by CJ Hawk
The last word resounded through his brain and felt like a shotgun went off in his head. He wasn't just a social fuck last night. He was wound up intense and totally into her as the woman she is. Everything else she just said might have made complete and utter sense if he wasn't admitting to himself that with just an interview, a background check, and one hell of a night together he was falling for her and falling hard.
He didn't even bother to grab his shirt or shoes, just tossed his wet cargo shorts back on. He stomped out of her place like a toddler throwing a fit. He punched a fake silk plant on his way out her front door, hearing the alarm he just set off into motion, and he reached inside his cargo shorts for his car keys. A single condom fell out onto the ground, and he left it there as he hit the unlock button on his silver Subaru with his surfboard still attached to the top of it. He gunned it out of her driveway and did not look back. He couldn't. He felt his heart break into a million pieces for the second time in his life, and he knew he had screwed himself into this one.
Chapter Eight
I had replayed my time with Trey over and over, trying to tell myself that I did the right thing. However, nothing about it felt right at all. It felt as if my heart ripped into two as I said those things to him in the shower. My tone dripped with acid and hatred. My stone-cold wall of defense had gone up faster than I realized how shrewd I had been with my words. How cold and callous I sounded. This was something I was not proud of. I had asked myself the rest of that day and well into that night, if what I had done was worth it. Had I pushed away the one man who made me think that giving all this up would be worth it? He had to realize why I did it. However, worse thoughts crept through my mind that sickened me to my stomach. Had what I done, hurt him emotionally as I was sure it had? Had he fallen for me just as hard as I had for him? For the first time in my entire adult life, I was actually concerned and sick over how a man felt after we had sex, and I had pushed him away. Which, I did not just push away; I pushed hard and fast, leaving him no time for reaction.
Bill's call came in later that night to distract me. We talked in length about what was to happen in Japan. He was to meet me at ten o'clock tomorrow morning at the private airstrip where the corporate jet was to take off. I felt reassured when I asked him to answer questions to all the information I had supplied him, and he could ramble it off as if it was the truth. He was going to make a great actor; hopefully, he did not get a call in for any acting gigs until I was through with him. That thought in itself caught my mind thinking, how did I turn into such a cold and calculating business woman in need of a career without men? At least, the type of man I could commit to, a man like Trey.
Later that night, I found myself relaxed from the conversation that I had with Bill. I felt confident in my choice, yet my heart ached for the touch of Trey's strong hands one more time. I took a sip of red wine and let it tingle in my mouth before I swallowed it down. I thought of Trey's kisses and how sensual they would start, and then quickly turn carnal, for both of us. It was as if our mouths could not get enough of each other.
I sat starring at a picture of him on my laptop as I lay in bed in nothing but a simple large cotton tee shirt. I let my mind wander with what if's and remembering how good he was in touching me in all the right places. I stared at the picture of him standing on the beach, holding his board during a spectacular sunset. I looked out the large glass tinted window of my bedroom that afforded me the privacy to look out and not have someone look in. I watched a flash of lightning dance across the sky as I felt my hand instinctively brush across my hardened nipple. The memory of Trey's hands on my body was still too fresh. I had to work him out of my system. I had to forget everything that took place between us and get back to business. I thought of the notion that battled against my will. Two ideas swirling around in my head, causing its own storm to brew as the storm outside seemed to intensify.
I looked out at the night sky as a crackle of thunder lashed out and then compiled a continuous roll of thunder. It was intensely sexual in nature or perhaps my mind just wanted another dose of Trey Masterson to erase the emotional fears I was having of falling for a man who would only bring me heartache.
I took one last look at my laptop's full-screen view of Trey in the sunset, holding his board, and I closed it. I turned off my reading light, slid my tee shirt off and tossed it to the floor. I lay there completely naked, freshly shaved and skin slick with body oil that smelled like coconut lime. I let my hands wander over my body while thinking of Trey's beautiful face, his thick dark blonde hair that ached for my fingers, his intense green eyes and how they lit up a room when he looked at me. I knew, deep down; he wanted me, wanted to have me again. It was evident in the way he approached me in the shower before I so blatantly laid out the rules and dismissed him with plenty of hasty words. Words that I would take back now. Words that would have changed to yes. Yes, Trey. I want you. I want you to fuck me and make me feel special. I want you to make that scared little girl filled with rejection to disappear and tell me you will never leave me.
As that last thought popped into my head, the idea that Trey would commit to me and never leave me, I felt a light heartedness fill my soul. I let my mind continue to wander with what ifs and could I's? Then I let my hands take over as my body relaxed and my legs easily spread.
The slick skin of my body felt divine. I let my fingers roam as Trey did. I let my fingers gently massage myself up and down, then back and forth. Each light touch of my fingertips sent my desire for Trey through the roof. However, for now, I would have to imagine that my hands are his as I remembered what it felt like to let my own hands wander all over his gloriously sexy hard body.
With the fresh memories of him and the way we were so good together, I let my thoughts of desire and contentment from my own hand's crash together in a thunderous play of longing to feel the orgasms that Trey left me with. I arched my back, pinched my nipple then cupped my breast as my other hand pressed hard against my swollen clit, spreading my legs and letting my fingers slide deep inside myself. I rubbed in and out, pushing harder and moaning louder, letting the storm outside cover the scream I knew I was about to unleash as my moaning grew louder. Within seconds, I was shattered with a full-on orgasm. My fingers soaked, my body trembling, my toes curling into my white comforter. I felt so alive, yet so alone without Trey.
The next morning, a storm system that wasn't expected to provide much delay, took a turn for the worse. Thunder and lightning were flashing out on the runway. The flight was delayed by an hour. The storm produced sleeting rain with hail pellets that could cause traffic to congest to a surmountable delay. Bill was late. This was not a good sign, but I let myself realize that with traffic delays and flight delays, it would all work out just fine. If he did not show when the plane needed to take off, then I would have to leave him behind and have Lorna set him up with a commercial flight out.
The weather system matched my mood. I had no idea how I let one man, so quickly touch my heart, that he made me so distraught and mentally off my game. I forgot to call Lorna yesterday with Bill's itinerary. Lucky for her, Lorna had gotten a call from Zachery regarding Bill, acting as his secretary was a great cover. It let me tell Lorna that my new beau, Bill was coming and that Zachery was his secretary. At least, someone was still thinking on their toes. Lorna sent me a text an hour ago, and I confirmed the information. I got a cynical text back that I was slipping in letting her know about the man department, and I did not reply. Things were already getting too friendly. I knew that friending around with my secretary could get uncomfortable if she ever found out the truth.
The pounding rain against the glass told me that this hour delay could be a bit longer. The private corporate plane saw no reason to fly out when I did not need to be there until Wednesday morning, for an eight a.m. meeting with the client's staff. The first two days there were settling in and lower end personnel meeting time. Friday night was the dinner event I planned to have Bill attend with me, until then he wa
s free to come and go from the executive hotel suite in Japan. If I was him, I would do some shopping and sightseeing. Instead, I would be in meetings all day Wednesday and Thursday. Leaving only Friday to get my hair and nails done.
Bill should have been here by now, the only thing that might be holding him up was the traffic as the rain and street flooding had been so bad. I texted his number numerous times with 'where are you' and even tossing in a 'where the hell are you' in between. I waited as patiently as I knew how. That meant pacing back and forth in front of the tall glass window, watching the rain as it fell even harder now. A huge flash of lightning took me by surprise, and I stopped in my tracks. My phone buzzed back with a text that stopped my heart for a second.
The text back simple read: 'The person who owns this phone has just been in a bad accident, and the ambulance is taking him away. Contact the Santa Barbara Police department as soon as possible.'
This was not going according to plans. I never took the time to meet the other potential candidate on Sunday as Trey had been wrapped up in my mind. Causing me to realize I was extremely harsh at a very critical sexual moment between us. If Trey had done to me what I had done to him, I was sure I would have hit more than a silk plant; I would have done a lot more damage than burning tires out of the driveway. The entire rest of that day, I spent exhausting myself at the gym, trying to work out all the tension I had created. Trying to punish myself for the deviant way I had acted while Trey's hands caressed my body then search ravishingly for a condom so that he could prove once more, what kind of lover he was. An excellent lover whom I had damned him for being so.
I texted Lorna that a change of plans with Bill. I quickly came up with an excuse that knew would not draw questions later, one that she had lived through before and knew better not to ask about. I texted her that I just found out he was married. That was all I had to text. Bill would never be brought up in conversation again.
Lorna texted back. 'What about that Trey guy? He sounded cute.' I had to wonder if she saw through my whole plan or was she just trying to be helpful. Maybe I should have waited until after I had made other arrangements with Zachery and passed the new guy off as Bill. Lorna would never have known the difference. I guess having Trey on my brain really was messing with my quick wit. I needed to end this and fast. I could not go on thinking of him in any other way but the way he needed to be. A business transaction. As I thought it, said it my head, my heart broke into a million pieces.
I pounded the phone against my skull and grimaced at what I had just done. My whole plan went down the drain. Just then, my phone beeped with a message. It was my credit card texting me that an unusual amount was just charged to my card. Trey's escort service but the charge was under the name of TZ Limited. I dialed my credit card company to let them know that the charge was accurate. Then I knew what I had to do next, it was something that was going to be difficult for both parties. I dialed Trey's cell and realized when he did not answer that I could not blame him. Therefore, I left him a message he should check with Zachery. Then I dialed Zachery, and he answered on the first ring.
"Does Bill match your ideal man? I made sure he looked perfect before he headed to the airport." His voice held hope, and I did not know if what I was about to tell him would affect him or his business. I was sure his first thought would be replacement, while my thoughts constantly lingered on Trey.
"Zachery?" I held my breath then let it out. "Bill got into an accident on the way to the airport."
"He did?" Zachery's tone held concern that my own voice should hold, yet that stone cold professional person was in play. I was beginning to hate that person; she had no heart or soul. Or at least, no room to love a man like Trey, let alone be concerned about the true well being of my new friend Bill. However, I knew deep inside me; a part was worried and sad for him. The part that pushed any caring emotion far away. It was starting to want to ebb its way back into my heart. I was sure this had something to do with the fact that I knew this cold emotionless life I had been living, was not how I wanted to continue. I tried to let my voice hold the emotion I was starting to feel, and as I talked to Zachery, I felt tears well up in my eyes.
"I got a text from someone on his phone. I texted him because he was not here yet and should be. Oh Zachery. I am so sorry. He's such a nice guy. If I didn't have to be flying out for Japan today, I would head straight to the hospital." My voice held the sounds of distraught and tears, and even though I was not one to cry in public, with everything that was going on, I decided I could be human after all.
Zachery knew he had to calm her down and find a replacement and fast. Only problem was; the only other available candidate on short notice with the required qualifications just got set up with a Southern Belle from New York. After spending the entire day with Trey on Sunday, he knew that something was going on between them. He knew, because Trey had actually cried over her as if he had more emotion for her than any other woman before. Trey is a man who kept his heart hidden, yet in such a short time; he watched his boss and best friend open up and fall hard in a matter of twenty-four hours. He knew it could complicate things, but Trey could pull this off if he could put his emotions aside and perhaps in the planning of it all, the two might actually find love. A love, that Zachery sensed from Trey the minute Jennifer's profile and request landed on their doorstep. His mind began reeling with the conversation he would use to convince Trey as he spoke up to comfort Jennifer. "Jennifer. Don't worry. How important is it that you have someone there Friday night?"
I paced back and forth then noticed the pilot gave me an indication that they would prepare to load the plane in five minutes. The rain was misting now, but my heart was pounding just like the rain earlier.
"Zach. I would like to say it is no big deal, but I would really like a replacement. We are flying out in five minutes. Not enough time to get someone here. Listen, it's not like anyone has seen him. I just used the cover with my secretary that I found out he was married. So, it's not like I have to have anyone there. I do want to proceed with the plan. I have some things coming up. Let me get to Japan, get settled in and you and I can communicate my schedule and what you have that might work. This can still work Zachery. And Zachery... can you tell Trey I am sorry for being an ass."
"Will do Jennifer. Have a safe flight and we'll be in touch. I'll let you know how Bill is doing."
I hung up just as the pilot motioned for me to load the plane. There were three other I.N.Zime employees going along on this trip. Not my boss this time or she might notice what an emotional mess I am right now. However, the four of us were flying out with every intention of coming back with the client's marketing and promotional business. We were up against two other great companies, and I really thought that coming in like a power duo team that Bill and I would make, could make a more powerful impact than just me as a single woman. It would have helped if Lorna could have come along. With her Japanese heritage and looks, I could have flirted side by side with her. Instead, I was left to think that just my business skills would have to win this client over.
The takeoff of the plane always felt exhilarating. Some people hated to fly, but I was not one of them. I loved the way the thrusters boosted the plane forward, and the feel of the seat pressed into my back. It made me think it felt like a roller-coaster ride just about to ride over the edge.
Once in the air and electronics could go back on, I booted up my laptop and decided I needed to email Trey an apology. Ten minutes later, only his name appeared on the screen. I just could not find the right words to convey how foolish I had acted. I am sorry was a great start, then I typed in I'm an ass. I back spaced to delete it all and left staring at his name for ten more minutes. Finally, I gave up and just sent him a text. Simple typed: I'm sorry. He could take it anyway he liked; I just knew it was needed after the way I acted.
Chapter Nine
Zachery knew exactly what he had to do. First, he had to get over to Trey's place, open his curtains and sober him up.
Because ever since Jennifer laid down the professional rules, after she got her fill of him, he was hurt. Zach had never seen him like this in a long time. Not since the ex. Trey had a way of dating young women who weren't serious, women who were already spoken for, or women whom he could easily escape from before the light of the day - the kind who had no idea who he was or what kind of fame he had acquired in his younger days as a champion surfer.
Some days Zach felt as if he was the glue that kept them and the business together. However, if he was going to get real with himself, he had to acknowledge that he himself had felt the after effects of heartbreak.
Trey was the man who fronted the money. Sure, it was Zach's idea, but it was Trey's connections to women that got the ball rolling. Starting it off with just a few friends as escorts and they quickly realized where the real money was and the real need for corporate or 'rich bitches' as he liked to refer to them as, ever since Trey's ex left him high and dry. It was almost an iconic revenge to Trey's ex. Perhaps it started out that way, but as they got to know and help these women, both of them admitted that heartbreak runs both ways.
Just as Zach had figured it would be, Treys place was closed up from any ounce of sunlight. When he used Trey's spare key to get into his condo. There were empty beer bottles placed randomly, and the TV was still on the weather channel. The storm passed, and they should be spending their Monday afternoon heading out on some gnarly waves to soothe their vibe. Instead, being the professional business man he swore to be to Trey, he was here to figure out a way to solve their client's recent issue. That, and Zach would like to see Trey give it one whirl before he decided to do a duck dive or bail on Jennifer.
"Dude!" Zach shouted as he pulled the curtains open wide to the sun peeking out from the passing storm.
"Fuck!" Trey rolled over onto his side, facing away from the window, with his pillow over his head and nothing else covering his drunk naked ass that was lying in his bed thinking of Jennifer.