by A. E. Murphy
A LITTLE BIT OF CRAZY
(Part One)
By
A.E. Murphy
The characters and events in this book are fictional. Any similarity to real persons, either living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
© 2013, [Alexandra Murphy]
Amazon Kindle Edition.
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.
Prologue
Subtlety, not exactly my best trait. In fact where I’m concerned it’s completely none existent. That’s why as a teen I got caught sneaking out or in from parties. It’s why I got caught taking my dad’s favorite cars. It’s why I got caught by my dad for so many different things… so yep, subtlety. Not my thing.
I can give you one example that still tickles me greatly. So, I got a call from someone, name forgotten, they told me about a party at the burnt patch. There was a small forest fire that left a large clearance of dead ground where all the “cool” and “hip” people hung out to drink and stuff. Unfortunately my dad didn’t agree with me partying so I was on lock down as usual. Probably grounded from sneaking out the previous weekend.
I felt crafty and totally awesome when I made it to the garage undetected and slotted myself into my dad’s BMW which by the way… he never used. Before I could put it in drive the lights came on and I saw my dad descend the stairs leading to the basement car park where unfortunately I was now sat. Crap.
Of all nights he chooses the BMW, this night had to be it. So I hastily climbed into the back and scrunched myself behind his seat cringing as he climbed in. Double crap. Luckily he turned up the music, Guns and Roses so he couldn’t hear me breathing. We drove for ages, he stopped at a burger place at one point ordered a shake and a couple of burgers.
Very sneakily I reached out whilst he was looking the other way and nabbed his half eaten burger. What can I say? I was hungry. He only vaguely noticed but probably assumed he’d eaten it himself. So, yeah. All of that happened and he was still oblivious. Then I got thirsty. Really thirsty. He’d turned the heating up to the max in the back and the front. I became sweaty, I was ready to jump out of the window when he turned the air con on and the car froze making my teeth chatter. Then up, then down. This went on for an hour whilst he sang at the top of his lungs to ‘welcome to the jungle’. Even made his voice screech and did the air guitar at red lights and stop signs. Totally humiliating but frigging hilarious.
So anyway, after the hundredth time of messing with the heating I got tired and achy and my back hurt, no doubt I’d be stuck in this position for life and then I got thirsty. Thankfully we pulled up somewhere. I daren’t lift my head to get a good luck. I used this moment to down his drink and stupidly turn the heating down.
When he got back in the car he was all, “what the hell? Why’s the heating down?” and turned it back up again before taking off. We ended up parking up in a deserted car park and another car pulled up beside us. Then a woman climbed into the passenger seat of the car we were in…
This next part will scar me for life. So she jumps my dad and they start full on making out. So bad her ass kept hitting the horn and the car began shaking. Then I heard a zip. My dad moan and all hell broke loose.
I screamed, loud and long, scrambled over the passenger seat and out of the car. I just almost witnessed my dad having sex. Can you imagine?
When I finally stopped freaking out they both laughed so hard my dad fell to his knees and clutched his stomach as if in pain. Then he explained. “Honey, next time you make a phone call saying you’re going to sneak out and how I’ll never notice my car gone, don’t do it right outside my office.”
The bastard tricked me, the entire four hours in his car was for show. Down to the last detail. The crafty bastard. Funnily enough we became the best of friends after that ordeal.
So yeah, like I said. I’m not subtle.
My thing however, that I am good at is working!
Working, then partying, shopping, more partying, sex, lots and lots of amazing sex with hot boys. Freedom, another thing I enjoy immensely, my freedom. Freedom to party, freedom to work, freedom to shop, freedom to have lots of mind blowing sex.
So the reason for my outburst which you will see shortly is completely fair. I love my freedom, cling to that. That simple word that means so many things… freedom.
“Nope, not happening,” I scoff and sip my red wine, which tastes awful. My dad does have peculiar tastes when it comes to alcohol. Give me Amaretto on the rocks any day compared to this glass of grapes and vinegar! Yuck.
My dad sighs and sits back in his armchair, “It’s a great idea. James is a fine man.”
“I don’t doubt that one bit, he’s handsome, charming, got a great body…”
“Please, Maya…”
“Smart, knows the business, he’s perfect. He’ll make a fine husband to his future wife. That is not me by the way,” I say with a determined nod. End of discussion.
“Please Maya,” Apparently not. “He knows the business as well as I do, he’s trustworthy, with him at your side you won’t need to do half as much as what I do. You’ll be able to spend time with your future family. Together you could be great.”
Nope not happening. I sigh and look toward the crackling fire, a fireplace I know so well, a fireplace I’ve had sex in front of on many occasions. That will never happen again, that thrill, that excitement. Being married, especially an arranged marriage, it just seems so final. No more wild nights out. Double sigh.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no whore, I’ve only slept with four people. I’m twenty one, fresh out of university with a degree in chemistry and preparing myself for the day I’ll take on my father’s pharmaceutical business on top of my own half. Hopefully later rather than sooner.
“Baby,” he says his voice low, his blue eyes brimming with emotion. “There is one other thing.” Later… later… later. I inhale sharply, I can see by the look in his eyes this is going to be bad. “Chemo failed.”
“What?”
“It fa…”
“I heard you!”
I look into his tired eyes and notice how weary he’s become, how sallow his skin is. Once golden now yellow and hanging from his bones. His gorgeous blue eyes now dark and misty, full of pain. His lung cancer has been a long battle, one we were certain he would win. He’s only fifty for crying out loud! And he’s always been healthy, this can’t be happening.
“How long,” my voice croaks, barely above a whisper.
He opens his arms and I run into his large soft chest. Inhaling deeply whilst letting his warmth envelope me. “With these new tablets I’m on and treatments they think six months to a year.” The tears begin to flow, heavy, large tears of pure sorrow. How can I lose this man I love so much? “James really does think the world of you. You know that.”
I can barely manage a nod. My entire body shakes with shudders and sobs as I cry, effectively soaking his shirt.
“I’m sorry I’m not going to be there to see you have kids,” he mumbles and kisses the top of my head. “I’m so sorry princess.”
For my daddy, I’ll do anything. Anything. Screw freedom. If this is his last request then I’ll do it. “I’ll marry him. If he asks.” I feel my dad’s entire body sag with relief. I’m glad to put him at ease.
CHAPTER ONE – ONE YEAR LATER
“Maya Johnson speaking,” I practically yawn into the phone but it’s disconnected before I get a reply. I slam the receiver down and sink back into my leather office chair. It spins.
“Someone sounds, umm
cheerful,” I look up to the broad shouldered, muscled, toned, golden, dark haired, male leaning against the doorframe to my office.
I roll my eyes, “Hi James.” Fake cheery voice, full blast. “So happy you entered without knocking… could have been doing,” someone. “Anything.” Just kidding.
He meets my eyes with his mesmerizing greens, so green they put the first leaves of spring to shame. Chuckling slightly he steps into my office, his eyes never leaving mine. “Did you have a nice trip?”
“Uh-huh,” grumpy tone back on. “Thanks for covering for me.”
“So my dearest wife, are you actually going to be home tonight?” James sighs. I stare at my computer.
“Probably, I’m tired.”
His fists clench at his sides, “So this is how it’s going to be. Christ Maya we’ve been married almost two months. You haven’t been home at all.”
“That’s hardly my fault, I spent the first month caring for my dying father. Then organizing his funeral. Then…”
“Partying with men that aren’t your husband in Las Vegas.” He growls and slams a magazine down on my desk. I look at the page he turns it to and cringe, not because of the males clustered around me and my best friend but because of how pissed I look. Classy. “You promised.”
“No… you asked and I said, hmm.” I raise an eyebrow. “Why are you so bothered?”
His face goes blank, something he does when he doesn’t want to reveal his feelings, although that assessment is pretty obvious. I’ve known him long enough to know he’s aggravated by the way his fists are clenched so tight his knuckles are white and his arm muscles are practically bulging out of his suit jacket. “Because you’re my wife. Do you know how bad this looks on me?”
“Why? Because a bunch of guys surrounded me at a table?” I laugh out loud and shake my head. Whatever. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Throw me a bone here… I’ve been good to you right? I helped you with your father. I’ve been there for you since we met!”
I look at his handsome face, equipped with perfect nose, strong chiseled jaw and thick wavy brown hair. He is the epitome of sexy. Growl.
Ok girl, get your libido in check.
“Yes,” I sigh and stand from my seat, perching on the edge of the desk with my arms crossed. “I’m sorry.”
“Did you have sex with them?” he blurts and reaches out to wind a strand of my hair around his finger. I look up at him, leaning back onto my hands on my desk, crossing my legs as I settle my gaze on him. “Tell me honestly.”
“Why? Will it change anything?” I say with a smirk.
“It’ll let me know if you actually fancy me or not,” he shrugs and drops the lock of dark brown hair. “I just,” pause. “Need to know.” I stand up and step closer to him, watching his throat as he swallows. “Don’t give me that look. Just tell me.”
My smirk becomes a mischievous grin, “Why James. I do believe you’re blushing.” My fingers trace his jaw.
“Don’t Maya,” he hisses as I trail my fingers down his tie. “Please.”
I’m predator, he’s the mouse. He takes a step back, I take a step forward. Step back, step forward and so on until his back hits the door. “You’re right. I’ve been neglectful.”
My libido perks up at my inner erotic thoughts at what I could do to the god of a man stood before me. “What are you doing?” he practically whispers as I press my body flush with his and flick the lock on the door. “Maya.”
“What?” I murmur and press my lips against his jaw. Leaning into his neck I inhale deeply, he smells like fresh laundry and expensive men’s shaving foam. He’s always smelled that way, it’s always turned me on. Meow. “Mm, you smell good.”
“Stop trying to distract me,” he groans but his hands grip my hips and pull me into his solid length. We shudder at the feeling, and I relish the little happy grunt that escapes him as I graze his neck with my teeth. “Maya. Please.”
“You wanted to know if I fancy you… here’s your answer,” I grin and slam my lips to his. There isn’t a second of hesitation in his kiss, maybe a little shock at first but then it’s eager. I know how he feels about me, I’ve always known. Ever since I turned nineteen, effectively becoming more of a woman, he acted like a love sick puppy.
I had better control of myself around him than he did around me. Although I wanted to screw him badly but I knew with him he would want more. He’s a typical guy with typical needs but I’m his equal, I’m my father’s daughter and I’m quirky as hell. What’s not to like? Right?
Wrong, I honestly don’t get why men are attracted to me. I’m flaky, irresponsible and sometimes downright mean. Yet I’ve had many a man wanting my hand. James is the only one who I know that truly wants me for me. Because he already has what I have.
His tongue probes my lips, I give him entrance and brush my tongue against his. He tastes like mint and coffee and man. Mm, man. Shit, what have I eaten today? I had a caramel latte about thirty minutes ago. No food yet. Good, I should be sweet.
The growl that vibrates through his chest is almost enough to make me come on the spot. Christ that’s sexy. His large hands slide up to my waist, his thumbs brushing the underside of my breasts.
What bra am I wearing?
Who cares? It’ll be on the floor in a second.
Good call libido.
I do my best.
I wrap my fingers in his thick hair, tugging him down to me. I’m wearing four inch stiletto heels so I’m only a couple of inches shorter than him, when I’m not wearing them my head fits perfectly under his chin. It’s kind of cute to an onlooker, we definitely make a hot couple according to gossip magazines.
Off the subject yet again… What am I doing? I’m literally having a mind blowing kiss and thinking about nonsense.
My hands find the buttons of his jacket and slowly work them open. His lips stay attached to mine as he shrugs it off and throws it somewhere on the dark wood floor. My stomach burns with need, it’s been too long. Far too long.
I’m surprised my lady hole hasn’t run off to find a different body.
She’s biding her time. Saddle up before it’s too late!
“Maya,” he whimpers as I tongue the flickering pulse on his neck, working the tie from his shirt. Must get clip-ons. Just in case he is actually any good when it comes to the bumping of the nasties. If he’s not then I can use the tie as an excuse for a while. He sure likes his ties. “Please. Don’t toy with me.”
“How long has it been?” I ask as my fingers work the belt of his black trousers.
He gulps and his eyes meet mine, “Since before I asked you to marry me.”
“I thought…” Wait what? We were supposed to spend the time from our engagement to our wedding celebrating our last months of freedom. “What?” I don’t realize I’ve stopped moving until James grips my hands in his and pulls them away from his almost undone belt. “Why?”
“I’ve done all of that, it doesn’t interest me anymore,” he shrugs and gives me a weak smile, grabbing his tie from the ground. “I’m guessing by that guilty look on your face you did screw someone in Vegas. I hope you at least used protection.”
“James,” I say as he pulls his jacket on. I’m still in shock at his revelation. Why the hell didn’t he use his last months of freedom? Has he really been waiting for me? I thought he was as pissed about this marriage as I am. He certainly gave me a lot of headaches about it that’s for sure and he was constantly angry with me up until our wedding day. “I…”
“Just stop with the men, ok?” he grumbles. “Or at least… I dunno. Give me a shot. You may be surprised.”
“You’re the one redressing, I never gave you permission,” I flick at the bulge in his pants and giggle. His face turns stony and he rips my hand away causing me to gasp a little at the speed and aggression. “James.”
“Stop saying my name,” he snaps turning his angry glare on to me. “Why did you bother marrying me? Really? For your dad? Christ, wasn’t there
an ounce of you that actually wanted this?”
What the hell do I say to that? Say something clever. Something witty to defuse the situation. “Umm…” Nice Maya, real fucking nice.
I hate you right now.
Shut up… stupid libido.
“I got my answer,” he laughs humorlessly and pushes away from me. He runs his hands down his face. “I let you fuck off to Vegas. I let you party every night. Christ, I let you wrap me around your little finger and for what? Huh? So you can treat me like an idiot for a bunch of drunken males?”
I sigh and reach over to touch him, feeling oddly guilty, unfortunately he pulls back. Then I just watch as he storms out of the door, slamming it so hard behind him a picture of us on our wedding day falls to the floor and cracks.
Talk about timing. How messed up is that?
CHAPTER TWO
Bending down I pick up the photo of me in my wedding dress, my husband beside me. I remember how all day he was smiling, laughing and smiling and watching me. At the time I couldn’t stop thinking how good an actor he was, but seeing the blatant hurt in his eyes today, now I’m wondering if he was acting at all. It matched the look on his face from when I told him I was going to Vegas. Now that conversation is on my list for unpleasant conversations.
I thought it was annoyance because he’d have to take on my workload but now (suddenly feeling like an idiot), remember how he said we’d both go together and I told him not to worry about it, I was going with Summer, Jessica and Marie my three best gal pals. Fuck.
“Call me on my cell,” I holler at my secretary/personal assistant as I dash out of my office, into the sparse white hall and towards the elevator. Come on… please don’t have left yet.