"For fuck sake Jess. Listen to me. There is no happy family because I am NOT with anyone." Seriously when will she get that into that pretty little head of hers?
"You really expect me to believe that?" Her brow creases showing her disbelief at my words.
"Yes. Yes I do. I have given you no reason to think that I am involved with anyone. I told you I don't share and the same goes for you. I wouldn't expect you to share. What do you take me for? Am I that much of a bastard?" Shit if I know what's going on in that head of hers.
"I answered your phone this morning. I thought it might have been important." She says apologetically and her fingers again entwine with the fabric of her top. I have noticed before that she only seems to do this when she is nervous or feels like she has done something wrong.
"Okay..." I wait for her to say something else but she remains quiet. "I don't know who you spoke to, but I can assure you, in no way whatsoever am I in a relationship with anyone." Her eyes flash up to mine at my words, surprise written all over her face. "Can I at least come in now?" She steps back slowly and pulls the door back to allow me to step over the threshold.
"Do you get a lot of woman phoning you to ask how much they miss you Max baby?" She stands in front of me trying to act all blasé about it but I can tell by those misty eyes that's she's been upset about it for most of the day. I instantly feel like a cunt for not being here to explain it sooner. Another first for me. I can't stand teary eyed woman. What the fuck is she doing to me? I place a kiss on her head and pull her close to me. I need to feel her in my arms, I need to try and erase some of this pain that I have caused her unintentionally. When she is wrapped in my arms like this, I get a sense of contentment. Something that I never thought I would experience again.
"There is no one else." I stop, trying to get my words together so they come out right. "I'm not any good at this stuff Jess." I take a deep breath, preparing myself to open up to her. I don't tell anyone shit. My life is my life and how I choose to live it is my god damn business. Opening up to a chick is a definite no go, especially when I have only known her for a week. But with her, all I want is to be open and honest with her, the good and the bad. When she looks at me, she makes me feel worthwhile; she makes me want to feel so fucking bad.
"Me and relationships don't mix Jess. They never have, I'm far too selfish for all that shit and drama in my life. I have always thought of myself and only myself. Don't get me wrong, I've had more than my fair share of women. I'd be lying if I said otherwise and I don't want to lie to you Jess." Wow. Talk about turning into a bitch displaying my feelings this way, but I want her to know. That way if I do fuck up, which I will then she will already expect it. "Me and you. Damn, I don't even know what this is. The moment that I saw you I wanted you instantly, but not like I have with others. I don't know how I kept my control around you when you turned up in Mal's office on Monday." Jess is watching me intently and seems to be hanging onto my every word so I continue. "I knew with you it would be different, I knew it would be more than just a random fuck to pass the time or for me to find a release. The point is Jess I can't tell you what's going to happen with us any more than you can, but one thing that I am positive is that I would like to give us a try and see where it goes? It definitely won't be plain sailing but I definitely feel like it’s worth a shot." I wait expectantly, eager to get a response from her, the first woman that I have ever shared my feelings with and taken a major chance on. I can't believe that I have just opened myself up to the possibly of pain that I swore I would never allow myself to feel again.
Rely on no one and feel no pain.
"What if I was to say I don't think we could do it?" Biting down on her lips I feel a stir down below.
I glare right at her when I say "Then I will spread those perfect legs of yours and fuck you senseless until you admit that this is exactly what you want too." I can see it in her eyes that she's turned on by my words. I take her face in my hands and bring her face to mine, desperately needed some form of connection with her.
"Well if you put it like that, I think maybe you should show me exactly what you want to do to me." Fuck, she kills me every god damn time. Finally I have someone in my life that isn't afraid to stick their ground and be so fucking perfect at the same time. She lets out a cute girly scream as I bend down and throw her over my shoulder, swatting her on that curvaceous arse of hers as I carry her upstairs.
JESS
"Phone, keys, bag. Phone, keys, bag." I repeat the words over and over to mentally check that I have everything that I need. Knowing my luck, as soon as we get to the airport I'll remember that I've left the house keys in the door or something.
"Quit panicking. You've got everything you need. Jeez, you must have checked everything about ten times already. Anything you don't have when we get there we can buy as and when you need it, okay? Stick it on the expenses, that's what they're for."
I shake my head disapprovingly at him. "I like to pay for my own things Max. I won't have it go on the expenses at all. I'm making that clear right now. Understand?"
"Fucking hell, you’re the most stubborn person I have ever had the pleasure to come across... Or should I say in?"
"Max!" I shout. He can be such a dirty arsed animal at times and as much as I love his light hearted banter, and I want to laugh at him, right now it isn't helping. I can feel my chest begin to tighten at the thought of leaving something behind. Silly, I know but I can't stop the pressure from filling my chest. It takes me a moment to regulate my breathing again.
Today isn't going to plan at all. First I slept through my alarm, then I had to rush around packing a few last minute things, which admittedly should have been done last night, before Max turned up and distracted me in the only way he can. I can't stop the smile that forms on my face when my mind flashes back to the events of last night. I'm positive I might be saying no to him more often if it's always going to end in mind blowing orgasms.
"You ready angel?" He asks as he stands, leaning against the door frame with my bags in his hands. I love seeing this softer side to him. My new nickname has also grown on me. Angel has a more intimate ring to it that the patronising sweetheart that he used to call me. I kind of like the fact that I am in some way responsible for this care free persona.
We make it to the airport with more than enough time to browse through the duty free. I waste no time by diving into WHSmiths like a crazy woman. In less than ten minutes, I am ten books heavier, a couple of gossip magazines and a family sized pack of haribo's to devour on the plane. Hopefully these bad boys will get me through the next twenty seven hours. It doesn't help that my emotions are all over the place, I don't know whether I am coming or going. I've never been a fan of flying. The pure thought of being sat in a metal tin flying through the air at a stupid height scares the frigging shit out of me. Don't even get me started on the whole new unfamiliar country scenario.
What the hell have I signed myself up for?
Max stays by my side while we browse through store after store. For someone who doesn't have a romantic side and is a self-confessed commitment phobe, he has no issues holding my hand and showing me affection. I feel slightly better knowing that Max is with me. He makes me feel safe and protected and that makes my heart smile.
"I guess we better get another dose of caffeine in you before we board?" Max says as he leads me in to Starbucks. If we didn't live on the opposite sides of the world, I'm pretty sure this man would be a keeper.
"So what's the plan when we arrive?" I ask once we are positioned comfortably close to the windows. Behind him I can see the runway with planes lining up ready to take off. I cannot believe I am going to be crammed in one of those for more than a day. I wish I was there already.
"Well, first things first angel. I've got to make sure you see the sights and that you get to do some touristy stuff before we get to work." I couldn't argue with him even if I wanted to. The look on his face, the way his eyes light up remind me of a child who's just b
een told they are going to Disneyland. He's really excited about all of this so I let him have this moment.
"Hopefully we won't be too tired from the flight then."
"Don't worry angel, the first stop on your adventure is you and me surrounded by the beach and the calming sounds of the ocean with no interruptions. Whatsoever."
Now that sounds promising. "I'm tired already." Teasing him I stretch my arms and push my breasts out to his face.
"Fuck Jess, what are you trying to do to me?"
"Nothing." I say pretending I have no idea what he is talking about. Truthfully I just love seeing how affected he is by me. It's not something that I am used to and I crave the feelings that flood through my body.
"Carry on doing that shit and I'll have no fucking choice that to drag you into the nearest toilet." A warning is laced in his tone. Maybe I'm a gluten for punishment, but I'd love nothing more than for him to drag me somewhere right now. I slowly lick the froth from my lips, tantalising him further. I show a satisfied grin when I hear a low grumble from across the table.
"Maybe tomorrow, if you're lucky."
JESS
I feel like I have been hit by a ten ton truck. My muscles ache from being seated in the same position for hours. My eyes are heavy and itchy with exhaustion and all I want is to sleep a long deep sleep in a comfy bed. I tried my best to get some hours in on the plane but with the nerves and apprehension, all that I did manage was to get more restless.
"Time to go angel." I lookout at Max through sleepy eyes and take in his beauty. How the hell has he travelled for the past 27 hours with no sleep and still look perfect? I really want to hate him right now. I think of my life before last Monday and I know this won't be permanent between us; it can't be permanent given that we live on the other side of the world as each other, but I am more than thankful for this delicious distraction.
"I feel like I could sleep for a week." I say, words never been truer. Luckily it's night time here in the Gold Coast so I should be able to crash as soon as I get settled. The fact that I have only had about two hours sleep in the past thirty or so hours, I shouldn't have any problems hitting the sack.
It feels like forever as we wait for our luggage, but Max tries to pass the time by updating me on how his life usually is back home, here down under. I can't help but feel a sense of happiness as he slowly begins to open up to me.
"So you're basically in charge of the whole development then? That would mean I would be reporting directly to you in your office?" I ask as images of all the naughty things that we could get up to run through my mind.
"Pretty much angel. I own the company as a whole." He says matter of factly as he gently pushes a strand of my wild hair behind my ear. "You can report to me in my office, as you put it whenever you want, but it won't be business related." He whispers leaning in and nipping my ear seductively. Goosebumps raise all over my flesh at the promise of what that could entail. "I want you to have as much involvement in this project as much as possible. You will have your own office and assistant too."
"Why? What about Mal? I thought I was here just to plan and check everything was ready to go ahead?"
"Mal and I both decided that you should take the full credit for this. Don't hold back Jess, be as creative as you want. I want to see you happy when you complete your first solo development.
"Wow." Is all I can get passed my lips. I'm not sure if it's the jet lag but I feel slightly hormonal and my heart swells in my chest at the confidence Max and Mal are showing me on this development. Get me into a bed ASAP. "Thanks, it's nice to feel wanted." I mutter quietly.
The drive to where I am staying doesn't take long from the airport at all. I'd say roughly about half an hour. I spend most of it gazing out of the window at the beautiful sights that surrounded me. The views really are out of this world. I think I could quite happily live by the ocean on a permanent basis.
"We're here." Max's rustic voice draws my attention to him instantly. I look up and see that he is already out of the car and holding my door open for me. My mouth falls to the floor as I look at the place I will call home for the foreseeable. A huge white stone house faces me, complete with palm trees in the bloody garden. Who has palm trees in their garden? It's absolute genius. I stand rooted on the spot staring ahead of me and taking it all in. I try to put one foot in front of the other but my body refuses move. I notice two double garages on either side of the sheltered pillars that lead to the entrance of the house. Shit, can you even call this a house?
"Welcome home angel." Max says creeping up behind me with my belongings.
"Bloody hell Max. How much is this costing Stanton's per night? I can't stay here. I'd much rather stay in one of those hotels that we just passed on the way here.”
"There's no fucking way that I'm going to let you stay in a hotel. It doesn't make any sense."
"But it's going to cost a fortune. I'm not prepared to stay here at a pointless expense to Mal." I stand my ground on this one, no way am I going to allow Mal to waste his hard earned cash so I can live it up in a mansion for a few weeks. It's fucking stupid, especially since it’s only going to be me here for a while.
"Well it looks like you're in luck angel; Stanton's isn't paying a cent for this. Come on." Making his way up the drive he doesn't even wait for me to respond.
"Max wait, I won't have you pay for this either."
"Too late, you're already booked in for as long as you need." His tone is final as he makes his way up to the house.
What an arrogant bastard. It's pointless arguing with him when I'm this tired. I'll try again tomorrow when I will hopefully have more energy. I gingerly follow him, in the hope that soon my body will be flat out in a bed.
When the doors open it takes me a moment to register that this is real. If I thought the outside was beautiful, inside is something else entirely. I spin around slowly as I take in the cool whites and greys that complement the enormous foyer.
"I think it's time to get you tucked up in bed. You can wander around in amazement tomorrow." He looks rather pleased with himself for some reason. However, I don't need telling twice, my body is calling out for sleep. I follow him towards the floor to ceiling patio doors at the far end of the room. Seriously this place is heaven and I have only had a glimpse of it. I'm lead onto the patio that surrounds the back of the house with a massive huge T-bar shaped swimming pool. To the right an artificial alcove has been added to allow a beautiful waterfall to flow down over it and into the pool. What a perfect little hideaway. The best part of this place so far would have to be, that from where I stand I am only a few yards from the beach.
The architecture of this house really is outstanding. I'd love to meet the person who built this place. To design something as good as this, you need passion and skill. I hope I'd be able to pull something like this off one day. I think I’m actually going to enjoy my time here on this little escape of mine and with Max by my side, I don't think it could be more perfect.
After I have watched the ocean for a little while, I feel Max pull on my hand gently. "You want to sleep outside angel? It could always be arranged."
"No, not tonight." Laughing I curl and interlace my fingers within his and allow him to pull me forward. We come to a door at the side of the house which leads us to some stairs. It takes everything I have to get up them. “Just keep going Jess.” I mentally tell myself knowing that with each step I am closer to sleep.
The second floor seems twice the size of the ground floor, maybe because of the layout. This floor seems to be all open plan with a few doors here and there that I presume will lead off to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Max stops at the first door we come to. We enter what I can only assume is the master bedroom. The size is probably bigger than the whole layout of my house back home. My eyes lock firmly on to the bed that is positioned in the centre of the room. It's bloody huge; you could easily fit five to six fully grown people in it. I can't wait to do some serious star fishing on that bad boy soon. Cris
p white tones also flow through this room as well and I can see a pattern beginning to form in my mind. The owner clearly likes subtle and modern.
I suddenly remember how long we have been travelling for and I begin to feel clammy and dirty.
"Why don't you put your bags down? You can go through your stuff tomorrow and I'll put the bath on for you. What d'ya say?" My heart skips a few beats at this caring, sensitive man stood in front of me. He'd never bloody admit it though.
"Sounds like a plan." I say as he turns and heads to the bathroom. I can't help myself and feel like a big kid as I dive on to the bed, relaxing instantly as my body connects with the soft fluffy quilt.
Wow. How did I end up here? This stuff just doesn't happen to me. I smile to myself as I think of how little old me has gone from the stupid pushover whose boyfriend cheats at the drop of some knickers to staying in the most exquisite, beautifully designed house and not to mention a beautiful god wanting to tend to my every need. It blows me away that he thinks he has problems showing his feelings to women, because from what I can see, he is doing a pretty good job so far.
"You're baths ready, sleepy head."
I just about hear his voice as I flutter between consciousness and sleep. "Ugh, tomorrow." Pleading with him to allow me to sleep. I'm scooped up into his big strong arms as he carries me to the bathroom.
"You'll feel better for it angel, come on."
Once we enter the bathroom, he slowly slides me down his body and I feel every hard, perfect edge of his body, causing mine in turn to wake up slightly. Shit, will it ever stop? Will his effect on me be permanent? I bloody hope so. Max helps me out of my clothes and I'm surprised when he steps into the bathtub behind me.
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