Sex, Money, and the Price of Truth (The Price Series Book 2)

by PE Kavanagh

  “You useless piece of shit.”

  I keep my breath steady. She turns and I follow the razor edge of her heels as they step away from me.

  “I am growing increasingly bored by you. Are you ever going to shape up? Figure out what you’re here for?”

  I know she doesn't want me to answer and I stay quiet.

  “Look up,” she orders.

  I lift my gaze, stopping at the middle of her body. Looking at her face would incur a vicious beating.

  My body reacts to the sight of those few inches of her legs, from the bottom of her skirt to the top of her boots. There is nothing I can do to stop it.

  “You’re going to get hard? Now?” She laughs. “I know you want me. But you can’t have me. Not even the tiniest taste.”

  She steps forward so that my face nestles between her legs. I breathe her in, hungrily. I can almost just taste…

  “Smells good, doesn’t it?” She drops into a squat and now we are face-to-face. “You make me sick.”

  As quickly, she stands up, then all I can see is the top of her boot hurtling toward my head.

  * * *

  Aidan sat up, panting, trying to make sense of the brightness of the room. Tree branches through the window, oversized armoire in front of him, ornate bed covering beneath him. He jerked his head in response to the sounds in the bathroom. Someone’s here!

  She’s here. I’m here with Lola. It’s okay. I’m safe.

  He dropped back onto his forearms, trying to slow down his racing heart.

  “Fuck,” he said out loud.

  The bathroom door opened.

  After her long bath, Lola got dressed in the bathroom, but did not take the time to dry her hair. She opened the door, expecting to see Aidan snoozing on the plush bed, but he was propped up on his elbows, awake. Maybe he was too uncomfortable to sleep with her there. As she walked over, she noticed his eyes were wide open. Too wide open. He wouldn’t look at her.

  “Hey. What’s happening?”

  He turned his head slowly. “Nothing much.” He shook his head. “I just had a crazy dream. And I never have dreams. Or at least I never remember them.” He sat up and ran his fingers through his hair.

  She sat down next to him. “I told you this bed was magical.”

  “More like terrifying, actually.”

  A ribbon of fear wrapped around her chest. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

  “No.”

  His response was sharp and abrupt. Was he shaking?

  He looked up, jaw clenched. “How was the bath?"

  “Amazing. I could have sat in there for hours.”

  A smile broke through his pained expression. “Good. I’m glad.” He ran his hand over her wet hair and then leaned in to kiss her.

  He breathed her in. “You smell so good.”

  She brought her hand to his cheek and then around his neck. “You taste so good.” She took his lips and tongue, wanting to swallow him. Her warm body leaned in toward him, ready for him to reach out and take her. All he had to do was lay her down on this bed and…

  He pulled away. “We should head out. It’s getting late and I promised Tommy we would drop by before it got too late.”

  The heat moved from between her legs to the center of her chest, as if she had been kicked. She got up, a bit too quickly, and began gathering her things. Her head was spinning.

  They hardly spoke until they had arrived at their next stop, the driveway in front of a yellow farmhouse.

  He turned off the engine, and looked at her. “I feel like I did something wrong.”

  “Me too.”

  “Lola…”

  “I can’t shake the feeling that you’re hiding something. That there’s some big agenda I’m not privy to.”

  “It’s not… I’m not…”

  She turned her body to face him. “What is it, Aidan?”

  There was something sad in his eyes. “It’s nothing. I promise.”

  “It doesn’t feel like nothing.” The feeling of righteousness began to slip away as she looked at him. Stay strong, Lola!

  “Listen, we all have pasts. Sometimes mine gets heavy. We still have a lot to learn about each other.”

  Lola considered his last statement. He’d made a fair point, but it didn’t directly address her issue. She steeled herself to enter into the heart of the matter.

  “Are you attracted to me?” There was no use in mincing words.

  He didn’t flinch. “You have no idea.”

  “You’re right. I don’t.” She regretted the shakiness of her voice.

  “The answer is yes. I am deeply attracted to you. In many more ways than you could imagine. But I’m not in a rush.”

  “In a rush?” This made no sense to her.

  “Just because I’m not singly focused on getting you into bed doesn’t mean I don’t want to. It just means I’m not going to push it.”

  Something about that felt like a red flag. “Can I ask why?”

  He shook his head, then opened and closed his mouth several times, searching for the words. “It’s not something I can really explain. I just don’t think it’s a bad thing to wait. To get to know each other. To be deliberate, instead of…”

  “Okay, I get it.” She didn’t.

  “I feel like you don’t believe me.”

  “It’s odd, don't you think? I suppose I’m more accustomed to being the one having to say no.”

  “Kiss me.” It was a demand.

  “What?”

  He took her face in his hands and kissed her, with an intensity that took her breath away. Everything grew warmer.

  He moved his lips away sooner than she wanted and looked at her. He took her hand and put it on top of the new bulge in his pants. She gasped just a little at feeling him, huge and hard, pressing against the area to the side of his zipper.

  Still looking straight at her, he asked, “Do you believe me now?”

  She looked down at her hand and squeezed, mesmerized by what was underneath his jeans. “Yes.”

  They exited the car in slow motion. Lola was so engrossed by the memory of the sensation of her hand on his pants, she was nearly at the front door before she realized he was not behind her.

  “I need a minute, okay?” he said, turned away from her, with a strain in his voice.

  “Sure. Sorry.” She bit her lip not to giggle, knowing he was struggling to subdue the strain in his pants.

  A robust blonde woman opened the door while they were still recovering.

  “Hey you guys! Are you coming in, or should I bring the party out here?”

  Lola made it to the door first and put out her hand, which was rejected in place of a hug. “I’m Anna. So happy to meet you.”

  “I’m Lola. Thanks…”

  “Oh, I know EXACTLY who you are,” she said with a broad smile.

  Aidan finally made his way to the door and came in for his hug. “Anna Banana, how are you?”

  “So happy to see you! I can’t believe it took this long to get you back out here.”

  She ushered them into the house, where Tommy stood, hands on hips.

  “Well look at what the wind blew in.”

  “You’ve gotta be careful in these remote parts, my friends. You have no idea what could come blowing in your front door.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” The men moved in for a hug that danced around the room. “So good to see you here, brother.”

  They slapped each other on the back.

  Lola spoke as soon as their greeting died down. “Thanks for the invite.”

  “Lola! Great to see you again.” He looked between the two of them. “How was apple picking?”

  “Great,” she said.

  “Cold,” Aidan added. “My girl had to take a hot bath just to warm up.”

  Her brain short-circuited at the term: my girl.

  Anna furrowed her brow in confusion. “Where’d you come upon a hot bath at the orchard?”

  “I got a room at the I
nn. You know the one with the restaurant? Near downtown?”

  “Oh my gosh, I love that place! Those tubs! Sometimes we’ll just go there for the day, so I can lay in the tub for a few hours. Oooh… dreamy.”

  “It sure was,” Lola agreed.

  “Who’s hungry?”

  Aidan looked at Lola, knowingly. “I bet I know at least one person…”

  “Guilty as charged.” She shook her head and smiled.

  “She might look like a ballerina on the outside, but she’s got a Sumo wrestler hidden in there somewhere. I swear to God, that woman can eat.”

  Tommy grinned. “Oh, yeah. I knew I liked you.”

  “Let’s go out to the sunroom.”

  Tommy stepped behind his wife, holding her hips, as if they were on a conga line. Aidan slipped next to Lola, taking her hand. That hand.

  * * *

  Lola liked these people. They were smart, funny and kind - her three favorite characteristics. With them in his life, Aidan became less a mystery she would never solve and more a man who wanted someone to share his secrets with. There was something unexpected underneath his perfect exterior, a yearning that countered the blazing self-assuredness. Although she wasn’t one who ever wanted to get her hands dirty, she felt a pull to dive deep inside him and explore.

  Her hand rested lightly on his leg while he drove them home. Their previous moment, when her hand was only inches away, had dissipated some of the tension. She breathed more easily and noticed his body was more relaxed, melting into her soft touch.

  Lola didn’t understand why he wouldn’t sleep with her, but she wasn’t going to let it bother her. Maybe he was right to suggest taking it slow, which would give her a chance to sort out the lingering questions and hint of rejection appearing as figments of her overly suspicious nature. If she tried hard enough, she could begin to believe it was for the best, as he had suggested. Yes, all for the best.

  7

  Skin is Better

  LOLA HAD TOO much going on. A group of executives visiting from a California company collaborating with the magazine kept her days filled with meetings and her evenings filled entertaining them. The few hours allotted to sleep were seized by scary and sexy scenarios so vivid they left her as spent as if they had actually happened.

  Her constant state of edgy arousal would not be relieved by Aidan, due to her schedule and his reluctance, but she liked where the relationship was going. It felt normal. He’d finally struck the perfect balance of attentiveness without all that strange discomfort. Not being in physical proximity helped her appreciate the man without being overwhelmed by wanting him. If he wanted to wait, she could wait. In the meantime, their daily conversations and texts kept the fires burning.

  * * *

  AIDAN: I used to really like California. Now, I’m not so sure.

  LOLA: Don’t be mad, A. They’re leaving Friday afternoon.

  AIDAN: But that’s still days away. Can I see you this weekend?

  LOLA: Sounds good.

  AIDAN: Excellent. I will send an itinerary shortly.

  LOLA: Actually, Maddie’s got a show.

  AIDAN: A show?

  LOLA: Yeah, a huge gig at Joe’s with an orchestra. It’s going to be mind blowing.

  AIDAN: Are you inviting me to come with you?

  LOLA: Aidan, will you come to Joe’s with me on Saturday night?

  AIDAN: I’d love to. See how easy that was?

  LOLA: I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll have to check details. I can text you tomorrow.

  AIDAN: Sounds great. Can I pick you up? Can we get dinner first?

  LOLA: I’ll be going to the club early with Maddie to help her set up. But we’ll probably do something afterwards, to celebrate. Her hubby Trevor will be there. Along with hundreds of her fans.

  AIDAN: And us ;) Can’t wait.

  LOLA: Good night, Aidan.

  AIDAN: Good night, Lola.

  Trevor let Lola in to the apartment, gave her a kiss and cleared out. He knew better than to hover when the girls were were in glamour mode. Getting ready for big events together was one of her and Maddie’s favorite rituals, complete with tunes and champagne.

  Lola dragged the suitcase full of supplies into the bedroom. Maddie sat in front of her vanity mirror with enormous rollers in her hair, wearing a bright pink silk robe plastered with large purple flowers. It was something out of a fifties nightmare.

  Lola patted her friend on her oversized head. “You started without me.”

  “I need more help than you do.”

  “Ha!”

  “And I can’t let down my legions of fans. They’re expecting to be blown away. It’s gotta be ON, honey.”

  “You have never, and will never, let your fans down, Mads. You are going to make them cry tonight.”

  Maddie rapped on the vanity with her knuckles, three times. “Knock wood, babe.”

  Lola placed her hands on her friend’s shoulders. “How are you feeling today?”

  There was no need for further explanation between the two women. Maddie took a heavy breath. “I’m okay. There’s always next month.” She picked up a thick eyeliner pencil and twirled it in her fingers. “Everyone says infertility kills your spirit. I’m not going to let that happen, Lo.”

  “No you won’t, Mads. You are stronger than all of this. That perfect baby is finding her way to you.”

  “Yes,” Maddie answered, in a tone that was not entirely convinced. She looked over at the suitcase. “Let’s see what you’ve got in there.”

  Lola unloaded the large case, laying out the options on the bed.

  “Ooooh, the red one! You have to wear that, Lola. That dress has been collecting dust in your closet forever.”

  “Since you forced me to buy it.”

  “That’s what best friends are for. That dress needs to be on your body. If that doesn’t turn your dry spell around, I’m not sure what will.”

  “Don’t make me regret telling you about it.”

  Maddie gave her an exasperated look. “Really? As if there was anything you wouldn’t tell me? Be serious, Lo.”

  Lola exhaled, knowing her best friend was right. “You really think the red dress? It’s not too much?”

  “My only concern is that you will upstage me. But I’m willing to concede this one. Getting you laid apparently takes a village.”

  “Thanks, Mads. That’s just great.”

  “I am the bringer of truth,” she said with a graceful float of her arms.

  “You’re the bringer of something… that’s true.”

  They burst out laughing and continued their preparations.

  The commotion at the club was visible from a block away, a large group bustling outside the front door. Aidan followed the instructions to give his name directly to the bouncer and entered to find the space already full of people. This was a bigger deal than he expected.

  Seeing Maddie perform was going to be great, but what had left him out of sorts all day was seeing Lola. It had been six days, and her absence felt heavy in his body. Remembering those few seconds when her hand was on him had fueled numerous masturbation sessions that week. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out.

  “Aidan, right?” A large, dark-skinned man smiled at him. Aidan rarely felt dwarfed by other men, but this guy could envelop him completely.

  “Hi… yeah… uh…”

  “I’m Trevor, Maddie’s husband. The ladies sent me to find you. And I’m not allowed back there, in the dressing room. Bad juju, apparently, according to my wife.”

  They laughed and slapped hands.

  “Hey, how did you find me?” Aidan scanned the mass of bodies in the enormous space.

  “They described you really well. I thought they were crazy - gold eyes? - but they were right.”

  Aidan wondered what else Lola had said about him. “Well, I appreciate you coming to get me. I’m not sure I would have ever found you guys in this crowd. I’ve never seen Joe’s this packed.”

  “Y
eah, my wife can bring them in. Just wait. You’ll see,” he said with a nod. “The three of us have that table all the way up front.” Trevor pointed over the heads of everyone around him. Aidan had to stand on his toes to see where he had indicated.

  Something red caught his eye. It was Lola, sauntering across the stage. That dress. He swallowed hard, heat taking over his throat, his jaw, and his cheeks. It was as if someone had run a red-dipped paintbrush over her body. The material was completely opaque, but he could see the outline of her breasts, the ripple of her stomach, the curve of her ass.

  She greeted and smiled at the musicians setting up, lingering a bit longer with one of them, who took her hand and kissed it. She laughed as she walked to the edge of the stage and stepped down, out of his sight.

  Trevor was already moving through the crowd, but Aidan stood frozen. It had been a very long time since he’d been disarmed by a woman. The sight of her had just broken something inside him. He had no idea whether it was a good thing or a disaster.

  Lola caught sight of Trevor’s shiny head towering over the rest of the crowd, heading toward her, and then Aidan, several steps behind. She could only make out the top half of his head, but that was enough. His eyes were on fire.

  She stopped where she was and waited for them to make it the few feet to where she stood. Aidan stepped directly in front of her, their bodies buoyed by the movements of the crowd. He wrapped his arm around her, a palm landing on her bottom. He pulled her into him and kissed her, more in declaration than greeting.

  He held her for so long, and so tightly, she had to pull away to take a breath.

  “Hi,” she said, only an inch or two away from his face.

  “Lola.” He exhaled her name.

  Once again, Maddie had been 100% correct. The dress did exactly what it was supposed to.