by Jude Ouvrard
I slung my arms around his shoulders and he held the sides of my thighs. He moved his hips and he started moving me up and down over his length. My breasts bounced with the force of his movements. Jesus Christ, I had tried more positions with him than I had in all the years with Damien. As Calvin started to get into the rhythm he wanted, I moved with him in sync. The more time I spent with him, the more some undefinable emotion grew for him. It was the way our bodies reacted to one another. The physical chemistry took possession of us.
“This is the best sex I've ever had,” I shouted, too loud.
“You're a little vixen.” He chuckled.
“You're turning me into one.”
Sweat rolled down his forehead, he was giving me everything he had. His movement grew faster; he fisted my hair, holding on to me. I started to feel the excitement building up in my body, and I held on to him, my fingers wrapped around his arms. I was almost there when he groaned my name, pushing into me faster than before. He reached his peak before me but he never stopped, even when I begged him. My heartbeat boomed in my temples. A wave of warmth invaded my body, right before my climax hit me like an explosion.
Calvin scooped me up into his arms and, exhausted, we relaxed together. “That's what I should have done with you the first time. I'm sorry I weirded out. I hated myself for taking you like that, at the bar. Not that this is a better place, but I seem to lose control with you. I promise you the next time, we’ll be somewhere respectable.” He smiled with a bit of coyness and I adored it. At that precise moment, for the first time since I had met him, I could see him in a different way. It made my heart flutter in a strong and powerful way.
With all the physical energy he’d taken from me, I closed my eyes for a few minutes. So many things had happened between the two of us. For me, this represented a big deal. In a very short time, I had given Calvin everything I had. Relaxing against his body, I got lost in the moment. Both of us were quiet, and I thought about what he had said – that's what I should have done with you the first time. Calvin had regrets about how everything had happened the first time, and it pleased me because it was the one thing I hadn’t liked about him. For now, the fact that he acknowledged his mistake was enough for me.
Chapter FIVE
THERE WAS SOMETHING ABOUT CALVIN that made me feel safe. The way his arms held me, protected and claimed me. I couldn't seem to help myself and dozed off in his arms. He had been caressing my hair, removing any tangles and seemed to like taking care of me.
“Iris, wake up.” He murmured into my ear.
Had I fallen asleep? I opened my eyes and saw him, his beautiful dark green eyes gazing down at me. “Sorry, I guess I was tired.”
In a very romantic way, his lips left a soft kiss on my lips. “Don't worry about it. It was the best hour I’ve had in a long time.” I blushed. “I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me tonight.”
“What about tomorrow night? I won’t be any fun tonight. I had a tiring day and I want to go home and relax. The finals were harder than I anticipated as well as losing my friend, too.” Regrets flashed into my mind of losing Zach. I had done it again, but I wanted this. I didn’t stop him. My emotions had me so confused. It felt great to be with Calvin, I couldn’t deny it, but it made it harder for me to accept the damage I had done with my relationship with Zach. That part of my life was over, I knew it. He would never take me back and I would never be able to look him in the face again.
“Tomorrow night it is. Where should I pick you up?”
“Broadway Hall.” I paused. “When do you want me to start working for you?” We seemed to keep switching from business situations to personal. Between working and making out, I knew what I wanted.
“Working with me, not for me.” He left a trail of kisses along my jaw. “Tomorrow, if you can, at 10 am. Are you going home for the holidays?”
“No, I'll be staying here at the dorm.”
“Alone?” He pulled away from peppering my skin with kisses, his eyebrows drawn into a frown.
“Yes.” Sadly enough, I would be all alone.
“That's miserable.” I could hear the concern in his voice.
“I expected it when I moved here. It's okay.” It wasn’t, but I didn’t want to complain. “New York should be fun during the Holidays. I’ll find something to entertain myself.”
“If you want to work, I can give you some hours. I could always help you if you want to go back home for Christmas.”
“No... I can’t accept that. You gave me a job, it’s already too much.”
“The offer stands if you change your mind.”
“You surprise me, Calvin. You have a good heart.”
He continued holding me until his phone rang. From what I understood, he had an appointment in ten minutes and the man was already here.
“I'm afraid I have to kick you out.” He smiled as he settled me on the couch. “Time flies when I'm with you.”
We both got dressed, watching each other uneasy. I had so many things I wanted to ask about his tattoos, but we were out of time. Next time, I decided, hoping that there would be a next time. Everything seems to be in the air now. At least, we had a date tomorrow night.
“You should fix your hair. It’s a little messy. My fault,” I chuckled shyly. I had done that to him and I remembered the moment with ease. Anyone who saw him like this would know what we had been doing.
He ran his hands through his hair, trying to straighten it. “If you need the bathroom, there’s one through there.” He pointed towards a closed wooden door. I grabbed my top and walked towards the bathroom, aware of his eyes on me until I went through the door. The sexual tension between us hadn't dissipated, I could still feel the sensation running through my veins, and the craving for more kept rising. I splashed some cold water on my face, hoping to cool down but Calvin’s laughter from behind my back startled me. His husky laugh seduced me.
“Too bad, you don't have time for a cold shower.”
I blushed and hid my face behind the small towel I used to dry my face. He circled my waist from behind and squeezed me hard in his arms.
We both caught our reflection in the mirror and to me, we looked fucking perfect.
“Not too bad, eh?” he teased.
“It looks pretty good to me.”
He kissed my hair and let me go. I put on my top and when I was done, his eyes were still filled with lust.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the gym. Danielle, my assistant, will be waiting for you at ten.” He smiled.
“I still don't understand why you’re so interested in helping me.”
“Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and when I first saw you, I knew they couldn't be wrong.” We faced each other.
I tiptoed to reach his lips, and kissed him many times before he gripped my head to keep me from pulling back. I grabbed his half buttoned shirt and held him as strong as I could. I had never been drunk with desire before. I was too dizzy to stand on my own, but not dizzy enough to try and pull away.
“Calvin, stop.” I said against his lips. “Or we're going to be back on the couch.”
“What about right here, sweetness?”
“We can't. You have business to attend to.” How was I able to deny him? It astounded me. He gave my behind a hard spank and left the bathroom to finish getting dressed. I adjusted my top and met him back in his office. I put on my boots, grabbed my things and kissed him goodbye.
My face was heated, I needed some fresh air. I had to get away from Calvin so that I could think with a clear mind again. The elevator doors opened as soon as I pressed the button. One last time, I glanced towards his office and he stood there, next to the open door, gazing at me. I waved at him and got into the elevator.
As soon as I stepped a foot outside, I rolled on my board. My body was stiff and tired. I decided to go and quit my job at the restaurant and then head home at last.
After a much needed nap, I woke up to an empty stomach growl
ing for food.
There wasn't anything left to eat in the kitchen. Most of the residents had been surviving on take-out for the entire final week. The only way I would find something to eat was by going out to the small market down the street or by ordering a pizza.
Four days before Christmas, the weather was colder than cold. I had to buy myself some warm winter clothes soon. I took my skateboard with me, as there was no snow on the street and sidewalk. I rode until I got to the gym; I had decided I needed to know how long it would take me to get there. It was a ten to fifteen minute walk. Once I got there, I looked inside the lounge out of curiosity and saw Calvin sitting there with a woman at his side. She patted his knee and they appeared to laugh about something he’d said, leaning in close to each other.
The way she looked at him meant everything, I could see that her cards were being laid out on the table. It was impossible for him not to notice. I could see the garter coming out of her short dress. I grabbed my board in my hand and stared. Broken hearted, both sadness and anger fought within me. I wanted to scream and cry. I had been hurt by a man again. How could I have been so naïve? Calvin Banks wasn’t going to change for you, Iris. He was used to the big life. He was another player. After what I had done to Zach, Karma paid back soon enough. I deserved it.
She was tall and skinny, with long black hair, the complete opposite of me. I wasn’t certain how long I’d stood and watched them, but Calvin glanced up and he saw me standing there. My first gut reaction was to get out of there before he could get to me. I let my board drop to the ground and I left the scene before he had the opportunity to come outside.
I could hear him, yelling at me to stop and the sound echoed along each building. I ignored him, and I heard him swear as I turned into the next street. Not very smart, because he knew where I lived and tomorrow I had to meet with this Danielle at his gym. I’d given up my job at the restaurant – I didn’t have a choice. I hated that I had behaved like a child and run away, but I didn’t know what else to do. Seeing him with that woman, they had looked as if they were so much more than friends and she’d looked at him as if she worshipped the ground he walked on.
I had been blind enough to believe that he could be mine. I had to stop this craziness before it was too late. My appetite was gone but I knew it would be a matter of time before I’d be hungry again. I stopped at the first market I saw and grabbed enough food to last for a few days. With my hands full, I had no choice but to grab a taxi. At least it allowed me to warm up. A few blocks away from the market, the taxi driver dropped me at the dorm. I heard Calvin calling my name from down the street, but I didn't turn around to look at him.
I hated the situation I now found myself in. My whole survival in New York now depended on Calvin. I had every right to be upset. I had lost Zach for him; I had quit my job for him. All in a very short period of time and I must have been crazy to get involved with him. I rushed inside, out of breath, and panicking because I didn’t want him to catch up with me. I couldn’t face a scene, and didn’t want to hear his excuses. The door shut behind me and I heard the reassuring click confirming it had locked. I got into the elevator and leaned back against the wall, calming my breathing. I was safe here, I’d put some much-needed distance between him and myself. After taking off my jacket and boots, I went into the kitchen and dropped the bags of groceries onto the table.
I sat down and allowed the echo of my sobs to reverberate through the hall. What a freaking day. Zach was gone, Krystal was gone and Calvin was here, but I didn’t want to see him. I needed some alone time before tomorrow. I knew I would have to face him again and I hoped that I at least still had the job. I had never been this lost and confused because of men. The guilt I felt toward Zach still haunted me but I chose to give him some time before I considered contacting him. I had caused him enough disappointment already and my mind and soul were still both debating on the man I wanted. The sad truth was that I didn’t think Zach led my heart anymore. Something about Calvin made me need him.
But what now? What would happen after tonight?
Thank God for the wine I had last night or I wouldn't have been able to sleep at all. Thankfully, with the wine’s assistance, I managed a full eight hours. The anxiety of knowing what awaited me was almost unbearable. I didn’t know if Calvin would still want me to work at the gym or if I was going to have to beg my old boss to take me back. Either way, I had to play nice because money was running low and I needed a job. I took a long warm shower. The water rolling down over my hair and onto my face burned a little under my tear-streaked eyes.
Last night had turned out to be a pity party for me. I cried over every catastrophe in my life, but mostly for Calvin and the fact that I didn't know what to expect the following day. It was after a couple of hours that I came to the conclusion that I’d screwed up. I’d run off, without allowing Calvin to tell me his side of the story. I had assumed the woman was involved with him.
While the silence in the dorm calmed me, it also kind of scared me. I had a habit of always looking behind me, to see if I was being followed. It was so quiet around here, it didn’t feel right. I should stop watching horror movies.
I fixed my hair, got dressed in a pair of black khakis and matched them with a white shirt. Calvin hadn’t mentioned anything about the dress code and I didn’t have enough guts to call him and ask. I had done some thinking, coming to the conclusion that he had every right to not want anything to do with me because I had acted on impulse, and it was immature not to hear him out. She could be his sister, I doubted it, but I had no clue. No matter who she was, I shouldn’t have run – I should have stayed and heard him out.
My only solution was to try and face him. I had to explain the poor attitude I had last night and what came over me. I still didn’t know what to think about this whole Zach and Calvin situation. My head and my heart were in an endless argument. I crossed my fingers that I hadn’t blown everything. I emphasized my blue eyes with a thin line of eyeliner and a swipe with my magical mascara made my eyelashes look full. I took one last look in the mirror before I had to leave. I looked professional but a little on the tired side. The natural sparks in my eyes hid behind my mixed up emotions. I just wanted to go there and get over it.
I grabbed my jacket and slipped my feet into my worn out boots. There was a white carpet of snow outside. Since I had moved to New York, I’d hoped for a white Christmas. I’d never lived in a place where it snowed during winter, I was used to year round nice weather.
The white blanket managed to bring a smile to my face. I walked down the sidewalk, leaving a trail of footsteps behind. This was great. A big, bright happy smile appeared on my lips, at least, until I got to the gym. Then, the nerves kicked back in and my hands grew damp and shaky.
Energized music played inside the gym and a soft fresh laundry-like scent floated in the air. That alone made it seem like a nice gym. I looked around and noticed all the machines which were available. I had never trained in a gym before, so I knew close to nothing.
“Iris.” A woman's voice startled me and I turned around, curious to see who it was.
I think my jaw hit the floor when I saw who had spoken to me. It was the girl from the bar last night, the same one who’d had her hand on Calvin’s knee. Her sleek hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her abs were on show for everyone to see. The sports bra she wore seemed to be a little too tight for the size of her breasts and her shorts seemed more like underwear than sportswear.
“Hi.” I tried to keep a warm smile on my face and reminded myself that I didn't know her and shouldn't judge.
“Calvin asked me to show you around. You'll be helping me at reception. I’m Danielle.”
I nodded in agreement, relieved that so far, I seemed to still have a job. “Yes, that's right. I’m Iris Hartwell, it is nice to meet you.”
“It is nice to meet you as well. Here, you can change if you want or put it on over your own shirt. It’s the gym's employee t-shirt.”
&nbs
p; “Thanks, I think I'll take off my own shirt and wear this one.”
She showed me to the employee bathroom where I changed into the form-fitting black top. My name was printed on the back as well as on the left side of my chest. Banks Health and fitness' logo appeared underneath my name. It fit well and I blushed at the knowledge that my curves were being exposed.
When I came back out of the bathroom, we did a tour through the entire gym. She showed me the free weights area, the cardio machines, the aerobics class rooms and a lot of other areas whose names I struggled to recall. “There's your boss.” Danielle pointed towards where Calvin was training with a personal trainer. “This is where he comes to blow off steam. Whenever he’s having a hard time, he comes in here to calm down.”
His hair was loose and drenched in sweat. I almost didn’t recognize him. The well-dressed man I had known in the past few days had transformed into an athlete. He looked like a professional as he kicked and threw punches. I saw few hints of how buff he was in his sleeveless top. Damn he was hot. I was melting, just watching him. But I had to keep my composure. We were at work and I needed to behave. I wished Danielle would have let me watch him longer because for a short moment I felt like I was standing in a Nicholas Sparks’ novel where the girl was falling in love with the male lead.
“Calvin's cute and all, but stay away if you don't want to get your heart broken. He's way too busy with his work and the competition to get into his pants is relentless. Trust me.” Danielle said.
I didn't know what to say to Danielle. Listening to her speak, I didn’t think he’d mentioned me to her last night. “Thanks, I'm taking notes.”
Danielle also showed me where the laundry room was located, which was part of my duties, and something I would need to do on a regular basis as the gym required clean towels at all times.
Although I was still questioning myself about her, she seemed kind of nice. I envied her toned body, but I doubted that I would ever manage the same type of physique because I’m not a gym lover.