by Xyla Turner
“So bloody good.” He murmured after I climaxed.
I squeezed my walls and the man nearly bucked with awareness. His speed increased, then he nipped my neck and released inside of me.
“Fuck!” He sighed.
“Yeah!” I found myself sighing back.
The weekend came pretty quick and on an impromptu whim, Noah convinced me to go away with him for those two days. Originally, I didn’t want to go because I was still catching up on work, for the fact that he just jumped on a plane and came to the States. This all put me behind on my schedule, but since he was in town for only a few more days, I figured I’d indulge him. His friend’s private jet was extremely nice and upscale. Everything was either chrome or marble. There were multiple bedrooms on the plane, a kitchen, and really spacious bathrooms. Not like on the commercial planes. Far from it.
Noah wanted us to join the mile-high club, so he fucked me against the door of the first bedroom. We hadn’t even made it to the bed when I felt his arms around me, my feet dangling, and his mouth was over mine. Once he had me up, those panties were pushed to the side and my legs wrapped around his hard body. My heels were digging into his ass, but I felt like I was coming on his cock with every stroke.
Once we landed in California, Noah completely took everything to another level. There were public displays of affection, everywhere. On the beach, at the mall, even accompanied me to the nail salon, where he received a pedicure and I did a mani-pedi. Fingers were laced to go to the movies as we maneuvered around San Diego via Lyft services. For only two days, Noah had everything planned out, which was such a relief because I was always planning, thinking ahead, having to anticipate while everyone else just followed suit. It was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t even know I needed.
We were on the plane heading back to Philadelphia when I took one big yawn and said, “Thank you.”
To my surprise, Noah laughed and asked. “Why did it seem like that was dragged from you?”
I snickered and replied, “It probably was. It’s just that, I didn’t know I needed this sort of break. I’m so behind, but I needed a break from just thinking and doing. Walking on the beach, watching a movie, even with a hand down my jeans, or simply living. I’ve been so busy working, I’m not sure how much living I’ve actually done.”
Noah, who was sitting beside me, looked up at the seatbelt display, lifted the armrest, and pulled me into his lap. Then he whispered in my ear, “You don’t ever have to thank me. That’s my pleasure. Anytime, Love.”
My head rested in the crook of his neck, where I snuggled further.
“Okay.” I murmured.
“I’m leaving on Tuesday.” He shared.
“Don’t remind me.” I said in a low voice.
He chuckled and gave me a slight squeeze before touching my forehead with his lips.
Tuesday came fast and I wasn’t ready for him to leave. Which was evident as I clung to him at the Philadelphia International airport drop off. Noah kissed me fiercely on the sidewalk of the wide street. It took the security officer five times to try getting us to move; well, just to stop kissing and acknowledge his presence. Once we did, Noah remarked, “Don’t you see that I’m trying to get my lady not to leave me, mate? I’m going away, and I need her to remember me.”
I slapped his chest with my hand and laughed. The guard was not amused because he dryly replied, “She’ll remember you and the hefty ticket she’s about to get if y’all don’t move along.”
“Aye!” Noah nodded, kissed me on the forehead and whispered, “No dates. If I have to fly back to the States because you’re on a date, I will be forced to spank your arse. Got it?”
“Yup, I got it.” I said with a smile, breaking to push through.
His large hand patted my butt, then he grabbed his bags and turned to go board his friends jet.
“Bye!” I called, but not loud enough so he could hear.
Chapter 11
Noah
It had only been a day and I knew Maxine was sleep, but I had yet to get back into the swing of London life or the difference in time. Everything seemed off including my sleeping patterns, appetite, and my libido. Being a single man with a ferocious work schedule, I rarely had the time or the drive for sex. Once in a while, I’d indulge my hand but sleeping always was a bit messy. Now, since I had been inside of Maxine multiple times a day, my cock missed the act. Hell, I missed her. Simply that. Double hell, my chest ached.
Around my usual time of eleven-thirty, I called Maxine’s office phone but there was no answer. I dialed her mobile, but there was nothing there as well. My final attempt was to whisk her a text.
Noah: Love, missing you. Call me.
Two o’clock had passed, then so did six. But it wasn’t until two in the morning did I get a text back.
Maxine: Sorry, Noah. Craziest day ever. My proposal with Harvey went over sooo well. He wanted to get started immediately, in time for the playoffs. Their money maker.
Maxine: I’ve been out of the office all day. You know that rarely happens unless I’m with you.
Maxine: Whew, just beat. Eyes are dropping now.
Maxine: Ttyl – morning.
Maxine: I’m definitely missing you too.
At least the woman wasn’t avoiding me. Working hard, I could forgive; but dodging me, I would make my way back to the States and really lash her ass. Just the thought of her bending over the counter, the loo, and me fucking her against the shower wall.
Bugger.
Thinking about her and being over eight hours away was not going to work out in my favor. Even with our busy schedules and all the legwork that needed to happen for this deal to go through. My mind was still occupied with her until three days later when Richard barged into my office with his bloody head shoved up his arse.
“You’re back, mate. Saw you were in the States and working, eh? Any news on the Philadelphia Wolfe Hotel?” He asked.
“Do you know how to knock?” I did not answer any of his questions.
He waved his hand towards the door before he said, “Apologies. Didn’t mean to be a bloody bloke. Excited you’re back and all.”
“That so?” I replied.
“So, is it a go?” He referred back to the hotel in Philadelphia.
“It’s a process.” I shared. “However, I’m hopeful.”
A look of annoyance passed over Richard’s face, which confirmed my initial thoughts about him in the first place. An opportunist and since he knew I wasn’t sharing anything, he wasn’t willing to be a mate and more of a bloke.
“Hope you have more than hope when the group meets on Friday.” He hinted. “Crickey mentioned that he saw you with a woman. Could it have been a pleasure trip more than a business one? Bloody hell, I hope not. Wouldn’t want that rumor to spread.”
The fucking man was standing in my office and threatening me. He was an entitled piece of shit. Sorry excuse for a mate and not someone I wanted in my group.
“Funny you were talking with Crickey.” I said with a smirk as I knew he knew that the threat was not received, but he heard mine as well.
As a way to provide clarification to the subtleness, I added.
“Being in cahoots with a verified antagonist of the Wolfe Group is grounds for dismissal, and if you think that me having dinner with a woman in Philadelphia is something to report to the group, you’re sorely mistaken. My love life or who I’m shagging has sod-all to do with the group, the hotels, or my business. The very one my father started and the legacy that I’ve continued and will expand.” I rose to my feet.
All of this was said with a measured tone, not to show excitement or fluster, but methodical. It must have hit it’s intended target because Richard went pale, and all humor and smugness dropped from his face.
“W-what? Mate, I was just joking.” He nodded in my direction. “I-I just saw him in passing at the look over on Aldergate place. He mentioned that he saw you in the States, and you blew him off because you were with some wo
man. Said it seemed serious, not like you were with your wife. Just pulling your leg.” He stammered out.
“You can leave.” I pushed my hand out towards the door with a flick of my wrist.
“Noah, I wouldn’t…” He started.
“I said, you can find the door.” I annunciated every word.
He sighed, then turned and left without a glance back.
Who did the bloke think he was, so familiar to barge into my office, throwing subtle threats and acting like I would be moved to share anything with the office gossip. This is why he wasn’t at any of the hotels because he kept too much rubbish going. Putting him at the central location was strategic, but he lost his bloody mind if he thought that I would cower to his level.
Later in the evening, as I was in bed ready to go to turn in for the night, Maxine called.
“Hey Noah.” She greeted me.
“Love, I missed you.” I always greeted her now that I was back in the groove of my own state.
I could almost hear her smile when she said, “Miss you too.”
“How’s the project with Harvey?” I asked since I knew she was bogged down with everything that involved the stadium.
“It’s going great. Oh my God, Harvey. He’s super smart and his plans for the stadium are amazing. I’m learning a lot even though I’m his consultant. He took my presentation and proposal and took it to another level. Which was great because the man has the money to do that. Anyway, I’m super excited.” She said with glee.
Fuck! I’m glad that man is happily married or else I’d be making another trip to the states to make sure Maxine had a chaperone. It was irrational, but it made total sense at that moment.
“Sounds solid, Love,” I commented. “Where are you headed now?”
This was because it was six o’clock in the evening and she needed to be heading out and at least going home. She’s been staying late, but she needed time to rest. We had this discussion several times before, but she kept saying she was good.
“Maxine...” I called in a warning tone.
“Noah...” She mimicked me. “I’m good. Okay. I do have a question for you.”
“It is apparent that you’re changing the subject, but okay.” I nodded.
She chuckled lightly, then proceeded with her question.
“Where do your loyalties lie? I know we said something about you having a hotel in the States and all, but what does that mean about your time?” She said and the whole earth stopped turning.
At least for me it did.
“Where is this coming from?” I asked, trying to stall for answers that I wasn’t even prepared to explore internally.
“Let’s be factual.” She said and then the noise around her stopped. “You’re the spawn of Satan and all, but okay. We became friendly, then you purchased a plan with my firm, which I think you don’t really need, but okay. Then, you come overseas to surprise me when you think that I’m dating someone. Stay for a week, screw me into a sex coma, and you’re back in London. What does that mean, Noah? I don’t want to think one thing, and there is something else going on. I just want to be clear. I’ve been unclear and in the dark. I enjoyed everything we’ve done so far, I mean, really enjoyed it, but I don’t really like long distance relationships. Actually, I don’t think they really work. I guess this week made me realize that we are in fact not going to see each other until I have to go there for business. The date that we set is two months out. I... I just don’t know what to think, so I’m going to the source. Not a girlfriend or some horoscope. Just you.”
This woman was everything that I wanted, and she was cutting through the bullshit. What more could a man want. What more could a man need?
“Maxine...” I started but paused because I also didn’t know the answer. “Fuck, I want you more than anything. I more than had fun this past week with you, I loved it. Knowing I would see you for lunch and come home to you in the evening gave me immense joy. Yet, my life and family are in London, even with this notion of opening a hotel in the States. We are still in the beginning process and if it does happen, I still cannot give out any guarantees of what will and won’t happen…”
She cut me off and inserted, “I’m not looking for guarantees.”
“Promises, is it then?” I asked.
There was silence on the phone, which made my heart jolt a bit.
“Love, I want you and what comes with that…” I began.
“Noah, I’m not moving to London. My job and everything is here, and I just want to be upfront about that now. Everything is here in Philadelphia. I’m not moving, so if you’re looking for someone that will acquiesce to your lifestyle, then move on now. So, my memory of you will remain intact. I’m not for playing games, uncertainty or…”
This time it was me that cut her off, since I knew the shade of my mood had darkened to crimson, the blood was boiling and my ears were sure to have hot steam blasting from them.
“Games!” I exclaimed. “Uncertainty! I’m the most certain about you in my entire bloody life. Do you think I have or would hop on a plane to be uncertain with a woman? Stay for over a week, despite the deal we’re in right now with the group hassling me about progress reports, and despite the constant jab at my one and only mum, still take her to bed, and put my mouth across every single inch of her body if I was uncertain? I won’t even go into…” This time I stopped myself because that would have not been productive.
“No, you were on a roll, continue.” Maxine coaxed with that reserved tone again that I hated.
“No, my point was…” I started again.
“No, No-ah!” She annunciated my name. “What were you going to say?”
“Nothing, Love.” I answered, knowing this was dangerous territory.
“Not Love. It was something.” Her voice was raised. “What was it?”
I made an audible sigh to express my exacerbation about what she was insisting that I do. However, I wouldn’t lie to her, so I told her.
“I was going to mention about the bloody money I spent on your services.” I snapped against my better judgment. “Happy that I inflicted that wound.”
“Actually, No-ah...” She was in business mode now. “I am happy because now I know. That makes what I’m about to say, ten times better.”
“Maxine...” I warned.
“First thing tomorrow morning, I will refund your money minus the services that were already rendered.” I tried to interrupt her, but she kept going. “There is nothing I can do about the plane ride or the week you had to endure while in Philadelphia, but rest assured that will not happen again. Also, please note that you are not welcome to my home, my place of work, or my space. Whatever you are owed, please submit those requests to my secretary, and I’ll approve and ensure you get what was due you because I don’t want to owe you or no man a fucking thing. Good evening, Mr. Wolfe.”
Then, the line went dead.
What just happened?
I called back ten times but then the phone answered that the phone wasn’t receiving calls. I face timed her and nothing. Therefore, I went to email her and began to just type.
Maxine, what the fuck? What are you doing? We need to talk! Do you think you can easily cut me off from your life like that? Do you think I will be easily deterred by your temper tantrum after I told you I’m bloody sure you’re the one, but I don’t know about the living arrangements yet? That’s not uncertainty, that’s a fucking fact. Pick up the phone and call me, dammit. These are games. You don’t play games, but this is a game. Call me, now.
I hit send. I didn’t read it, proof it, just hit send, then opened up a new email to compose and wrote.
The nerve of you to hang up. That’s cowardice. I thought you were better than this. Talk to me. Love, talk to me. I need to talk to you, now. How can I complete this without you? You’re very much invested in this, just like me. Pick up the bloody phone and take me off the block list!!!!
I hit send again and then I caught a flash of my reflecti
on in the mirror. I looked like a madman, looming over a small device, bright red with anger, and making all sorts of faces while composing these emails. It didn’t look good, and I knew my emails were probably not the best.
So, I composed another one and simply stated,
I’m sorry, Love. I won’t lose you.
That was the last email that I sent, and it also solidified the dread in my soul, along with the pang in my heart that I had royally mucked it up. Fear gripped me and the loneliness that I felt this week was replaced with loss. A great one that had me up all night, trying to contemplate ways of fixing what I had single-handedly broken with my big bloody mouth.
A week later, Maxine hadn’t responded to any of my emails. I still couldn’t call, text or facetime her, and I was fucking miserable. So much so, that my mum called to tell me to take off because I was an arse to everyone in the group. This was not good because the group meeting was happening next week to officially approve the hotel in Philadelphia, which is why Richard was threatened to shed some light.
Hell, I wasn’t ready for this meeting. I wasn’t even ready to get out of bed. Maxine’s presence had long gone, but the fact that she had been in it was much stronger than her not being in my space. Drunk and all.
Chapter 12
Maxine
The day after Noah had left, I was having withdrawals. To the point that I was closing my legs with the thought of him, trying to hold on to the lingering feeling of having him moving in between my legs and making me sore. I looked longingly at the marks he left on my body and willed them not to go away. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to speak to him that week because Harvey’s project was in full force, and I was at the stadium all day. The man had taken my proposal and took it to another level with the amount of money he was willing to spend to make it exclusive. No matter if people were a fan of the team or not, customers would want to come because whether you were in the nosebleeds or court-size seats, Harvey wanted everyone to have a VIP experience. It was actually genius.