by K. L. Jessop
I stretched my satisfied body and stifled a yawn before putting on Marcus’s shirt and headed out the bedroom with a smile on my face, resting against the doorway of the kitchen and ogling the man that’s working his magic over the stove in just his jeans while his mouth-watering back muscles flex as he moves.
“Morning, gorgeous.” He says without turning. How does this man know my every move?
I chuckle making my way over wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his back with a kiss and a content sigh. “You’re cooking breakfast?”
“Indeed I am.” His joyful tone made me smile as he and turns me in my arms. “My girl has to restore her energy. How did you sleep?”
“Better than I have in ages.” I grinned. Which was true, my nights are often restless but I’ve slept better these last few weeks than I had in years. Providing me with a kiss and a coffee I sit and watch him work his way round my kitchen. Last night with him was way better than perfect. I faced my one true fear of uncovering the history of violent hands that scared my body and the one thing I feared more than anything was him running. He made me feel special and wanted. After all these weeks of telling me how beautiful I am he made me feel it. I didn’t think I would ever have that again. My body to me was the devil.
“Where’s your mind run away to?” he says, bringing me out of my thoughts as he rests his back against the counter across the room.
I search his face as endless questions hit the tip of my tongue. His eyes have always shown me kindness, faith and honesty. Never pity or disgust and the one looking back at me now are the same ones I’ve grown to enjoy watching me. I focus on my hands that play with my mug as my voice lowers. “Did you really mean everything you said? That I shouldn’t hide myself from you?”
He sighs softly, turning off the stove before coming over and cupping my face, a gesture I’ve notice he does to calm me whenever I’m anxious. His hands are my bubble of safety and relaxation no matter where they land on my body. “Sweetheart, you need to stop doing this to yourself. I’m here because I want to be. I wanted you and still want you. It changes nothing.” Tears glisten my eyes as I wrap my arms around him, the way he makes me feel is so foreign yet I don’t think I want it to change. “Just promise me one thing. And that is when you’re ready you will tell me everything. I need to know what happened, Amelia. I have to know.” I knew I could never keep it from him. But the thought of reliving it caused a cold shiver to cascade.
“I promise I’ll tell you when I’m ready.”
“That’s all I ask,” his kiss was gentle, making butterflies to wake in my tummy. “So what are our plans today? Are we reliving the youth?” He questions, making his way back to the cooker.
“Ah, yes well here’s the thing. I promised to spend it with Megan shopping. I’ve hardly seen her recently because some guy keeps pushing his way into my life.”
His brows raise, “Is that the same guy who fucked you senseless last night and in the early hours?”
“Oh, you know about him?” I teased. “You don’t mind do you? I just need some girl time.”
“Not at all, I’ve got to head up to Fitzford Hill anyway so you girlies shop away. And while you’re at it you need to take this-” he reaches to his back pocket and removes his wallet, taking out a credit card. “-to find yourself a ball gown.”
I narrow my brows in confusion, clearly having no idea what he’s talking about and more importantly why he’s handing me his card. “Why do I need a ball gown?”
“Will you be my date at The Kingston Annual Summer Ball?”
My eyes-widened with excitement. The Kingston Ball was held for all local Hoteliers in and around the Coastlines to congregate with each other and awards to be collected. I’ve always wanted to go but never got the chance. “You want me to go with you?” I squealed.
“Of course I do. Use my card and get what you need.”
I shake my head and hand it back to him. “Uh uh, I can use my own card.”
“No I insist. Use mine.” Male generosity is something I wasn’t use to. I was always waiting for there to be a catch, a gift that was later tainted. But there never was one with Marcus, every week I had flowers, each time we were out he would pay before I had chance and sometimes that was hard to comprehend.
“Marcus, I can’t it’s too much.”
“Take the card, Amelia.” I go to speak but he places his finger on my lips, putting the card in my hand again. “Take. The. Card. I’m serious. But for Christ sakes don’t let Megan get hold of it. I’ll be maxed out by the end of the day.”
“I won’t tell her you said that,” I chuckle.
His arms snake up my shirt to caress the small of my back before lifting me off the breakfast stool and placing me on the counter. Kissing my neck as his hands descended between my legs to spread them wide.
“Hmm, what about breakfast?”
“You are breakfast,” he growled, as he relished my body in every way he wanted.
***
Using the key she gave me I let myself into Megan’s. The house is quiet and I knew she was still in bed. Creeping into her room, I curl my body beside hers and watch her in her peaceful slumber. Megan and I know each other well enough to not think this kind of behaviour is weird, after spending so much time together we feel comfortable in each other’s presence, so the fact I’m laid on her bed with her naked under the sheets won’t bother either of us.
I poke my finger on her button nose and chuckle softly when she bats it with her hand. I do it again, letting my giggle seep a little louder from my throat as my devilish mode takes over. Her eyes spring open and she freaks, flying her body up into sitting position. “Jesus fucking Christ, Amelia!” she holds her hand to her chest as she tries to catch her breath.
I’m still giggling as I speak, “Sorry babe, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No shit. What you doing here so early?” she says, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
“I have news.”
“Well after that stunt it better be good.”
“I fucked, Marcus.” If I had a camera right now I’d happily take a picture and post it on my fridge, her face said it all. Her jaw super wide, her eyes trying to match it as she focuses on me. I grin, nodding to confirm she’s heard me correctly.
“O-Oh my fucking god, am I-” she looks around running her hand through her hair, “I am still dreaming?”
“Nope it’s all real.” I giggle.
“Wowzers check you out, rebelling and screwing a hot hunk. Told you, you had nothing to worry about,” she sighs in defeat “Jesus that’s one guy you beat me too.”
I chuckle and turn on my tummy holding my head in my hand as she pulls herself back to rest against the headboard.
“Sooo-” she grins, leaning her head to the side. “Tell me all the details… and I mean ALL the details.” I told her everything and how alive he’s made me feel. Not forgetting the important news of the summer ball. I thought that would be enough to keep her going, until she cocked a brow and asked how big his dick was. I knew I’d never live it down if I kept my mouth shut so I told her every detail of his body.
“Shit babe, I’m so proud of you, I could easily fuck you myself right now.” We giggle as I make my way off the bed, grabbing the corner of the covers and pulling them off her as I leave the room.
“Get your pretty ass out of bed, we have shopping to do.”
***
“Where the fuck do you find a ball gown at the coast? It’s all board shorts and wetsuits.” I huff, pinching a crisp from Megan’s packet and popping it into my mouth.
“Tabitha’s Trinkets.”
“Where?”
She rolled her eyes. “Jesus, for a woman you really don’t know shit when it comes to shopping. Tabitha’s Trinkets is one of the biggest known dressmakers in the area, with a range of fabulously stunning dresses all lined with lace and pearls that has regular dealings with celebrities. That’s where you’ll find your dress and that’s where we’re go
ing.”
I’d been inside the shop for ten minutes and I’m yet to take a breath. This place was unbelievably stunning. Spot lights, larges mirrors, velvet chairs and rows upon rows of dresses. All shapes and sizes that twinkles against the light. I wasn’t at the coast nor was I in Hollywood; I was in a dressing room of Disneyland waiting to find a dress for my prince. How in god’s name did I not know of this place?
“Good morning, Miss Weston. I received a call from Mr Matthews to say you were heading here with Miss Simmons. I’m Emily and will be your assistant in finding the right dress for you today.”
How the hell did Marcus know I was coming here?
“Amelia, it’s the only place around that makes dresses like this. Take the puzzled look off your face.” Megan said, collecting a fashion magazine and flipping through the pages. Am I really that easy to read?
“Thank you, Emily, please call me Amelia. This place is stunning by the way.”
“Thank you, shall we get to work?”
I’m overwhelmed and completely suffocated with dresses and shoes. My mind is on overload and the flusters have begun on which dress to choose. They were either clashing with my hair, too short, too much dazzle or too low for my back, and I swear I’ve irritated Emily on refusing her help and wanting Megan when getting changed. Wondering eyes on my body will leave pitied faces and judgmental minds in which I can’t be dealing with.
I look over myself in the mirror as I try to imagine myself in different dresses and which one Marcus is likely to like me in. Then it hits me.
“He likes my eyes.” The girls twirl their heads in confusion as I look back at them through the mirror. “Marcus. He often passes comment on my eyes. I need something that reflects my eyes.”
My breath hitches as I run my hands softly over the dress that screams, beauty, class and sexy. The floor-length royal blue mermaid style dress had a wide train with cap sleeves and a touch of lace around the high neck, giving it a look of elegance as the odd leaf of the lace sparkled. I loved it and felt incredibly special whilst stood in it.
“Can you see my scars?” I whisper to Megan.
“No babe there all covered. Although as beautiful as it is, it’s rather expensive dress.”
“Don’t worry it’s fine.”
It was expensive and I did feel a little guilty, but it was perfect and I knew Marcus would love it. Megan sweeps my hair aside and rests her chin on my shoulder, wrapping her arms around my waist as she locks onto my gazes, “He’s making you flourish into the woman that was desperate to be set free. You look absolutely stunning babe.”
I smile at her honesty, I couldn’t agree with her more. Just a few months ago I was trapped in a world I couldn’t find a way out of, now since Marcus has stormed into my life I don’t wake up dreading my day that lays ahead of me.
“Thank you so much, Emily, the dress is perfect.” I smile handing her the credit card. Emily runs up the total of the dress and shoes and breaks the news, leaving Megan wide-eyed and open mouthed.
“Amelia, it’s like half your monthly wage!” She whispers high pitched as I head for the door.
“It’s fine, Marcus gave me his credit card.”
“What! And you’re just telling me this now?… When they are closing?!”
I giggle heading out the store leaving an astonished Megan inside and a blissful feeling in my belly.
Chapter Seventeen
Marcus
“Are you going to be much longer? Andrew will leave before we get there.” I shout from my living room. I heard her feet pad down the wooden floor of the hall and appear at the doorway looking surprised.
“Andrew is coming?” she asks, in a different outfit to the one she had on half hour ago.
“Yeah I know right. Can you believe he’s taking an afternoon off?” I chuckle.
“Wow. You obviously have an effect on him that brings him out of his shell.”
“I have that effect on most people,” I grin cocking a brow. “Now go get ready I don’t want to be late.”
“Come help me pick out a dress. I want to look good on your big day.”
I had confirmation earlier in the week that the new builds on Fitzford Hill were complete. This afternoon I’ve invited a small group for drinks and a chance to look around before heading to Rubies for the evening.
“Wear this one.” I hold up a smoky grey dress from the small collecting of clothes Amelia keeps in my wardrobe for when she stays. Our nights now are never spent apart; we’re either here or at hers.
She glances at me through the reflection of the mirror-applying her mascara and stood in her black lace underwear looking sexy as fuck. It took a few times reassuring her she doesn’t have to hide her body from me, but now I love the fact she’s finally at ease in parading around the house without a care in the world.
“I was thinking of wearing that one,” she smirks.
“You were not. Now hurry up and get dressed, if you stand around half naked any longer we won’t make it out this damn house.” I tap her ass making her jump with a squeal as I head out the room.
“Do I wear my hair up or down?” she shouts as I head to the kitchen, collecting my phone that just signalled a message.
“Your choice, but it’s hot out.”
Andrew: I’m at Fitzford Hill. Where the fuck are you!! Hurry up.
Me: At home. What’s with the urgency?
Andrew: I’m with the reception girl from work.
I chuckle at his lack of knowledge when it comes to the staff he works with.
Me: Her name is Megan, talk to her you might actually like her.
“What’s funny?” Amelia questions, entering the kitchen in the dress I chose and her hair up.
“Just Andrew being a prick. You look amazing babe.” I kiss her cheek as they blush. “Let’s go.”
I felt like I was about to burst with pride. Stood before us was a block of eight semi-detached homes along with three detached high quality apartments all lined with balconies, high glass windows and a picturesque view of the coast. Derek and the team have worked their asses off in completing the builds within the time frame and now the friends that stand before me get a glimpse of what lays behind the doors.
“Marcus, they look incredible.” Amelia gasps as I open the car door and take her hand.
“I know right.”
“So apart from owning places and hiding away from them for months on end, you design and develop buildings like these?” she says, eyes scanning everywhere.
“Yeah, pretty much.”
Derek heads towards us dressed in a grey suit, it’s a good look compared to his regular dirty jeans and hard hat. “Marcus, pleasure to see you again. What do you think of these beauties?”
“I’m impressed. I’ve no doubt the insides are just as impressive.”
“Now talking of beauties, who may this young lady be?” he nods at Amelia, taking her free hand as she smiles.
“Forgive me. Amelia, this is Derek the man behind the bricks and mortar, Derek this is Amelia, part of The Grand management.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Derek. If you’ll excuse me, I need to see Megan.” She hurries over, collecting a glass of champagne off the drinks stand and heads toward Megan and Andrew while I finish my greetings before making our way inside.
I was like a kid at Christmas, wanting to view each room at the same time before running back to start all over again. The rooms where vibrant, crisp and airy. Marble counters, large dining tables, en-suites and king-size beds. Andrew and I looked around together discussing the layout of the rooms as the girls chatted in excitement where they would put things if they lived here. Squealing and giggling when entering each room and testing out the furniture of the apartments that were already furnished.
“Oh, now this is what I call a bed. Say, Andrew, why don’t you uh, come lay down check out the mattress with me?” Megan grins, laid on her side patting the covers and winking at Andrew. He cuts her a look, shakes his head and mutters un
der his breath as he heads out the room, leaving the three of us laughing.
“Megan, you’re crazy.”
“Just you wait, Marcus, I’ll get him hard one of these days.”
“Well good luck with that, reckon the poor bastard’s forgot what a hard on feels like it’s been that long.”
“I’m just waiting for the right moment.” She stretches herself on the bed before standing. “Talking of the right moment, I do believe it’s almost six and you know what that means ginger?”
“Tequila time!” They both say in unison leaving me grinning.
“Come on let’s go.”
My cheek hurts through smiling as Megan does her all-important barefoot dancing on the table at Rubies, glass in her hand as she sings full pelt from the top of her lungs. She really is a joy to be around and she oozed attention in a none needful way. Frantic fun and laughter was all her and whichever man held onto her at the end of the night was a lucky bastard. She is without doubt a sexy woman and just as clueless as the red beauty sat across from me.
“Is she always this lively and full on?” Andrew inquires, tipping his head toward Amelia as he watches Megan through disapproval eyes.
“She’s a firecracker. You see how good it is to see other people’s personalities as oppose to just your own, Andrew.” She grins, pinching the dark scruff of his jaw.
“Told you dickwad.” I chuckle.
“God bless her parents for creating such a remarkable rebel,” Amelia giggles. “I love that girl.”
“She seems a handful that’s all.” He shot back.
“Why don’t you take her on, you know you like a challenge.” I cock a brow raising my beer towards him with an amused grin.
“Fuck that, she seems too much like hard work. I like graft not a death wish.”
Amelia gasps at him, throwing back her Tequila and stands. “You know, Megan is right. You really can be an asshole at times.”