Touched

by Vicki Green

  “I’m very aware, Phillip. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice. Your payment will be in the mail.” He smiles and walks out of the room to leave.

  I sit back down and begin to contemplate what I should do now. Scrolling through her contacts again, I press Amber. The phone rings several times, and I’m about to hang up when finally, she answers.

  “Jade? What’s wrong?” Her voice is groggy. Clearly, I’ve woken her up. Looking at my watch quickly I see it’s two o’clock in the morning. “Jade?”

  “Amber. I know you don’t know me but this is Knox Dunway, a friend of Jade’s and I…” I’m cut off quickly by the loudest squealing noise. Moving the phone away from my ear, I look at it to see if we are still connected. Finding we are still online I place it back against my ear to hear the girl rambling.

  “Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Knox Dunway. The Knox Dunway. Wow, just wow!” The shrill of her voice is making my ear ache. “Wait! What’s wrong? Why are you calling me on Jade’s phone? How did you know her real name and great job on all the roses?” I can’t believe she said all that in one breath. Reminds me of someone.

  “Amber, please slow down. This is my first time speaking with you and apparently I need to learn how to keep up.” There is a little humor in my voice, but really I just want to go back upstairs and lay down next to Jade, making sure she’s ok.

  I hear a big deep breath and cringe at the thought of another outburst. “Sorry. Jade’s always telling me I need to breathe when talking. So, what happened? Is she ok?” Well, at least she breathed and talked a little slower.

  “She’s going to be ok, bruised and battered and pretty shaken up. She’s one tough lady.” I just wonder what would have happened if the bouncers and I hadn’t been there, a few minutes later or not at all. When I couldn’t find her at the station, I headed to the club immediately. I was so angry at her. I told her no more clients, only me. Did she think I wasn’t serious or was it just her stubbornness, her rules? Of course, my anger subsided quickly when we couldn’t open her door and then hearing her muffled screams then the panic set in. I literally thought I was having a heart attack trying to get through the door and then when we got in my heart stopped all together. I’m falling so fast and hard for my angel.

  “Thank God you were there. What scumbag did this to her? I’ll fucking kill the SOB. I’ve told her she needs to carry a gun in that purse of hers. Dammit! She’s so stubborn,” she screams in my ear again. I’m going to need to put her on speakerphone if I ever talk to her again.

  “She’s sleeping right now and I had my private physician come and check her injuries. She’s in good hands here. Can you keep an eye on her place until she returns, please? Don’t expect her back this weekend.” My eyes are getting heavier the longer I sit here. I need to end this call quickly.

  “No problem. I do it anyway. I’ll even go up and water the fifty million flowers all over her apartment. You just take care of our girl. You really like her, huh?” Snarky, but sweet. I like her.

  “More than you know. I’ll let you know if anything comes up but she’ll be fine here.” With that, I hang up, put all Jade’s belongings back into her purse and head to my bedroom. She looks uncomfortable in her dress, so I sit beside her, remove it gently and pull one of my t-shirts over her head, pulling it carefully down her body. It’s rather large on her but makes for good sleeping attire. After removing my clothes, except for my boxers, I climb in bed next to her, my head laying on my hand and watch her sleep. She’s so lovely, so beautiful and such a strong woman, but she’s also so pig headed and stubborn, yet determined. I wonder what made her work at a strip club, why that path? I need to find out. I must find out. I want to know everything about her. Not being able to keep my eyes open any longer, I lay my head down on the pillow and let them close.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Damn, it hurts to move. Rolling slowly onto my right side, I feel some relief from my sore and aching body, but bump into another body. Opening my eyes quickly I look at the intrusion. Knox. Where am I? Disoriented, I look around the room, and memories begin to flash in my mind. He brought me back to his place. This is his bedroom. My eyes move back at him, and I watch him sleep. He looks exhausted, that’s how I feel, but damn he’s even sexy when he sleeps. The five o’clock shadow of scruff on his face has turned into a ten o’clock shadow, making him look even hotter, if that’s possible. He was so caring last night, so gentle and sweet. Fuck! I’m falling in so deep, and I don’t know if I can let go enough to fall all the way. I want to, God, I want to so badly, to be able to care about someone other than myself, to have someone actually love me, but I’m not sure I can. Shivers go throughout my body, so I snuggle up to his side to get warm, laying my head on his shoulder and close my eyes.

  My eyes open slowly, squinting from the light coming in through the blinds on the window. My left eye hurts and feels swollen, but at least I could open it. The aroma of flowers fills my nose. Rolling over, I wince from the soreness in my body and the pain from my leg and bottom. I rub the sleep from my eyes and scan the room. I gasp when I see all the arrangements and bouquets of roses that were at my apartment are now filling his room. I try to sit up, but lay back down, exasperated from the pain and frustration. I’ve never really relied on anyone but myself, well Amber from time to time, but mostly I’ve always fended for myself. I’m so out of my element. I still when I hear a tap at the bedroom door, my hands immediately reaching for the covers and bringing them up to my neck. Why am I so shy now? I’m a stripper for Christ’s sake. The door opens slowly, and I’m shocked to see Knox walking in carrying a bed tray containing plates of food that are covered with silver lids, a pitcher of what looks like coffee, mugs, orange juice in a glass and a small vase with a single red rose. He casually walks over to the bed and sets the tray down at the end.

  He crosses his muscular arms over his broad chest and smiles. “Good. You’re awake.” The look of concern replaces his smile. “Are you in pain? Of course, you are. What a stupid question.” He strides to the night table, opens the top drawer and reaches inside. “Remove the covers, pull up your shirt and roll onto your right side.” What? So demanding. Doesn’t he know I’m hurt? What a stupid thought, of course he knows. My face scrunches up as I try to figure out what’s going on. “Jade.” My eyes snap to his, and he’s gotten his smile back. “I need to put this ointment on your welts and I can’t do it with you on your backside.” OH! Pushing down the covers, I grasp the hem of my shirt and pull it up to the bottom of my breasts then roll over carefully. I know he’s near when the bed dips then I feel the gentleness of his touch on my behind. “What? Did you think I was going to take you when you’re hurt,” he chuckles.

  My eyes roll on their own accord. “No! I mean, ok. I wasn’t sure what you were doing, at first but yeah, I guess that is a pretty stupid thought.” He’s still chuckling at me while applying the greasy ointment on my thigh now. I raise up a bit, leaning on my elbow with my head resting on my hand. My head turns slightly, and I give him my best smirk. “Hey, I’m injured and was a little disoriented waking up here this morning. I’ve never, ever, spent the night anywhere else and especially not with a man. Give a girl a break here.” His eyes move to me instantly, his hand stilling in midair. I look at his hand, then back to his eyes. “What?”

  “You’ve… You’ve never… You’ve never spent the night with a man before?” he stumbles over his words, a frown in place and his eyebrows lowered in confusion. His hand begins to rub the ointment in again, and I wince, his brows lowering even more. “Sorry.” He looks down at my thigh and concentrates on what he’s doing. “I’m not really that surprised, I guess. Actually, I’d have been more shocked if you had.” His hand stops again when his eyes move to mine with a look of remorse in them. “You’re a very determined woman, one who knows what she wants and what she doesn’t. I admire that about you.” My eyes are fixated on his as he continues to stare at me, then he blinks a few times and looks back as he shifts on the
bed. “Ok, time to turn onto your back again.” Grimacing, I turn over and look up at the ceiling. “Sorry, but I need to…” I look at him quickly in confusion. His hand motions at my breast that has the bite marks and without hesitation, I lift my shirt up higher until it’s uncovered. He’s actually biting his lower lip a little as he focuses on spreading the ointment on the marks. That actually feels really wonderful. Once done, he puts the cap back on the tube, places it back into the drawer and turns to me. “You can, um…” His hand motions again at my breast and I lower my shirt.

  He stands and looks down at me. “Ok! Let me help you sit up so you can eat.” Nodding, he bends, places his strong hands under my arms and helps as I try to push into a sitting position. He takes the pillow next to me, helps me move forward a little, and then places it behind me and I lean back.

  “It feels so good to sit up for a change. Thank you.” He smiles as he brings the tray over, placing it over my lap, takes a napkin from it and lays it neatly across my waist. Then he walks over and picks up a chair setting it down beside the bed and sits.

  “I hope you don’t mind but I brought enough for two.” My mouth turns up into a smile, and I nod. He uncovers the plates, and I see there’s enough food actually for four or more. “Ok, so I got a little over zealous as I didn’t know what you’d prefer,” he chuckles.

  I pick up my fork and dive into the pancakes coated with butter and syrup. “I’m so gonna pay for this later,” I said with a mouthful. He smiles and winks at me while he takes a bite of eggs and toast. As I’m chewing I begin thinking and after swallowing, I set my fork down on my plate. He stops and looks at me, his eyes showing he’s perplexed. “I never thanked you. You… You saved me last night and I never thanked you. I’m…” I look down. The tears begin forming in my eyes as my chin quivers.

  He cups my chin, raising my head and my eyes follow until I’m looking into his. “There’s no need to thank me and you were in pain and incoherent and I… I wanted to kill the bastard for touching you, for…” A tear drop falls onto his hand, and the quivering becomes worse. “I’ll never let anything happen to you again. I swear it.” He leans forward, and his mouth is on mine instantly. My lips part as his tongue seeks entrance and finds mine immediately. His lips pressing against mine hard, and I wince as we move back towards the bed. His hand moves to the back of my neck and pulls me forward, his forehead touching mine as we both breathe heavily. “I’m sorry. I have a hard time controlling myself when I’m near you and I’ve caused you more pain.” He removes his hand and sits back down, his eyes full of lust, but his breathing begins to calm.

  “Don’t be sorry for kissing me.” I smile and watch as is frown turns into a grin. I pick up my fork and take another bite, my smile not leaving as I chew.

  Both of our heads turn as a knock comes on the door, then it opens without hesitation. As a man stands in the doorway, I recognize him as Knox’s driver from the night he took me to dinner. Knox looks at me. “Jade, this is Ralph.” I nod slightly and keep my eyes on him.

  “Excuse me, sir, miss. But there’s an Amber at the front door and she’s most insistent on seeing Miss Morley.” My eyes snap to Knox and see him smiling and trying not to laugh. He looks my way, winks, then turns to Ralph.

  “I’m sure she is. Please show her up.” Ralph nods at Knox then takes a step back and closes the door. Knox then shifts on the bed and looks at me, still trying to stifle a laugh.

  “How?” I blurt.

  “Ah, I apologize but I needed to see if there was someone I should call on your behalf last night and found her in your list of contacts so I called her. She is rather…” He puts his hand over his chin as if he’s trying to find the right words. “She’s very caring of you and a most talkative girl, rather spunky.”

  I can’t hold my laughter, causing him to start laughing as well, as he described her to a T. My hand covers my bruised cheek, and my giggling dies down. “Yes, well. Amber is like the little sister I never wanted but got anyway but now, I’m glad I did. She really is very sweet.”

  “Yes, yes I am,” Amber’s voice shrills as she walks into the room. She proceeds to walk to the other side of the bed and crawls over by the tray of food, sits and takes a piece of bacon, taking a huge bite.

  Knox stands and heads for the door. “I’ll just leave you ladies alone so you can catch up with each other.” He reaches the door, opens it, but turns his head, looking right at me with a gleam in his eyes, but is clearly talking to Amber. “Be a dear and pack a bag for Jade. Ralph will come and pick it up later. She’ll be spending the weekend here.” He steps through the doorway and closed the door. Huh.

  “Ok. Now that the sex God is gone, what happened and how do you feel about spending the night last night with said God, which you never, ever do and spending the weekend here,” she asks until her face begins turning a light shade of red.

  “Girl, breathe a little when you talk, ok?” I start to lay back against the pillow when I wince in pain, but she’s quick to take ahold of my arms and helps me until I’m settled.

  “That asswipe really did a number on you, didn’t he?” I nod sadly. “Well, at least you didn’t end up in the hospital like when that bastard kept throwing you against the wall, almost breaking your back. Now, spill.”

  She gets settled on the bed and starts eating what’s left of our breakfast. “Well, a dude came in and when we got to my private room he locked the door before I knew what he was doing and then attacked me. He whipped my left thigh and bottom with his belt, bit down over my breasts, leaving huge bite marks and when I struggled he cold cocked me on my face. Fucking asshole. Now, Knox wants to take care of me and pretty much has forbidden me from going back to the club. Like he can tell me what to do. And as far as last night? I don’t really remember much since I was out from the pain meds.” She’s nodding the entire time I’m talking.

  “Well, I agree with Knox on not going back to the club and I love that he wants to take care of you. If you’ll only let him.” My head starts shaking as she speaks. “Oh, come on, Jade! Why not let someone take care of you? I know you’re an independent woman, wanting to make her own decisions and I know you can more than take care of yourself but wouldn’t it be nice to have a strong sexy God take care of you for once?” She has a point.

  “Amber, I…” Fuck! I want to tell her how I feel about him, but I’m afraid it will be in the papers. I start biting on my fingernail as the nervousness washes through me. I would love to be able to confide in her, especially since she’s really my only friend, and I do trust her, mostly.

  She gives me her famous smirk and then laughs. “Oh, my God! You can tell me. I promise my lips are sealed! Come on! We’re best friends!” Damn, she has another point.

  Against my better judgment, I decide to spill. Lord help me. “Ok, but if you tell anyone I swear to all that’s holy I will never speak to you again.” Her hand swipes across her heart, brings her hand out to me with her pinky extended, and I wrap my pinky around it, and we shake. I take a deep breath and open my mouth to release it blowing some of my long hair away from my face. “You’re sworn to secrecy now, no backing out. I’ve never felt this way before. I’m confused, happy, sad, excited, but I dunno. I don’t know if I can let go of my independence enough to let him in or stop my stubborn ways and this weekend? I’ve never spent the night with a man before and last night doesn’t count because I don’t remember it. What am I gonna do?”

  She reaches over, taking my hands in hers and smiles. “You’re gonna woman up and let him take care of you. You’re going to relax and enjoy being pampered and being here with him. You don’t want to be alone for the rest of your life and I can tell you’re falling for him fast and hard. Give in a little, live for once in your pig headed life and let yourself fall in love. You deserve it, Jade. But most of all? Don’t think about anything while you’re here, just feel.” Releasing one of my hands, she wipes away a tear on my bruised cheek, gently.

  “How’d you get so smart anyw
ay?” I ask as I start sniffling.

  “Oh, I dunno. A year of experience with this sexy lady has made my smartness grow very quickly.” A laugh escapes my mouth and after we both laugh to ease the tension, we end up finishing what’s left of the food on the tray.

  § § § §

  I left the girls alone to talk, but now I’m wondering if that was a mistake as I wouldn’t be there to defend myself. I don’t know why I’m so worried. I’m not a bad guy. I’m just a demanding man who has needs to be fulfilled and ok, so I’m not a one woman kind of man, but I’m trying desperately to change that. For Jade. I don’t know what it is about her, but I want her, need her, and I’ll do anything to get her to see that. I know she has a past. I’ve done my homework, so I know why she’s the way she is. Hell, I have a past and as far as I’m concerned, she doesn’t need to know about it, well not all of it anyway. There are some things I’d rather not dredge up or ever think about again.

  Amber finally left two hours later, and I got a lot of paperwork done in my office. When I went to check on Jade, I found her asleep, the covers thrown off her and the breakfast tray sitting on the floor next to the bed. Carefully, I pull the covers up to her shoulders and take the tray to the kitchen.

  Sitting at the table drinking a bottled water I’m lost in my thoughts. I don’t know what to do with myself. This hasn’t happened before. I feel antsy and with nothing to bide my time. I make a decision, walk quickly into the bedroom, into my walk-in closet and change my clothes. After checking on her one last time I head out the front door, take the elevator to the first floor, out of the building and begin jogging down the sidewalk. Running was always a great deterrent when I’ve felt lost, alone or just the need to release some energy. Today, I’m feeling a little bit of all those emotions. My body’s sweating after running for two miles, and I stop in the park, cross the grass and lean my back against a tree to get some shade. Pulling my bottled water from my side pouch, I guzzle about half of it, screw the lid back on tight and put it away.