An hour later we were out the door on our way to do a little shopping. I felt wonderful knowing that I had Marshall’s full attention. He really was relaxed and sweet. Definitely a different guy than he was in Vegas.
Three hours later we were back with some bags. I’d gotten a few things, but not much. I hadn’t reached the point financially where I could afford the prices of all the ritzy boutiques and wasn’t comfortable with Marshall buying things for me. We’d also had a fantastic lunch at a café that overlooked the ocean, eating some fresh seafood and laughing away. I couldn’t help but notice all the women that looked at Marshall longingly though, making me realize that he was always being pursued by somebody.
When we got back to the beach house Marshall said that he needed to go get a little work-out in. He went down to the exercise room at the house and I unpacked the bags that we’d brought back with us. After I was done I thought a little exercise might feel good for me too and I made my way down to the room. I stopped dead in my tracks as I looked at Marshall.
He was all sweaty and his entire body was glistening. His shirt was off and it showed the perfection of his sculpted physique like I’d never seen before. He was at the pull-up bar in the corner and doing one handed pull-ups that made every muscle in his body ripple. No wonder why he could just pick me up so easily and toss me wherever. I wasn’t heavy, but he did it as effortlessly as if I was a flower petal.
“Impressive,” I called out. “Can you teach me how to do that?”
“You’re persistent enough that you probably could,” Marshall said, grunting out the words as he finished his set. He jumped down and walked over to his towel, wiping his forehead, and then taking a sip of water.
“Thanks. My persistence does pay off at times,” I said.
“I was just about to take a quick sauna. Interested in joining me?”
“Definitely,” I said.
The sauna was in the corner and had windows in it which overlooked the ocean too. It was fascinating, not at all like most saunas one would see, which were all closed in with no windows at all.
We each wrapped a giant bath towel around us and made our way into the steamy sauna. I breathed in, feeling a temporary shock from the steam. We each sprawled out on a bench, lying flatly and enjoying the heat. I was on the upper bench and leaned to one side, propping my head up with my elbow to look at Marshall.
“Well, I had come down for exercise, but this sauna feels pretty fantastic I must say.”
“You look good in it. Too bad I can’t have you walk around naked all day, but then again I’d never get anything done and all the sharks at the studio would never give you a moment’s peace.”
“I distract you that much?” I asked.
Marshall didn’t answer me with words, but looked at me with eyes that clearly stated I was a distraction. Hopefully I’m a good distraction, I thought.
Ten minutes later we got out of the sauna and as soon as we were back in the exercise room Marshall grabbed my arm and pressed his body against me. I immediately responded, kissing him greedily and wanting to feel him inside of me once again. He took me over to a bench that was elevated at a forty-five degree angle and sat me down on it. I looked up at him longingly. “I need you right now, Marshall. Do whatever you want.”
“Really?” Marshall said. He walked away and I looked at him, wondering what he was up to. He came back with a few exercise bands and told me to lift my arms above my head. I did as I was told and he gently wrapped them around my wrists and then attached it to something behind me so I could not move my arms at all. I didn’t say a word, but just kept looking at Marshall. I wanted him to know that I trusted him and was his to do as he wished with.
Then Marshall went and got two heavy dumbbells and set them off to each side, taking another exercise band and putting it around each ankle and attaching it to the dumbbells so I couldn’t move my legs. He was smiling the entire time, but moving so slowly and methodically as if he was following a plan down to every precise little detail.
Without saying a word Marshall stood back over me and leaned over. He began to kiss my breasts, pressing firmly on them with his tongue and then giving them gentle little bites. I quivered; fascinated with the way it felt. My hand instinctually wanted to reach out and touch him but they couldn’t move. It was so tantalizing and made me want to move more.
“Stop trying to move or I’ll quit,” Marshall whispered.
“Okay,” I whispered back, not wanting him to quit anything.
For a long time, seemingly an eternity, Marshall continued to kiss and nibble my entire body, making me long to feel him inside of me. Eventually that time came and he slid into me slowly. Then he teased me. He’d get me revved up and ready to orgasm and then pull out, staring at me a bit, waiting for me to beg. I wanted to beg, but I refused, biting my lip instead and trembling until he’d decide it was time to go back into me.
This game continued for a long time until I had finally lucked out and was able to slide one of my hands out of the exercise band. Then the other slid out and I placed them on Marshall’s hips, telling him to thrust into me and give me the orgasm I wanted. The feeling of his cock sliding in and out of me was so interesting and unlike anything I’d experience before. It must have been the way my legs were separated. Everything was intense and I became more demanding, telling Marshall what I wanted. He listened and kept pounding in and out of me harder and harder until we both came together. It was amazing and the first time our orgasms had come in unison.
“I kind of like being bossy like that,” I laughed. It was true too. It had given me a kind of rush that I’d never felt before, aside from a little bit in the conference room during the merger meeting the other day.
“I could tell you enjoyed it. I love the way your eyes light up when you’re being mad or bossy. It’s a big turn-on.”
“You have expressive eyes like that too,” I said. “However, right now I’d like to have my ankles untied. I’m starting to feel like elastic-girl.”
“The things we could do if you were,” Marshall commented, bending over to release my ankles from the exercise bands and dumbbells.
“Looks like I might have to put yoga on my to-do list,” I said.
“Or maybe I can just help you,” Marshall replied.
“Oh, you’re so thoughtful.”
“And selfish.” Marshall laughed and he went over to get my clothes, tossing them to me.
“I can’t believe we have to go back tomorrow morning already. This has been the best little getaway. I feel absolutely spoiled.”
“Unfortunately the work never ends,” Marshall added.
“You know, Marshall, I have to give you credit for actually relaxing the last few days. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to do it.”
“Me either, but you’ve proved to be a delightful distraction, Miss Rowland.”
“As are you, Mr. Kent.”
The small getaway to the Malibu beach house was absolutely incredible for me. I couldn’t have had a better time and knew that I’d completely fallen for Marshall beyond what I should at that point. I couldn’t help it and I’d wanted to resist it, but had failed.
As Marshall dropped me off at my apartment in the morning I realized that we’d never talked about our relationship or where it was at. I assumed that he was ready to admit that we were more than friends. I knew I was. I was going to mention it too, but had chickened out. I didn’t want to deal with any down side to what I’d called a perfect few days. I’d gotten to know Marshall better as a person and certainly connected—repeatedly—with him intimately. It was better to leave the topic alone and not force any awkward conversations, especially when I was stranded in Malibu.
Chapter 21
The problem with unexpected vacations is the back-up of work that you have when you get back. Marshall had impressed me with just dropping everything at the beach house and showing me a sexual release unlike anything I even had thought was imaginable. I had learned so much an
d was excited about the personal growth when it came to physical confidence and exploring sexual boundaries. However, all that was done now and it was time to get back to work.
Marshall was down three executives and their sudden release, combined with his abrupt absence, was all the talk around the studio. He was hustling, trying to get in solid and trustworthy talents to replace them. As for me, I finished up the last bits of details from the failed merger.
I’d learned enough about Marshall to not take his curt manner personally either, which was good. Otherwise I would have been plenty annoyed at how he just said things and walked away. I couldn’t look at him though without having some thoughts about how incredible the time away together was. Did he feel the same? Only he knew because he didn’t display any of his soft side again, only his all business and no pleasure side.
When the weekend came I was hoping that Marshall and I could get together and discuss the status of our relationship. I needed to know if we were just friends or if we were more. I understood a professional distance at work, but needed to get a grasp on how to juggle everything from an emotional perspective.
Friday morning when I got to work there was no sign of Marshall anywhere. Usually he was waiting to give me a brief of what he’d like me to work on that day or to get updates, but not this morning.
I called out and didn’t hear an answer. Then I did hear some noise coming from the back by his house. I called again and still no answer. I walked out; wanting to go and make sure everything was okay.
When I passed through the small courtyard in back that separated the office from his home I couldn’t help but sense déjà vu at the trip. It reminded me of the first day that I’d ever met Marshall. That had been one of the most disastrous days of my life, leaving a burning impression of his gorgeous body in my mind along with an innate desire to have sex with him. It had changed me forever and that was something that would never change now, especially after the beach house days.
I opened the door and called out. “Sorry to bother you, Marshall. I was wondering…” I stopped mid-sentence as I saw the actress from the first day I met Marshall hurriedly put on her top, while Marshall zipped up his pants.
My mind didn’t know how to process this. What was she doing here like that, and why was Marshall with her…still? I’ve never felt more ashamed and humiliated than I was at that moment. I knew I shouldn’t have let myself fall hard for Marshall. He was too much of a player, too damaged to have a normal loving committed relationship with a woman.
I had never walked so fast away from a building in my entire life. My heart was racing and my eyes were stinging. All I could think was, “It’s happened again. Damn it Becca. Stop being such a sucker.”
Every bit of insecurity that Brandon had given me when he left shouted out at me, reminding me that I wasn’t good enough to keep any man content for very long. For Marshall I’d apparently been his flavor of the week and he’d moved on to other things, showing me that he wasn’t interested in anything more than a fuck buddy who just happened to also have a knack for business.
When Brandon had dumped me it had been horrible. I had never confessed to anybody some of the real reasons he’d said he wanted to break up. They’d been too painful and were things that I didn’t want to admit myself. He’d told me that he wanted to play the market and have a bit more sexual exploration before settling down—get it out of his system. After he’d done that he’d be ready to come and marry me, knowing that the time was right and he’d be a good husband. I’d thought it was a bunch of shit then and right now I still thought of it that way, but it suddenly was more logical. What was wrong with me? Why wasn’t I good enough for any man to just want to be with faithfully? I just didn’t get it and I decided that I was ready to surrender. I was going to give up on Marshall and certainly give up on the job at the studio. The further away from him the better off I’d be.
I went into the office and packed my few personal belongings into a small box and headed out in the Audi, dropping my name tag off by the guard, and speeding out of there. I didn’t look back once and I just prayed that I’d make it home before I had an emotional melt-down. Thank goodness I didn’t have to be anywhere this weekend. All I had to do is live with my thoughts and the reality that I may never get the type of man I want. If I want a relationship I might just have to settle. It was utterly depressing and only topped by the speeding ticket that I got just as I exited the freeway to head toward my apartment. I just couldn’t win. I couldn’t even talk my way out of a ticket, not that I’d tried.
Once I was in the safety of my apartment I locked the doors and finally breathed in. During my exhale a tear trickled down my face, followed by many more. I cried until I was tapped out and numb.
Chapter 22
It was Saturday morning and I’d had a very contemplative day on Friday, assessing all the aspects of my life and trying to learn from the signs. It was easiest to view me from a distance, pretending I was a test case, so I could use my analytical skills. I trusted them and they never failed me. When I brought my emotions into the mix is when I became destined to implode.
I was aware that Marshall had tried to call several times, but I’d refused to answer or let him say anything. I didn’t work for him any longer, and I certainly wasn’t in a relationship with him after all, wasn’t I? His words had no value to me and his actions had said everything. It really wasn’t his fault. He hadn’t said he was going to change. I’d just allowed for the possibility of maybe he would. The reality was that guys like Marshall could make any woman, regardless of security issues and esteem, make their way out of their shell to enjoy experiences that were more phenomenal than the mind could ever just imagine. That’s what he’d done to me. I’d been played, I’d love the experience, and I despised the aftermath.
I took a hot bath and was contemplating what movie to watch that night, despite knowing it had to have a happy ending—unlike my life. The movie had to be the perfect one to go with the pint of mocha fudge chip ice cream that was calling my name in the freezer and would comfort my sorry state of mind.
There was a knock at the door and I froze, hoping that it wasn’t Marshall. Why would Marshall come find you on a Saturday afternoon? Get real and get over it. I went up to the peek hole in my door and looked through. I could clearly tell that it wasn’t Marshall because the man wasn’t tall enough. I’d never have thought it was possible, but the man on the other side of my door was actually worse than Marshall. It was Brandon. What had I done to deserve this bombardment of emotional turmoil these past few days?
I opened the door hesitantly, realizing that I was just in my bathrobe and still had my hair in a towel. “Brandon, what a surprise,” I commented.
“Hi Becca, you’re finally home.”
“Finally? You’ve been looking for me?” I asked. I was having a hard time processing everything.
“I stopped by a few days ago and then had business for a few days. I’d tried calling too, but I thought I’d stop by one last time before flying out of LA tomorrow.”
“Oh.”
“Mind if I come in?”
I nodded and stood to the side so Brandon could come in. He looked really good. Life was obviously treating him well. How ironic that I was standing here in a bathrobe, dreaming about ice cream and sappy movies.
Once my door was shut Brandon came up to me and gave me one of those friendly hugs. “You look absolutely beautiful, Becca.”
I smiled, not even knowing what to say in return to that compliment. “So, what brings you here?”
“I was hoping that we’d have a chance to talk before I left. Would you be available for dinner?”
Sadly, I had to admit that I was. In fact, there were no foreseeable dates in my future unless I decided to see if I could make up for my cancellation to Tyler Jackson. “Well, I’m not sure. I was kind of set to relax tonight.”
“Please. It’s really important, Bec.” Brandon looked at me with those intense brown eyes and
I felt myself melt a bit. He’d always been able to get to me with that look.
“Sure. That will be fine. I just need a few minutes to change and get ready.”
“Great,” Brandon said. Then he stood there watching me, expecting that I would get undressed in front of him. Of course he’d seen me naked countless times, but I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to do it at this given moment. Something inside of me said that I should do it. My esteem needed a boost at that moment and Brandon was the one to give it to me.
I slid off my robe, revealing my bra and panties underneath it. Brandon just stared at me, soaking in the sight of my soft tanned flesh against the rosy pink garments. Over the past month, I’d gained a few pounds and it had made my curves curvier and I knew I wore it well. Brandon definitely confirmed that.
“You are so incredibly sexy, Becca. What was I ever thinking when I left you?”
“You weren’t, but that’s okay.”
Brandon walked closer to me, extending his arm out and wrapping it around my waist. His touch got to me, just like it always had, and he pulled me closer. “I’m so sorry that I ever let you go. You’re so smart and beautiful, the only woman for me. I want you so much.”
The words Brandon spoke soothed my heart and his hands started to caress my body, studying my skin and finding their way to the places that I’d always responded to so well. I could feel my heart racing and pounding so hard. It was trying to shut out the voice of reason in my mind. I knew this wasn’t smart, but I wanted to feel good right now…feel desired.
I didn’t do anything to Brandon but stood there, letting him kiss me, exploring my body. He fumbled with my bra clasp and for some reason that really stood out to me. It was nice to know that he wasn’t some completely suave lover and seemed more inexperienced from his trembling fingers. There was a knock on the door and I remained standing there while Brandon mumbled. “Why don’t you go to the bedroom and get more comfortable? I’ll get rid of whoever is at the door and be right in.”
Movie Merger (Bad Boys Billionaire Bachelors Club #2) Page 11