Traces Of Me

by Nikki Summers

  “You are more than welcome to put your things in here. It's all yours,” he said, opening the door wider for her.

  “Thank you Josh, this is very generous of you. It's bigger than my apartment and that view again, wow,” she said, pulling him with her towards the window, wanting to take in the view from every room. She smiled as she leaned into him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, holding her close for a moment. He liked the way she felt against him. He turned towards the door and she followed him. He led her further down the hall to a set of double doors. He opened them a little.

  “I'm not sure if the housekeeper has been in,” he said blushing as he peaked in.

  “Yep, I can show you,” he winked, leading her in. It was definitely a man's bedroom. Lot's of grey and deep dark blues, electronics and leather. She quickly took her eyes from the large, comfortable looking bed in the middle of the room. She felt a slight pain in her heart at the idea that she would never sleep in that bed with him.

  “I have a jet tub if you'd like to take a bath,” he offered as he opened the bathroom door.

  “Sounds nice,” she said, teasing a little as she took a peek inside.

  “Wow,” he heard her gasp again. She couldn't hide her surprise as she climbed into it.

  “You could fit like four people in here,” she said laughing as she stepped back out.

  “I was thinking maybe just two,” he said raising his eyebrows at her. She sighed as she pulled her hands behind her back.

  “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you,” he said reaching for her. He looked younger and sweeter as he gazed into her eyes.

  “No, it's not you Josh, you're perfect. Your life is perfect, a dream really. You shouldn't have me here, I can never be a part of your world,” she told him honestly.

  “My life is not perfect, it is not a dream but having you here with me feels like one,” he said standing so close to her, not touching her but she could feel him. His presence in front of her made her body tingle. She could feel his warmth. Without thinking she slowly lifted her hand to his chest, over his heart, feeling it beat.

  “It feels so good being with someone, someone I can touch,” she whispered. He places his hand over hers and she trembles. He takes her hand and she follows him out, back to the living room. He dims the lights then brings over a few drinks to the sofa. She leans back and he eagerly slides down beside her. Brushing her hair back from her face with his fingers he slightly grazes her cheek. His warmth and closeness feels so strange but comfortable to her. She can't give him much more than this though.

  He talks a little more about his family, including Evan, his older brother, whom he seems to respect. Charlotte goes still when he mentions Evan is an FBI agent. He could easily look up her history if Josh gets suspicious, which he already has. She can’t help but wonder if he’s called him already.

  Josh asks her questions cautiously, she can tell he's being careful, wanting to know more but afraid to push her too much. He likes how comfortable she is with him though. He doesn't want to change that. She's cautious answering his questions. She's been taught to keep her answers short and cryptic but something inside her wants to open up to him. She wants to tell him everything, revealing all she can to him. When her eyes meet his she realizes he's not exactly accepting her answers as truth anyway. Thankfully he doesn't push, he let's it go, holding her hand in his. She breathes in deeply as he touches each finger tip, making her heart race.

  In an act of pure selfishness she takes his hand and runs her fingers over his, touching his fingers, his palm and his wrist. She never gets to touch anyone and this feels so amazing to her. He doesn't seem to mind as he watches her, wanting her to explore him.

  His heart aches at the pain he can see in her eyes. He wants to take it all away from her. He wants her to feel happiness, to laugh, to touch, to hug and to let go. He knows he's only just met her and he should probably run, there's a story here and he knows it is dark but he's drawn to her. He knew when he first saw her and every time afterward, that he could love her. When she vanished it felt like he lost someone very precious.

  He couldn't believe the relief he felt when he found her again. Especially now that he's talked to her, touched her warm skin and listened to her laugh. She doesn’t act fake and she doesn't speak just to please him. She's more than refreshing, she's real. He feels alive beside her. So innocent in her touch yet so intimate. She leans towards him, resting her head on his shoulder. He twirls a strand of her strawberry blond hair in his finger.

  He looks down after a few moments of silence and realizes she's fallen asleep. He carefully slides down beside her, wrapping a blanket over them. He watches her sleep, her eyelids fluttering as she makes a very quiet whimpering sound. It's so sad he almost wakes her to make her stop. She does thankfully before he has a chance. He kisses her forehead as he moves closer to her.

  He wonders what the story is. He needs to know who the murderer is and why he hasn’t been arrested yet. He needs to know how it happened and when. Why was she living out of a backpack and traveling so much alone? There is so much he doesn't know about her but as long as he can hold her close, none of it matters.

  He awakes, unable to stay asleep as thoughts of losing her keep him up. Slowly he stands and walks to his office. He had sent Evan a text last night but he told him there was nothing on Misty Rose Blue. He had also told him to try and find out her real name. Josh had a feeling she was lying, he was surprised when the name on her itinerary was Misty Blue. She was obviously carrying a fake passport and identification. He thought about her flight details and started making plans to join her in Paris before she vanishes from his life again. He's pretty sure that disappearing is something she's mastered. He's surprised when he hears a knock on his door and her small beautiful silhouette stands in front of him.

  “Come in, please,” he tells her. He checks the time, it's just after midnight. They only have so many hours left before she leaves him.

  “I woke up a little confused, I forgot where I was,” she said quietly. Her vulnerability hit him and he quickly walked towards her.

  “You’re with me Misty and you are safe here,” he tells her as she slowly wraps her arms around him. He holds her closer.

  “You must be tired, let me get you tucked into bed,” he said as he leads her to the spare bedroom. She wanted to have him near her but she knew it wouldn’t be fair. He is very much a man and she knew he would want more. He had placed her things in the bedroom earlier. She grabbed her toothbrush and walked into the bathroom. He went to his bedroom and sighed as he stretched out on his bed. He had decided earlier not to push her. He had offered her a safe haven. He just couldn’t help but want more. He wanted her naked body stretched out beside him.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ~

  Breathless

  Early the next morning, before sunrise he canceled the plans he had made for Sunday. He sent his mother a text, telling her not to expect him for dinner either. He has new plans he can’t break. He had trouble sleeping last night, thinking of her just a few steps away. It had been the second night he spent with her, but not the way he imagined. Last night he wanted to go to her but knew he would scare her if he did.

  He walks out to the living room surprised to see her curled into a fetal position on his couch. He slides in beside her again. He wants to be near her, he just hopes she won’t refuse him. He kisses her neck as one of his hands supports his head, the other wraps around her waist. He hears her moan quietly and his body instantly reacts. He lies back, staring at the ceiling as he calms himself. He has never been so easily aroused. He breathes in her scent as she nudges closer to him. He knows she’s still asleep but the subtle movement warms his heart. He hopes she feels safe with him. He fades out, finally falling into a deep sleep.

  The sun has risen and the light shining down on her face as she opens her eyes temporarily blinds her. It takes her a moment to remember where she is again. She feels Josh’s body close to hers. She slowly
rolls over, gazing at his still, sleeping face. She brushes her fingertips over his chin, sighing at how good he feels. Her fingers move to trace his full lips. She leans in closer to him, her lips brushing his as a slow grin crosses his face.

  “The lips of an angel awaken the beast,” he moans, tilting towards her. He wants more. She smiles as she kisses him again.

  “You are not a beast. You slept beside me and I think that is the sweetest thing you could have done,” she whispers, touching his chin again.

  “I couldn’t resist,” he tells her, finding her lips. He holds her close then jumps up, bringing her with him.

  “Let’s get dressed. I want to give you a proper New York experience. I have a feeling you’ve limited your excursions since you’ve been here,” he said, waiting for her to respond.

  “I have to be careful and if you insist on being with me then you have to be careful too,” she said.

  “I do insist on being with you. I have a driver that will bring us around and wait for us. I will wear a hat and shades, assuming you will too. What else do you suggest?” he asked, as he started a pot of coffee.

  “I should probably wear my wig, I’m sorry,” she said, feeling vulnerable. She knew she should just stay put and call Jay.

  “That’s a great idea. I promise to listen to you, when you want to come back we will,” he said, completely understanding.

  “Where are you thinking of taking me?” she asked, feeling excited about having a tour of the city finally.

  “Well, Rockefeller Centre would be a great start, Top of the Rock Observation center is next, especially if we get there early. You’ll have a view of the statue of Liberty. Then I thought we could go for a walk in Central Park. We won’t be able to see all of it but it will be a nice excuse to stretch our legs. After that I think Times Square, Empire State Building, shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, cupcakes in the West Village, pizza at Grimaldi’s, a cocktail at Little Branch and a late night dinner, I’ve made reservations at Daniels. Will you join me baby?” he asked, taking her hand in his. She gazed into his eyes, still wondering when this New York dream was going to come crashing down around her.

  Jay didn’t know where she was, so if her monster called him he wasn’t going to show anyway, at least not immediately. This thought made Charlotte smile. As much as she loved Jay, she liked the fact that for the first time in years he couldn’t find her and she hoped her monster couldn’t find her either.

  “I’ll pass on the shopping but the rest of it sounds wonderful,” she said, wrapping her arms around him. He was surprised that she said no to the shopping. His history with women has always been about money and shopping. He was relieved because he didn’t like malls, but he saw her suitcase and knew everything she owned was in it. He wanted to take care of her. He looked into her eyes and realized she truly valued him, his touch and his attention more than what he could offer her financially. He wondered what she really knew about him. She was new to New York and from what she’s told him, she’s spent a lot of time in small towns. She didn’t show any sign of recognizing his family name.

  It was what he liked when he went to Europe. He was an unknown. That’s what it was like with her. The girls he’s met and dated in New York knew his family, knew his name and knew he was an eligible bachelor. Misty didn’t seem to care. She must know he has money now, after seeing his apartment but she still doesn’t seem to be motivated by it.

  “Let’s go then,” he said, knowing he only has one more day and night to make her stay.

  Once dressed and in the car, Charlotte reached for his hand. She wrapped her fingers through his.

  “So, tell me more about these cupcakes,” she asked, grinning. He laughed then kissed her sweetly. He kept kissing her until she finally pulled away, catching her breath. His kisses made her feel warm and excited, treasured and wanted.

  “I plan on feeding you one of the sweetest cupcakes baby,” he said, his lips curving up into a sexy grin, making her squirm. She kissed his thumb as he touched her lips. Her body was betraying her. All she wanted was to be in his arms. A moan escaped her lips as his hands rested on her hips, moving closer to her.

  The car stopped out front the Rockefeller square and she pouted as his hands released her. He couldn’t hide his pleasure. She wanted his touches. He had told himself to not rush last night but knowing that she responded to his touches now made him question how long he could hold back.

  The day raced by as he tried to be the best tour guide she’s ever had. He was born and raised in New York. His father being one of the most prominent real estate developers in the state, he has ties across the city, allowing him to just state his name and people would bend over backwards to accommodate him. Everything in New York was easy for him and he wanted to lavish this on her, for the first time ever he wanted to impress a girl.

  Once seated for dinner at Daniels, she surprised him by sliding over closer to him, placing her hand on his chest. She gazed into his bright blue eyes and smiled.

  “I had the best day of my life. I love New York and I so appreciate you giving up your Sunday to show me about. Thank you so much Josh. I know I’m not the girl for you, whoever you choose will be the luckiest girl in the world,” she said, sliding her hand off him as she moved back over to her seat.

  “Come back here Misty,” he ordered. She responded to his command. She quickly sat beside him again, feeling his warmth as he turned towards her. His hand rested on her chin as he forced her to look at him, not that she needed forcing. Looking at him was a thrill for her, exciting her more than anything she had seen that day.

  “How do you know you are not the girl for me?” he asked, confused because he thought he had been showing her just how much he wanted her.

  “You are so much more than I can have. I can’t have a relationship, I can’t fall in love and you Josh, you are so lovable,” she said with a sad smile, looking away from him. He tilted her chin back up to him, her eyes finding his again.

  “Misty, you can have me. I won’t let you leave me, no matter how much you resist,” he replied, putting an appetizer in her mouth before she could respond. She closed her lips around it, savoring the taste. Josh watched her expressions, his body twitching with arousal at her open enjoyment of the food. He couldn't wait to make her show that enjoyment at his touches.

  After dinner he escorted her back to his awaiting car. He knew he would have to tip extra for his driver spending his Sunday following them around, but he’s never had to ask him before. It’s always been Evan that’s been the ladies man. Throwing money at women that never really wanted him. Josh had sworn that he wouldn’t act like that but he knew there had been times in his past that he gave money, clothes, dinners and shows in exchange for sexual gratification. That’s all it was to him, never love. It never felt like he feels when he’s with Misty.

  She looks happy but exhausted as they enter his apartment. He leads her to the guest room.

  “Can I entice you with a nightcap before bed?” he asks her as she enters the guest bedroom.

  “I’d like that. I’m just going to change and wash up a little. I’ll join you in about twenty minutes,” she tells him. Her mind is racing. She doesn’t want to leave him but the time has come. Her flight is tomorrow at eleven. She changes into her black yoga pants and her red tank top. She packs her suitcase before brushing her teeth. She can feel her heart racing, her breathing picking up. She tries to relax by lying on the bed, controlling her breath with the exercises she was taught years ago to calm herself whenever she began to panic.

  She considers calling Jay. She misses him. He’s the closest person she has in her life, but the idea of leaving Josh tonight stops her from picking up the cell phone Josh gave her. She manages to pull herself together. She doesn’t want to waste her last few hours in New York away from him.

  She walks out to the living room, finding it empty. Searching around the kitchen, not finding him she proceeds down the hall to his study. A dim light shines underneath
the door. She knocks slowly, needing to be with him.

  “Come in,” she hears him say. She opens the door and slowly walks in. Her eyes focus on him, watching him take his eyes from the computer screen in front of him. He stares up at her. She closes the door and leans against it. Her knees feel weak as she resolves to give him all she can. He stands up from behind his desk and walks towards her. He’s barefoot in his dark denim jeans and a snug grey tee shirt, reminding her that he is real, he is all man and he wants her. His gaze set on her ignited something within her that she has never felt before. Her heart beat quickly as he stood in front of her.

  She wants to kiss him again. She wants to feel him, all of him. She has only known him for a few days but if she’s to have a one night stand wouldn't it be amazing to be with the man she has been writing about for over a month, here in the most amazing apartment she has ever seen. Would it be so wrong to be with a man that has been searching for her, telling her he was worried about her when she vanished from him? Tyler didn't even try to stop her from leaving. She shakes his image from her mind.

  She keeps her eyes on Josh, noticing his hair falling slightly over his sexy eyes, his full soft lips forming in a slow smile as he leans towards her. She breathes deeply in anticipation before his lips find hers. Her body deceives her, letting him know just how much he affects her. She kisses him back, opening her lips for him to enter her. He slowly licks her lip, nibbling it gently before his tongue enters her. She moans as his hands grip her hips, pulling her against him. She can feel his excitement as she wraps her leg around his hip, getting closer to him.

  He can’t deny his desire for her and her eagerness excites him. He swiftly picks her up and carries her back to the living room it’s closer than his bedroom. He sits down on the sofa, with her on top of him he allows her legs to fall to either side of him. She’s nervous, her inexperience showing through. With Tyler everything had happened so fast there wasn't any time to think until it was too late.