The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (26 page)

I gasped, spinning round to look into his excited eyes. “Really?” I needed assurance this was real, unable to take it all in.

He shook his head smiling.

“But how can we afford this?” I asked frowning.

“Dave, my boss, is our landlord. He knows that I’ve been looking, and his other tenant left the place in a state so he’s had to redecorate and was looking for decent people to move in. He’s even given me it at a discounted rate ’cause I’m such a great employee.” He grinned at his own compliment, which made me laugh.

I grabbed his hair, pulling him towards me so our faces were barely inches apart. “I can’t believe we finally have our own place, no more sneaking around, just you and me, together forever.”

A look of disbelief flashed over his face for a few moments at the mention of our future. I knew he craved the stability he had never had before. Without even asking, I could tell how much this meant to him.

He gazed at me, his eyes filled with love. He kissed me long and hard, taking my breath away.

I wanted him so bad.

His kiss set light to the fuse, and now I was burning with desire.

When he moved away, my eyes wrenched open in confusion. He grinned opening the bedroom door. “This is our room, where we’ll sleep together every night.” His arms encircled me from behind, pressing my back into his chest, his lips resting against my ear. “Where I will get to hold you in my arms.”

“Pinch me ’cause I think I’m dreaming.” I squealed when he nipped my arm, and I spun around to look into his eyes. “I think we’re going to be really happy here.” I smiled and stroked his face, looking into his excited eyes that held a glimmer of the future I’d been so desperate to find.

“I think so, just us, what more do we need?”

Right now, I couldn’t think of a single thing, only Joel.

“Let’s christen the bed.” He scooped me up, throwing me onto it. He dragged his T-shirt over his head, and I leaned up on my elbows admiring the view.

“Aren’t you working?”

A large grin spread across his face. “Got a ten minute break.”

“Ten minutes?” I made a face pouting.

That wasn’t long enough for what I had planned.

“Okay, I can maybe stretch it to twenty.” He hopped around working his jeans off before launching himself at me. He dragged me down the bed, desperately trying to remove my skinny jeans.

“Better make it count then,” I teased, in my best sultry voice. I ripped off my own top and unhooked my bra, throwing them both down to the floor.

“I always do.” He winked, sliding off his boxers. He crawled up my body, and I sighed when his mouth reached my favourite place.

I didn’t need anymore convincing.

“Do you want a hand?” Joel asked smirking. His eyes held a glint of amusement, leaning over the bar. He was busy chewing on the end of his pen, in the middle of attempting to complete another crossword.

I rolled my eyes and chuckled to myself continuing to stack the glasses onto the shelf. In between the lulls in customers, I liked to keep myself busy restocking the bar with drinks and glasses. Joel, on the other hand, was more laid back in that aspect choosing to relax with his paper.

Over the past few weeks, I had effortlessly settled into my new work role. Joel had called me his new protégée, taking delight in telling people he had worked hard to get me to that level. His reply only managed to bring back my eye rolling tick. Of course he’d been more than accommodating taking me through my training. It was a wonder I’d managed to retain any form of information at all. As once that hot body brushed up against mine, my sole concentration become purely focused on his touch. I could tell from his continual smirk, he enjoyed watching me become rattled. I’d lost count of the times we’d made numerous visits upstairs for a quick break after he’d mercilessly teased me to the brink of exploding.

One of the many perks of working alongside Joel was I got to secretly watch him work the bar. His movement was so fluid and graceful, everything seemed so secure in those large safe hands. He truly was the optimum of coolness preparing drinks while smiling and chatting away to all the locals. He’d caught me out on the odd occasion watching him, the look he gave me each time almost made my legs buckle. His eyes were so intense like he sensed my need for him. The small smile that played on his lips sent shivers throughout me. I knew he enjoyed any form of attention I paid him, and as he was my favourite pastime it only endeared me to watch him even more.

Joel, of course had his own fan club, which equally loved to watch him. I was forever walking in only to see them swooning over him. I laughed at all their obvious attempts to catch his eye. It was almost to the point of irritation, but I managed to maintain my cool.

He was mine after all.

That was more than enough to push the insecure thoughts to the back of my mind. Even if I did often visualise pulling every single hair out of their heads as they stood flirting their little arses off. 

I too had built up a following of my own. The older regular customers continued to shower me with compliments knowing fine well Joel was within earshot. He took it all in good spirits, despite the barrage of insults thrown his way. He never took the bait, just shook his head in complete amusement. As they were all over the seventy mark, he didn’t seem to have a problem. Sometimes I think he got great enjoyment out of my embarrassment.

He wasn’t as relaxed with the younger guys who shamelessly still flirted despite my apparent lack of interest. Each time I felt his eyes burning into the guys as they carried on regardless. I knew he was dying to interject, but one look from me was enough for him to hang back. I didn’t want him fighting and losing his job, we had responsibilities now and we couldn’t afford to lose it all. The only upside was the generous tips, even though I had to swerve their advances on many occasions, but it all helped to pay the bills.

Having our own flat was bliss. We got to have the space we so desperately needed, and Joel was finally free of his dad. My mother was less than thrilled, making it quite clear she was totally opposed to the idea. Though despite her many reservations of rushing into things, I moved in the next day.

The flat was sparsely furnished, so I quickly enrolled Elijah to use his interior design skills to inject some colour into the beige blank canvas. After looking through several colour schemes, we both agreed that red would be the best option and spent the day shopping for all the furnishings. The next day we decorated with Elijah weaving his usual magic so the flat was now less empty shell more homely.

After hanging the last of the pictures, I positioned various photographs of us together that I’d taken throughout the summer around the flat. To most people they would just see photos, but I knew the significance behind it after spending a week in Joel’s home. The place was so void of any love I wanted him to see constant reminders of our happiness, to finally feel the true love from a family home.

Just seeing his eyes light up the moment he returned home was enough. Watching him take in the full extent of the makeover to see his football trophies finally out on display, marking his achievements. He had lovingly gazed at each picture of us before his eyes finally rested on mine.

His look of complete gratitude sent an ache ripping right through me. I wanted him to know that he was my life, and my world began and ended with him. I would always strive for him to never second guess my love. For him to accept he was deserving of every single moment of happiness so I’d never have to experience that heartbreaking look ever again.

* * *

I woke up on my birthday to the best present of all—my body pressed up against Joel’s. His arms were wrapped up tight around me, and I let out a small sigh of contentment. It was all my birthday wishes come true.

His warm breath softly tickled the back of my neck, placing gentle kisses along my skin. I gasped lightly with each exquisite sensation. His fingers ran slowly along my ribs and then brushed up against my breast. I leaned back into him, closing my eyes in delight at his warm, delicate touch.

“Ahh, so the birthday girl is finally awake,” he whispered, his words sending a shiver through my body. I smiled just wondering what else he had in store. He continued with his beautiful torture, sending me into a complete state of bliss. I felt his hand slip below the sheet, it lightly swept down my body, then stopped to stroke me in that special place.

I moaned softly with each movement he made, his fingers began to totally undo me. My eyes rolled back the moment they slipped inside. His other hand continued tweaking my nipple as his lips kissed and gently teased the sweet spot on my neck.

“Are you ready for your first birthday treat?” he whispered.

I moaned in reply.

I had lost the ability to speak.

My sole concentration was on the pleasure I was receiving. I frowned slightly when he pulled away, leaving my body bereft. The look he shot me before his head slipped below the sheets told me the best was yet to come.

When his mouth replaced his fingers, I gasped at the sensation. Each flick of his tongue sent me even higher. His fingers gripped my skin, and he spread my legs wider, beginning to kiss up the inside of each thigh. The feel of his lips was electric against my body.

But it wasn’t enough.

I needed his mouth on me now.

My fingers grabbed his hair, and he groaned lightly with the force as I steered him back to where I needed him to be. I desperately tried to arch my back, with every wave of pleasure that rippled right through me. The heat of his hand sizzled against my skin as it splayed across my stomach, holding me in place. His other teased my now very erect nipples, each squeeze and roll of his fingertips sent me even closer to the edge. The build up was becoming more intense, his fingers had now slipped back inside, working alongside his tongue. I felt the pressure building.

Oh god. I was close.

I pulled his hair tight, wrapping it tightly around my fingers. He groaned in obvious pain, but I needed something to cling to. I continued climbing higher and higher and screamed in ecstasy, riding out the wave of my orgasm coursing and pulsating through my body.

As the pleasure subsided, I sunk back almost deliriously into the mattress. My body began to unwind after all the intensity. I opened my eyes as my vision slowly came back into focus.

Happy birthday to me.

I started laughing when he popped his head out moments later. He grinned wildly as a look of triumph spread across his face. I shook my head, watching his ego begin to grow, but I was not about to ruin it for him. He had more than earned his moment, that smile was worth every delicious, glorious second.

He climbed back up my body, kissing me hard on the lips. “Did you enjoy your treat?” He chuckled. I smiled, closing my eyes, still barely coherent coming down from my high. His nose nudged against mine, waiting for a reply.

“It isn’t over yet, is it?” I asked, pretending to look disappointed. My eyes fluttered open to look into his amused filled ones.

His grin split his face in two. “Oh baby, I’ve only just begun.”

* * *

Walking through the park a huge grin spread across my face. I could see Elijah discretely checking out the topless good-looking guys playing football behind his cool designer sunglasses as a hint of a smile played on his lips. I was not surprised, these guys were hot.

He was sat kneeling on a rug spread across the grass with a picnic basket perched beside him. A high-pitched whistle caught his attention, and his head snapped round in my direction. He instantly smiled, whistling his own approval. “Hey, sexy birthday girl, get over here for your birthday hug.”

I laughed at his words, hugging him tight before giving him a kiss. “Thanks, wow, is this picnic for me?” I asked, looking down at the basket involuntary licking my lips, I was starving.

“Yep, only the best for my BF.” He smiled and then stood back. His eyes quickly scanning my face as a grin began to creep over his own. “Well, someone is positively glowing. By the look on your face I’m guessing it’s the tall, dark, tattooed guy that has put that smile there.”

I blushed as flashbacks of the whole morning quickly ran through my head. “Elijah.” I shot him a warning with my eyes, but he carried on regardless.

“Seriously, I bet he’s amazing in bed. With some people you can just tell. Are you going to give me an insight into just how good he is?”

“No, it’s private.” I scowled, annoyed he’d ask something so personal. I averted my eyes from his prying ones, quickly sitting down, hoping he had the sense to just drop it.

He stood staring, watching me intently. “To satisfy my curiosity a quick yes or no.”

Seriously?

I rolled my eyes at his pushiness and quickly nodded. It was highly unlikely he’d drop the subject till I gave him a response, it was easier to just get it over with.

A huge smile spread across his face. “I knew it, he just screams sex. You are one lucky bitch, Izzy Adams.”

I laughed at his direct words. He always was straight to the point. My mood brightened watching him pull out the entire contents of the basket, spreading it out onto the rug. My eyes greedily poured over the little plastic boxes filled with delicious treats. At this rate, we’d be in a carbohydrate coma for the rest of the afternoon.

We toasted with a glass of Pimm’s, and Elijah overly sang happy birthday in his own special way, presenting me with a strawberry cupcake. He forcefully persuaded me into making a birthday wish, but I faked it. I had everything I wanted already.

My eyes filled with tears opening his card and reading the message he had lovingly wrote inside. It totally conveyed the love and friendship we shared. I felt the emotion building and grabbed him, hugging him hard. He would always be my best friend, regardless of whatever journey life took us on.

He leaned back and brushed away my tears with his thumb. He handed me the prettiest silver, patterned, butterfly present, topped off with a large, elegant bow. It literally looked too good to unwrap, but he motioned with his eyes for me to do so.

My fingers gently folded back the paper, revealing the most exquisite jewelled beaded clutch bag. Holding it up into the light, my eyes ran over the intricate detailing. You could tell it was vintage. It was like something straight out of the Great Gatsby. I gently ran my fingertips over the fine stones reflecting the sunlight.

“I knew you would love it the moment I saw it,” Elijah said smiling.

It was true, he had amazing taste. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, hugging him hard. I loved both him and his stunning gift.

He smiled, pouring us both another glass of Pimm’s. I held mine out to him as he raised his own. “Here’s to the best friend a gay guy could ever find. Izzy, you’re my friend, my soul mate, and I know wherever we end up in life, we will always be close as friendships like this last a lifetime.”

I clinked my glass against his as a tear rolled down my cheek.

“Hey, the birthday girl can’t cry. It’s her special day.”

“These are happy tears, for a friend that truly means the world to me.” I kissed his cheek softly. He gave my arm a squeeze, almost on the brink of tears too. We definitely were suitably matched when it came to soppiness.

We indulged in one more cupcake as our bodies finally became momentarily sated. We lay back soaking up the sun, chatting and staring up into the cloudless blue sky.

It was perfect.

I giggled when Elijah nudged me, positioning us so we could discretely check out the hot guys still playing football.

“Good god, check out the abs on him, the things I could do to him with my tongue,” he remarked grinning, positively drooling.

I nudged him with my elbow. “Hello, you already have a boyfriend.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I can’t window shop, and he is hot with a capital H.” He lifted up his sunglasses to get a better look.