Hale Series Boxed Set

by Marie James

  “Holy shit! You let him finger you on the first date! Way to go, Bennett!” She leans back in her chair, her body mimicking mine. I can tell she wants to give me a high five, but the look on my face prevents her from trying.

  “You’re so missing the point!” I exclaim, exasperated that she’s only paying attention to some details rather than looking at the night as a whole.

  “I’m not missing the point, you are!” She replies just as loudly.

  “Tell me what part of ‘he doesn’t want me to touch him’ am I not getting? It’s pretty clear that he thinks I’m not worthy enough to even suck his dick when that’s what he told me he wanted Saturday at the damn gala!” My temper is getting out of control which is quite new for me.

  “Did he say he never wanted to see you again? Did he shove you away and tell you to go home?” She queries, folding her arms across her chest.

  “No.” My answer is simple.

  “What did he say last night that you twisted into a rejection? Because Saturday night, if I recall correctly, he told you he wanted to continue with you after the speech and you bailed…did you bail again last night?” Frustration is rolling off of her in waves.

  “Last night his words were ‘Tonight is only about you.’ and ‘We’ll save the other for another day’. That’s what he said to me.” Fuck, I can already tell where she’s going.

  She just sits there and stares at me, knowing that she’s just proven that his rejection may not be a rejection at all, which still kind of pisses me off.

  “You said he didn’t do repeats! I’d resigned myself to a great night and no call back, not a half of a great night and no call back!” I stand and grab my coat from the back of the chair.

  “You’ve even managed to twist my words! If you remember correctly I tried to explain that his seeking you out after you left him high and dry at the gala was out of the norm of what he’s known to do. Just like not banging you last night is out of the norm.” She sighs knowing she’s getting nowhere.

  “So, he decided I’m not good enough to fuck? Because I can tell you I was throwing it at him and he refused to catch it. Seriously I all but told him to fuck me. I was that willing.” I grab my coffee cup and walk towards the door, ready to be done with the conversation.

  “Lorali, it sounds like he thinks the opposite. Not that you weren’t good enough, but you’re too good to fuck on the first date.” She winks at me and walks away leaving me to ponder that shit on the way to work.

  As much as I want to give Alexa’s line of thinking credit, I do my best not to; should she be wrong, it’d be that much more devastating.

  I walk into my office with no recollection of how I got there. I mean, I know I drove; my keys were still in my hand. I can’t remember the last time I’d been this distracted, probably never. Ian Hale is sort of a once in a lifetime thing.

  I somehow manage to focus only on work for the first couple of hours. The ding from a text alert diverts my attention. I pull the phone from my desk, open up the text message app, and look down in utter shock.

  Ian: I can still taste you on my lips.

  Holy fuck!

  Chapter 24

  Ian

  I was able to make it close to midday before reaching out to her. I’d hoped I’d get a text message or even better a call from her after she got settled for the evening. My rock hard cock had hoped it’d be a call. Something more tangible to assist in its satisfaction than the memory of her moans when she came. I waited. Radio silence.

  Impatient and unable to deflect it any longer, I texted her, and waited. And waited. Her lack of response has me wondering if I went too far and that wonderment has me questioning if I’ve lost my mind for even caring.

  After what seems like hours, she responds.

  Lorali: Sounds like you have a personal hygiene problem.

  Wow. Not what I expected! Hoping she’s joking at my attempt at text seduction and not seriously calling me out on a lack of oral care, I text back.

  Me: Your amazing taste will stick with me for eternity.

  Lorali: That’s quite a long time Mr. Hale. Forgive me for doubting you.

  Me: Well, I don’t think it’ll last for eternity without a refresher taste periodically.

  Lorali: Is that an offbeat request to allow you to lick my juices off of my mouth on a regular basis?

  Me: Actually, yes! However, the withdrawals from your taste wouldn’t be so harsh if I had the opportunity to enjoy your taste directly from the source!

  Texting with her puts a smile on my face. I wonder what she really thinks about this whole situation. Her next response is not as immediate as the few before; maybe I scared her off hinting that I wanted to eat her pussy.

  Me: When can I see you again Lorali?

  Lorali: For oral?

  Me: Ha! Among other things.

  Lorali: Like what?

  Me: Dinner?

  Lorali: Silly me. I thought we were already discussing your dinner!

  She seems to be opening up. What I wouldn’t give to be having this conversation face to face with her.

  Me: May I call you?

  Lorali: Not one for texting?

  Me: I need to hear your voice.

  Lorali: Need is a very strong word Mr. Hale.

  Me: Yes it is. May I?

  Lorali: If you must.

  Chapter 25

  Lorali

  I know I’m smiling from ear to ear at our banter when my office phone rings.

  “Lorali Benn….” I reply upon putting the receiver to my ear.

  “Much better.” Is Ian’s response, not allowing me to finish my name. “I can never tell tone in texts and don’t want to misconstrue or miscommunicate my intentions.”

  “And just what are your intentions, Mr. Hale?” I’m still grinning, ecstatic he’s calling when I’d have lost the farm betting last night that I’d never hear from him after his rejection.

  “Ah yes, my intentions…” He’s silent on the phone almost like he called for no other motive than to just talk. “I was hoping to schedule more of your time.”

  “My time?” I ask with a little more malice than intended.

  “Yes.” He says.

  “Mine?” I ask specifically.

  “Yours, Lorali.” He coaxed and I can hear his grin in the tone of his voice.

  The idea that he’s laughing at me makes me see red. I’m in no way trying to amuse or entertain him.

  “Why me, Ian? Why not one of the rich beautiful women from your social circle?” I implored, not sure how I want him to answer.

  “Why not you?” I can tell he’s getting annoyed.

  “Ian, you’re Denver’s Sexiest Man Alive, socializing at million dollar events every night of the week; I’m an events reporter and spend my nights reading romance novels and looking at Pinterest.” I sigh as I verbally acknowledge just how polar opposite we are.

  “Second.” Is all he says.

  “What?” He’s making no sense and I wonder if he’s responded to someone on his end of the call.

  “I’ve been declared Denver’s Second Sexiest Man Alive.” He chuckles. “A runner up. Scott Phillips actually holds that title this year.” His smile is back in his voice and I can’t help but smile at his openness about the subject.

  “Is that so?” I ask as I type in his opponents name into an online search engine. If he’s merely a runner up, what does the winner look like?

  “Yep.” Is all he says.

  “Well, I can see why he beat you!” I proclaim jokingly as image after image filters on my screen. I can hear a huff on his end of the line.

  “You looked him up, I'm guessing? We have mutual friends, would you like his contact information, Lorali?” I’m grateful that I can tell he’s still in a playful mood.

  “Mmm hmm.” Is all I can manage as I study the images. Scott Phillips is pictured at different events around Denver and some red carpet events. Barrages of women, even some well known celebrities, grace his arm, each event
displaying a different woman. I make a mental note to check later for overlap in women between these two stunningly gorgeous men. I’d easily choose Ian over Scott, the choice would be a no brainer! Choice! Who am I kidding! I’m delusional if I think either one would want me for more than a one night stand!

  “Lorali?” Ian’s questioning voice brings me out of my daze. “Do you need a minute alone with Scott’s photos?”

  I don’t even justify his question with an answer. “I think I know why he beat you. It has to be that sexy tattoo on his shoulder.” I’m gazing at a picture of a soaked Scott Phillips as he walks away from a hotel pool.

  “You think that’s it, huh?”

  “Has to be. I’m sure your topless body is just as magnificent, so the tattoo must be the thing that tipped the scales in his direction.” I open another window in my browser and do an image search of Ian.

  “Why are you so quiet?” Ian asks.

  “I’m looking for topless pictures of you. For comparison and research purposes only of course.” I laugh as I hear him chuckle again. I briefly close my eyes and picture him in my mind, knowing his dimples are on full display and sadly I’m missing them.

  “Of course. Research is important, but you won’t find any to compare it to.” He declares flatly.

  My quick search proves him right. The only pictures online of him are ones that he’s apparently consented to. No candid shots of him at all.

  “Well damn! I guess my research is incomplete.” I actually feel disappointed, not that I couldn’t compare the two but more because I wanted to see his chest and abs!

  “I’m available should you have a desire to complete your research. In person of course, no cameras allowed.” His voice has grown husky again, the sound of it making my thighs squeeze together.

  “That’s incredibly generous of you, Mr. Hale. Shall I contact your assistant to make arrangements?” I giggle at the thought of walking into his office with a blown up picture of Scott Phillips to have Ian stand beside for comparison.

  “I love your laugh, Lorali. And no contacting my assistant. I’d rather make all arrangements with you personally.”

  Hmmm, he doesn’t want me to speak with his staff? “So it’ll be our dirty little secret then?”

  “No secret, baby. I just want to hear your voice as often as I can. Although I’d prefer to make arrangements face to face.”

  Baby? My body responds automatically to the term of endearment. If I get out of my own head and take heed to what Alexa’s been telling me then I can easily see that he may want to spend more time with me, but his actions last night may be speaking louder than his words.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ian. I think seeing each other only at events I’m covering would be best.” There, maybe if I make the break it’ll be easier on me in the long run.

  “And why is that? I thought you had a great time last night. I know I did and I was hoping to see you again.” I can hear the confusion in his voice, which is actually confusing me even further.

  “I had a wonderful time last night.” I whisper and close my eyes, my mind wandering back to his hands on my body.

  “Then why do I have to practically beg to see you again?” He questions, mild displeasure shadowing his voice.

  “Because I threw myself at you last night and you shut me down. If you wanted to spend more time with me, you wouldn’t have done that. You told me Saturday that you wanted to know what my lips would feel like wrapped around your cock, and I was more than willing to let you experience that but you refused me.” I can hear the anger rising in my voice, my face is red; I can tell by the heat I feel in my cheeks.

  “Lorali, you have it all wrong! I do want to know what that would feel like, even more so I’d love to know what it felt like to be buried inside your beautiful body.” A wave of cold chills flows over my body at his dangerous words.

  “Yet, you rejected me.” I close my eyes, letting my mind wander back to last night. Cringing at the memory of him clutching my hands away from his zipper.

  “And it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I wanted nothing more than what you were offering. But when I do have you for the first time, Lorali, it’ll not be on the floor in some old building.” His voice is husky once again. His dark promise sinking into my body the same way his words did last night.

  “Well then.” I laugh. My body relaxing against my doubt about this man that has been plaguing me all week.

  “So, when can I see you again? Tonight?” I can hear a hopeful tone to his question.

  “Tonight is my girl’s night out with my best friend and my sister.” I wanted nothing more than to spend time with him, but I knew I needed to sort through a million things in my head, and distance from him is the only way to do it.

  “Ah yes, free drinks and trolling.” He chuckles. “When are you available next?”

  “It’s a pretty slow week, work wise. I’ve got nothing Saturday evening. I’m free until I come into the office on Tuesday, after a lunch event mid-day Saturday.” We’ve only seen each other during the week and I wonder if his weekends are booked.

  “I have a work-dinner I’m obligated to on Saturday evening.” He advised, and I can hear him flipping through what I assume is his schedule. “You know what? Why don’t you join me for the dinner and we can proceed from there?”

  Work-dinner? That’s a little personal. “I can’t be your dirty little secret if you’re dragging me around your work associates, Ian.” I smile, flattered that he would even offer.

  “Lorali, as much as I’d love to keep you all to myself, I’ve no intentions of keeping you a secret. Will you join me?” His voice is hopeful.

  “And your plans for after dinner?” I tease, curious to know the direction he plans to take the evening.

  “You…for dessert.” He offers. I gasp, my core reacting with a gentle clench and I know she’s on board with his plans.

  I clear my throat. “I see. I think my presence can be arranged, Mr. Hale. At what time should I make myself available for your meal?” I feel the need to sound more professional considering the way my body is actually responding.

  “I’ll pick you up from your apartment at seven thirty. Dinner is at eight.” He answers relaying the information.

  “I’ll see you then.” I need to get off the phone so I can throw a little one person mini dance party in my office in celebration of the fact that I may have been totally wrong about him.

  “Have fun tonight, baby. Oh and Lorali?” That word from his lips will be the death of me!

  “Yes?” My response is all breathy and I’m slightly embarrassed at my inability to control my body’s reaction to him.

  “No trolling for men.” His voice is serious.

  I smile into the phone. “I’ll do my best.” I hang up and throw my head back in my chair and stomp my feet wildly. He has me so hot and bothered there might not be enough alcohol in the entire bar tonight to sate my desire for that man!

  Chapter 26

  Lorali

  I leave work with pep in my step. I can’t remember the last time I felt this…happy? Just thinking that makes me question my mental health. I haven’t been unhappy, but the idea of spending more time with Ian makes me giddy. I laugh to myself when I realize that we just scheduled cuniligus over the phone like it was the same as grabbing a drink after dinner.

  I still have a stupid grin on my face when I make it home from work which does not go unnoticed by Alexa who’s standing vigil over a bottle of wine in the kitchen.

  “Starting kind of early aren’t we?” I giggle, shrugging and grabbing a glass of my own.

  “Never too early on a girl’s night! You’re still going, right?” The look on her face is cautious. I can tell she’s wondering if my horrible mood from this morning will cause me to cancel our plans. “I mean you seem to be in a better place than when you left this morning.”

  “I’m in a better place and yes I fully intend to go and have a wonderful time!” I keep
grinning, waiting for her to ask me about my sudden mood change, knowing she’s itching to know.

  “So?” she prompts.

  “So, what?” I chirp playing dense. She gets smug when she’s right so I’m going to make her work at my acknowledgment that she was in fact right.

  “Why is your face about to crack from a smile?” She brings her glass to her mouth for another sip, grinning.

  “I spoke with Ian at work today.” I say calmly even though I’m about to explode. Why do I feel like a school girl who just got asked out by her lifelong crush?

  “You called him!?” Her eyes are wide; she’s surprised that I would be brave enough to call him. She knows me very well.

  “He called me actually. Well he texted then called.” I explained. My elation is starting to seep into her. “We have dinner plans on Saturday. I hate to admit it, but you may be right.” I cave, telling her what she’s wanted to hear from the beginning.

  “About which part?” She inquires, my grin now reflected on her face. I know she wants me to expand on my admission.

  “That he may like me a little bit.” I wink at her, knowing she’s basking in my acknowledgement.

  “And after dinner?” She demands.

  I shrug and put my glass in the sink. “Dessert.” I answer walking past her to my room. I hear her squeal as I close my door to get ready for the club opening.

  ***

  Several hours later we’re stepping out into the cold Denver night, ready to start our evening. I opted for the blue dress I bought last weekend, but question my sanity when the cold Denver Winter creeps under my coat to my bare back. I shiver and bounce from one foot to the other, waiting for the cab to arrive.

  Josie and Alexa are talking animatedly about what they plan to drink tonight. Alexa, seeming to have forgotten her demands for a calmer life from last weekend, is thinking out loud, wondering what lucky man may take her home tonight. Josie is more excited about people watching, and doesn’t even consider the possibility of a hook-up. I, personally, am excited about tonight simply because the end of this night brings me one night closer to seeing Ian again.