London Falling (The Falling Series)

by Audrey Carlan

  Collier seemed to feel the same. When he finished off round one, he plopped another heaping pile of bacon on his plate and another piece of toast.

  I eyed his toast lustfully. He looked at me and held the toast in front of my lips. I took a gorilla-sized bite and he snorted and choked on his food, obviously surprised by my audacious response.

  “In my defense, that’s some damn good marmalade!” I pouted and he placed the rest of his toast on my plate with a sexy grin. I leaned over and gave him a sticky kiss for his chivalry.

  “It’s so easy being like this with you,” he said around a bite of bacon.

  “Don’t get used to it. I have to go back to my client today for another three weeks.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Will you sleep with him?”

  And there it was. Strings. Our very no strings attached relationship now felt like a cross stitch with tons of yarn ready to be woven into something crafty. Only I wasn’t crafty and strings of any kind were cut the moment they were visible.

  “Collier, I’m not prepared to answer that right now. Maybe not ever.”

  His lips tightened. “I see.” He stood and cleared our plates. Tension clouded his brow and our easy morning. The tight line of his shoulders made me want to rush over and massage the knots away and go back to our happy, easy-going vibe.

  Only, it wasn’t so simple. It never was.

  While he cleaned, I grabbed my dress and shoes and ran into the room to change. I had myself almost completely back in order when I felt his presence. He was leaning against the doorjamb. “So, that’s it? An incredible night, a handful of orgasms and you’re off to your next guy?”

  Embarrassment burned low in my gut and probably reddened my face. I felt as though he emotionally punched me in the gut. “I didn’t say that.”

  “Then what do you say? Will I see you again?” His voice was low and filled with emotion.

  “I don’t know. Do you want to?”

  “Of course I do. Last night…shite, London. Last night was different. I know you felt it, too.”

  I stared at his brown eyes for what seemed like forever. “It was different.”

  “Okay then.” His voice was calm, more soothing. “Then we start there. Do you want to see me again?” That was the question.

  He wasn’t a client so I didn’t have to spend any more time with him if I didn’t want to. But damn it all to hell, I wanted to. So much. “Yes,” I whispered.

  “What was that?”

  With more confidence, I said the words I knew he wanted to hear. “Yes. I want to see you again.”

  His chest broadened, seemed to puff out and expand. “When?”

  “I don’t know when. Call me.” I answered quickly, needing to put space between us. I slipped around him and headed for the door.

  “No.”

  I swung around with my hand on the doorknob. “No?” I said confused, hurt creeping into my bones chilling my spine.

  “No.” He put a thumb to his chest. “You call or reach out to me. If you truly want to be with me, you need to take that leap.”

  No man had ever given me an ultimatum. I didn’t handle it well. I looked into his beautiful brown eyes thinking that maybe this was the last time I’d gaze into them. Instead of speaking, I nodded and left, closing the door firmly behind me as I went.

  Chapter - 6

  It’s official. A woman has made me crazy. Certifiable, shoulder biting, crawling out of my skin nutso. I can’t get the bloody bird out of my mind. Over and over I replayed our evening of pure bliss and then spent the last hour trying to figure out how the morning went to hell.

  We spent hours glorying in one another’s bodies. I feasted on her beautiful curves to the point where time ceased to exist within our bubble of pleasure. Everything seemed to go smashingly. We made love long into the night, until we couldn’t move and completely passed out, our bodies still wrapped tightly around each other.

  This morning, everything changed. She turned cold, distant. It was as if something wiggled its way into her mind and turned our night of passion into something unsavory. I couldn’t fathom how it occurred. The only thing I was certain of was that this was not the end. No. London Kelley was not waltzing out of my life so easily. There was something between us. It wasn’t easily definable but I knew she felt it, too.

  I picked up the phone and called Nathaniel. It rang a few times before he answered.

  “You better be dying to call this early, mate.” Nathaniel’s voice was groggy and rough.

  I glanced at the clock. The dial read six a.m. “It’s not that early. Whatever happened to the early bird caught the worm?”

  “That was me, last night. Only the worm was in the bottom of the tequila bottle.” He groaned. “Was out celebrating with a couple blokes. Remember I mentioned Hank Jensen?”

  “Yeah, that’s the guy you said is dating our client.”

  “That client is the sister of your London.”

  “Is that so?” I briefly recall him mentioning the relationship. I think I was more focused on getting the delectable Ms. Kelley’s information. “What were you celebrating?” I pulled out a suit and threw it on the bed. Another day, another quid.

  “Turns out the sod is going to have a baby and is shacking up for the long haul with Aspen.”

  “You don’t say? Did the bouncing bundle of joy bring on the engagement?” I asked with a chuckle. I know if Claire and I’d had children together, I’d have never let her go. No children of mine would be raised in two homes.

  “Nah, he’s been smitten with her since the start. Either way, I’ve been invited and you’re coming as my date to the wedding. It’s in Texas in five weeks.”

  “Texas?” I groaned. “You go. I’ll hold down the fort.”

  “London is Maid of Honor,” he said, his voice holding a tone, something between Don’t-be-stupid and Opportunity-doesn’t-knock-twice.

  “So how’s the weather in Texas this time of year? Will I need a jacket or a snow suit?”

  “That’s what I thought.” I could hear his grin through the phone line. Bastard knew he had me by the balls.

  ***

  What the hell was I thinking?

  Simple answer. I wasn’t. Collier did that to me. An evening of pure sexual delight and I was contemplating more. More! I didn’t do more. More made people fall in love and I most certainly was never going down that road again. That road was unpaved, had huge pot holes, and jagged rocks that would fly out and break your heart as easily as an unsuspecting windshield.

  When James passed I made a promise to myself. Nothing would ever hurt me like his loss. Ever again. If I was going to feel that kind of pain, I’d learn from it, and learn from it I did.

  Relationships were not for people like me.

  I decided to go home to think awhile before heading back into Dylan’s world. It was important I had a clear head and heart to do my job effectively. And he wouldn’t be home from his trip until later anyway. Maybe I’d get him to scout furniture with me. A solid find always had a way of picking up my spirits.

  The apartment was silent when I got there. It was still early. Tripp would be in bed. His door was wide open and I prayed he’d be alone. Usually if the door was open it was our signal that we weren’t entertaining.

  Typically, I didn’t bring men home with me. They didn’t often take kindly to Tripp and he enjoyed playing with my dates the moment they entered our sanctuary.

  I, on the other hand, ignored his toys. They rarely were invited back and I found it unnecessary to get attached to disposable bedmates.

  I slipped off my dress and bra then grabbed the t-shirt I saw crumbled on the floor. It smelled of Tripp. Like fruity and delicious green apples. DKNY Be Delicious was the brand. The sweet scent of apples combined with his herbal undertones was like taking a step into your home after a long trip. He’d always be a safe home-like place for me. And I endeavored to always be one for him.

  The last few years it had only been the two of u
s. We met in the hallway at the local community center. James had passed a few months before and I was attending a meeting for grieving widows. Tripp was attending Narcotics Anonymous. He was only a few months into his own recovery. Between us, we were like the walking dead. Two lifeless shells, devoid of any real feeling. Then we teamed up. Together we were able to stick a band-aid over our past wounds. Sometimes it was in one another’s bodies, but mostly it was through a deep friendship. He helped me live again. And I helped him have a reason to live.

  I threw the shirt on and slid into bed next to him. He slept naked and his warmth was the most comfortable place in the world. Well, that and the crook of space where my head fit perfectly into Collier’s neck and shoulder.

  Tossing out that thought I snuggled closer to my best friend. His arm flung over my waist pulling me close, chest-to-chest. He burrowed his huge arm under the back of the shirt I was wearing and rubbed my spine. I arched and purred into his caress. He kissed my forehead, eyes still closed as if asleep.

  “What’s the matter?” His voice was groggy. He didn’t open his eyes, just held me and rested against my body. The tips of his fingers massaged my scalp, soothing the stress as I held onto him.

  “I screwed up.” The words came out small and quiet but I knew he heard them.

  He mumbled something against my forehead. I only caught the last bit. "…did something with Bond,” he finished.

  I nodded against his chest. Tears pooled and slipped down my cheeks wetting his skin. That got his attention.

  “Bridge, baby. What happened?” He held me as the dam broke and I sobbed, unable to bring forth the words I needed to say.

  “Did he hurt you? I’ll fucking kill him.” His entire body tightened like a rubber-band pulled too far at opposite ends. I clung to him, wanting, trying to get the words out.

  “No, h-he didn’t h-hurt me,” I whispered as more tears streamed down my face. He kissed them away.

  “Did you hurt him?” Tripp knew me too well. Sympathy poured from him as he clenched me tight against his body. “It can’t be that bad. You only had one night.”

  “It was the best night of my life.”

  It hurt so much to say that. So many nights I had with James ought to fill that spot so high on a pedestal, but it was true. One night with Collier surpassed even the height of the nights of my marriage. Maybe I was starting to forget. My wedding day, the first time James and I made love, all vied for clarity, but the memories were growing old, worn from overuse. Now they seemed as if they happened a century ago. Only the memory of feeling happy could be brought to the surface with ease.

  His eyebrows rose and shock plastered his face. “That’s a strong statement.”

  I nodded and sighed.

  “Then why are you upset? What brought you to my bed? Not that I mind. I love snuggling with my best girl.” He pulled me up and over his naked body. Sprawled across his chest, I placed one hand on top of the other on his chest then rested my chin on him. I couldn’t stop my lips from quivering or the tears from spilling as he searched my eyes for the answer.

  “I gave him hope.”

  ***

  A week later and nothing. I’ve worn a hole in the carpet in front of my desk pacing. I obsessively checked my phone for recent or missed calls, a text, an email perhaps, anything to prove I hadn’t lost her. I’d gone over that morning ad nauseam. There’s nothing I’d change save for the moment when I told her to call me. Then, I wouldn’t be feeling like a bloody idiot for the past week.

  “Bugger! I can’t take it anymore!” I pulled at the strands of my hair, making an arse of myself.

  “What has your willy in a wrinkle? You’ve been a bit of a prick all week.” Nathaniel’s cheery English timber broke my brooding.

  “You want the truth or the twisted happenings I’ve got going on now in my head?”

  Nate unbuttoned his sport coat and sat down. “Truth.” He nodded.

  “You remember that woman London Kelley?”

  “Course. A bloke would have to be blind to forget her.” He grinned and I sneered.

  “We had a date last week.”

  Nate slapped his knees and leaned forward. “Bloody wanker, that’s brill!” His smile was bright, his dimples clearly displayed. I help up a hand to hold off his congratulatory talk. His smile waned. “What?”

  I sat down, sighing heavily, not knowing how to put what happened between us into the right words. We’d had the best blooming night. Enjoying one another until the wee hours of the morning before starting all over again. Then it all went downhill.

  “I don’t know. We had a date. A really good time. Made it back to my place. Best bloody shag ever.” I shook my head then held it in my hands.

  “Better than, you know…” I nodded into my hands. “So where’s the problem, mate?”

  “I’m doing a piss poor job of explaining. She left the morning after. We had a bit of a row. God, it’s Sod’s Law.”

  “The relationship area is not exactly my cup of tea brother, but I’m still not following. You had an argument after a lovely night and an even better night of bonking and you argued?”

  Exasperation took hold. “I told the bird I wanted more than just a one night shag and she took off. I scared the girl and I have no idea how to fix it!”

  Nathaniel tilted his head back and laughed. Loud. Heat rose in my chest and up my neck. I knew my ears were tinged red to match the fire inside my gut. “I pour my fucking heart out to you and you laugh. Stuff it! You’re no help, brother mine!”

  Charging around my desk I tried to pass the snickering hyena otherwise known as Nathaniel. He shot an arm out to stop me. “No Collier, I’m sorry. Brother, I’m sorry!” I smacked off the hold he had on my sport coat.

  “You’re an arsehole!”

  “Guilty! And a bugger, a wanker, a sod, a daft bastard, but you’ve caught me at a disadvantage.”

  “How so?”

  “I’ve not seen you knackered about a bird in ages. Since the queen-beast Claire. Excuse me if I find it a bit humorous to see your panties in a twist over a girl.”

  “So, what do I do? I gave her an ultimatum. Told her I wouldn’t call her, that she had to contact me if she wanted to see me. Now it’s been a week and I’m wrecked!”

  I slumped into the chair next to him. He put an arm on my shoulder. Its weight was a great comfort. Reminded me of our teen years back home. We’d spend nights sneaking out, getting pissed, seeing what type of horse-play we could get into. No matter what happened, if we got caught we always took the punishment together. Mum was ruthless with the chores and my step-father always gave us the long talk. We didn’t care. At least when we were cleaning the garage or taking out the rubbish bin, we’d sneak looks at one another and laugh it off. Life seemed easier then. Nothing but curfews, shenanigans and rugby. God, I missed those days.

  “Find out a way to run into her. There’s Hank and Aspen’s wedding but that’s in four weeks.” He twisted his lips and steepled his fingers under his chin.

  “Would you consider hosting a dinner party at your flat? Invite Hank and his fiancée, get her to bring London?”

  Nate’s smile was huge. “Brill, mate! I’d love to have them over, cook for everyone. Of course Aspen rarely goes anywhere without Oliver. He’ll bring his boyfriend Dean and then we’ll have them invite London.”

  The cloud of doom dissipated as the plan came together. This would work. She’d come to dinner, be forced to spend time with me. We could slip aside and talk, clear the air as it were.

  “I’ll owe you for this, Nate.”

  His grin was wide, his eyes laced with an evil glint. “Yes you will, brother mine.” He laughed sinfully.

  Owing Nathaniel was like playing cards against the Devil. Only worse because he’d come back with a zinger that puts your lousy favor to shame. Last time I owed him one I was stuck on a date with a six foot two amazon woman who thought bench pressing young uni blokes was a fun pastime. The bruise on my hip lasted for weeks
when the giant unexpectedly pulled me off my feet and into the air. Someone made her laugh and there I was, a crumpled heap of gangly limbs and sore bones. I was lucky not to have broken anything when my hip hit the pavement.

  “So it’s settled then. How fast can you plan this and what can I do? Call a caterer?”

  Nate scoffed. “I’ll cook. Besides I have this new little thing I was hoping to impress…”

  “No, no, no! Not again. Do not use this dinner party to put the moves on some tart you’ll toss away after one night of shagging.”

  Nate had the presence of mind to look a tad trite. “You’re a funny one to talk. Isn’t that exactly what you are doing with the lovely Ms. Kelley? Trying to woo her?”

  “Yes, but I plan on keeping this bird around. You, on the other hand, change bedmates more than you change your jockeys!”

  He waggled his eyebrows. “Jealous?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Hardly. I just…look, let’s try and make this as civil as possible. She means something to me. I can’t explain it.”

  Nathaniel put his large hands out in front of him which mimicked the universal sign for “say no more.” “Alright, we’ll have it your way. No sexy vixens to keep me company.” He pursed his lips then pulled out his phone hitting a sequence of buttons. “Aspen love, how are you this fine chilly day?” The beat of my heart seemed loud against my chest. “Yes, well, I was wondering if you and the gang would fancy a dinner party at my flat this weekend?”

  He waited a moment, drumming his fingers against his pant leg. After what seemed like eternity he clasped a hand over the speaker portion. “She’s asking Oliver about her schedule,” he whispered to me, taking the edge off a bit.

  “Why?” I ask.

  “He is her assistant and her best friend. I told you, they are two peas in a pod.” He rolled his eyes then smiled into the phone. “Brilliant, love! Dinner it is. Do you think it would be possible to invite your sister, London? She’ll be redesigning my flat after your wedding and I’d love for her to get a quick run through prior to the move in.”

  Ecstatic didn’t begin to explain how I felt. I was amazed at how easily Nathaniel was able to come up with something so clever to bring the black-haired beauty around. At the same time I fought a deep seated anger all at once. I’d forgotten his plan to have her design his flat.