But here she was beginning this new relationship with Jack stained with infidelity. Well, it would never happen again. She’d be faithful and loving toward him; whatever he needed her to be she’d be. Some day she’d forgive herself. She would never tell him.
Alana rode into the streets of the city, approaching a sign” “Bike’s for Rent”. She breathed a sigh of relief when a large, ruddy-faced man approached her smiling. “Done for the day, young lady? You have another few hours if you want it.”
Good. It’s the right place. Alana smiled back. “About all I can take for today. Thanks, though!” And he took it from her, wheeling it into the garage. She hadn’t far to walk, and enjoyed the chance to clear her head. Yes, she’d made a lot of mistakes. She’d hurt her parents by leaving; a pain that still burned in her heart. But, somehow, she couldn’t face going back to them. To the shoddiness, the smell of decay, the hopelessness of their lives. Yes, she felt alive with Dylan, but there were more important things than that. Much more.
And so, for the next week with Jack away she busied herself with her job and daily jog during the day. In her free time she shopped for clothes that Jack might like, had her nails redone, her hair done, experimented with new make-up tricks and read books such as, “How to Get and KEEP Your Man”. Jack called every night faithfully, and though he had only a few minutes to talk each time, his calls were affectionate and very, very promising.
Alana missed Marie, their only visits being through text and phone-calls. “I can’t,” she said when Marie asked her to join her at clubs. “Jack wouldn’t like it.” And she avoided Marie’s house, not wanting to run into Dylan. The feelings were, apparently, mutual. He made no attempt to contact her.
FINALLY, JACK WAS BACK. “Can you come to my place?” he asked her, his voice filled with excitement. “I’m just unpacking, and I can’t wait to see you.”
Heart thumping, would this be it? The moment I’ve waited for my whole life? she wondered, driving quickly to his building, walking briskly from her car, smiling at the concierge in the lobby, and riding the elevator up to her destiny. She stood outside his door, trembling with anticipation.
When he opened it she gasped. He looked more handsome than ever; tall, sophisticated looking, trim. His blue eyes lit up when they saw her. He hugged her tightly, kissed her passionately and mumbled into her lips, “I missed you so much!”
Pulling her into the living room, he turned her to face him, both hands on her arms. Affection glowed in his eyes, as he looked into hers. “I wanted to do this properly with all the bells and whistles but I just can’t wait. I don’t want to live without you any more. She looked through her lashes at him, a smile quivering on her lips.
“I told you before I left that I was planning a special surprise, and maybe you've guessed what it is by now.” he said, falling to one knee. “I know we haven't known each other for long but I can't imagine my life without you. I want you to be a part of my empire so that we can look back on our lives and know that we have achieved greatness. Will you marry me?”
She’d replayed this scene over and over in her mind. It was what she’d wanted more than anything in the world. Alana looked around at the luxurious penthouse, the outside walls all windows showing off the beauty of this city. She looked down at the man kneeling before her, his eyes brimming with devotion, and her eyes fell on the diamond he held toward her; huge and perfect, gleaming and glittering. “Yes, Jack. I will,” she said. He placed the ring on her dainty, well-manicured hand, and stood. They smiled warmly at each other. She had made the right decision.
“What do you think,” his eyes crinkled in a smile, “about living here with me?”
She felt herself blanching a little. “Now?”
He took her hands in his. “Well, as soon as you can manage it. Rent your condo furnished and store whatever you don’t want to bring here for now. I can help you move . . . whatever you need, my love. I want you with me.”
They ate out in the restaurant below his penthouse; a quiet up-scale place with soft music, fine wine and food that delighted the palate. As she chewed a delectable bite of halibut with miso glaze, Alana sat back enjoying the nourishing of all her senses. The savory smell of fine food, subtle lighting and sound, beautiful artwork and architecture . . . She could become used to this! It was worth having to force her mind to listen as Jack talked of his trip, the meetings, details about different tiles and improvements he was hoping to make, difficulties with distribution, and his complaints about employees. When she found her mind wandering to thoughts of Dylan, the beach, the bike-ride . . . she shook her head slightly, willing her mind to focus. Nodding and smiling, she watched him talk. Jack didn’t notice.
Later that night they lay in bed, Alana luxuriating in the feel of the expensive silk sheets. Jack pulled her close, slipping the covers from her body, and looking down on her with adulation. “You are so beautiful,” he said, as he kissed her throat, her breasts, and back to her lips. Cupping her buttocks, he pulled her into him, and she shivered to feel his manhood resting against her petals. Then, letting her lay flat, he rose over her, and entered her. With some difficulty at first. When he penetrated, she rose to meet him, closing her eyes and sighing with pleasure. He pumped slowly at first, then vigorously, shaking her body with his urgency. She tried writhing beneath him, hoping to arouse them both further. “Oh, Jack,” she murmured. Should I talk dirty? Would he like that? she wondered as he pummeled her. And then, with a shake and a groan, it was over. She felt the warmth of his semen flowing down her legs. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “It’s been a while.” He kissed her forehead, brushed her hair back and kissed her again.
“It’s okay. You must be so tired . . .” she stroked his chin with her hand. Swiftly he kissed her cheek, turned over, and went to sleep.
Chapter 9
The days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months. Alana quit her job at Jack’s request. He wanted her available when special events came up, or trips to exotic locations. She was proud to be seen on the arm of this fine, successful man; a man obviously admired and respected by so many. They travelled to Las Vegas, Monaco and Dubai. Although Jack was busy much of the time Alana kept busy touring with other men’s wives. Alana was awed by the incredible gardens, museums, art galleries, ancient and new architecture. . . At home, her days were filled with shopping, manicures, massages and work - outs. Jack was proud of the way she looked. Keeping herself up to snuff wasn’t small potatoes!
Many nights she spent at home alone. Long days at work were the norm for a busy CEO, and Alana found herself lonely and blue often. She and Marie kept in touch by phone and the occasional lunch. Needless to say, Jack did not approve of her going to clubs in the evening. She didn’t blame him.
“So, is it everything you thought it would be?” Marie asked one evening as they talked on the phone.
“Oh, Marie, it’s that and more,” Alana sighed. “Not only do I not work, I have a housekeeper and a maid. All I do is shop and try to look my best. Not that hard with a built in gym, a dietician at my beck and call and all these clothes and jewelry . . .” Her voice broke a little.
“Alana, are you okay? Do I detect a note of sadness?” An unusual observation for the always - positive Marie.
Alana hesitated. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I should be the happiest woman in the world. Jack is kind, generous, good to me. I have everything I ever wanted. He is pressing for a wedding date, and I just can’t commit to one.”
“Hmmmm,” was Marie’s reply.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m another of Jack’s possessions,” Alana began tentatively. “He wants me to look good and be there whenever he needs me to. Though he’s seldom around . . .” Her voice drifted off.
“Do you feel like an equal?” Marie asked.
“I – I don’t. He has no interest in my life. Mind you,” She emitted a brittle laugh. “it’s not very interesting! He wants me to commit to a wedding date, but he has no qualms about
brushing off dates with me if he has to work . . .” Now, she realized, she sounded bitter. “Sorry, Marie. I’m good. Really. So . . . Is Dylan still living at your place?”
“He is. He’s busy finishing up a Master’s at the University of Hawaii, working at a homeless shelter.” She could almost see Marie rolling her eyes. “Does he ever mention me?” she wondered, but didn’t ask.
“I NEED MORE.” ALANA stroked Jack’s arm as he sat at the kitchen island hurriedly drinking his morning coffee.
“What would you like, baby?” He looked around. What more could I possibly want?” Alana thought. It wasn’t a good time to bring it up, she knew. Jack was ready to leave for work. His jaw was clenched. She could see he was working at remaining patient.
Heat stained her cheeks. She plowed ahead. “Not things, Jack. I need to feel useful. I need to do something more.”
He frowned.
She pressed on. “You’ve give me everything I could possibly want. But . . . “
He looked at his watch. “Look, I’m late. Can we talk about this some other time?”
ALANA HOPED SHE WASN’T sneaking behind Jack’s back. Georgia, his office manager, had become a friend. And Alana needed her perspective.
“You’re bored!” Georgie guffawed, her large laugh filling the diner. But the business people eating and talking around them paid her no attention. “Must be nice . . .” Then she looked at Alana’s anxious face. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Of course you are! I’d be out of my skull by now if I were you!”
Alana felt she needed to explain; needed to defend her situation. “I am kept busy. Sometimes we entertain, and I look after that. I decide on meals and what we need at home . . . lots of shopping.” She sniggered. “What girl doesn’t like that? But he’s not home much, and when he is he’s pre-occupied. I need more somehow.”
Georgia looked at her through narrowed eyes. “It’s not quite the life you want.”
“Maybe if I’d set a date. Jack’s frustrated that I don’t do that. And it’s what I’ve always wanted. I’ve always wanted to marry a successful man, settle down, have kids . . .”
Georgia smiled, her toothy grin. “Cinderella. The ultimate dream.” Her face took on a far-away look for a moment. “I remember wanting that at one time. Never happened. Then I realized I like being single. I like making my own decisions, seeing and doing what I want. I guess I’m too selfish to want a permanent partner.”
Sadness clouded Alana’s features. “Now I’m not sure what I want. I love Jack. I want to marry him. But I don’t want to feel like just an appendage to his life. “
Georgia looked intently at her for a moment, her eye-brows furrowed. She reached across the table, putting her hand on Alana’s. Suddenly she brightened. “Hey! Maybe you could come to work for us. You have great inter-personal skills. How about computer and research abilities?”
Alana nodded vigorously. “I was a legal assistant. And I was good at it!”
Georgia nodded. “Great! I’ll talk to Jack about it.”
Alana felt her stomach roll. She took a deep breath. “Oh, thank you, Georgia.”
ALANA SIPPED HER GLASS of wine, gazing out onto the sparkling white sand bordered by turquoise water and gentle white waves. Palm trees waved slightly in the breeze. Children and happy-looking couples frolicked on the beach. A lump formed in her throat. She and Jack played so little, it seemed.
The walls on two sides of this incredible penthouse where she lived were solid windows. Leaning back into the comfy white leather couch where she sat, her eyes flitted around the penthouse. It was impeccable; luxurious beyond anything she’d ever imagined. And she’d imagined a lot! Idly, she rubbed her blouse with her fingers; sumptuous-feeling silk. Looking down at her perfectly manicured hands she stared at the magnificent diamond. She reached up to touch the thick, 24 carat gold chain that hung around her neck, her diamond and gold bracelet sliding down her arm. “I’m the luckiest woman alive,” she told herself.
And there was the creaking of the door. Foot-steps. Jack was home! She rose to go meet him. “Hello, Honey, how was your day?”
But his eyes were hard, icy. He stood and glowered for a moment, his body rigid. “What do you think you’re doing?” His voice was cold, completely devoid of feeling.
Alana was numb. Her heartbeat thrashed in her ears. “What do you mean?” she cried.
His voice became louder, shrill. “You go to my office manager to complain about our life together?”
“I wasn’t complaining.” The wind was knocked out of her. “I had lunch with Georgia. . . I – I – I need to feel useful, Jack.”
“You don’t feel useful looking after our home? You don’t feel useful helping me entertain? If that’s not enough for you, you’re not USEFUL to me!” he snarled.
Alana was lost for words. A fiery heat flashed through her body. Turning heel, she stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door. It was a sanctuary of peace and beauty. The chandelier above her emitted flecks of gentle light into a room of molded white walls bordered with gilt. Soft chamber music played. Alana sat in the middle of their huge, circular bed and looked around at the opulence surrounding her. Dylan’s words came back to her. Adventurous . . . generous . . . caring . . . Who am I, really? Had she idealized wealth and comfort because she’d been raised poor? Was she influenced by Marie, a wonderful but completely different person? But . . . there was Jack. A man who was dedicated to his company. Of course he was. She admired that. And this WAS what she’d always wanted. She just had to make it work along with redeeming something of herself. She needed to find something that would fulfill her true nature along with caring for Jack and their life together. She had an idea!
Chapter 10
The hot sun beat down on Alana’s back as she walked up the wide concrete sidewalk. The building in front of her was long and modern looking with pale yellow siding bordered by red brick. It was surrounded by a chain-link fence, and she could hear the sounds of children playing behind it. She rang the door-bell.
“Hello,” a smiling rosy-cheeked local greeted her. “I’m Noe. You must be Alana. Come in!” Alana followed her through hallways covered with shiny green linoleum, to a large cafeteria, bright with large windows and fluorescent lights. “You’re just in time for lunch,” Noe said, cheerily, leading Alana through tables filled with women and children eating, chatting, looking at her. Faces, some filled with suspicion and pain, others friendly, stared as she followed Noe to the kitchen where volunteers wearing hair-nets dished delicious- smelling stew to a line-up of defeated - looking people.
“Come meet our wonderful coordinator,” Noe said, “if I can find him.” Feeling awkward as she stood still amongst the buzz of busy people, Alana saw only a swarm of bodies. Then, as her eyes focused she spied him crouched by a table where a small boy sat. Both Dylan and the boy were laughing, their bodies animated, hands gesturing wildly.
“There he is,” Noe pointed to Dylan, “sluffing off as usual.” She laughed a hearty laugh and led the now-nervous Alana to where he squatted. He jumped up. His mouth fell open as he gave her an incredulous stare. “Alana!”
Noe looked from one to the other through narrowed eyes. “You know each other, I see,” she said. “See you later, Alana. Don’t let this big guy boss you around!” She chuckled as she walked away, stopping to speak with a woman seated at a table close by.
“I’ve come to volunteer, if you’ll let me,” Alana said. “If you’ll take on an old friend.”
Beaming, his eyes shining, Dylan reached over to give his little friend eating at the table a final tickle. “Sure! Happy to oblige an old friend!” and he led her back through the kitchen to a small office. In it sat a simple desk littered with papers, and a few chairs. He gestured toward one. “Sit down, Alana. It’s good to see you. We always need volunteers. We cook meals for a hundred or so people every day. So, of course there’s always need for help with cooking and serving meals. Donations come in regularly, and we need people to sort those. But
mostly, it’s a matter of talking to our clients, listening to them, helping them with whatever they need. Kids need help with homework, they sometimes need supervision, adults need to talk . . . It’s the most rewarding thing, Alana.”
He sparkled, so enthusiastic was he. He’s obviously not been mooning over me! And she was glad. A comfortable feeling existed between them. She could work here and feel fulfilled, yet still go home to Jack and the life they were beginning to carve together. My god this man is beautiful, though! She allowed herself a final glimpse of his muscular arms and chest, his handsome face, warm brown eyes . . . before she stood and said, “Great! Where would you like me to start?”
IT WAS A PERFECT ARRANGEMENT. Alana worked in different areas of the shelter, receiving training from experienced volunteers and becoming acquainted with many of the homeless who stayed there. As time went on she made friends with other volunteers, and with clients whose stories made her childhood seem like a walk in the park. They were happy, and sad, strong and weak . . . Real people. And she loved them. Best of all, she was able to work a few days a week and still keep the home she and Jack shared running smoothly.
The first day that Dylan asked her to join him outside of work, she hesitated. “Hey, Alana. It’s early, but everything running tickety - boo. What say we knock off work and just go surfing? It’s been a long time . . .” Alana thought back to the days when she and Marie surfed along with a bevy of friends. Had Dylan been there? Apparently.
“I – uh – I’ll call Jack and make sure he’s not expecting me for dinner,” she stammered. Should she go?
Naughty Ladies! Spicy Romance Collection Page 26