The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (27 page)

“He is pretty hot,” I replied, taking another sip of Pimm’s.

He sat up looking horrified. “Sweetie, I know you’re loved up but even you know that pretty hot ain’t doing him justice.”

I rolled my eyes at how serious he was taking the whole thing. “Okay, he is hot but not Joel hot.”

He let out a small snort of disapproval. “Well of course not Joel hot, but damn, I would love to tap that.” He dropped his sunglasses back down, nuzzling back into me.

“Does Sam know about your window shopping?” I asked, confused he was even looking. Yes, the guys were hot, but there was only one guy that could totally reduce me to a puddle on the floor with even just a hint of a look. I didn’t need to look elsewhere.

He started laughing. “Hell yeah, we window shop together for our fantasy threesome all the time.”

My eyes widened at his words. “What? Are you joking?” I sat up glaring at him in shock.

“No, we do it all the time when we’re sat in Starbucks, and FYI, you ever need to find a guy, that’s your hotspot.”

I grimaced at his words. The only thing I wanted to pick up at Starbucks was a caramel latte. “Do you find many men in there?”

A huge grin spread across his face. “Sweetie, I’ve had more men than coffees.”

Straight to the point as always.

“Ewwww.” I pulled a face shuddering.

I didn’t need to know anymore.

I knew he wasn’t exactly lacking in experience but that was too much information.

His eyebrows pulled in, observing my look of horror. “Hey, no judging—I’ve settled down with Sam now, but damn, this guy is being included in my threesome. I need to take photographic evidence to show just how hot he is.”

I chuckled continuing to sip on my drink, watching him snapping away. I was sure by now he must have captured him from every possible angle. He had certainly taken enough pictures for his private collection.

“Speaking of which do you have any photos of Joel?”

“What kind of photos?” I asked confused.

A smile spread across his face. “You know . . .” He motioned with his eyes as mine widened in horror.

“NO!” I yelled almost too loudly, attracting stares from a couple sitting close by.

Why the hell would he ask me that?

“Not even one that you’d like to share with your bestest friend in the whole wide world?” He grinned at me, trying to wield his powers of persuasion.

Oh yeah, like that was going to make a difference.

Boy was he wrong.

“Especially not with my bestest friend in the whole wide world.” I mimicked his voice, annoyed that he’d even ask. There was no way he was ever seeing a nude picture of Joel.

He propped himself up on his elbow as a cheeky smile crossed his lips. “Then describe it to me.”

“Elijah!” I shoved him so hard he lost his balance, falling back down onto the rug.

“Go on, I bet it’s magnificent.” He grinned with obvious delight. I was pretty sure his mind was wandering to places he had no business to be.

“I’m not saying a word.” I pressed my lips together to suppress the smile itching to break free.

He sat up and grabbed me, pulling me near. “You don’t have to the smile tells me enough.”

I quickly backed away from him and his prying eyes. “Can we just get back to perving?”

“Why certainly, are you thinking of adding him to your fantasy threesome?” he asked, nudging me playfully.

A look of disgust crossed my face. “No—Joel is more than enough for me,” I replied feeling guarded. He truly was, sometimes taking me to the brink of exhaustion with the endless orgasms he provided.

Not that I was complaining.

“Lucky bitch.” He pursed his lips, pretending to look annoyed.

I slapped his arm hard in disgust. “You can’t call me a bitch on my birthday.”

He smirked at my annoyed face. “I think you’ll find I just did.” He poked his tongue out, and I shook my head in amusement. “Hey, can I use your phone for one minute, my signal is playing up.”

“Yeah okay.” I quickly grabbed it out of my bag, handing it over.

His fingers worked the keys and a huge grin spread across his face.

“What did you do?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. The look of delight twinkling in his eyes made me uneasy. He was up to something, and I had an awful feeling I was not going to like it.

“Nothing,” he replied chuckling.

I held out my hand. “Give me my phone back now.” I was no longer enjoying the joke, now it had suddenly taken a twisted turn.

He shook his head. “No, I’m waiting for a reply.” He gripped the phone tighter so I would have to practically prize it from his hand.

I narrowed my eyes at him, praying he wasn’t about to say Joel’s name. “From whom?”

He bit his lip, hesitating slightly. “From . . . Joel.”

Shit, he didn’t!

My eyes widened with rage, and we both automatically leapt up together. I lunged to grab my phone, but he managed to swerve my dive. I chased after him, hot on his heels. My hands frantically tried to grab back the phone before the message came through.

“Give me my phone, Elijah,” I panted as we sprinted around the park like lunatics, much to everyone else’s amusement.

“I’m waiting for a picture message.” He laughed, weaving in and out of my arms. When the text alert went off, I felt sick.

Shit!

My heart was beating almost outside my chest. Within seconds, Elijah would see the private part of Joel only reserved for me.

A large smile crossed his face when he clicked the button. My nails bit into my hand, my fists curled up tight in anger. To my surprise his face dropped in disappointment. There was no way he had sent it, his reaction would have been much different. Believe me his jaw would have been on the floor.

He threw the phone back to me in disgust and walked back over, flopping back down panting onto the rug.

I turned the phone over looking at the screen, it was a message from Joel, just not the one he’d hoped for.

Nice try Elijah!

I chuckled breathing a sigh of relief Joel hadn’t fallen for his cheap trick. Flopping down on the rug, my heart rate slowly began to return to normal. I smacked him hard on the chest. He gave me a wounded look, but I was not falling for that one, not after that stunt.

“It’s for my eyes only,” I snapped, giving him a look of disgust.

“Greedy.” He smiled winking, but then his grin grew even wider.

I turned to see who was catching his attention. I shielded my eyes from the midday sun, only to see a handsome stranger equally grinning back walking our way.

“Talking about sexy, here’s my favourite guy.” Elijah winked, motioning to the man who was barely metres away.

He reached up, taking off his sunglasses. “You must be Izzy?” he asked, dazzling us with his smile. “Happy birthday.” He kneeled down, leaning over to give me a soft kiss on the cheek.

Wow, he was cute.

My eyes scanned his sun kissed, perfect face, which was instantly recognisable from the photo.

“It’s good to finally meet you. Elijah’s told me so much about you.” He flashed a smile, and I melted a little.

I narrowed my eyes, giving Elijah the death glare. “Hope it wasn’t all bad, you never know with him,” I snapped scowling. I was no longer in a happy place after the stunt he had just pulled.

“Do I sense some hostility here?” he asked chuckling, his eyes flashed between Elijah and myself.

Elijah scowled back handing him a glass of Pimm’s. “Oh, Izzy is just pissed I tried to get Joel to send me a cock shot.”

Sam started laughing, and Elijah joined him. He collapsed down onto the rug, shaking as he clutched his stomach.

Great, now I had both of them to contend with.

“Would you have looked if he had sent it?” I asked.

Did I even want to know the answer?

He sat up and stared at me like I was crazy. “Of course, I’m not going to pass up an opportunity see the sex god’s cock.”

“Are you okay with this, Sam?” I asked, feeling enraged. Even more so watching him shrug slightly. He wasn’t bothered at all. They were both as bad as each other.

“Hey, I gave up trying to rein Elijah in months ago, and yeah, I would have looked too. There’s no gay guy on the planet would pass up a chance to see your boyfriend up close and personal.”

I pouted, looking away.

Was everyone intent on stealing my boyfriend?

It was getting ridiculous now. Maybe the joined at the hip part didn’t seem so silly after all? A warm hand brushed up against my arm, I looked over into Sam’s warm, comforting eyes.

“Sorry, Iz, maybe this will make up for it.” He grinned, throwing a small wrapped box over.

I smiled catching it.

I loved presents.

I eagerly unwrapped the paper to reveal a bottle of Chanel.

I stared at it looking astounded. I had frequented enough perfume shop counters with Elijah to know the price. “Thanks for the present. You really didn’t have to, this is far too much.”

“Hey, you got to get spoiled on your birthday,” he said smiling and grabbed a plate, helping himself to the remains of the picnic.

“Every girl should have a bottle of Chanel on her dresser, sweetie.” Elijah gave me a warm smile and a wink.

I hugged Sam again. “Thank you,” I spritzed some on my wrist, breathing in the delicious scent. Elijah held out his, and I scowled, shaking my head in defiance.

“Only if you take Joel out of your fantasy threesome.”

He pouted, disgusted by my words. “Now, Iz, there is no need for that.”

“I mean it, Elijah.” I shot him a look of warning.

“Fine, we have plenty of others, now spritz, please, and don’t be stingy.”

I moved to spray him, but he snatched the bottle out of my hands, almost choking us with the fumes.

“Speaking of sexy men, Sam. How about this guy for our fantasy threesome?” He motioned towards the guy he had been perving over for the last hour.

Sam grinned with delight, and I rolled my eyes, flopping back onto the rug.

They truly were perfect for each other.

Walking down the stairs I smiled in delight at the beautiful sight of Joel stood there, patiently waiting at the bottom. His eyes held mine with each step I took, his smile grew wider the closer we became.

He was dressed in formal attire of black trousers, grey dress shirt and tie, and nestled in his arms was a large, exquisite bouquet of yellow roses. I was overcome by the effort he’d made, and the fact he knew they were my favourite flowers.

His eyes lit up when I took the final few steps. I stopped and gazed at him.

God, he looked handsome.

I didn’t think I’d ever seen him dressed up in my entire life.

“For madam,” he said grinning, presenting me with the flowers.

I smiled inhaling the delicious scent. “These are so beautiful, Joel, how did you know they are my favourite?”

He took the flowers from me, placing them down, before turning back around to look at me. “I remember everything, I’m just happy I get to be the one giving you them. I’ll buy you flowers everyday if I get to see that smile.”

“Hmmm, that could get pretty expensive.”

“It would be worth it though.” His lips brushed up against mine, and I felt my head begin to spin. I steadied myself, placing my hand on the front of his shirt, feeling the hard, defined chest underneath the soft cotton material. I couldn’t help myself, and my fingers slowly made their way lower.

He grabbed my wrist, his thumb gently caressing my skin as his eyes stared deep into mine. “If you carry on doing that we’re not going to be going anywhere.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

I knew he was right.

I literally wanted to pounce on him at this very moment.

His eyes dropped down taking me all in. “You look so beautiful, you always take my breath away.” He placed a soft, sweet kiss against my hand and then spun me around. The short black dress I was wearing kicked up with the motion. I just about managed to retain some form of balance, despite the fact I was wearing very high, black stiletto heels. Before I had a chance to speak, Joel dipped me.

Oh my.

I gasped in surprise. I felt like I was in an old Hollywood movie. My heart swooned with his gentlemanly display of action.

“I think I’m the luckiest man alive to have you on my arm tonight.” He kissed my neck, sending shivers throughout my body.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Joel,” I gasped lightly, taken back by his words. I was barely able to form another syllable.

His hand cupped my chin as his lips kissed my ruby red ones. He pulled away slightly panting and lifted me back upright, kissing me tenderly on my forehead. I was only just and so managing to keep it together.

In between catching my breath back, I quickly checked my hair in the mirror. Elijah had spent the best part of an hour pinning it in place. He said I had an old Hollywood glamour look about me, but I couldn’t quite see it myself. After spending the last couple of hours making sure I looked entirely perfect, he had left just before Joel had arrived.

I smiled, placing both hands on his chest. “I think I’m the lucky one to have the most devilishly handsome man beside me. I know I have quite a lot of people to fight off.”

“What do you mean?” He looked confused, his eyes questioning mine.

“Well, according to Elijah, he would pounce on you in a heartbeat if you were gay.” I scowled. Just reliving the conversation again sent a rush of jealousy through me. I hated feeling this kind of emotion towards my best friend.

A smile spread across his face. “Ahh, so that would explain the text.”

I frowned at the thought I could have been moments away from sharing the most intimate part of my man with Elijah. As much as I loved him and would share many things, there was a limit! This was a line he had definitely crossed.

“Thank god you didn’t reply. I told him it’s for my eyes only.”

His finger lifted my chin so I was staring into his piercing blue eyes. “Hey, I wouldn’t have. I knew the moment I received it that it wasn’t from you. Why would you need a picture? You know I’m yours whenever, wherever, you only have to ask.” He took my hand, placing it on his increasingly large bulge. His eyes stared deep into mine as my fingers rubbed along the seam of the fabric. “This is yours and yours only.”

I let out a soft moan when my fingertips brushed against the material. I could feel him growing underneath me, my touch sending him out of control.

He grabbed my hand back and placed it back in his. He rested his forehead against mine, his warm, soft breath gently tickling my face. “Iz, I think we had better go before I take you right here.”

I smiled. He was right, a moment longer and I would jump him myself. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” Before we both well and truly lost all self-control.

* * *

Pulling up outside the fancy restaurant, my head spun around looking over at Joel. I was slightly confused. Had we reached the correct destination? “Are you sure this is the right place?”

He chuckled at my face. “Why? Did you think I was taking you for fish and chips?” he asked, shaking his head in amusement. Acting as the perfect gentleman he walked around to my side of the car, opening the door.

I placed my hand in his and eased myself out, smoothing down my dress. “I’d be happy either way, I’m starving.”

We walked into the restaurant, and I was glad I’d made the effort, everything was very stylish and expensive. I gave Joel a quizzical look. I highly doubted we could afford to eat in a restaurant like this. He quickly shot me a reassuring look back before we were escorted to our table.

The hostess attending to us reacted to Joel. Her eyes quickly gave him the once over, a smile now playing on her lips. She was wearing a red, figure hugging dress that showed off all her assets, cinching her tight in at the waist. Her long brown hair fell down her back and was curled into loose waves. I struggled to draw breath beside her, almost gagging on the half bottle of expensive perfume she had doused herself in.

We followed along behind her, watching her totter along in her high designer heels as she led us over to our table.

Several arm touches later, she finally left Joel alone for us to peruse the menu. I peeked over mine only to find Joel busy staring back, his eyes becoming lost in my own. I knew without any hesitation they would remain on me throughout the night.

Dropping our menus, he grabbed my hands, lifting them up to his lips, and gently placed kisses along each fingertip. I knew he was silently reassuring me I had nothing to be worried about, and I loved him even more for taking my insecure feelings into consideration.

We ordered wine and sat chatting, relaying my eventful day back to him. His fingers slowly stroked along the charms of my white gold bracelet, my mother had presented me with earlier. Each charm held its own significant meaning in my life and as Joel gazed lovingly into my eyes, I knew he was the greatest one of all.

“I wish I could have spent the whole day with you, I’ve been clock watching and counting down the minutes to be with you,” he said, forcing a smile, trying to wrestle against the frown that was now taking over.

“Well, you get to spend the evening with me.” I smiled, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

He grinned at my words.

I knew how much he loved it when I flirted with him. I felt my confidence growing every moment we spent together.

“Please don’t flirt with me, or I’ll take you on the table right now.” His eyes held a dangerous glint to them, and I blushed at his comment.

Right now, I really wanted him to.

He eyed me, reading my face. He knew exactly what I was thinking. He leaned over, and I shivered when his mouth brushed up against my ear. “Now who’s the dirty girl, you imagining me doing all kinds of naughty things to you with my tongue.”

I blushed even deeper. God, the things he could do with that tongue. “Oh yeah,” I breathed, unable to disguise just how crazy he was truly making me.

An untimely interruption brought our steamy moment to an abrupt halt when the waitress arrived with our wine. We ordered and sat sipping on the wine, enjoying the general ambience of the place with our fingers still entwined.

“I’m glad I got to be part of your birthday.” Joel softly grazed my knuckles with his thumb, sending shivers throughout my body.

I looked at him with a mixture of confusion. “Joel, you’ve always been part of my birthday, you’re like family. You were always around.”

His fingertip gently skimmed along the edge of the table as he composed himself. “I know, but I mean in the sense that I’m sharing it with you as your boyfriend. I get to spoil you and show you how much I love and care for you. I get to share these happy moments with you.” He gave me such a sweet and tender look that my heart skipped a beat.

“I can’t wait to make more wonderful memories with you.” I smiled, and he gave my hand a squeeze. He was too choked by my words to answer. I squeezed his hand back, letting him know I felt exactly the same way.

* * *

We headed out into the cool evening air after the delicious three-course meal. I was completely stuffed and drunk from all the wine. I stumbled along beside Joel, feeling giddy and slightly unbalanced in my heels. Joel only had the one glass so I snuggled up tight against him to keep from completely falling over.

“Take me home, Joel.” I hiccupped before giggling. I was more than eager to rip off my clothes and these damn heels and launch myself at him. He had seduced me all evening and, I was ready for the taking.

He stopped abruptly, and I stumbled slightly before he pulled me around to face him. “I have another surprise planned yet, Iz.”

I groaned softly, instantly regretting it.

God, I was such an ungrateful bitch.

His face dropped at my reaction, but all I wanted was to be naked and wrapped around his body. I looked up into his face and squinted to regain some focus. I placed a soft, sweet kiss against his lips, silently asking for him to forgive me.

The frown instantly evaporated, and his smile instantly piqued my interest. “Where are we going?” I asked intrigued.

His smile grew even wider. “Nope, not telling you anything. You do know what the concept of a surprise is, don’t you?” He laughed when I playfully stuck out my tongue. Joel seized his opportunity and slammed his lips against mine, sucking my tongue into his mouth. I moaned with delight as his hand lightly caressed my face, his tongue gently swirling together with mine.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him in deeper. We became lost in each other until Joel moved away, leaving me aching for more.

He pressed his forehead up against mine, we were both panting, and I could feel how turned on he was. “Iz, we need to slow down, else we’re never going to get to your surprise.”

“Okay, I’ll be good.” I pouted, feeling slightly scolded.

His fingers lifted up my chin, and his eyes stared deep into mine. “Believe me, I will more than make it up to you after the surprise.”

“Better had,” I grumbled.

Right now all I wanted for my birthday was Joel, naked and in our bed.

We climbed into the car, and he turned towards me. I clicked on my seatbelt, watching a smile play on his lips. “I need for you to put something on.”

My eyebrows lifted with intrigue. He laughed and pulled out a scarf, leaning over to fasten it around my eyes. “This is so it won’t spoil the surprise.”

I was literally in the dark.

The darkness only heightened all my other senses. I listened to Joel’s breathing as I concentrated on the sound of the car gauging the speed. When it slowed down, I knew we’d reached our destination, and a flicker of excitement ran through me.

I heard the car door slam, and a few moments later my door opened. Joel’s hands unbuckled the seatbelt, gently guiding me out of the car. We walked for a few minutes before I began to hear low whispered voices.

Joel guided me once again and held me tight, ready to grab me if I stumbled. I stepped up listening to Joel’s whispered instructions in my ear, walking forward I shuddered feeling movement. My hands instinctively lifted to pull up the blindfold, but Joel’s hands covered mine, stopping me.

“Not yet, Iz.” He stopped and turned me to sit down as my heart hammered deep in my chest.

He kissed both hands soothingly and stood beside me as we waited, eventually he pulled me upright to kiss me on the cheek. “Ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” I breathed back. A little scared at what was about to happen.

“When I take the blindfold off, keep your eyes shut till I say open.”

“Okay,” I squeaked, the nerves beginning to kick in. I felt the silk scarf fall away from my eyes as Joel’s arm wrapped around me.

He walked me over a few more steps, standing behind me, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Open,” he whispered in my ear.

My eyes fluttered open to be greeted with the most amazing panoramic view of London. Millions of lights covering the dark city as my gaze immediately fell upon Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, all beautifully lit up.