“I know, I know. Except you.” He smiled. I bent my head in embarrassment. “Look, I like to live a pretty normal life doing what I love… while making shitloads of money and having the freedom to enjoy it.”
“I can’t believe this shit. Tell me again why Lena left you?”
“When I found out she cheated I was done. I invested too much. And when I’m in a relationship, I’m monogamous. It’s unfair. She begged to get back together, but I turned her down. Maybe she loved the lifestyle more than me. Then she left for her job.” He set his mouth in a grim line.
“I’m sorry.” I tried to meet his eyes. He then smiled at me and took a sip of his champagne. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” I drank out the last bit of my champagne and set down the flute. “You look better than amazing.” He continued, gazing at me intently, I, reciprocating his gaze. “Can I kiss you?” He asked and I nodded without breaking eye contact. He then leaned in, pressing his lips against mine, his tongue still cold and sweet from the champagne, slipping his fingers into mine as he violated my mouth. All I wanted was for him to take off my clothes right then and there. It’s been ages since I last had sex and all these urges were coursing through my body.
When the Escalade came to a halt, he pulled away from me. “We’re here.” He breathed, straightening up his tie and fixing his cufflink as I reapplied my lip gloss. The driver opened the door for us and Jake stepped out. He then put his hand out to help me.
When I got out, I noticed that we were at a very expensive restaurant in Pasadena, the city that’s about fifteen minutes away from Dillcaster.
Ruse` was a very contemporary restaurant, décor much like Jake’s house. Great music, good vibes, a top notch bar and there was even a nightclub on the second floor; stuff I read about only in the magazines. It was perfect. And so was he. I couldn’t believe it, but he was.
We were directed to a secluded booth far away from the electric atmosphere and loud chatter at the bar. We passed the many groups of people, sitting at their round tables made of rich dark wood that looked as if they were carved to perfection, holding onto their cutlery as they nibbled on the food laid before them. Clink! Clink! The sound of cutlery to ceramic plate amongst the soft whispers and laughter of couples and families alike.
I slid into the seat of the curved dining booth, Jake following closely behind. A singular ceiling lamp shone a soft light onto our table. Dystopia by Polarheart was playing over the radio and as usual, I found myself biting on my lip as I bobbed my head to the smooth euphoric sound. I noticed Jake staring at me as I looked around the restaurant – noting the high beamed ceiling, high-polished dark floors and the ultra-sleek décor. “What?” I blushed, turning my attention to him.
“You like wine?” He asked me with an amused look on his face, as he placed his chin on top of his interlaced fingers.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“What’s your favourite?” He asked as he looked down and fixed his cufflink.
“I really don’t know, I mean, I guess I’ve never really been into ‘brands’ per se.”
“Hmm, would you like me to choose?”
“Sure.” He reclined into his chair, breaking eye contact, just as the busty, bright eyed, waitress came up to us.
“Your menus.” Her dark tresses flowing in effortless waves onto her very voluptuous bosoms. “I’m Sandy and I’ll be your waitress for the night. I hope you enjoy.”
“Sandy.” Jake sized her with a slight smirk. I felt a pang of jealousy when he did. I could tell she was totally into him too, she couldn’t take her eyes off him. She also had a slight resemblance to Caroline. “My girlfriend and I would like a bottle of the 2005 Chateau Petrus, Pomerol. You still have that in stock, right?”
Did he seriously just refer to me as his girlfriend? What in holy hell? He casually placed his thumb on his lower lip as his eyes stole my soul. I wanted to evaporate. This man is doing the worst to me, but in a good way.
“Anything else?” Sandy asked with a broad smile, eyes still on him.
“No, not at the moment. We have to look through the menu first.” He replied to her without breaking contact from me.
“No problem. I’d be back with your bottle and two glasses.”
“Thank you.” He nodded politely at her and she nodded back at us both before leaving.
“Girlfriend?” I asked when she left.
“Not if you don’t want to be.” He sucked in his lower lip.
“Oh, I do. I really, really do. But you have to admit, this is really weird. And really fast! Aren’t you scared?”
“Of what? I have been infatuated with you for the past year. It’s totally unethical of me, but I couldn’t help myself, Reese. You were just, I don’t know how to describe it, but you’ve got a kickass attitude that I love, and you’re quite an interesting girl.” I stared at him, my chest tightening and my breathing slow and heavy.
“Um… but what about school? Don’t you think I’m too young for you?”
“I don’t, actually. You’re mature and as for school, what about it? You have the rest of this year and next year until you’re done, I can keep a secret.” He smirked. My face flushed and my dimples deepened with the way I was smiling.
“Fine.”
“Great, then it’s settled – girlfriend. So,” he scanned his menu, “What are you having? Choose anything you like.”
“Uh, there’s no price list on this menu.”
“Don’t worry about the price, that’s for me to worry about.” I looked at him unable to speak; just staring. “What?” He asked.
“Who are you?” He began to laugh and put down the menu. “I am so serious right now.”
“Reese, I am still Jake Cavanaugh. Nothing’s going to change that. I drink beer, I crack really lame jokes, I try to avoid the limelight and I love playing on my Xbox. And most of all, I like you. You just now know my dirty little secret.” He replied with a playful smirk. Now nothing could have been any cuter than that statement he just made. Was he serious about me being his girlfriend though? After only a couple minutes into our date? “Our waitress reminds me of Heath’s girlfriend.” He continued passively as he picked back up his menu.
“What? You did not just say that! I was thinking that the whole time.” I laughed.
Just then Sandy returned with a bottle of wine in a silver bucket of ice and two flutes.
“Hey,” she pepped, “are you ready to order?”
“Not just yet.” I replied.
“Okay, well I will return shortly.” She nodded and then left. I looked at the menu and everything seemed so delicious but holy shit I was scared that it was expensive as hell and even though Jake told me the money doesn’t matter, I just couldn’t bring myself to choose anything that sounded too expensive.
“So?” He questioned.
“I’ll take the Reggiano Chicken Breast.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep.”
“Okay, suit yourself. I think I’ll have the Black Truffle Risotto.”
I took another glance at my menu. “Mmm. Sounds good.” When Sandy returned we gave her our orders. Jake opened up the bottle of wine and poured a glass for each of us.
“So Trini, what’s up?”
“What’s up? Really? What’s up? Dude, I am a little freaked out by all this. I was just supposed to come for the acting sessions and now I’m here, with you – my boyfriend apparently? And you own Cave Ink?”
“Co-own.”
“Point is you produce some major mainstream feature films, raking in millions at a time. You drive a freaking Prius. And you are interested in me? Like how?”
“That Prius is strictly for school, I’m never seen with that thing out of town.” He smiled and I laughed. “And why do you make it sound as if it’s impossible for me to like you?”
“Man, look at you. And look at me…”
“I’ve been looking at you since the day I met you, Reese. Why are you selling yourself so sh
ort?”
“I… Look, my past experiences have never been the greatest. I’m just in disbelief right now.”
“You know, just because Heath hasn’t paid any attention to you, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it.” I gasped. “I want you, and if you give me the chance, I’d always pay attention to you.” I didn’t even know how to respond.
“Okay.” I whispered.
After a few minutes of deep conversation, Sandy returned with our food and placed it before us. “Anything else?” She asked. Jake looked at me and I shook my head. “We’re fine here.” He replied. “Okay. Wonderful, if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” She smiled at both of us and walked away. She seemed genuinely nice. Not like that stupid façade Caroline liked to put on. The food’s aroma tickled my nose. It smelled just as appealing as it looked and I finally began to eat, savouring each tantalising bite.
Jake and I talked and talked and talked. He ordered dessert and after that I was completely stuffed. That was the first time that anyone had ever treated me to such a wonderful night out and I loved it. I just stared at his incontestable beauty. His face was so masculine; strong jaw, fierce eyes, and a gorgeous smile – yet he was so sweet, gentle, intriguing, artistic and classy. He was also a cool ass teacher. All I could do is gaze at him and wonder how the hell did I score this amazing man without even trying, yet I’ve been unsuccessfully trying for Heath for over a year. I believe in fate but the feelings I had for Heath consumed me. I was always certain he would have been my one. Maybe I was wrong.
“You want to dance?” He asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“Dance? Where? Here?” I asked looking around.
“No, upstairs. They have a club upstairs, on the second floor.”
“Oh right, I forgot about that. Sure.” I giggled.
He called for the cheque and he gave Sandy a hefty tip – she deserved it though, she was very sweet and professional. When I saw the bill I nearly died. Four thousand for the bottle of wine! Is this man insane? It was indeed the most delicious wine I had ever tasted but what the fuck?
We walked up the swirling metallic staircase and entered into the foyer; low lit, painted in a rich deep red, with four brown floor vases with decorative plants stationed at all four corners. The thumping of the bass vibrated the floor beneath us. It was so strange that we couldn’t hear a thing downstairs. “Have you been here before?” I asked Jake, his fingers firmly laced in with mine.
“I saw the reviews on TripAdvisor.” He looked down at me. We then walked up to the beautifully carved double doors where two strapping bouncers stood. After Jake’s persuasion, they allowed us to enter the club.
Numb by Cassie featuring Rick Ross was blasting. Kraze was a different vibe from Ruse` all together. Blue, Pink and Purple lights glowed, illuminating the white dancefloor and the hundreds of people either dancing or seated at their smooth dark tables. Jake, fingers still locked with mine, led me up a couple steps to the left and down an arched hallway, past the people on the plush lounge chairs laughing and sipping on their cocktails. He stopped at the brightly lit bar and was talking to someone behind the counter. I observed the bartenders as they danced around making their drinks. The boys with their dazzling bow ties and the girls in their dazzling dresses. I then looked over the metallic railing down at the dancefloor as fog filled up the room and the strobe lights slice through it like a laser. Further down the arched hallway, there were more tables and lounge chairs and one section was barricaded – I’m guessing the VIP area. There were steps near the VIP section that led to the dancefloor.
“Mr. Cavanaugh?” I heard a voice call out. A leggy Caucasian man in a well-tailored suit strode up to Jake. He was the manager of Kraze.
“Royce, how have you been?” They both flashed pearly whites and embraced each other. “It’s been a long time.”
“Very true, Jake. I’ve been great. Almost closed down this place, then I decided to renovate. Now here I am.”
“You did a fantastic job.”
“Thanks to Rita. Is this the lady?” Royce asked acknowledging me with a friendly nod.
“Yes. So you know what to do?” Jake raised a questionable brow at Royce.
“Follow me.” Royce said and winked at me before leading us to the same VIP section that I was just eyeing.
Jake and I sat on the lounge chair that was barricaded with velvet ropes. I looked over to the left and saw a group of people also in another VIP section. They were surely drunk. A few girls in strapless dresses were raising bottles of champagne high in the air and pouring it down their mouths and breasts, cheering and jumping around crazily. A guy was seated between them wearing a pair of shades on. What an idiot! Who wears shades in a nightclub? Must be some illustrious celebrity that I could care less about.
A waitress came up to us to take our orders. She looked like she could be a supermodel with her tan skin, high cheekbones, slim physique and ultra-long legs. Jake raised an uncertain brow at me as if to ask what I wanted and I told him that I liked Ciroc. He gave me a disproving look.
“What?” I asked taking notice of such look.
“Nothing.” He shrugged. “What flavour?”
“Coconut.” I replied to him and looked up at the ‘supermodel’ waitress. “Oh and pineapple juice.” I added before Jake gave his order.
“That’s it?” She asked and I nodded. She then turned her attention to Jake.
“Coors is fine for me.” He reclined into the chair. She nodded her head and flashed a smile just before walking off.
“Beer, huh?” I turned to him with a raised brow.
“I’m a beer kind of guy.” He smiled and casually placed his arm over my shoulder.
“But yet you looked at me with such disdain when I ordered Cîroc.” I spoke in a faux-English accent.
“I’m sorry, I was expecting you to take something a little more… lavish.” He replied in a faux-English accent as well. We both laughed.
“And like you, Mr. Cavanaugh, I prefer the rougher things in life.”
“Hmmm… How rough?” He raised a playful smirk and I sunk my teeth into my bottom lip. Our eyes meeting once again. “Thank you.” I responded, almost trance-like.
“For?” He raised his brow and bumped my shoulder playfully.
“Tonight, it was really nice. It was – different.”
“It’s okay, Reese. I must say, it was my pleasure.”
Soon enough, the waitress returned with a pitcher of pineapple juice, two glasses, a bucket of ice and coconut Cîroc, along with Jake’s beer.
He opened the cap and took a swig of it. “Damn that’s good.” He groaned in satisfaction.
“You want some of mine.” I teased, rattling the ice in my drink and taking a sip. “It’s better than that.”
“Nothing beats a cold beer, Reese. Absolutely nothing.” He leaned over and placed his beer on the table in front of us, then turned to me. He put his hand on my knee and I looked at him, my pores raising once again. “Can I kiss you?” He asked after a moment of stares.
“You don’t have to ask that?” I croaked. The Suburbs by Mr. Little Jeans (cry wolf remix) was swirling in the air. The atmosphere was Euphoric and the effects of the Cîroc was surely setting in. A tingly sensation washed over me. He inched closer and closer to my face, as did I, my heart pounding in my chest. Although I had kissed him earlier, it didn’t subdue the butterflies that I felt. And as my eyelashes went down, his lips pressed into mine, cold and slightly bitter from the beer. Our mouths opened in unison and without much hesitation, our tongues unravelled. And for a while we remained like that, bound by our mouths as the rest of the world faded away.
Jake drank more beers just as I took drink after drink of my Cîroc, and suddenly, those brazen girls to the left of us didn’t look as ridiculous. In fact, they looked like they were having a fantastic time. They didn’t give a shit about what anyone thought and I was about to do the very same. I was gonna let loose.
I grabbed Jake by t
he wrist and pulled him with me down the steps and onto the packed dancefloor, grinding on him to Little Bad Girl by David Guetta and Taio Cruz.
He put his hand on my thigh and pulled me in closer, pressing against my body, and began gyrating just in time with me. My God he had some moves. He was smooth and lucid in every step and turn he made. The strobe lights started flashing like lightening and all I saw was the movements of shadowy bodies all around us. The lights then changed and flashes of red, blue, green, purple and yellow illuminated the room. The music took over and I could tell we had the attention of the people surrounding us.
I let down my hair and swung my head from side to side in time with the tune. The alcohol had certainly taken effect because I felt like I was on cloud nine, and having Jake there with me just seemed way too surreal. Just this morning I was lusting over Heath, and now I’m here with my teacher not even thinking about him. I felt as if I was living someone else’s life where everything was just perfect. Even though I was high as hell, I would never forget my first date with Jake Cavanaugh for sure.
When I was too tired to dance, we made our way back up the steps and sat at our section. He pulled my feet up on his lap and wrapped his arms around my body and kissed me roughly. I’m pretty sure he was high too. If this kiss was any rougher we would be having sex. “Ready to go?” He breathed against my lips. I nodded my head and he bit on his bottom lip. “Great, I’ll call Sven.”
We said our goodbyes to Royce, made our way back to the double doors, and padded down the stairs, to the front where Sven was parked in the Escalade awaiting our arrival. Sven looked like a replica of John Cena; low cut blonde hair, hulking body and was definitely ex-military. I could tell by his demeanour.
He got out and opened the door for us, Jake gave him some sort of signal and we got in. Talking Body by Tove Lo was playing and before we even pulled off, we were all over each other. Jake’s hair was a mess and his shirt was halfway out of his pants. We paused and locked gazes; twin expressions of pure requited lust. He watched me with slated eyes; that look alone could peel the clothes off my body. He wrapped his hand around my jaw, squeezing my cheeks and pulled me into a rugged kiss, raiding my mouth with his. I pushed him back onto the seat and climbed on top of him. I could see the wicked glint of untainted delight in his eyes, like a child in a candy store.
In The Spur of Heath (The Spur Series Book 1) Page 4