Thanks so much for the reading and replying to this fiction. I wasn't sure if I should continue posting on this board, but I will Kaitlan and iluv23. I was pleasantly surprised at the interest. It's gets a little tricky here. Please let me know what you think.
I get up in the evening
And I ain't got nothing to say
I come home in the morning
I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain't nothing but tired
Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself
Hey there baby I could use just a little help~ Springsteen
CHAPTER 3
The limo pulled up to a large Bahamas styled home near a private beach on the outskirts of Oahu. Haley could hear the pulse of the music sifting through the air.
Nathan surveyed her as she began to get bubbly and rolled his eyes. She had sat quietly during the ride there and for him; a silent Haley James was a rare and wonderful thing.
The driver got out, heading for their door. But Nathan let himself out before assisting Haley. She let small hand slip comfortably into his as he shut the door behind them. She bounced up the walkway. her brown eyes were sparkling with anticipation. Her actions continued to be confused by her behavior. He hadn't expected her to be interested let alone excited about an average party with run-of -the-mill people. But looking at her now, he was questioning everything he assumed about this girl. She was already humming a hip hop tune playing when he stopped at the entrance and faced her.
"Hold up, little one."
He warned as she bounced with childlike exuberance. God, she had to stop! He tried to refocus, but Haley's full breasts were jiggling and her beautiful gold locks swayed in the humid breeze, making him weak in the knees. He hated being attracted to her. He knew little rich girls only ended up breaking your heart. He knew all too well.
"Why are we stopping?" She groaned.
"These are my friends and I will not let you treat them the way you treated me today. So I need you to promise you're not going to cause any trouble."
Haley narrowed her eyes for a moment, thinking. She had planned on using this opportunity to pay Nathan back for letting get soaked and not telling her the luggage had wheels, but she also knew he would take her home as soon a one smart remark rolled off her tongue.
She loved going to parties that didn't include celebrities, where people were honest, real and sincere. It reminded her of the block parties in her old neighborhood when she was just a kid where her mom sold slices of her famous homemade apple pie. She missed family and friends gathering. She didn't get the chance to have normal interaction like that much anymore. She wasn't going to waste it.
She chose a softer approach to Nathan. Lord knows, sarcastic brat wasn't getting her anywhere. She had never known a man that seems to completely loathe her like Nathan did. He seems like a blunt but honest man. Was she really the awful person he seemed to think she was? Had she turned into one of those snotty divas who thought themselves superior to everyone else? Why did his opinion have such an impact on her? She had to prove him wrong, but she didn't know why.
She fingered the three buttons on his Polo and flashed him a perfect smile. "Don't be such a tyrant, Nathan. I'll be as sweet a sugar." was her vow.
He sighed and shook his head. "I'm going to give the guys the heads up and let them know I brought a guess. I don't think you need to be sprung on anybody. Wait right here!"
She placed on hand on her hip and saluted him with the other. "Aye aye, Captain!" She giggled before checking out her handsome companion's butt when he glowered at her before going through the open walkway to the back of the airy home.
Nathan's co-workers were in the backyard with their friends and family scattered around. Once his presence was known, the firefighters stopped and saluted him.
"Captain, Scott." Oyster Tim Smith announced trying not to slur his words and remain still after his fifth shot of tequila.
Haley peeked around the side of the home, watching the display. So Nathan was a fire chief, which was hot, even for a jackass.
Quickly Nathan fanned off their salutes, scratching his head and trying not to blush. He had only gotten his promotion six months ago. He had yet to fully adjust to being called Captain.
"At ease, guys." We're on vacation. It's party time! "
Cheers came from everywhere, along with a bottle of beer and a Blue Hawaiian for him. He looked proudly at his crew and then to the entrance. Half of Haley's body was leaning out from the far side of the house as she waved perkily. He nodded for her to back up before raising his hand to his men and women.
"By the way, I brought someone." He stated reluctantly and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
The party went mute. Captain Scott never brought anyone with him. Hell, it was questionable if he knew any women outside of the job.
"Look, remember me telling you guys. I wasn't able to stay here with the rest for the convention because I was also babysitting for the next couple of weeks? "
Several heads nodded a yes.
"Well turns out she's a bit of a handful. I couldn't trust her to stay at the house alone, so I brought her with me." He explained seriously. "If she gives you any trouble, let me know and I'll take her home."
There were many negative comments, groans and sighs made. Great, they were going to be stuck with a bratty little kid for the next couple of hours. What a way to kill a buzz! He however some of the group was disappointed for an entirely different reason. They had assumed Nathan had finally brought a date. He had fallen for a woman. They wanted that type of happiness for him because he seemed so distant and lonely sometimes.
Before he could get the words out, Haley was down the back porch steps and across the lush grass to where he stood.
"This is Haley." was his flat introduction when she posed confidently and seductively by him to face the on onlookers.
The only sound heard was The Girls Gone Wild playing in the background as one of the most beautiful and famous singers in the whole world wrapped her arms around Captain Scott's bicep like they were the perfect pair.
Haley had adjusted to being a star early in her career and remained humble and down to earth to most, with the exception of people working for her. She had been burned by so many companions, bodyguards and aids, many only wanting to be her friend so they could travel in her circle of glitz and glamour or to compete with her for famous or wealthy men. They didn't give a damn about her, made jokes behind her back or tried to use her to gain their own success. This was the reason for the thick shield of nastiness and defensiveness she had unleashed on Nathan earlier. However, this party would let her drop her walls.
She knew just how to work this situation, get the female vote first.
She saw two chummy guards' women swaying together to the music in the background and sashayed over to them.
"What's a girl have to do to get some food around here? I think your chief has been trying to starve me into submission." she teased making sure to bat her big tiger eyes Nathan's way.
He let out a low groan and tightened his jaw as the threesome shuffled off to the buffet table on the other side of the lawn, chatting and giggling. This was just what he needed; she was already creating an alliance with his crew members. Incident Manager, Glenda Ferrel and Probie Erica Marsh were smart, beautiful and tough women, but the tiny celebrity had already turned them into silly, gossiping girlie girls in ten seconds flat.
After the guys and a few girl team members stopped enjoying the view, they turned back to their Officer In Charge. His close friend and third in command, Damien West was the first to speak.
"Haley James! You're babysitting her? "The" Haley James! Dude, you get to tuck that in and kiss it good night? "He exclaimed completely star struck. "You lucky son of a bitch! I would pay to bit off her toenails. "
Agreements came from most, but Nathan frowned in disgust.
"That woman's horns hold up her damn halo. Don't let her fool ya. You have no idea. I would rather watch a pack of hyenas."
Skills patted him on the shoulder and turned them in the direction of the ladies where Haley, who was nibbling on a long celery stalk when she felt Nathan staring.
"Dawg, are you jokin, she's the trifecta; beautiful, the voice of angel and has her own big $$ bank account." Skills pointed out.
"And the tongue of a Komodo dragon." Their leader added, even more disturbed because the way she was chewing on that celery stick was arousing him. Oh, no. He would never let a woman like that get to him.
Tim didn't buy the Captain's disinterest. Especially the way Nathan couldn't seem to keep his focus from that direction.
While Nathan wasn't looking, he nudged a few of his co workers and returned to his and the taller man's conversation.
"So, you don't mind if I holla at my future baby's mama?"
He baited and eyed Ms. James hungrily, but Nathan was unmoved.
"Go for it, dude. If it means I don't have to be stuck with her, all of you can take turns, but don't say I didn't warn you."
He walked away, taking a seat on one of the benches around the perimeter of the grounds. He looked out to the light blue waters as the waves crashed against the heavy rocks of the beach below.
The guys were still trying to assess the situation. The chief was never this quiet and withdrawn. Yes he never seems to find the right woman and a third wheel by his own volition more often than not, but he was usually full of energy and mischief, any other time, he would be cracking jokes, or sizing up the ladies as the passed by, easily gaining their attention with his good looks and sexy charm.
"Dude, he wants her. " Tim surveyed. "Captain's gooooot a girrrlllfrieeend!" He sing-songed , but the others just weren't sure about the revelation.
Across the lawn, Haley had just explained the hair plugs, collage injected lips and Botox induced face weren't the only "fake" parts a male celebrity they all hated had.
Eww! Glenda and Erica screamed in unison before cracking up with their new best friend.
"Girl, we thought you would be such a bitch!" was Erica's honest remark with Glenda shaking her head in agreement before adding. "But you're cool as hell. I'm glad the Captain found somebody like you." The full sized beauty admitted sincerely, her partner smiling along with her.
Haley's big brown eyes widened at the implication.
"I swear! It's about time. That fine man needs a woman in his bed. "Erica smirked longingly."Too bad you beat me too him." was her half dazed and drunken reply before tapping margarita glasses with the other two woman.
"As if your skinny but ever had a chance, He would do me first." Glenda teased her good friend while dancing in a small circle, shaking her curvaceous hips to the beat. The all gulped down the liquid and Haley couldn't stop laughing.
"You can give him a try if you want. I'll pimp him out to you. What's the saying, Save a horse, ride a….. "She lost her train of thought and pressed her finger to her lips, her eyes have glazed from drinking. She waved the girls close and started to whisper loudly.
"The only reason I came is because he was going to leave me locked up in that empty plantation house all by myself. I would have missed all the fun!" She pouted and staggered, raising her glass and tilting her head back before bringing to her mouth to drain it of it's contents and wiping her mouth with arm.
"Nathan treats me like a prisoner, and he's the warden. He's so uptight and strict." She concluded, shaking her finger his way. Her slightly intoxicated buddies eyed each other. Were they talking about the same person? Captain Scott cut loose on several occasions they could recall. He was laid back, flirty, spontaneous and all around a fine, fine, fine male specimen.
"Captain Scott? Nate's a sweetheart? I bet he's the ultimate between the sheet party rolled up in a very handsome package." Glenda just couldn't believe Haley assessment.
But the sexy singer was no longer listening, feeling the rhythm of the music and winding her hips as she sang along in a soulful voice. She immediately gained attention from the crowd as she continued to belt out the song. Several of the party goers began dancing as she continued to belt out the catchy pop song while
Nathan remained stoic. She felt a tap on the shoulder. Tim was requesting a dance that she accepted, but her time was spent looking over the shoulder of the fireman. Her eyes were locked on Nathan.
Ms James heart sank, wondering why he hadn't even checked to see if she were having a good time. Inwardly, she berated herself for caring. Nathan never made any inclination he gave a damn about your feeling or you before, you should expect this treatment. Why does he get to you? Why?
Nathan felt the warm ocean breeze hit his chiseled face and the smell of barbecue dishes glided through the salty air. His stomach rumbled and he wanted so badly to chow down, but Hales was over there. Things had been worst than he imagined they would turn out when he agreed to take her. His friends loved her and she had gained everyone's attention and affection, by acting pleasant and sweet. Glenda an Erica, his closest girl buddies had flocked to her like groupies, and they never liked anyone new until now.
He could hear everyone clapping or cheering when she began harmonizing to the classic Bruce Springsteen selection currently playing. Dancing in the dark was one of Nathan's favorite songs, having heard it a million times growing up with a troubled father that was a hopeless romantic, but had terrible taste in women..
"Damn! Why does she have to sound so good? "Nathan grouched.
Marvin had given him the rundown on her career when he accepted the job, but hadn't really listened. He had been sure she was just some studio pop diva that looked hot and could barely carry a tune. But hearing her now, the girl had some serious pipes! Her magnetic voice made the hairs stand up on the back of his neck and just a peek at her sultry moves gave him a well defined bulge in his jeans. He hated not having control of his senses. He knew Haley's type and refused to be sucked by her. She had already shown him how mean ... arrogant ... rude... funny...adorable... sexy...WAIT! What was he saying?
"Wants some chow, man?"
Nathan was relieved his deputy chief's voice had shaken him from his visions or Haley calling him to her. Again, he blamed his lack of a sex life and vowed to find a steady bed buddy very soon. He rotated and took the plate, drawn through the mast of people to Haley. Another upbeat track was now playing and she teaching Erica, Glenda and a few others some sensual dance moves she had used in her latest video. The men watched in amazement, some literally drooling. The blue eyed man turned back around and started gobbling down the food on his plate. Skills tore at the meat of his jerk chicken wing and chewed it up before elbowing his best friend.
"You want to hit that, don'tcha? " he nodded his head in the direction of the dirty dancing Haley.
"No I don't! " Nathan denied. Skills persisted." Then why are you avoiding her? You're scared to get close because you're into her."
The chief opened twisted the cap off the beer that came with his food before continuing the annoying conversation.
"More like I'm bothered by her. She is a pain in the ass, neck, spine ... need I go on?"
His best friend waved him off with another wing dangling from his hand. "Whatever! I don't know what she did to piss you off, but let's be real. The girl is awesome, Nate. I like her." He smiled approvingly.
"So what do you want, a medal?!' Nathan snapped a response dripping with sarcasm. "You're not stuck in a house with her, so you don't know $h*t." He didn't know why he was getting so angry or defensive. He knew Skills was just ribbing him.
Skills gave the little lady another once over while Nathan kept eating. "I could think of a PLENTY of ways to pass the time with besides hating her. C'Mon, Nate. You've got to trust another woman sooner or later. This ain't you and she ain't that bitch that screwed you up!" He bluntly surmised.
Nathan didn't comment, never wanting to be reminded of the heartbreak he had gone through!
Another slow song began and everyone began coupling up. Haley turned down offers for a dance by several guys. Her focus turned towards Nathan and Skills.
"She's coming over here." The bald headed man whispered as his buddy sat up and wiped barbecue sauce from his own chin.
Surprisingly, Nathan felt her slender arms snake around his neck as her pert breast rested against his back and her silky hair brushed across his face. She placed her soft cheek against his ear and the smell of vanilla lingered through his nostrils again.
"Hey boss man, come dance with me." The plastered songstress asked sweetly.
Nathan had to admit, she was very cute drunk, but that's as far as his niceties went in reference to her.
He tried to push her aside and frowned when she didn't budge. "Put some ice on it, Hales and go away!"
She place her soft and pouting lips against his ear, involuntarily his eyes rolled back in his head at the sensation. He prayed Skills didn't see that $h*t.
"Pluhezzzzzzze, Nathan? ... You're not having any fun." leaning over him and giving him the eyes.
He staggered to an upright position, so she was forced to detach from his back and waited for him to address her.
"Actually, I have a great time. Not that it's any of your business, Hales." was his salty bark. "Now back the hell off."
His words stung the maiden like a kick to the stomach. Chewing on her lip and fighting back tears, she looked down at her feet.
Skills was stunned at his friends harsh words and even more so at how they seemed to affect Haley James. He was sure she was going to burst into tears at any moment and he just couldn't let that happen.
"I'll dance with you.'' Quickly he made her an offer.
She sighed and forced a smile. "Thanks Skills but I don't really feel like it anymore. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go see if they need help inside..." With that, she darted through the yard and in the back door of the house.
Nathan returned eating his ribs as Skills penetrating stare beamed down on him like the morning sun. Finally, he dropped his rib and looked over at his second in command; his mouth was still shiny from the grease and sauce.
"What?"
"Nate! Man, that was some low class $h*t you just did. She asked you to dance, not for f**king bone marrow!"
"Maybe so, but after dancing with her I would probably need blood, vampire wench!"
"YOU have issues...Nathan Scott, "Mr. Every Girls Dream" just made one of the loveliest broads in the world cry! $$!"
"First of all, she wasn't crying." He correct, although not sure her glassy eyes hadn't started to leak by now. "She only asked me to dance to get on my nerves. I bet she's in there right now flirting with one of the guys, dancing with him."
"Damn, dawg. You're jaded as hell now. She really wanted you to have as much fun as she was. Couldn't you see that?"
Talking about Haley was making him lose his appetite. He tossed his tray and its contents in the trash can.
"If she wanted me to have fun, she would have stayed at the plantation house. The sadness and teary eyes were just for show. I think she would be a better actress than a singer." He stressed.
His shorter friend slapped him on the back of the head. "I was watching her and she was trying to play it off that nasty stuff you said to her. Bevin might not be the brightest girl in the world, but she taught me to spot when a women's upset. It's in the eyes and hers were heartbroken.
Nathan threw up his hands in defeat and headed toward the house the fire station had rented for the convention. So his annoying best friend would get off his damn back.
"Stop the f**king lecture! I'll go talk to her." He paused as he opened the screen door to enter the home. "You act like she been your best friend since elementary, not me!'
In the oversized hall bathroom with red and yellow tulip wallpaper, Haley gave her face one final splash, after squirting each eye with another shot of Visine. She wiped her nose and put the used tissue in the trash receptacle beside the sink before going for the door. She opened it, only to find Nathan on the other side.
She tried to dip and go underneath the arm he had rested along the door frame, but he leaned his firm and thick body to the left, blocking her.
"Excuse me." She hiccupped and teetered in her alcoholic state.
"Hold up a minute." He keeps her way blocked.
She was pissed now and he was ruining her buzz. She folded her arms around her chest, defensively and concentrated on the pattern of the tile on the floor, not able to look at him.
"You told me to get lost. I did!" She answered frankly. "So what now, you calling the car to come take me home because God and everybody out there knows you don't want me here."
He swallowed hard, suddenly riddled with guilt at his actions. After all, she had done nothing wrong since they arrived and he was known for give anyone a fair shot. He stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"I'm sorry, Hales. I've been a dick. I shouldn't have treated you that way."
"True! I didn't cause any trouble or anything." She agreed with a goofy intoxicated snarl, and then she burst out in tears. "Why do you hate me so much, Nathan?" She wondered barely above a whisper.
All he could do was shrug. "It's not you. Its women like you. You can't be trusted. You're poison, Haley!"
Instantly he felt a jolt of the pain he had dished to her. She shoved her way past him with a deadly look.
"You know what? You're judgmental snob, Nathan! You don't even know me, so f**k you! I hate you too!"
Her bodyguard was only calling it like he saw it, but seeing her so upset was hurting him for some reason. Why had his life grown so complicated after meeting her only hours prior? He took a swig of his beer and headed to one of the bedrooms to call a cab. If he returned to the party he would only be bombarded by question, suggestion and intrusions into his life. Haley James had done enough of that all by her lonesome.
Haley's limo arrived in record time, having been stationed at nearby parking lot chatting with a couple of taxi drivers. The chauffeur gingerly got out of the car and walked around to the back passenger's and let Haley in while praising her singing.
"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy my work." She blushed and sat back. The driver returned to his seat and drove off, glancing back to the rearview mirror.
"Where to Ms. James?" He asked.
The evil glint was back in Haley's eye, being a nice girl had gotten her nowhere. She took a one hundred dollar bill from her purse and waved it.
"Get me to the Hilton in fifteen minutes and there are two more of these in it for you!"
Nathan's POV
I pulled the cool sheet up higher on my waist. My head felt so heavy and there was this loud ringing in my ear. With the events that had transpired in the last few hours, no wonder my brain throbbing.
I lay on the far right side of the king-sized bed and tried to stay in the deep sleep I had been enjoying. Unfortunately, my body refused to co-operate.
I yawned and the inside of my mouth felt like I was sucking on old tennis shoes, while my lips ached from being so dry. An incessant buzzing filled my ear drum and pounded against my cranium like it was under attack. My left hand covered my lobe and I stretched my right arm up and underneath the fluffy pillow. There, I discovered a cordless phone, vibrating with noise.
Brrrnnggg! Brrrnnggg!Brrrnnggg!Brrrnnggg! It chimed.
I tugged it into the direction of my ear and mouth, letting out a groan.
"How the hell did that get there? Would the damn thing shut off, already?" I pondered before falling back to sleep for a few minutes. I was having a great dream.
My member pounded as it stood erect. My yearning for this woman so great, I was dripping. Painstakingly, my fingers dance up her inner thigh. Her flesh warm and her core hot when I reached it. Two digits roamed her.
Yet again, the clamor coming from the telephone disturbed me. Damn! I tried and tried, but couldn't return to my fantasy.
Slowly, I squinted into the mid morning light. I registered the time from the digital clock on the nightstand I was facing. Raising the blaring receiver to my ear, I responded in a thick, low and scratchy voice.
"Yeah? What..."
Marvin quickly erupted.
"It's about time! God, I've been calling for over an hour! What took you so long to answer? Never mind, I don't want to know!"
I grimaced at his angered tone. It was running havoc on my pounding skull. What was he so worked up about? Damn, he can be such a drama king! I bet he is just calling us to remind of something stupid, like a meeting Haley and his has or what she eats for breakfast.
"Relax, Mouth. I kept my end of the deal and baby sat the little diva just like you told me. She's safe and sound... Now let me get a few more winks in before she wakes up."
Mouth pushed his hands into his hair, gripping tightly and rose from his mahogany desk, leaving his brunch and newspapers scattered all over the place.
"She wore you out? Ugh, Nathan! You were supposes to be able to handle her, not fall for her crap!" He stormed, his temper rising by the second.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED LAST NIGHT? I TOLD YOU TO KEEP HER OUT OF THE MEDIA... INSTEAD, YOU ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE! TELL ME THE PICTURES ON THE FRONT OF THE ENQUIRER, PEOPLE AND THESE TEN NEWSPAPERS IN FRONT OF ME ARE FAKE AND THE STORY IS A LIE! SAY IT! "He screamed into the telephone forcing me to have flashbacks of the previous evening.
Before saying a few expletives under my breath my eyes flew open as the memories came into play. I looked at the scattered clothing over the floor, two empty liquor bottles on the dresser, Luther Vandross playing softly on the stereo in a loop and two small empty packages on the nightstand. He had to be talking about something else. There was no way he could know what we did. I convinced myself.
Casually, I commented to my dear friend. "Get a grip, dude. There were no three way kisses, no catfights or hot tub hanky panky this time, just a little drinking, a lot dancing and a tad bit of romancing before calling it a night." I teased.
"STOP LYING TO ME, NATHAN! I KNOW THE TRUTH! HELL, THE WHOLE WORLD IS READING ABOUT IT OR WATCHING CLIPS OF YOUR LITTLE ESCAPADE AS WE SPEAK!"
Shit! What are we going to do now? The plan is totally blown! I panicked inwardly, but continued to pretend to be in control with Mouth.
"I can explain. I swear. Ha ha! Man, you're going laugh...You see..."
"Did Haley put you up to this to get back at me for sticking you two together? Well, it's only going to make things worse. This is not a game, Nathan! This is her life!"
Suddenly, I felt extremely protective of the sexy female I usually hated. It was nothing like Mouth was portraying. True enough, we may have gone a little overboard, but the reason was endearing and normal.
I saw a totally different side of Haley when she asked me to conspire with her on this. To hear her speak of what would be such a minor tryst in another woman or man's life completely changed my perception of the femme fatale. She became real, vulnerable, simple and breathtaking.
"Don't come down on her about this! The press wasn't supposed to find out! She's going to be heart broken enough! I won't let you blast her for this! I'll take the fall." I insisted.
I could hear lots of background noise, and then Marvin spoke to woman. Was he on a plane?
"So will her record sales! Holy hell, no one is going believe this! They're going to think she did this on purpose... Can you at least tell me it's was mutual and for the right reasons?"
I grinned, reflecting on the situation. I was skeptical a first too, but in the grand scheme of things it was such a minor request. Who was I to deny her, especially after what she confessed to me?
"Absolutely." I confirmed, sure her manager assumed I was fibbing to defending his client.
Mr. McFadden sighed heavily as if some of the weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He spoke rationally for the first time since our conversation started.
"Good! I'm leaving New York now. Don't answer the phone or the door!"
"Will do...and Mouth don't worry so much. It not that big of a deal, well get it straightened out in a few days."
"Let's hope, but don't be surprised if you don't like the outcome. How about waking up your little partner in crime and telling her you're busted? A cranky Haley is the last thing I want to see or hear from today."
"Remember what I said about not bitching her out too bad, pleas Mouth" I begged.
On the other end of the phone, I couldn't see her agent shook his head.
"I'll be there soon, bye."
I put the phone back on its mount and sat up in bed. If I smoked, this would be the perfect moment to light up I let the crisp white linen lay at my waist with my naked back pressed against the headboard. My knees bent so my left elbow rested on one them. My fingers made waves through my scalp, .massaging the tension away.
How the f**k am I going to tell, Hales? She was so excited. We had started an alliance. I didn't want things to go back to the bitter banter. I was still scared of what she could do to me, but I was relished our new found closeness. I was drawn to her.
My hand dropped to the top of my leg joint. Immediately, I became aware of her presences as her diminutive form stretched like a kitten across the other side of the bed. My eyes roses from her nicely kept feet, up her toned legs. Egyptian cotton sheets covered her middle from her thigh to the top of her fantastic breast. Why was she so gorgeous, so feisty, and so enchanting? I didn't need her to be. It made things so hard. I had to shield myself. I couldn't get burned again. If I could only get my heart to listen to my head, I would be safe.
Instinctively, I reached over and brushed her silky gold tresses away from her cheek and behind her ear, a smile tugging at my tired face. I didn't think she would be here in bed with me. Not that I am not please. I'm sure I'm the envy of many a man, but don't let her know I said that. She already has too much power over me. We are barely friends and I'm sure she's going to break my heart. I suck in my breath when she lets out a cute yawn. She was so serene, perfect and endearing this way. Carefully, I bend to place a soft kiss on her forehead. I pulled back to drink in her lovely features for the hundredth time tonight. Surprisingly, her eyes open and she gazes up at me with sullen brown orbs. Her agony was already becoming mine.
"I just wanted five days, Nathan. That's all. "She sounded barely about a whisper...
Pamela