Tame

by Colet Abedi

  Damn.

  Why didn’t I say one of the other funny titles?

  One that didn’t exactly convey what I want to be for him.

  “Have you ever tried it?”

  “What? No,” I rush out quickly and reach for the glass of champagne. Damnit! There’s only a drop left.

  “No?” The tone of Michael’s voice changes and I know we’re about to enter dangerous territory.

  “No,” I confirm, allowing my eyes to touch his briefly before flickering down to his full, sculpted lips. “I have not.”

  Michael reacts as though I’ve physically touched him.

  “That’s too bad,” he murmurs as his eyes lock with mine.

  The passion I see in the depths is nearly my undoing.

  “I think you’d enjoy yourself,” he says with an enigmatic smile.

  My breath hitches and I lick my lower lip, searching my mind for something appropriate to say. He watches my response like he knows how much he’s putting me on edge.

  “Let me know if I can be of assistance.” Michael’s smile is warm, inviting, filled with promise.

  I am so in trouble.

  CHAPTER TEN

  One sleeping pill, two and a half glasses of wine, and three meals later and we finally land in Costa Rica.

  Once we were safely on our way in the air, I quickly realized the only way to get through the flight would be if I were mercifully passed out. So I proceeded to make sure that happened as quickly as possible. If Michael noticed, he didn’t let on. He had eventually quit the sexual teases, pulled his laptop back out and began to immerse himself in work. He did generously ask if I wanted to sleep in the bedroom and though part of me didn’t want to leave his side, I knew keeping a safe distance from him would be the only way to survive the flight. So after a few hours, when I could barely keep my eyes open, I left him and went to rest in the bedroom.

  I’m dead asleep when the flight attendant knocks on the door and notifies me that we’ll be landing within the hour. It takes me a moment to get my bearings, and then I look out the window of the plane and remember where I am.

  And whom I’m traveling with.

  Right. Talk about a reality check.

  Fighting off the fogginess from the sleeping pill is a hard battle, but I slowly manage to put myself together, immensely grateful for the privacy of the room. When I finally make my way out to the main cabin, Michael looks fresh and perfect, somehow completely unaffected by the long travel time.

  Another reason to be annoyed by him.

  I, on the other hand, feel like hell and after staring at myself in the bathroom mirror, am pretty sure I look like it too. I should never have taken the sleeping pill since I’m pretty sure it’s half the reason I feel so out of sorts. I can’t wait to get to Michael’s home so I can shower and freshen up.

  “Did you sleep well?” Michael politely asks when I take my seat beside him.

  His laptop is open and it looks like he’s been working. It’s exactly the way I left him when I went to go sleep.

  “I did, thank you,” I reply, fastening my seat belt.

  “Would you like an espresso?”

  “That would be perfect.”

  Michael flags down the flight attendant and asks her to bring me an espresso and fresh fruit.

  “Did you manage to sleep at all?” I ask him as I nod toward his laptop.

  “Just a few hours,” Michael admits with a small smile. “I found it hard to fall asleep.”

  “The time difference?” I commiserate.

  “No,” Michael shakes his head. “My mind was just too preoccupied.”

  Don’t ask, Abby.

  Don’t ask.

  “With?”

  “The beautiful woman sleeping on my plane,” he says softly, seductively. “In my bed. Alone.”

  I die. Just a little.

  He watches me for a moment, observing my reaction.

  “Now be a good girl and fasten your seat belt for me.” Michael’s voice is husky as he turns toward my body and proceeds to reach around my waist to grab hold of the seat belt.

  His hands skim across my body, igniting a fire inside with every light touch.

  “I can do it. ” I try to take the buckle out his hand and end the assault to my senses, but he pushes my hands aside.

  “Allow me.”

  He snaps the buckle in place, and I’m spared from further torture when he turns his attention to the scenery that is visible from the window. I watch as a look of happiness sweeps over his face.

  “God, I love it here.” His voice sounds wistful.

  I follow his gaze and look out the window and stare at the lush tropical foliage that’s visible as our plane descends. An excited buzz sweeps over me at the thought of seeing this country for the first time.

  The plane lands a few minutes later, and before I know it, we’re rushed through customs then ushered into a waiting SUV.

  The humidity hits me hard and I peel off my light cotton sweater and stare in awe at the wild and untouched landscape of Costa Rica. Exotic foliage lines the streets as we pass through rural towns. Stray dogs run alongside the roads and locals have small make-shift businesses set up to sell trinkets to tourists.

  “My home isn’t far from here,” Michael explains as I take in my surroundings.

  I glance down at my phone and take in the time difference. It’s five o’clock back in London, which means it’s morning here in Costa Rica.

  “This is the local town, Puerto Viejo. There are some really amazing restaurants that you have to try while you’re here. I’ll have to bring you down a few nights for the local cuisine and nightlife.”

  “Only if it’s not too much trouble.”

  And just how is eating local cuisine and experiencing the nightlife considered a business trip?

  I keep my gaze glued safely out the window and try to focus on the new sights. But now that I’m thinking about the entire trip ahead, I’m not really seeing anything.

  “I insist.” Michael’s voice is husky and filled with promise.

  I take in a deep breath and close my eyes, trying with all my power to fight this insatiable attraction I have for him.

  Torture.

  Here it is.

  Again.

  The car takes a sudden turn up a small dirt road, jolting me out of my reflection. The terrain becomes rough as we make our way into the jungle, passing white cows grazing the lands. It’s the complete opposite of the busy streets of London, and I’m enthralled by everything I see.

  The rest of the ride is pretty rough, but it doesn’t take too long. When we reach a gate guarded by two security officers, the driver rolls down the window and exchanges a few words with the men.

  One of the guards, a pleasant looking man who looks to be in his twenties, leans into the window and gives a welcoming wave to Michael.

  “Hola, Mr. Sinclair,” he says with a smile. “It’s nice to have you home.”

  “Joseph, it feels incredible to be back,” Michael greets him warmly. “How are you?”

  “Good as can be,” Joseph replies. “Caught some killer waves this morning. You came in at the perfect time.”

  I watch how Michael’s eyes light up in pleasure.

  “I’m itching to get out there,” he admits with longing.

  Michael surfs. I never knew.

  “And how’s school?” Michael continues.

  “It’s rough,” Joseph says with a sheepish shrug. “But that’s how it goes.”

  I sit quietly and watch the two speak.

  “And Carla?” Michael asks.

  “Driving me crazy,” Joseph says, rolling his eyes. “She’s nagging me to get serious, and I can’t take it anymore. You know how women are, Boss.”

  I try to cover my amusement, but I fail. Joseph’s eyes flash in surprise when he sees me.

  “Apologies, ma’am.” He sounds mortified.

  “None needed,” I tell him with a laugh. “I get it.”

  Joseph
gives me a sheepish smile.

  “Joseph, this is Abby.” Michael introduces us with a smile. “Abby, Joseph is my head of security and surfing partner.”

  I wait for him to let Joseph know I’m his PA but it doesn’t come.

  “Nice to meet you, Abby,” Joseph says. “Is this your first time in Costa Rica?”

  “It is.”

  “Welcome to our country.” Joseph gives me a broad smile. “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”

  “I’m sure I will,” I reply kindly.

  Joseph seems extremely likable and from the brief encounter, I can see why Michael spends time with him when he’s in town. His demeanor is so carefree. He’s the polar opposite of the guys I went to school with and from the people I know are in Michael’s social circle at home.

  “Excuse me for one minute,” Michael says to me with an apologetic grin before switching dialects and speaking to Joseph in fluent Spanish.

  Another ability I never knew he had until now. And Lord is it sexy. I watch them speak for another minute longer before he glances over at me.

  “I’m going to take Abby to the house and get her settled in,” Michael switches back to English. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Joseph taps the exterior of the car before stepping away from the vehicle. We drive down a long pebbled road before pulling up to a giant contemporary hacienda overlooking the Caribbean. The house sits a ways back from the ocean, but you can easily walk there in no time at all.

  “Welcome to my home.” Michael’s excitement is contagious, and I suddenly get a second wind and can’t wait to explore the property.

  “It’s gorgeous,” I tell him in awe as I take it all in. “Truly.”

  Michael grins in pleasure as the car comes to a stop in front of the giant entryway of his house.

  “It’s my favorite place on earth,” he admits with boyish enthusiasm.

  I’m touched he brought me here.

  To his favorite place.

  “I can see why.”

  “Wait until I show you the rest.” He opens the door and hops out of the car, holding out his hand for me.

  My heart skips a beat.

  Something has definitely shifted between us, and I can only wait and see what’s in store for me. After everything he’s put me through in the past few weeks, I know I should reject his touch but I can’t because no matter how right or wrong it is, I’m craving any kernel of affection he’ll give me. I take his hand and it engulfs mine.

  And it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

  Once I’m out of the car, I expect him to let go, but he doesn’t. I pretend like holding hands with him is normal even though my body is humming with electricity.

  His tall frame towers over mine when I look up at him.

  He looks so impossibly handsome.

  Why is he still holding my hand?

  “Ready?” he asks.

  “Yes,” I whisper breathlessly as he slowly lifts my hand and brushes his lips across my knuckles. My skin tingles at the soft touch. His hot gaze traps mine for a second before tugging me along, leading me through the arched open entryway into his home.

  An enormous round water fountain flows in the center of the hacienda-style courtyard. Two Buddha statues, which look to be over seven feet tall, flank the wooden doors that lead into his home. A woman, who I gather is a member of his staff, is waiting to greet us. She has dark black hair and tanned skin and looks to be in her fifties. Like Joseph, she has the same relaxed look on her face.

  And just like Joseph, she seems genuinely happy to see Michael.

  Michael is definitely loved by his employees.

  “Welcome home, Mr. Sinclair,” she says with a smile.

  “Giselle,” Michael returns, “It’s good to be back.”

  He turns toward me to introduce us.

  “This is Abby.”

  Again, I wait for him to say that I’m his PA and we’re here to work but like before, it doesn’t come. Giselle gives me a friendly smile.

  “So nice to meet you, Abby,” Giselle says. “If you need anything during your stay here please don’t hesitate to ask. I live in the guest house on the property so I can be here at any time.”

  “Thank you,” I reply gratefully.

  “I hope you and your family are doing well?” Michael asks Giselle as he takes a step closer to me, allowing his body to brush up against mine.

  I feel myself involuntarily lean into his touch, hungry for any piece of him I can get. Again, I know I shouldn’t allow him the freedom to touch me when I don’t even know what’s going on between us but I can’t seem to stop him.

  I don’t want to.

  Instead, I crave him, greedy for any affection I can get—just like an addict. His fingers rub my hand softly as he and Giselle speak. I wonder if he even realizes he’s doing it.

  My stomach clenches in response.

  “We are good, Mr. Sinclair,” she says. “We are all good. And I must thank you again for taking care of Eli’s hospital expenses for us.”

  Michael lifts his hand up, shaking his head.

  “Please. Don’t even mention it. Eli is a member of the family. How is he recovering?”

  “He’s doing so much better, like nothing was ever wrong,” Giselle says with a laugh. “Here he comes!”

  We turn at that moment and a giant dog rushes toward Michael and me at full speed ahead. Michael lets go of my hand and laughs in joy, crouching down to greet the mutt as it hurls itself into his arms.

  I laugh in pleasure as the dog throws slobbering kisses all over his face. Michael doesn’t seem to mind.

  I crouch down as well and pat Eli who turns his full attention to me, smothering me with affection.

  “He’s such a lover.” Giselle laughs as she watches Eli with me.

  I hug the dog back as Michael watches us intently.

  “What was wrong with him?” I ask out loud.

  “He caught a virus,” Michael tells me. “It was touch and go there for a while.”

  “Well thank God you’re okay now, Eli.” My voice is tender as I rub his body and place kisses on his head. “I’m so happy to meet you. You’re such a good boy! Yes, you are. You’re just a lover.”

  Michael stands abruptly, his mood shifting.

  “Let’s get you settled in your room.” His voice sounds gruff.

  I give Eli another soft kiss then reluctantly get up.

  “He’s the best,” I tell Michael as I give Eli another big smile.

  “Will you be having dinner at home this evening?” Giselle asks.

  “We’ll stay in tonight and have an early dinner on the veranda,” Michael informs her. “With the time difference, it might be too much for Abby the first night she’s here.”

  “I’m all right with whatever you want,” I try to argue.

  “Trust me,” Michael smiles knowingly. “You will hit a wall around three or four o’clock. It’s the witching hour for jet lag. It’s always inevitable the first few days.”

  “I guess you know better than me.”

  “Trust me,” he says.

  “Well, that settles it then,” Giselle says, clasping her hands together. She looks over at me. “Do you have any food allergies, Abby?”

  “None,” I shake my head.

  “Perfect.”

  Giselle motions toward the house.

  “As you requested, I’ve prepared the two master suites upstairs for you,” she tells Michael.

  “Thank you, Giselle. We’ll be all right on our own now. I’m just going to show Abby around.”

  To my surprise, Michael grabs hold of my hand again and takes me into his home.

  The front doors open up to an enormous space with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the ocean. I can see a huge infinity pool surrounded by lounge chairs and tables, set up in a way to appreciate the captivating view.

  The hallways are decorated with teak wood and natural stone. We step into the family room that has a mod
ern white wraparound couch with dark blue accents. The couch is set in front of a limestone wall that has a giant flat screen television. The furniture is modern but extremely inviting.

  “This is the main family room, but there are other lounge areas around the house,” Michael tells me as we walk through the home.

  The dining room is next to the family room and is also set up for a large number of people—the home was definitely built for entertaining friends.

  “It’s incredible,” I tell him as I look around at the oasis he’s created.

  He leads me into the kitchen.

  It’s state of the art and quite impressive with its white limestone countertops and two central islands. The kitchen leads out onto an open-air ocean-view terrace with an intimate dining table set up against a sleek outdoor fireplace.

  “There are five bedrooms downstairs,” Michael explains. “As well as an office and small theater room.”

  “I can see why you love it here,” I tell him, staring out on the view. I can’t seem to look away from it. “I’d never be able to leave this place.”

  “It is hard,” Michael agrees with a smile. “But then it can be lonely here by yourself.”

  “I can’t imagine you haven’t come here with family and friends or…” I try to keep my voice light. “Or even a girlfriend.”

  Michael pins me with his gaze.

  “I’ve never brought a woman here before.”

  Pleasure.

  His words cause a rush of pleasure to sweep through my body, making me feel almost high with joy.

  I’m the first woman he’s brought here?

  Don’t read into anything, Abby. Georgie’s words echo in my head.

  Don’t. Do. It.

  But it’s so hard!

  “Shall I show you the bedrooms?” Michael asks after an awkward silence.

  “Yes, please,” I tell him.

  We walk upstairs and the wide hallway leads to the two different sections of the house. The house is designed to take full advantage of the gorgeous ocean views. Michael makes a left turn and we walk down a ways before he leads me through two double doors.

  “The home has two identical master suites,” he explains. “This will be yours. I’m in the other.”

  The room is impressive. The king-size bed faces the sliding glass doors that look out toward the ocean. I’ll be able to open them when I sleep at night and listen to the soothing sound of the ocean. The room has a private sitting area done in the same color schemes as the rest of the house with a couch and two lounge chairs. I even have my own flat screen TV that pops up out of a consul in front of my bed. The master bath is done in white marble and has a huge shower that has an electronic panel to start up one of the five showerheads that fall like rain from above.