“Hi,” she said breathily. “I’m Ayanna.” She walked over and put her hand out.
“Jonathan.” He shook her hand, barely paying her any mind, then turned to Ryann. “If this isn’t a good time, I can just drop the pizza off for you. I thought you might need some food.”
Ayanna jumped in. “No, please stay. We’re both starving, and it’s perfect timing.” She beamed her best smile.
Jonathan looked at her, then back to Ryann. Ryann was nodding, “Yes, please stay. It’s about time you two met each other, anyway! I feel like you guys should already know each other. I’ve certainly talked about each of you to the other a million times.”
Jonathan White was Ryann’s colleague at the Academy who now lived a few floors above her. Because he was her friend who had been on the co-op board of the building, he was able to tell her when this unit had become available. Ryann had mentioned to him that she’d wanted to make the move out of the burbs and into the City, so when Jonathan told her of this place, she took a look at it, immediately fell in love, and put in an offer.
Jonathan had been a good friend. A former Wall Street investor, he had an epiphany in his late 20’s and decided he wanted to give back to society. Earning his teaching certification in Business, he was hired as the teacher of Business and Finance at the Academy, and had been a huge help to her when she had needed to invest Brent’s life insurance money.
At 30, he had a studious handsomeness about him, and was dressed in brown denim pants, coupled with a red and white checked button down, with the sleeves rolled up. Finishing his look were his trademark wire rimmed glasses highlighting his baby blue eyes. His close cut sandy colored hair topped his head, which reached about six feet, one inch into the air. The female students at the Academy were gaga over him.
During the last school year, she had wondered if he’d had feelings for her beyond friendship. But then again, what did she know? Her “man” radar had never worked properly, according to Ayanna.
He nodded, “Yeah. Good to finally meet you,” he said to Ayanna. Then turning back to Ryann, he said, “So how did the move go? Looks like everything fits.” He set the pizza and bottle of red wine on the coffee table.
“Yup. Everything fits. So welcome to my humble abode.” She smiled then added, “I’ll just go get us some plates and stuff so we can eat. I’ll be right back.”
Ayanna didn’t offer to help, but stayed behind with Jonathan.
It only took her a minute or two to get the plates and glasses. So when she came back into the living room, she was surprised to see Ayanna and Jonathan in what looked like a heated discussion. When she entered, she heard the tail end of Jonathan’s comment, “Is this your modus operandi, Ayanna?”
She cleared her throat when she walked in and they both turned to look at her. Ayanna’s face was flushed with what looked like embarrassment, and Jonathan looked as cool as a cucumber. What the hell had just happened?
Ryann looked between the two of them and said, hesitantly, “Everything okay in here?” She gave Ayanna a pointed look.
“Everything’s great!” Ayanna said breezily. “Jonathan and I were just getting to know each other better,” she smiled brightly. “Let’s eat!”
Ayanna sat down on the sofa, and Jonathan sat on the single stuffed chair, the farthest point away from Ayanna. Yup. Something definitely had happened.
They opened the wine, then the pizza box, and dug in.
Conversation was a little stilted. If she didn’t know any better, she would think Ayanna had put the moves on Jonathan, and he turned her down. She would’ve believed it, had the idea not been so preposterous. She had never known a man not to succumb to Ayanna’s charms.
After a very awkward 10 minutes, she heard another knock at the door. What is this, Grand Central Station? No one had called on the intercom again, so who could it be?
Ryann looked through the peephole, and nearly threw up.
She cleared her throat, and stepped away from the door. How on earth did he find me? she thought. She hadn’t mentioned her new address to him the other night.
She swallowed, then stepped back and opened the door.
God, did he look good.
Jeremy McCallister stood tall and lean in his black Armani V-neck that fit him like a glove showing off his well formed chest and muscled arms. He wore faded Levi’s, faded in all of the right places, and a pair of black and gray hiking sneakers. His dark hair was sexily tousled, and his green eyes bore into her.
Her body completely overheated in a matter of two seconds, and she stood there with what, she was sure, was a dumbfounded look on her face. She tried not to run her hand over her sloppy hair, and dusty clothes. All she could think about was the last time they were together in her house, and the warning he’d given. Well, at least she had one question answered. He was definitely interested.
He was looking intently at her, his eyes amused. “Hello, Ryann.”
She squeaked out a “Hi.”
“Are you going to invite me in?”
Weren’t humans not supposed to invite vampires in?
“I’m sorry,” she blurted. “Please, come in.” Her stomach was in complete knots, and she was racking her brain to figure out how she was going to get through the next few moments.
Flustered, she stepped aside and let him in.
When Jeremy saw Ayanna and Jonathan, he said, “Oh, I hope I’m not interrupting anything. I didn’t realize you had company.”
Ryann took a deep breath. “No, we were just having some pizza and wine. This is Ayanna, my best friend. We grew up together. And this is Jonathan, a colleague of mine from the Academy. He lives in the building and was the one who told me about the unit when it became available. Guys, this is Jeremy McCallister.” She paused to give Ayanna a look, who had a restrained giddiness about her. “Jeremy is Tabitha Lowe’s son, the artist? He and I met the other night at his mother’s art showing.”
Ryann cleared her throat, while they all shook hands. Then Jeremy looked back at her.
She was so flustered, she had to stand there another moment before she could get her bearings. Wait, how had Jeremy gotten up here? “I didn’t hear the intercom. How were you able to get up here?”
“Coincidentally, George, your doorman downstairs, was a doorman at the building where I first lived. We recognized each other, and he let me up so I could surprise you.” He gave her a pointed look. “Surprised?”
She wanted to smack that look right off of his face. She suddenly realized she had a pretty good idea how he found out where she lived, and she wasn’t sure she was happy about it. How did he get his hands on her application at the Institute when he didn’t start on the board until the next day?
At the same time, she felt warm and gooey inside. What woman wouldn’t be thrilled to know that a gorgeous man who she happened to be madly in lust with, made an effort to find her? All because he wanted her. It was a bit stalkery, but in a good way, right? She knew his family, so he couldn’t be that bad. His mom and aunt gave him rave reviews. But somehow that didn’t surprise her.
Her breasts began to tingle and tighten, and she crossed her arms over her chest so no one could see her nipples harden.
It was his presumption that pissed her off. He couldn’t just show up expecting everything to be hunky dory. There were issues that needed to be talked through. And the way that he had gone about getting her address just proved that this relationship was probably unwise.
So here she was thrilled, aroused and pissed. She was a mess.
“Yes, I am surprised,” finally answering Jeremy’s question, giving him a look. “Would you like to join us?”
“I would love to. Thanks for asking.”
She blinked. Why did she think he was going to say no? She needed a moment to figure this out. “Let me go get another plate and glass,” she said, glaring at him. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll help you,” Ayanna said, and grabbed her arm propelling her into the kitchen.
They walked into the kitchen, and Ryann grabbed the countertop to steady herself. She took a deep breath, turned on the faucet, and wet her hands, placing them on her heated cheeks.
“O.M.G., Ry!” Ayanna said while fanning herself. “He. Is. Gorgeous!” whispered furiously. “He came over! This is awesome! How did he find you?”
Ryann dried her hands, and grabbed another plate and wine glass. She was taking deep breaths, trying to fight off hyperventilating.
“Here, I’ll take these,” she said keeping her voice low. “You look like you’re going to fall over. Take a deep breath, sweetie. This is a good thing. We were wondering what his next move was going to be, and now we know. You’re ready for this, baby. Come on. We don’t want to be in here too long. He’ll know we’re talking about him. We don’t want him to think you’re that affected.”
And with that, Ayanna propelled her right back out again, without Ryann having muttered a word.
“Here ya go, Jeremy. Have a piece of pizza. Would you like some wine?” Ayanna asked.
“That would be great, thanks.”
Ayanna moved to the arm of Jonathan’s chair and sat, swinging her foot, leaving a space open next to Ryann on the sofa.
Jeremy sat next to Ryann toward the middle of the sofa, stretching out his long legs, crowding her. He reached for some pizza, while Jonathan poured him some wine.
Ryann was so nervous, she was finding it difficult to eat. Instead, she took a huge swig from the wineglass that Jonathan poured for her, hoping it would help calm her nerves.
When Jonathan handed his wine to him, Jeremy said. “So, Jonathan, you teach at the Academy? My cousin attended there. Robbie Callahan?”
“Robbie is your cousin?” Jonathan asked with a genuine smile. Jeremy nodded. “Great kid. And an awesome student. How was his first year at Yale?”
While Jeremy gave Jonathan a quick summary of Robbie’s year, Ryann sat back and watched the exchange. She started to relax. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. Ayanna looked at her with a gleam in her eye, then placed her hand on the back of Jonathan’s chair. He glanced back at her, but continued talking with Jeremy.
Yup, Ayanna was definitely making a move.
Eventually, Jonathan was brushing his hands of the pizza crumbs. “Ryann, I’m gonna get going.” Ryann looked startled, and was about to protest when Jonathan continued. “You’ve had a long day, and you’ll have another long day tomorrow given that it’s graduation and all. Get some rest.” He stood, and added, “Why don’t we go together? That way you can see what subways to take for when the fall semester starts up again.”
Ayanna got up too. Ryann glanced at Jeremy, then back at Jonathan.
Jonathan smirked at the exchanged looks, then said, “We should probably leave around noon. Does that work for you?”
“That sounds great.” She got up and began walking him to the door.
“You know what, Ry? I’m gonna get going, too. Jonathan’s right. You have a nice visit with Jeremy, and I’ll see you tomorrow night. We’re still going out for drinks after graduation, right?“
“Yeah, definitely...but you don’t have to leave.”
She gave her a kiss and a hug, and whispered, “Have fun” in her sing songy voice.
Ryann’s stomach was churning.
Ryann turned to Jonathan. “Thank you so much for stopping by, and for bringing the dinner. Really.”
“You’re very welcome.” He smiled kindly. Then he called over her shoulder, “Nice to meet you Jeremy. Give my best to Robbie, would you?”
“You bet. Nice to meet you as well,” Jeremy said standing near the sofa.
Jonathan looked back at Ryann. “Don’t stay up too late, ok?” He glanced over her shoulder at Jeremy, then back at her. “See you tomorrow.” Then he turned and walked out.
Ayanna reached her hand out. “Wait up, Jon. I want to talk to you about something.” She turned back to Ryann with a sparkle in her eye. She also called out to Jeremy. “Bye, Jeremy. It was great to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again.” Then she smiled at Ryann, and said, “Love you, sweetie.”
“Love you, too.”
Ryann closed the door, took a deep breath, and turned to face Jeremy.
Chapter 11
Ryann looked at Jeremy, and swallowed, her hands beginning to fidget. Jeremy was standing in front of the sofa, his thumbs hooked in his waistband, his stance casual.
But his eyes were anything but. They were thirsty, drinking in every inch of her, starting at her red painted toe nails, then moving up her body, settling for a moment at the juncture of her legs, then her breasts, and finally stopping when he met her eyes.
She felt as if she’d just been swallowed whole in one big gulp.
Ryann blushed and looked down.
“Do I make you nervous, Ryann?”
“What are you doing here, Jeremy?” she said in a disgruntled manner, looking up at him.
He began to walk toward her. She put up her hand to stop him.
“What are you doing here?” she asked again.
He took a moment and just looked at her. Then said, “If you have to ask, then I apparently didn’t make myself clear on Friday night.”
If that didn’t just make her heart rate pick up. Along with the now familiar sensation between her legs, she was becoming used to this normal occurrence whenever he was around. Her body had been in the desert for two and half years, and it was apparently making up for lost time. Her slick sex began to throb.
She had to gain a semblance of control over her body, so she mentally shook herself, and asked the question that had been burning in her brain…even though she had a feeling she knew the answer.
“How did you find out where I had moved to in the City?”
He hesitated only a moment. “You’re a smart woman. I think you know the answer to that already.” His eyes watched her.
“Jeremy, this is exactly why this is a bad idea,” she sighed, all the while wishing he hadn’t taken his mother’s position on the board. “And for a number of other reasons,” she muttered, and looked away.
He looked at her intently, curious. “What are the other reasons?”
She looked up at him and said dryly, “Jeremy, it’s obvious you always get what you want, but I’m not interested in being one of your girl toys.” She could feel herself getting flustered. God, she hated that he did that to her.
“Friday night…what happened…I’m not that kind of woman…who just…allows a man to do that to her,” she blurted out, completely red in the face from embarrassment. “I’m sure you do that kind of thing all of the time, given your…prowess, and the way you talked to me at the showing. I mean, you didn’t even know me, and obviously, the things you were saying to me…” she stuttered. “Look, I have no interest in being one of the many women you chase around on a regular basis, okay?”
She let go of a harsh exhalation, and stammered, “I think it’s best if we just… pretend Friday didn’t happen.” She knew Ayanna would be smacking her upside the head if she were there. She could hear her now. Just enjoy it! she’d be screaming.
He continued standing there, his hands now in his pockets, examining her, his eyes beginning to narrow. Then he walked slowly toward her and stopped within a foot from where she stood.
Ryann looked up at him warily.
“Well. It looks like you have me all figured out, don’t you?”
Ryann continued to look at him with uncertainty.
He stepped closer, putting himself within mere inches of her body. She could feel his heat, smell his scent. She steeled herself.
His hands were still in his pockets, and he leaned in to inhale at her neck. His voice dropped low. “Do you know what I’ve been thinking about for the last two days?”
He hovered at her neck, and continued speaking. “How I can’t seem to get you out of my head.” Pause. “I’ve never chased a woman in my life.”
Ryann could hear her breathing hitch.
Now that she’d heard him say it, that didn’t surprise her. It was likely the other way around. He was standing so close, her nerve endings stood on end.
“And here I am chasing you.” Pause. “Why is that, I wonder?” he whispered. He seemed genuinely disconcerted by the question he asked himself.
He slowly moved his face to the other side of her neck, and inhaled again, still not touching her.
Why aren’t you touching me?! she wanted to scream. It felt like her skin was on fire, getting hotter and more sensitive as he continued to speak.
“Let’s clear up a couple of your points, shall we?” he whispered, his mouth now near her ear. He stepped even closer, now pressing her lightly to the door, still keeping his hands in his pockets. This seemed to be his favorite placement of her…up against the wall.
“Jeremy,” she said shakily, “I don’t think –”
“Number one. You’re right about one thing. I do always get what I want. And it seems,” he paused, “that I want you.”
He moved his face from her neck, and looked her in the eye. She tilted her head back quite a bit to reach his gaze, as if it was magnetically pulled there. His lids were heavy over his gorgeous green eyes, now darkened with resolve.
She whispered. “It’s obvious you could have any woman you want.” She looked down. “Why do you want me? I’m not a ‘sure thing’, I can promise you that.”
He chuckled, and finally took one of his hands out of his pocket. He put a finger under her chin and tilted it up to reach his gaze again.
“Ryann, I think it’s safe to say that from the moment I met you, I knew you wouldn’t be easy. And that’s very...refreshing.”
Ayanna had said the same thing. She sighed. “Jeremy, you’re not really interested in me. You’re interested in the challenge, the chase. And I don’t want –”
He interrupted her, his jaw clenching, anger lighting up his stare. “Number two. Since the moment we spoke to each other, you’ve had this preconceived idea of me. And I’m not exactly thrilled with the man you think I am. I’ve had my share of women, Ryann, for which I’m not going to apologize. I’m a very sexual person. But I’m not indiscriminate. I choose who I want to be with very carefully, and much to your surprise, I’m sure, I’m not in the habit of crowding beautiful women into corners at art showings to tell them what I want to do to them,” he said wryly. “You seem to bring out…a lack of control in me…that I’m not quite comfortable with,” he said with a frown.
Release (Iris Series) Page 8