“You know what, fine. You win. I’m done. It’s only a matter of time before you get bored with me and cheat anyways. This competition was everything to me and I let you distract me. Lukah, we can’t be together. I’m pulling out of this competition too,” I say while staring into his deep hazel eyes.
“Savannah wait, don’t do this. Don’t leave. We can fix this.”
“No. I knew we were too different to make this work. Sure, we work behind closed doors. But we come from two completely different worlds. This will never work in the long run. Goodbye, Lukah.” I reply.
“Savy, stop. I love you. Please don’t go.” He yelled as I ran out the front doors.
I hear Lukah yelling my name, but I jump into the first cab I see and give Momma’s address. I refuse to let someone believe I slept my way into this. I’ve worked my ass off to be here, but apparently that doesn’t matter. I didn’t even know who he was until after I was accepted into the competition, but again that doesn’t matter. I just don’t belong here.
I can’t do this.
Now he thinks he loves me. How? We’ve only just met. Only just started to get to know each other. Sure, the sex is amazing, the connection’s phenomenal, but we barely know each other.
I rushed into this. We went from a date, to fucking, to a relationship in the blink of an eye. And to think I actually thought I was in love with him. I thought I dodged a broken heart, but now it hurts so much more than it ever did with Gavin.
I don’t want to see him, I can’t see him. I’ll have Fia and Rhen take my stuff back to my apartment. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from this. Pulling up to Momma’s, I see she’s already outside waiting.
“Hi, Momma.” I sob. Getting out of the cab, I collapse in her arms.
“Hi, baby girl. Lukah called and said you stormed out, breaking up with him and quit the competition because someone destroyed your room. Because they think you slept your way into this competition. He said you said you don’t belong there or with him. Is that true?” Momma asks.
“Yes, ma’am. I can’t go back there. I was so stupid, Momma. I really thought I had a chance in this thing. I was falling for him. I really thought we could be together without the threat of people thinking I slept my way in. But that’s exactly what they think, Momma. They think I’m a whore. A slut who prostitutes herself to get further in life.” I cry as she walks me into the house.
“Now wait a minute, why would you say that?” She asked as we sat on the couch, her still holding me close.
“Because, Momma, those are the things they wrote all over my stuff and the room. They destroyed my sketches and all my fabric. They destroyed the pieces I’d already finished too. Things have been going so well. Then his ex, who apparently still wants him, was assigned to me as a model.” I continue sobbing.
“Shhh, calm down, baby. Take a deep breath. Now what’s all this about his ex?” Momma asks.
“I really thought we’d be able to work together because Lukah said they haven’t seen each other or been together in years. I was so wrong. I tried being the bigger person. I tried to friend her. I was polite to her. I was kind. And in return she destroyed me and my work.” I state between sobs.
“So, the bitch did this to you and your room? Because she’s a jealous ex-girlfriend?” She inquires.
“She wins, she can have him. I’ll go back to the club and continue to work. I mean, it’s where I belong. I’m a nobody who wanted to be somebody. What a joke. Lukah doesn’t have to slum anymore. He can go back to his life and be with someone who fits into his world because I don’t.”
I lay there with my head on her lap and continue to cry myself to sleep. Her phone rings and it startles me awake. She slips out from under me and heads for the kitchen.
Although she whispers, I still hear her on the phone.
“Yes, she’s here. No, no this isn’t your fault. I think you two need to talk though. She thinks she isn’t deserving of being there or being with you. Get cleaned up there and then come by in the morning. She isn’t going to be happy, but this needs to be done.” She hangs up and comes back in.
I look up at her. “Momma, who was that?”
“Baby, don’t worry about it, you need to rest. Let’s get you up to your room and tucked into bed.”
We walk upstairs to my room and I crawl into bed. She avoided my questions. I know it was Lukah and I know she’s trying to help, but I can’t see him. I’ll only want to crawl into his arms and cry. I can’t be with him, not now, not ever. We’re from different sides of the tracks.
“Momma, I don’t want to see him.” I point out.
“Okay, baby, you don’t have to. I love you. If you need me, I’ll be right down the hall. Get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day.”
Momma tucks me in like she did when I was little and kisses my forehead.
“Okay, I love you too.” I say before she closes the door and leaves.
Snuggling into one of my favorite soft fuzzy blankets, I think of how there’s no way tomorrow will change how I feel. I don’t think she gets it. I need to just try and forget Lukah Jacobs.
20
Lukah
After Savannah ran off, I decided it was best to let her go to her mom’s and calm down. She was saying crazy things. She’s upset and doesn’t realize she’s wrong. How could she think I would ever get bored with her? Doesn’t she know I can’t get enough of her? I’m addicted to her. Her laugh, her smile, her touch, everything.
I need to fix this.
Sofia, Rhen, and I spend most of the night cleaning up the room and trying to get everything back in order after I talked to Momma. She has Savy and assures me we can fix this. She told us to not take her stuff to her apartment. She isn’t letting Savy quit and neither am I.
I put a call into the judges and asked for an emergency meeting in which I explained how Savannah and I are dating. Showed proof, thanks to our texts, that we met after they decided the contestants.
They know about all the accusations and destruction Lindsey did. She’s been fired and is banned from modeling until further notice. She’ll also be responsible for all the damage done. They’re sending out an email to all the contestants telling them of their findings and how my relationship with Savannah in no way affects this competition.
I just hope Savy sees it. I hope she knows that she belongs here just as much as anyone else, if not more.
“Lukah, I printed the pictures I took of her sketches. I know the measurements of the other two models, and I have my measurements. I have an idea,” Fia says, interrupting my thoughts.
I look at her. “Good Because we can’t let her drop out. This little incident will put her behind, and she won’t make the first day of the competition. Maybe we can find another designer to swap days with her. I’m open to anything to help our girl stay on track.”
“What if I do the sewing? She taught me everything I know. You can go tomorrow and talk to her and spank some sense into her. I’ll stay here and work on the designs. Izzy moved our suite so that when Savy comes back she won’t even have to see this shit. Rhen went to buy her a new sewing machine exactly like she had. We can do this. There’re no rules that say we can’t do the sewing for her, Izzy checked. Besides, they’re still her designs.”
I grab her and hug her. “Sofia, you’re a fuckin genius. Let’s do it. I’ll pack our bedroom and get everything we need moved. I need a list of the fabrics. I’ll send Graham to get them,” I say.
“Already done. Izzy’s having them delivered first thing in the morning. So, let’s move suites and then get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
“You’re right, I’ll try. I’m not sure how much sleep I’ll get, though. It’ll be the first night without Savy since our first date, the night of your bridal party. I know it sounds weird, but I don’t know how I ever slept before her.”
“Lukah, it isn’t weird. That’s how Rhen and I’ve been since day one. Some people take time to see it. Some feel it imme
diately. And you, my friend, fell at first sight. Savy can try to deny it, but she too fell at first sight. She’s just scared that it isn’t real. She’s afraid that you’ll get bored with her like Gavin, as you already know.”
“I would never and could never do that to her.” I pace the room.
“You’ve brought her out of her shell, you’ve awakened her. You’re in love with her and she’s in love with you, you’re both just scared of it. Just be patient with her, but also stay constant and don’t walk away. By you showing her that you aren’t letting her walk away or give up will show her you mean what you say.” Fia stops me from pacing.
“Well tomorrow I plan to show her I’m not going anywhere. How could I possibly get bored with her? I can’t get enough of her. She’s like a drug that I need to survive,” I admit.
We finish getting everything moved into our new suite as Rhen comes in.
“Okay, guys, I got the sewing machine. Also, I picked up some new sketch pads and all the colored pencils I know she loves to use. Let’s get some sleep and then start fresh tomorrow. I could use some alone time to work out my frustrations,” Rhen says to Sofia with a wink.
Chuckling, I reply, “I’m glad our room is on the opposite side of the suite. Goodnight. I plan to be at Momma’s when she wakes up. Hopefully bringing our girl back when I return.” With that I head to bed.
No matter what it takes, I’ll get Savannah back. She’s wrong, she belongs here, and we belong together. I crawl into our big empty bed with one of her favorite fuzzy blankets. With her scent close, I’m hoping it’ll help me get a few hours sleep.
* * *
I awaken to a knock on the bedroom door. “What?” I yell.
“Lukah, get up and get your ass moving, it’s eight thirty. Savy’s bound to be awake soon. Momma called and said she’s heading out to run errands but leaving the door unlocked for you. So, get the hell up and get outta here,” Rhen yells through the door.
Fuck.
“Shit, okay, thanks.” I jump out of bed.
I rush around getting dressed and brush my teeth before grabbing my phone and rushing out of my room.
“Okay guys, If you need anything Izzy is on call for you. Otherwise, I’ll be back and with Savy, if I have my way about it. Fingers crossed and wish me luck,” I say to Fia and Rhen as I head out.
“You don’t need luck, you have love on your side,” Fia yells as I pull the door shut.
As I step onto the elevator and the doors close, all I can think of is how Fia was right. I’m in love with Savy and it’s what’ll get us through. A few floors down, the elevator stops and opens for other passengers, one of which is Lindsey. She’s being escorted by two larger gentlemen and has a look of defeat on her face when she sees me.
“Lukah, I’m sorry, please don’t let them do this. Can’t you see I only did it because I love you?” Lindsey pleads.
Laughter bubbles inside me. “Bitch, are you serious? You just love the number of zeros behind my net worth. You’re lucky this isn’t ending in charges. Do yourself a favor and get the fuck out of town. Don’t speak my name or contact me or Savannah. If I hear you’ve even uttered either of our names, you’ll have a lawsuit on your hands.”
She looks at me in horror and nods.
I look away, waiting to hit the ground floor. Once in the lobby, I dash out to my waiting car and head to Momma’s. Rhen is awesome, he must’ve told them to have it available immediately. The whole drive to Momma’s, I practice what I want to say.
I’m so nervous. Which for me is weird. I’m a model and the CEO of a big financing company. Being in the spotlight is what I do best. But with Savy it’s different. I’m fighting for her heart and am scared she won’t take me back.
Pulling up to the house I breathe a heavy sigh before exiting the car. Here goes nothing.
I go ahead and let myself in and quietly make my way through the house in search of Savy. I look in all the rooms on the first floor with no luck in finding her. I make my way upstairs and stop at the top when I hear the shower running.
I hold myself back from joining her. I head back downstairs and decide to busy myself by making some coffee. Moments later, I smell her before she even enters the room.
Savy speaks from behind me. “Lukah, you need to leave. I said all I had to say last night.”
I turn to face her, setting a cup of coffee on the counter near her. “Sure, but you didn’t give me a chance to speak last night so, I’m here to do that. Then, once I’m finished, if you still feel the same way, I’ll leave. I’ll walk out that door and never bother you again. But first give me a chance to plead my case.”
She looks at me for a moment with tears in her eyes before nodding in response.
“Savannah, I love you. I’m in love with you. I don’t know how or why you’d ever think I’d get tired of you, but it’s not possible. I can’t seem to get enough of you. I want to be around you all the time and when I’m not, I miss you. Last night was the first night since Sofia and Rhen’s bridal shower that I’ve slept alone and it was murder. I tossed and turned most of the night. Your blanket just isn’t enough. I need you in my arms. I need you.”
I step closer to her, hoping she doesn’t pull away. And she doesn’t, instead standing her ground.
“This isn’t about the sex, which is phenomenal, it’s about the emotions I feel. You seem to know how to calm my soul. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that us bumping into each other was fate. I never thought I’d find love again. I don’t just want to be your boyfriend. I want to be your partner. In life and in business.”
She sobs but doesn’t stop me as I take another step closer.
“As for all the bullshit last night, you’re not quitting the show. I’m sure you haven’t had a chance to check your email yet, but there’ll be one in there from the judges. I called an emergency meeting with them last night after you left. They know everything that happened. The judges refuse your resignation. They’re anxious to see what you come up with.”
I take another step closer wrapping my arms around her waist. She doesn’t fight me.
“Baby doll, please don’t walk away from this, from us. I’m not Gavin. I’m not out to hurt you. Shit, I’m willing to give it all up if it means I can still be with you,” I place a soft kiss on her lips to test the water. When she doesn’t pull away, I put my all into the next kiss. All my passion and love and dedication.
Suddenly she pulls away and looks up at me. “You had me with I love you.”
“Oh Savy, I love you so fuckin’ much it’s scary. I don’t want to be without you.”
“And I love you too. I shouldn’t have run out last night. I just got so upset and hurt by her words and what she did. That shit just completely threw me off my game. I think I need to still step back from the competition. I have no time to re-sketch and then sew too. Plus, I’m down a model. But I’ll enter the next one.” She lays her head on my chest.
“Let’s get you some breakfast and then head out. I have a surprise for you.”
“Well, we do have the house to ourselves.” She bites her lower lip as she bats those gorgeous mismatched eyes, and runs her hand down my stomach to my cock.
I realize where she’s going with this. “Lead the way my love.”
She takes my hand and leads me to her room. This time things are soft and sensual, not rushed. I’m making love to her and she’s all mine.
A couple of hours later, after we’ve gotten our fill of each other, we got showered and dressed. I can’t wait to take her to the new suite and surprise her. She is meant to be in this competition, and we’ve worked hard to ensure she stays in it. Let’s just hope it works. We lock up and head out.
“So, where are we headed, baby?” she inquires.
“Back to the hotel for a minute. I need to pick something up from Izzy.”
“Oh, okay. I’m going shoot Momma a text and just let her know I’m not there, so she doesn’t freak out w
hen she gets home.”
“Okay, although she already knew I was coming over. She left the door unlocked for me,” I tell her.
“Of course she did. It was you she talked to last night wasn’t it?” She asks.
“I had to know you were safe and wanted to give her a run-down of everything. I’m sure you told her everything, but I wanted her to know I handled it all after you left.”
“I know. She wouldn’t tell me who it was, but I knew it had to be you. I’m sorry I took off like that.”
“Baby, don’t apologize for your reaction. I understand. I’m just glad you heard me out and that you love me back.” I kiss her knuckles then lace our fingers together.
“I’m glad you didn’t give up on me and came for me.” She said.
“I will always go after you. Always.”
21
Savannah
Last night was a rough night, sleeping without Lukah. I’ve been so focused on not falling for him and wanting to take it slow, that I never realized I’d already fallen for him. He soothes my soul in a way that no one ever has. It’s crazy how it’s only been a couple of weeks and yet here we are, in love.
He’s found his way into my heart after I closed and locked the door. He just walked up and pushed the door open like he always had the key. It’s completely insane. I know I can trust him. He didn’t give up on me and he didn’t run away when I had that meltdown. He respected my space and gave me time to sort it out in my head. He called Momma immediately and gave her a heads up. He went to the judges to try and save my spot in the competition. I’m so lucky.
We pull up to the hotel valet. “Baby doll, I’m going to run up to the suite. You want to wait here, or come up with me? I might be a few minutes.”
My cheeks are red with embarrassment. “I don’t think I can show my face in there after last night. Lindsey humiliated me. Everyone thinks I got into this by sleeping with you. How can I ever face the other designers?”
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