Sam’s warm, comforting eyes.

  “Sorry Iz, maybe this will make up for it.” He grinned, throwing a small wrapped box over.

  I smiled catching it.

  I loved presents.

  I eagerly unwrapped the paper, to reveal a bottle of Chanel.

  I stared at it looking astounded. I had frequented enough perfume shop counters with Elijah to know the price. “Thanks for the present, you really didn’t have to, this is far too much.”

  “Hey, you got to get spoiled on your birthday,” he said smiling and grabbed a plate, helping himself to the remains of the picnic.

  “Every girl should have a bottle of Chanel on her dresser sweetie.” Elijah gave me a warm smile and a wink.

  I hugged Sam again. “Thank you,” I spritzed some on my wrist, breathing in the delicious scent. Elijah held out his and I scowled, shaking my head in defiance.

  “Only if you take Joel out of your fantasy threesome.”

  He pouted, disgusted by my words. “Now Iz, there is no need for that.”

  “I mean it Elijah.” I shot him a look of warning.

  “Fine, we have plenty of others, now spritz please and don’t be stingy.”

  I moved to spray him but he snatched the bottle out of my hands, almost choking us with the fumes.

  “Speaking of sexy men Sam. How about this guy for our fantasy threesome?” He motioned towards the guy he had been perving over for the last hour.

  Sam grinned with delight and I rolled my eyes, flopping back onto the rug.

  They truly were perfect for each other.

  Chapter 23 – Birthday Wish

  Walking down the stairs I smiled in delight, at the beautiful sight of Joel stood there, patiently waiting at the bottom. His eyes held mine with each step I took, his smile grew wider the closer we became.

  He was dressed in formal attire of black trousers, grey dress shirt and tie, and nestled in his arms was a large, exquisite bouquet of yellow roses. I was over come by the effort he’d made, and the fact he knew they were my favourite flowers.

  His eyes lit up when I took the final few steps. I stopped and gazed at him.

  God he looked handsome.

  I didn’t think I’d ever seen him dressed up in my entire life.

  “For madam,” he said grinning, presenting me with the flowers.

  I smiled inhaling the delicious scent. “These are so beautiful Joel, how did you know they are my favourite?”

  He took the flowers from me, placing them down, before turning back round to look at me. “I remember everything, I’m just happy I get to be the one giving you them. I’ll buy you flowers everyday if I get to see that smile.”

  “Hmmm, that could get pretty expensive.”

  “It would be worth it though.” His lips brushed up against mine and I felt my head begin to spin. I steadied myself, placing my hand on the front of his shirt, feeling the hard, defined chest underneath the soft cotton material. I couldn’t help myself, and my fingers slowly made their way lower.

  He grabbed my wrist, his thumb gently caressing my skin, as his eyes stared deep into mine. “If you carry on doing that we’re not going to be going anywhere.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  I knew he was right.

  I literally wanted to pounce on him at this very moment.

  His eyes dropped down taking me all in. “You look so beautiful, you always take my breath away.” He placed a soft, sweet kiss against my hand and then spun me around. The short black dress I was wearing kicked up with the motion. I just about managed to retain some form of balance, despite the fact I was wearing very high, black stiletto heels. Before I had a chance to speak Joel dipped me.

  Oh my.

  I gasped in surprise. I felt like I was in an old Hollywood movie. My heart swooned with his gentlemanly display of action.

  “I think I’m the luckiest man alive to have you on my arm tonight.” He kissed my neck, sending shivers throughout my body.

  My heart literally skipped a beat.

  “Joel.” I gasped lightly, taken back by his words. I was barely able to form another syllable.

  His hand cupped my chin, as his lips kissed my ruby red ones. He pulled away slightly panting and lifted me back upright, kissing me tenderly on my forehead. I was only just and so managing to keep it together.

  In between catching my breath back, I quickly checked my hair in the mirror. Elijah had spent the best part of an hour pinning it in place. He said I had an old Hollywood glamour look about me, but I couldn’t quite see it myself. After spending the last couple of hours making sure I looked entirely perfect, he had left just before Joel had arrived.

  I smiled, placing both hands on his chest. “I think I’m the lucky one to have the most devilish handsome man beside me. I know I have quite a lot of people to fight off.”

  “What do you mean?” He looked confused, his eyes questioning mine.

  “Well according to Elijah, he would pounce on you in a heartbeat if you were gay.” I scowled. Just reliving the conversation again sent a rush of jealousy through me. I hated feeling this kind of emotion towards my best friend.

  A smile spread across his face. “Ahh, so that would explain the text.”

  I frowned at the thought I could have been moments away, from sharing the most intimate part of my man with Elijah. As much as I loved him and would share many things, there was a limit! This was a line he had definitely crossed.

  “Thank god you didn’t reply. I told him it’s for my eyes only”

  His finger lifted my chin, so I was staring into his piercing blue eyes. “Hey, I wouldn’t have. I knew the moment I received it tha
t it wasn’t from you. Why would you need a picture? You know I’m yours whenever, wherever, you only have to ask.” He took my hand, placing it on his increasingly large bulge. His eyes stared deep into mine, as my fingers rubbed along the seam of the fabric. “This is yours and yours only.”

  I let out a soft moan, when my fingertips brushed against the material. I could feel him growing underneath me, my touch sending him out of control.

  He grabbed my hand back and placed it back in his. He rested his forehead against mine, his warm, soft breath gently tickling my face. “Iz, I think we had better go before I take you right here.”

  I smiled, he was right. A moment longer and I would jump him myself. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” Before we both well and truly lost all self-control.

  * * *

  Pulling up outside the fancy restaurant, my head spun around, looking over at Joel. I was slightly confused. Had we reached the correct destination? “Are you sure this is the right place?”

  He chuckled at my face. “Why did you think I was taking you for fish and chips,” he asked, shaking his head in amusement. Acting as the perfect gentleman he walked round to my side of the car, opening the door.

  I placed my hand in his and eased myself out, smoothing down my dress. “I’d be happy either way, I’m starving.”

  We walked into the restaurant and I was glad I’d made the effort, everything was very stylish and expensive. I gave Joel a quizzical look. I highly doubted we could afford to eat in a restaurant like this. He quickly shot me a reassuring one back, before we were escorted to our table.

  The hostess attending to us reacted to Joel. Her eyes quickly gave him the once over, a smile now playing on her lips. She was wearing a red, figure hugging dress that showed off all her assets, cinching her tight in at the waist. Her long brown hair fell down her back and was curled into loose waves. I struggled to draw breath beside her, almost gagging on the half bottle of expensive perfume she had doused herself in.

  We followed along behind her, watching her totter along in her high designer heels, as she led us over to our table.

  Several arm touches later, she finally left Joel alone for us to peruse the menu. I peeked over mine only to find Joel busy staring back, his eyes becoming lost in my own. I knew without any hesitation they would remain on me throughout the night.

  Dropping our menu’s he grabbed my hands, lifting them up to his lips, and gently placed kisses along each fingertip. I knew he was silently reassuring me I had nothing to be worried about, and I loved him even more for taking my insecure feelings into consideration.

  We ordered wine and sat chatting, relaying my eventful day back to him. His fingers slowly stroked along the charms of my white gold bracelet, my Mother had presented me with earlier. Each charm held its own significant meaning in my life and as Joel gazed lovingly into my eyes, I knew he was the greatest one of all.

  “I wish I could have spent the whole day with you, I’ve been clock watching and counting down the minutes to be with you,” he said, forcing a smile, trying to wrestle against the frown that was now taking over.

  “Well you get to spend the evening with me.” I smiled, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

  He grinned at my words.

  I knew how much he loved it when I flirted with him. I felt my confidence growing every moment we spent together.

  “Please don’t flirt with me or I’ll take you on the table right now.” His eyes held a dangerous glint to them and I blushed at his comment.

  Right now I really wanted him to.

  He eyed me, reading my face. He knew exactly what I was thinking. He leaned over and I shivered when his mouth brushed up against my ear. “Now who’s the dirty girl, you imagining me doing all kinds of naughty things to you with my tongue.”

  I blushed even deeper, god the things he could do with that tongue. “Oh yeah,” I breathed, unable to disguise just how crazy he was truly making me.

  An untimely interruption brought our steamy moment to an abrupt halt, when the waitress arrived with our wine. We ordered and sat sipping on the wine, enjoying the general ambience of the place, with our fingers still entwined.

  “I’m glad I got to be part of your birthday.” Joel softly grazed my knuckles with his thumb, sending shivers throughout my body.

  I looked at him with a mixture of confusion. “Joel, you’ve always been part of my birthday, you’re like family, you were always around.”

  His fingertip gently skimmed along the edge of the table, as he composed himself. “I know but I mean in the sense that I’m sharing it with you as your boyfriend. I get to spoil you and show you how much I love and care for you. I get to share these happy moments with you.” He gave me such a sweet and tender look, that my heart skipped a beat.

  “I can’t wait to make more wonderful memories with you.” I smiled and he gave my hand a squeeze. He was too choked by my words to answer. I squeezed his hand back, letting him know I felt exactly the same way.

  * * *

  We headed out into the cool evening air after the delicious three-course meal. I was completely stuffed and drunk from all the wine. I stumbled along beside Joel, feeling giddy and slightly unbalanced in my heels. Joel only had the one glass so I snuggled up tight against him, to keep me from completely falling over.

  “Take me home Joel.” I hiccupped before giggling. I was more than eager to rip off my clothes and these damn heels and launch myself at him. He had seduced me all evening and I was now ready for the taking.

  He stopped abruptly and I stumbled slightly, before he pulled me round to face him. “I have another surprise planned yet Iz.”

  I groaned softly, instantly regretting it.

  God I was such an ungrateful bitch.

  His face dropped at my reaction, but all I wanted was to be naked and wrapped around his body. I looked up into his face and squinted, to regain some focus. I placed a soft, sweet kiss against his lips, silently asking for him to forgive me.

  The frown instantly evaporated and his smile instantly piqued my interest. “Where are we going?” I asked intrigued.

  His smile grew even wider. “Nope, not telling you anything, you do know what the concept of a surprise is don’t you?” He laughed when I playfully stuck out my tongue. Joel seized his opportunity and slammed his lips against mine, sucking my tongue into his mouth. I moaned with delight, as his hand lightly caressed my face, his tongue gently swirling together with mine.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him in deeper. We became lost in each other, until Joel moved away, leaving me aching for more.

  He pressed his forehead up against mine, we were both panting and I could feel how turned on he was. “Iz, we need to slow down, else we’re never going to get to your surprise.”

  “Okay, I’ll be good.” I pouted, feeling slightly scolded.

  His fingers lifted up my chin and his eyes stared deep into mine. “Believe me I will more than make it up to you after the surprise.”

  “Better had,” I grumbled.

  Right now all I wanted for my birthday was Joel, naked and in our bed.

  We climbed into the car and he turned towards me. I clicked on my seatbelt, watching a smile play on his lips. “I need for you to put something on.”

  My eyebrows lifted with intrigue. He laughed and pulled out a scarf, leaning over to fasten it around my eyes. “This is so it won’t spoil the surprise.”

  I was literally in the dark.

  The darkness only heightened all my other senses. I listened to Joel’s breathing, as I concentrated on the sound of the car gauging the speed. When it slowed down I knew we’d reached our destination, and a flicker of excitement ran through me.

  I heard the car door slam, a few moments later my door was opened. Joel’s hands unbuckled the seatbelt, gently guiding me out of the car. We walked for a few minutes before I began to hear low whispered voices.

  Joel guided me once again and held me tight, ready to grab me if I stumbled. I
stepped up listening to Joel’s whispered instructions in my ear, walking forward I shuddered feeling movement. My hands instinctively lifted to pull up the blindfold, but Joel’s hands covered mine, stopping me.

  “Not yet Iz.” He stopped and turned me to sit down, as my heart hammered deep in my chest.

  He kissed both hands soothingly and stood beside me as we waited, eventually he pulled me upright to kiss me on the cheek. “Ready?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I breathed back. A little scared at what was about to happen.

  “When I take the blindfold off, keep your eyes shut till I say open.”

  “Okay,” I squeaked, the nerves beginning to kick in. I felt the silk scarf fall away from my eyes, as Joel’s arm wrapped around me.

  He walked me over a few more steps, standing behind me, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Open,” he whispered in my ear.

  My eyes fluttered open to be greeted with the most amazing panoramic view of London. Millions of lights covering the dark city, as my gaze immediately fell upon Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, all beautifully lit up.

  I gasped in amazement. “I’m on the London eye.”

  He kissed my cheek softly and his lips brushed up against my ear. “Happy birthday baby.”

  “How did you know?” I asked, turning around to fully face him. My eyes searched his in wonder of how he’d have guessed such a thing.

  “I overheard you say to Elijah one time that you’d love to see the city at night, that this would be the ideal setting to share with someone special.”

  He really was too perfect.

  My fingers weaved into his hair, guiding his lips down onto mine. He softly moaned when our mouths finally connected. My eyes finally reopened, only to now notice the pod was filled with over a hundred candles. Tiny white fairy lights twinkled around us, I gasped in surprise at how wonderfully magical and romantic it all looked.