Intrigued and Enchanted (20 page)

Once I pull myself together, I splash some water on my face and just stare at myself in the mirror for a moment, wondering how I got to this point in such a short space of time. The door bursts open and it’s Brandon.

“What the hell Brandon? This is the ladies room.” I’m feeling pretty annoyed with him right now and this isn’t helping matters.

“You’ve been in here for twenty fucking minutes Lily. I was worried about you.”

“Why didn’t you send Jess in to check on me then?” Seriously.

“She’s dancing with Simon and I wanted to check on you myself.” God he can be exasperating.

“Well I’m fine, so you can leave and I’ll be out in a minute.” He turns to leave and I obviously don’t think before mumbling under my breath.

“I’m surprised you noticed I was gone.” He spins back around, his eyes angry.

“What the fuck Lily? What’s going on? Of course I would notice. You’re all I fucking think about - 24/7.” Why does he have to say things like that to me? It makes it harder to be mad at him.

“I’m just saying…you disappeared and I’m surprised you noticed I was gone.” Brandon looks relieved. He thinks I didn’t see
her
.

“What did Simon need you for?” I fain innocence.

“Just a staff problem. It’s sorted now so I’m all yours for the rest of the night.” He moves towards me with a sexy grin on his face.

“I didn’t realise your ex works here. You lying sack of shit.” I just stand there with my arms folded over my chest, holding the pieces of my shattered heart together. Brandon starts pacing the floor, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

“Fucking. Fuck. Fuck.” Okay, he’s angry. Why the fuck is he angry? I’m the one that just got lied to.

“She fucks everything up. Listen to me Lily. Victoria turned up downstairs and Simon thought it would be better if I went down and asked her to leave so she didn’t come up here and make a scene. I didn’t want her to ruin your night. I was going to tell you about it tomorrow…after we had a good night celebrating your graduation.”

I really want to believe him, because the alternative will break my heart. He lied to me though. How do I know he’s not lying about this?

“You just lied to my face Brandon. Why should I believe you now? Were you down there laughing at how gullible I am that I was begging you to fuck me ten minutes before she was running her hands over you? Well fuck both of you. I’m not going to be second best, or the other woman, or whatever the fuck I am to you.” I try to force my way past him and out the door, but he won't let me, and he looks really angry now.

“Wait just a fucking minute Lily. I told you why I didn’t want to tell you she was here. I wanted us to have a good night. And as for the rest of the shit you’re spouting, I’m going to assume that’s the work of the alcohol and your ridiculous Google search, because if you don’t know what you mean to me by now then I’m obviously doing a fucking pathetic job here.”

The look on his face transforms from hard and angry to tender and vulnerable in a split second as he reaches out his hand to touch my face. I shirk from his hand, knowing that if I feel his warm skin against mine, I won’t be able to think straight.

“Please don’t pull away from me Lily. I made a mistake, but it was to protect you. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again. I promise.” He reaches out to me again and this time I let him soothe me with the touch of his palms on my face. He presses a tentative kiss to my lips before looking me in the eye, his eyes conveying his sincerity as he speaks.

“Lily. You could never be the other woman, or second best to anyone. Any man lucky enough to know you would know you’re the one that you don’t let get away. The one that makes you stop noticing other women altogether. The only one that thinks you’re second best...is you, Lily. You. Are. Amazing. There is no one that compares to you Lily. Not for me. Please believe me when I tell you are number one with me. You’re the only fucking number.”

The kiss that follows is a plea, a heartfelt request from Brandon for me to believe him…and I do. He implores me to open up to him, licking his sweet seductive tongue over the crease of my lips. His taste so intoxicating to me; I grant him entrance, twisting and stroking my tongue with his, making my own plea for him to look after my heart. He pulls me flush with his body, connected from chest to hip, my heart thundering against his as our kiss deepens.

I can feel his heart hammering against my breasts, confirmation that I affect him, a comfort to the ache I feel in my chest. We could have been standing like this for a minute or an hour and I wouldn’t know, I’m so lost to the sensations and emotions Brandon stirs within me.

Brandon breaks contact just long enough to pull me out of the ladies room and backs me up against the wall in the hallway. The feel of his body pressed against mine, his tongue’s sole purpose to bring me pleasure, there is a strange calm surrounding our frenzied connection in a club full of people.

It doesn’t make sense, but everyone around us disappears, everything that we’ve been fighting about vanishes. There is only this, only us – our bodies, our mouths; the tangible bond crackling between us. After what seems like hours, we pull apart, our breaths ragged, Brandon’s forehead pressed to mine.

“Please hear me Lily. Please believe me. You have
nothing
to worry about. You are
all
I see,
all
I want. How could you not be?” The emotion creating a massive lump in my throat stops me from answering him. I offer a simple nod. As he lifts my face, forcing our eyes to meet, I blink back tears – happy tears at his declaration. He is all those things to me and so much more. With an unspoken understanding that we are on the same page, we head back into the VIP lounge to spend some time with our friends.

To bring us back down from our rollercoaster ride, we are greeted by the sight of Nate being…what I can only describe as mauled by my twin sisters on the dance floor. To be fair to them, he seems to be enjoying every minute of it. I can’t believe there’s only a year and a half between us. Sometimes it feels more like five years.

I spot Jess and Simon in a dark corner looking very cosy. I hope she gives it a shot with him, he seems like a really nice guy and he’s so crazy about her. Brandon orders a bottle of champagne from the bar and we find our own quiet corner to celebrate in. The rest of the evening is lovely. We dance, we laugh, and we talk about what we’re going to do when we get to London. I’m so excited. In three days I’ll be in London with Brandon.

By 2am I can barely stand anymore my feet hurt so badly in these heels. I’ve danced with Brandon for hours and had far too much Champagne and cocktails. I admit defeat and ask Brandon to take me home. I’m pretty sure Jess is taking Simon home to our apartment so I ask Brandon to take me to his place, and he is more than happy to oblige. Angus is waiting outside to take us back to Museum Mile on 5th Avenue and I’m more than ready to call it a night.

18

I wake up confused. Last I remember I was getting in the car with Brandon outside the club. When I take in my surroundings I realise that I am tucked into Brandon’s side, snuggled in his huge comfy bed, wearing one of Brandon’s t-shirts and nothing else. Wow. I must have been really drunk last night not to wake up when Brandon was obviously taking such good care of me. Brandon squeezes me closer to his side.

“Go back to sleep baby. We have nowhere to be today. You’re stuck with me.” That gets a smile on my face – as if anyone would feel ‘stuck’ with Brandon Redgrave. I kiss his warm chest and snuggle in, wrapping my legs over his and drift back into a peaceful sleep in Brandon’s arms until lunchtime.

When we finally wake up, we spend another hour lazing in bed planning what we need to do today to get organised for going to London on Monday. I have shopping and packing to do, can’t go to London without some new clothes! Brandon doesn’t have much to do because he already knew we were going. He’s decided to take me wherever I need to go today and help me get ready for our trip. Eeeeekkkk! I am so excited. I don’t think I’ll believe it until we’re standing in front of Big Ben.

We spend the day in Saks. Brandon insists on paying for everything I so much as look at. He’s crazy adorable, following me round like a walking clothes rail, holding everything I pick up, giving me a running commentary of the naughty things he plans to do to me in each outfit. I let him think that he’s going to pay for all this stuff, but I have a plan up my sleeve.

He’s actually a great shopping partner, he doesn’t moan, keeps me laughing, gives his honest opinion of stuff that I show him, and makes me stop for regular treats and drinks. Once I’ve got everything I need for our trip, we head to the cashier. This is where my plan comes into play. Brandon sets down all of my lovely purchases on the counter.

“Brandon, could you go pick up those sunglasses I saw earlier? I meant to go back for them – The Dior ones.” He gives me a peck on the forehead and off he goes with a smile on his face. I turn back to the cashier and tell her what I need.

“Can you ring this up as quickly as possible please? If you don’t he’ll insist on paying.” She laughs.

“Gorgeous and generous. Let him pay honey. He’s a keeper.” He definitely is a keeper and the most generous man I have even met, but I don’t want him for his money and I need him to understand that.

“Please just ring it up. I really want to pay for it myself.” She does as I ask and I sign my name on the dotted line just as Brandon arrives back.

“Miss Pritchard. What do you think you’re doing? Did you actually intend on buying these sunglasses, or was I just sent on a wild goose chase?” He looks at me with a disgruntled but amused smirk on his face.

“Sorry Brandon, but I had to pay for this stuff myself. You’re paying for the trip. It wouldn’t feel right if you paid for all of this as well, and I know you wouldn’t have let me if I hadn’t sent you away.” I give him my best puppy dog eyes and a saccharin sweet smile. He can’t resist my innocent expression, grabbing me by the face and setting a smacker of a kiss on me right in front of the cashier.

“Oh Honey. Where did you find him? I need to get one of those.” That makes me giggle.

“Sorry. I’m pretty sure he’s one of a kind.” Once my stuff is all bagged and ready to go I thank her and turn to leave. Brandon brushes past me and puts the sunglasses on the counter.

“I’ll take these please.” He can’t be serious.

“What are you doing Brandon?” He doesn’t so much as glance in my direction as he answers my questions.

“I am not a man that gets sent on pointless errands Miss Pritchard. I’m buying these sunglasses for a woman that I happen to be taking to London on Monday. Please don’t interrupt me, it’s very rude.” I can’t see it, but I can totally hear the smug grin plastered on his face as he speaks. I don’t have the energy to fight this battle that I will inevitably lose. I just kiss him on the cheek and say thank you.

He unburdens me of my bags and we decide it’s time to go home. I was lucky enough this morning that Brandon being Brandon had arranged for some casual clothes and my favourite toiletries to be at his apartment. Of course I didn’t think of that when I was drunk last night. I really don’t deserve to feel as good as I do today. Brandon gave me some concoction to drink that made me feel great.

When we make our way outside, I don’t know why but I'm surprised to find Angus waiting for us with the SUV. Brandon puts the bags in the back before ushering me into the car.

“I’m sure we could have walked back to your apartment Brandon.” He laces our fingers together pulling me closer as we start moving.

“Well I figured you might have a few bags, and I thought you would want to go to your apartment to get organised for Monday.” I have a twinge of disappointment at his words. Okay twinge is putting it lightly, but I’m trying to preserve my dignity here.

“Okay. Thanks.” I don’t manage to veil my obvious disappointment.

“It’s not that I don’t want you to stay at my place. Heck I’d keep you there permanently if I had my way.” What the hell? I know it is way too soon, and it was probably just an off the cuff remark, but my heart soars at his words. I try not to show my obvious elation.

“I just figured you need to get packed and you might want a night with Jess before we go. It would be easier if you stay with me tomorrow night so we can just head to the airport when we get up. Obviously, if you want to stay on your own tomorrow night as well, then I’ll just come pick you up a bit earlier on Monday morning.” He sounds a little sad, and I’m a little over eager.

“No…no…NO. I am completely okay with staying with you tomorrow night. Thanks for thinking of me and Jess. I hope she’s free tonight.” The look on my face tells me that Brandon has already checked.

“She’s free isn’t she?” I can’t help but smile at him. He really does think of everything.

“Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you got to see her before we go.”

“You’re a control freak you know that right? Lucky I find it quite sexy.” He’s on me in a second.

“Oh Lily. If it’s control that does it for you, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” He kisses me, controlling the kiss, pinning me to the spot, helpless but to acquiesce to his desires. I’m breathless when Angus pulls up in front of my building. I don’t want to leave Brandon and he seems nervous as he rubs his thumb over the back of my hand.

“I was wondering if you want to have Sunday dinner with my parents tomorrow. I’d love for them to meet you.” He looks like a shy little boy staring back at me. I’m the one that should be nervous.

“That sounds lovely Brandon. Guess I better go and get my packing sorted then.” He senses that I’m not ready to leave him yet. He gets out to open my door and offers, or rather demands, to bring my bags up to the apartment. I let him, because I’ll take any extra time with him that I can. I’m addicted to him. As I open the door to the flat Jess comes barrelling down the hallway towards me, enveloping me in her arms.

“Bestie! Girls’ night in tonight. I get you all to myself. Woohoo.” She peeks around my shoulder.

“No offence Brandon.” That makes him laugh.