Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1) (8 page)

“Interesting choice of words. Okay.”

“Close those eyes.”

He squints, like he’s nervous of what’s to come. A wide smile shows deep dimples, and it’s contagious.

I take the fork and dip right into the cake. “Open.” I watch his lips sliding over the fork as I pull away.

Lord help me that was heady.

“There ought to be a law against this.” He opens his eyes. “You bake?”

“I do.”

“You’re trouble. Slice me a piece before I use my fingers.” His boyish charm makes sparks fly between us.

“All in due time.” I taunt him.

“Let me have a piece, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Loaded statement, but I let it go.

“I’m surprised you’re going to have an entire piece. I know you usually don’t waver from your stringent nutrition plan.”

“We all can cheat a little, plus I’m working out after I train tomorrow. Remember, we’re on at noon,” he says.

“The trainer surfaces. Oh God, are you going to make me pay for this?” I groan.

“You bet your sweet ass I am.” He smirks at me.

“How could I forget the ass kicking I get every Saturday?” I lift one eyebrow, pretending to be serious.

“Oh my God. This is sinful.” He moans around a mouthful of cheesecake.

“You like?”

“This is pure heaven, woman. I could get used to this.”

“You’re so right. I’ve outdone myself.” As I take a bite, I smile and our eyes meet.

It’s after midnight when we say goodnight.

“I had a great time, Bryer.”

He pulls me into a hug, wrapping his arms around my waist. I slide my hands up his chest, feeling his perfectly defined pecs. I wonder what he looks like shirtless, and the thought renders me speechless.

“I had a better time,” I make my point obvious.. “Thank you.”

“You’ll get your turn, baby.” He kisses me tenderly, leaving me wanting more.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say.

He nods and backs up, not turning away until he’s out the door, so I soak in my fill of him.

God, I want him.

***

I’M STILL ON
my phone with Gen when I walk into the gym, and I’m running late. “It was incredible. A few bumps in the road, but we got through it. Everything about it, from dinner to my apartment, was hot, sexy, especially the kiss.”

“Psh…Only a goodnight kiss? Are you made of stone, Bryer? You had the sexiest man alive to yourself and you didn’t get more than a goodnight kiss? Tell me, is he as perfect as he seems? Or, God no, he isn’t a crier is he?”

“God Gen, no. He’s pretty perfect.”

“And I didn’t say where the kiss was.” I know these last words left unexplained will drive her crazy. “I’ve got to go. I’m late. Muah.” Leaving out the Camilla episode, I hang up.

I see Nathan before he sees me, but instead of heading towards him, I move toward the treadmill to start my warm up routine.

Clayton approaches, which surprises me, because he’s not my trainer, I have no contact with him.

“Bryer, is it?” He gives me a warm, gorgeous smile. He’s a handsome man with light hair and brown eyes.

“That’s me.”

“Just curious. You’re Nathan’s new friend?”

While I continue my jog, I wonder where this is going. “I guess you could say that.”

He nods. “My man is a good guy, despite his reputation.”

“I think he’s a good guy too. What are you getting at?”

“Well, I know it’s not really any of my business, but I’ve never seen him like this with any woman.”

“I get the distinct impression you’re worried about Nathan.”

“His reputation is notorious, but that’s not all he is.”

“So who are you worried about--him or me?”

“Him.”

“Why’s that?”

I can’t imagine why Clayton would feel so protective over Nathan when it comes to me.

“He’s different with you Bryer, I’m Just callin’ it as I see it,” Clayton says.

“Nathan is confident and capable of making his own decisions.” I get the impression that Clayton knows something and I’m supposed to read between the lines.

“Good luck with that.” He turns and walks away.

That was confusing.

Nathan looks my way and he doesn’t look happy.

Great.

***

“READY?” A MOMENT
later, Nathan glares down at me with his hands on his hips. Is he angry over Clayton? Jealous? It feels that way.

“Always.” I try to play, but it falls flat. “Oh, I forgot to mention, I’ll have to skip our next session on Saturday. I have to travel for business.” I use diversion as my next approach.

“Really? Over the weekend?”

“Yes. That’s not unusual.”

“Where?”

“Bossy much?” He glares over his shoulder at me when I say this. “Chicago. It’s a business meeting, a meet and greet party with clients afterwards. The usual.”

“I love Chicago.” he says, his mood slowly turning around.

“Me too.” I hope this is the end of our discussion of my trip.

“So… Clayton?” He probes about our conversation.

What do I say? “He introduced himself. Guess he knows I’m your new friend.” I smile up at him.

He shakes his head, but only one dimple makes an appearance. “Let’s start with upper body today.” And with that, my sex god switches to professional trainer.

***

THE WORK WEEK
goes by quickly while I plan for the upcoming Chicago trip. The boys at work make the day-to-day business amusing.

I don’t hear from Nathan till Wednesday when he sends me a text.

Nathan: Windy city?

Bryer: Yes, that’s the place.

Nathan: It will be cold.

Bryer: I own a coat.

Nathan: Maybe I should keep you warm.

Bryer: Are you looking for an invite?

Nathan: Are you offering?

Bryer: Yes. Come.

Nathan: I would love to come.

I can hardly believe it

Nathan comes by later to discuss our plans for the weekend. He books the flights and, to my surprise, hands two first class tickets to me.

I look up in disbelief. “My expenses will only cover coach.” I laugh over the fact he’d think I would rate first class within the company I work for.

“I know. I got it.”

He’s also made hotel reservations at the W Lakeshore Chicago Hotel, which is not where my business meeting or the after party are being held.

“This is a very exclusive hotel. Don’t you think you’re overdoing this just a smidge?”

“Clearly that’s my goal.”

“You do realize this is a business trip and I’ll be gone all day Saturday?”

I’m hit with a huge smile and a double dose of dimples. “I plan on going with you to this after party.”

That’s news to me. I would love his company, but will this be appropriate and will my boss object? I decide to just go with it. Ask for forgiveness instead of permission.

“Okay, but you’ll have to entertain yourself Saturday afternoon,” I say.

“I will. Don’t worry about me. Baby, I’ve got you all night.”

I feel my body come to life. “So it would seem.”

***

ON FRIDAY, NATHAN
picks me up and carries my luggage down to his car--his pride and joy.

“Did you pack for the weekend or are we moving?” he says.

We?

“Hilarious. It’s one bag. Work and personal items.”

When he puts the suitcase in the trunk, I can’t help but touch him. His chiseled back is as sexy as his front. What will this weekend bring?

We go through all the hoops and inconveniences that flying has evolved into before we’re sitting in first class.

“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Nathan asks.

“It’s barely noon,” I say.

“Close enough. I plan to make this a special weekend, Bryer, and you’re kind of cute when you have a few drinks in you.” He laughs.

“What? I am not!”

“Oh, you most certainly are.”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

“Nothing for us, right now.” he tells the flight attendant.

He holds my hand then plays with my hair, twirling a curl around his finger. “You’re so sexy it should be illegal,” he whispers in my ear. I lean into him during the flight, like we are the only two on the plane.

“When do we land?’ I ask.

“Soon. Are you anxious?”

“I am.”

“Good to know.” He beams.

“Here we are.”

A driver with a sign waits by the luggage carousel. Seriously? We have a driver? I usually take a crowded shuttle.

“This is us.” Nathan nods in the driver’s direction. If his intention is to impress me, it’s working.

The driver takes our bags and we’re lead to a black limo. Nathan opens the door and guides me in first.

“Your ride awaits.” He smiles that killer smile and I want to lick his dimples.

I slide in and he follows me. While the driver puts our bags in the trunk, Nathan presses the privacy glass button and up it goes. Harry Connick Jr. plays softly in the background.

“Just setting the mood.”

The lighting fades. They have dimmers in limos?

“Sitting next to you these last couple of hours and not being able to touch you was pure torture. I’m making up for lost time.” He nuzzles my neck.

Before I’ve adjusted to the new surroundings, Nathan is on me faster than I can catch my breath. He slams his mouth on mine, delivering a searing kiss, and I naturally lean back. I feel his erection pressing against me and he rubs his body across mine. His assault is pure erotic passion and it doesn’t take long to catch up.

“Fuck,” he says.

“Mmmhmm.”

He looks into my eyes. “Bryer, I touch you only a fraction of how much I want to.”

“I’m listening.” I smile.

Though his gray slacks, which have suddenly become very tight, I rub my hand against his hard length. “Interesting situation.”

“Bryer,” he whispers against my neck. His hot breath fans across my skin as his tongue works its way down my neck.

He grabs my hand and stops me.

“Wait.” Nathan breathes in my hair.

“What? Why?” I say. “You’re so fucking hot. I’ll never make it to the room.” His breathing is fast and hard.

“It’ll be over before we’ve started. I’ll wait till I get you into bed.”

“Yes. Bed.” I whisper, rendered almost speechless. “You started it.” We sit upright and he smiles, but keeps his eyes straight ahead.

“THIS PLACE IS
beautiful. Very modern, and classy,” I say as we check in.

With luggage in tow, we head to the top floor. His card waves over the sensor, and once the green light is lit, he pushes the door open but lets me walk in first.

“This is stunning, Nathan! Oh my God, look at the floor to ceiling windows. That view is spectacular.”

He stands in the doorway just watching me, a half smile on his face.

“I love it. It’s huge! The penthouse suite, huh?” I ask like an excited child.

“Yes.”

“Why? A regular room would have been fine.”

“Because it wasn’t enough.”

“It’s too much, Nathan.” While I’m excited to be here, I also feel guilty over how much trouble he went to for
my
business trip. Not to mention the cost.

“It’s not. It’s just enough, and I told you I would make this memorable.”

I walk over and press my body to his and run my hands up his white, button down shirt, feeling every hard muscle.

“Worth every penny” he says.

“Show off, now kiss me.” I pull him closer. Our hips touch and my breasts press against his chest.

“I want to run my hands through your hair constantly. It’s hard to control myself.” He laughs at me, but I’m totally serious.

“Then don’t.”

He remains still and allows me to take charge, briefly. I bring his head down to meet my lips, and just before they touch, I whisper, “Thank you.” He slowly moves in when I take my tongue and run it over his lip. I hear a moan, but I’m not sure who uttered it.

“What do you want, Bryer?”

“I want it all.”

Within seconds, the embrace is solid. He comes crashing down on my awaiting mouth. He grinds into me with his hips and presses hard against me. My body responds in every way. Will this be it? Our first time?

My head spins and my breath grows harsher. How have I lasted so long?

“Not yet, baby.” Reading my mind, he pulls away. I moan in protest. “Soon,” is all he says. A few more hours won’t kill me, but I pout.

***

“YES, SEVEN O’ CLOCK
sharp.” He commands into the phone, ordering room service. I get butterflies listening to his take charge style. I wonder if this dominance will make another appearance later.

“Dinner will arrive at seven, which leaves us a couple hours to relax and unpack,” he tells me as he walks closer.

God, this man has swagger. He oozes confidence. I’m swept away by his woodsy scent as he draws nearer. That musky smell calls my name.

“If you hurry and unpack, we may just have time to bathe before dinner,” he says.

“A bath? Together?”

“Yes. Would you prefer alone?”

“Ah, no, of course not.” I stumble over the rug.

I knew it was a matter of time, and the time has come. God, it’s been so long. Have I forgotten how?

This is not how I envisioned our first time. I notice he looks quite amused by my reaction. He leans in and his hot breath tickles my ear. “Baby, you’re wasting time. Unpack.” He’s so smooth, yet powerful, how can something so simple be so damn sexy?

“I’ll unpack.” I give him a thumbs up and cringe at my lame move. Oh, I’ve got game! I smile way too big to be perceived as cool or sexy.

Oh God, awkward. STOP IT.

Ten minutes later my bags are unpacked, work clothes hung up, and a beautiful white nightgown I’ve been saving is hung on the back of the bathroom door.

I must find my inner goddess. Approaching slowly, I focus on my target. He’s going through the drawers organizing his things in a very precise manor. He feels me closing in and turns his head and smiles. His gaze takes me in slowly from head to toe.