I climbed out of bed and went into the bathroom.
“Andrew is a perfect gentleman, but I don’t know how long I can wait.”
****
During the next week, we saw each other every night. We would communicate via text messaging and occasional phone calls during the day, and then he would come by my apartment after work and we would eat dinner together and talk about our day. Each time we saw each other, we grew closer and my sexual frustration was getting stronger. Every time we had to say goodbye, it was harder. I hadn’t a clue why Andrew was waiting to have sex. It was abnormal to me and something I wasn’t used to.
The weekend had finally arrived. I lay in bed staring at the little specks of sunlight that flowed through the small slits of the blinds. Excitement soared through me because Andrew and I were going to spend the entire day together. Doing what, I didn’t know. I got up to use the bathroom, and when I was finished, I heard my phone ding with a text message from Andrew.
"Good morning, Angel. Dress warm. I want to take you somewhere and show you something. I’ll be by your place in an hour.”
"Good morning. Just got up, make it an hour and a half. I can’t wait to spend the day with you.”
“Fine. An hour and a half. I can’t wait to spend the day with you either. See you soon.”
I quickly hopped into the shower. As the hot water ran down me, I couldn’t stop thinking about him and I wondered where he was taking me. It didn’t matter, though. Just being with him the whole day was good enough for me. After my shower, I dressed in a pair of jeans and a cream-colored sweater. I put my hair up in a ponytail and applied my makeup.
I was walking towards the kitchen for another cup of coffee when the doorbell rang. When I opened it, Andrew was standing there with a coffee from Starbucks in his hand. I smiled as I grabbed his coat and pulled him inside.
"You're early.”
"I know. I couldn't wait to see you." He smiled as he kissed me.
"Thank you for the coffee, Mr. London. I was just about to make another cup.”
He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck.
"You're welcome, Miss Belle.”
The fire inside started to roar, and my heart was happy. It was a feeling I never wanted to end. After grabbing my purse and saying goodbye to Jasper and Emma, we left the apartment and headed to the Escalade. Carson smiled as he tipped his hat.
"Have a good day, Miss Belle. Mr. London."
"Will do, Carson. Thank you.” Andrew smiled.
He opened the door for me and I slid inside.
“Good morning, Addison," Phillip spoke.
"Good morning, Phillip," I smiled.
Andrew slid in next to me and grabbed my hand.
"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked.
"I slept good. How about you?" I asked as I stared into his perfectly blue eyes.
"It was okay. I would have slept better if you were there with me.”
I gently squeezed his hand to let him know I felt the same way, and then I leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"I was just thanking you for being you." I smiled.
He stared at me and I could see the burning desire in his eyes. He wanted me as much as I wanted him, and I knew it would only be a matter of time. He raised his hand and cupped my chin.
"No. I should be thanking you for being you." He grinned.
I looked out the window and saw the marina. Instantly, I froze, and a sickness washed over me. Phillip parked the SUV and Andrew opened my door, took my hand, and helped me out. My grip on his hand was tight as we began walking down the docks.
"I love it here." He smiled.
My legs were getting weaker the more we walked. We approached a large white boat, a yacht actually. I stopped dead in my tracks and Andrew turned his head and looked at me.
"Addison, what's wrong? You're as white as a ghost. Are you okay?" he asked with concern.
Tears started swelling in my eyes as I looked at him.
"I can't. I just can't,” I cried as I abruptly let go of his hand, turned away, and hastily started walking back to the SUV.
"Addison, wait," I heard him call.
But I couldn’t stop. I needed to get out of there right away. I could feel my chest tightening and my breathing became shallow. I could barely swallow, and my body started to shake as Andrew came up from behind and grabbed me, holding me tight in his arms. We both fell to the ground as I tried to regain my breath.
"It’s okay. I'm here. I’ve got you and you're going to be all right," Andrew whispered as he stroked my hair.
I buried my head into his chest and my breathing started to return to normal as I lay there and listened to the beating of his heart.
"I'm so sorry,” I whispered as I lifted my head from his chest.
He gently wiped away my tears with his thumb.
"Don't be sorry. It's okay. I should have asked you if you liked boats or the water. To think my bringing you here did this to you.” He hugged me tight. "Forgive me, Addison."
“There’s no need for you to apologize. There’s no way you could have known.”
We both got up from the ground, his grip still tight around me. I took in a deep breath and stared into his eyes. Mascara was running down my face, but I didn't care.
"Take me back to your place, Andrew, please,” I begged him.
“Anything for you, Angel,” he softly spoke.
He walked me back to the car. Once we were inside, he hooked his arm around me and pulled me into him while he stroked my hair. Neither of us spoke a word.
Chapter Eleven
When we arrived at his apartment building, we took the elevator up to his penthouse. He never let go of me and I could tell he was worried. As soon as we stepped inside the apartment, I grabbed him, taking hold of his lips passionately. A growl erupted from his chest. He pressed his body tightly against mine and I could feel his erection brush up against me. I broke our kiss and stared into his blue eyes.
"Andrew, I need you and I want you. Please don't deny me."
"I would never deny you," he spoke as he picked me up, carried me to his bedroom, and set me down on the bed, our lips still locked together.
Breaking our passionate kiss, I pulled my sweater over my head as his fingers unbuttoned my jeans. He pulled them off my hips and tossed them on the floor. His eyes grazed over me as I sat there in nothing but a silky light pink bra and panties to match. He had a hunger in his eyes as he stood up and stripped down only to his gray silk boxers. Hovering over me, his tongue slid down my neck and over my shoulder. His hands unfastened my bra and he slowly removed it in anticipation as to what was hiding underneath. A growl escaped him as he cupped his hands over my breasts and took my hardened peaks between his fingers. My body was on fire. The ache down below was so fierce that I didn't care about anything at that moment but wanting him inside me.
He softly kissed each breast, giving each one equal attention. My hands ran up and down his back as my nails slightly dug into his flesh. His hand made its way down the front of my panties and his finger instantly dipped inside me. Sounds of pleasure escaped my lips as he explored my insides.
"You’re so wet, Addison," he moaned as his tongue slid down my torso.
He grabbed the top of my panties between his teeth and seductively pulled them off me. I almost orgasmed at the sexiness of this man. His tongue explored my clit, circling it lightly before making its way down to my opening. His tongue flicked in and out of me, causing my body to spasm in pure ecstasy. I could feel his smile as he enjoyed the pleasure he gave me. He hovered over me, his hard cock between my legs. The anticipation was killing me but filling me with more excitement at the same time.
“I need to get a condom,” he spoke as his lips brushed against mine and he went to get up.
"No. I'm on the pill. It’s okay. I trust you.”
The moment he heard those words, he moaned, and in one thrust, he was inside me. I gasped as
his mouth smashed into mine. Our tongues tangled while he moved in and out of me at a steady pace. The feeling of him inside me was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. This wasn’t just sex. It was more than that. My legs wrapped tightly around him as he deepened inside me. His moans heightened and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
“Addison,” he moaned as his thrusts became rapid.
I threw my head back and dug my nails into his back as an orgasm ripped through my body, leaving me paralyzed. The sounds that escaped him increased as he halted with one last thrust and buried himself deep inside me while he came. His arms collapsed as his body fell onto mine. We could barely catch our breath as we lay there like two souls who were destined to be together.
Rolling off me, he lay on his back and stroked my hair as I rested my head on his chest. This was my favorite spot to be and my safest. I’d never felt so much peace and calmness as I did in his arms.
"Do you want to tell me what happened at the marina?" he asked.
I lay there, my fingers softly stroking his chest. Was I ready to expose my deepest emotions to him? Was I ready to talk about the tragedy that changed my life?
I lifted my head from his chest and lay on my side, as did he, our faces mere inches from one another’s.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it,” he spoke as he ran the back of his hand down my cheek.
I noticed the worried expression on his face. He was hurting because he wanted to show me something that meant the world to him and I couldn't share in his excitement. He deserved to know why I reacted the way I did.
"Every summer, my dad rented a house in the Hamptons. He said it was his favorite place to be. We had a boat that he would take me and my mother out on for a couple of days at a time and we would set off to Neverland."
The corners of Andrew’s mouth curved up into a smile.
"I was a kid and I believed everything he said. The day before we were set to go home, my dad took me and my mother for one last trip on the boat. After we ate dinner, my dad took me up on the deck and we looked at the stars. I remember what he said like it was yesterday. ‘Addison, if you're ever sad or lonely, just look at the stars, for they will watch over you and light your way.’ He kissed me on the cheek and then took me to my room and tucked me into bed. I woke up the next morning to the horrifying screams of my mother yelling his name. I ran up on deck and she grabbed me, screaming that he was gone. She was hysterical. My mom called the Coast Guard and they immediately came for us. It was determined that my dad fell overboard because part of the railing was broken and that he must have leaned against it and fell into the water.”
“Addison, I’m sorry,” Andrew spoke.
“The search went on for over a month and they never found his body. Ever since that day, I've never gone near the water again, let alone step foot on a boat."
Andrew wrapped his strong arms around me and kissed my head.
"No child should ever have to witness that or go through what you did. I'm so sorry.”
I pulled myself from his tight grip and stared into his eyes.
"It's not your fault. You didn't know. I'm sorry I have to be so difficult.”
"Addison, you are not difficult. You went through a traumatic experience as a child. Have you ever talked to anyone about what happened?"
"You mean a shrink?" I asked.
Andrew nodded his head.
"No. My mom wanted to send me once, but I refused to go. I didn't want to talk about what happened and relive that day over again. It's bad enough I still have nightmares about it."
"Come on.” He smiled. “I think a nice hot bath will make you feel better."
Andrew got out of bed and held out his hand. When I took it, he led me to the bathroom, where he started the water in his oversized tub that could easily fit four people. After he climbed in, I stepped inside and sat against him. He wrapped his arms around me and softly kissed my shoulder.
“You were amazing,” he spoke.
“So were you.” I smiled as I looked up at him.
After our bath, Andrew pulled on a pair of black sweatpants and handed me an oversized t-shirt.
“I think we should stay in all day, cuddle up together on the couch, watch movies, and cook together. What do you say?” he smirked.
“I love that idea.” I softly kissed him.
And that was exactly what we did that day and the next. After we made dinner, ate, and cleaned up, Andrew placed his hands on my hips, gripping them tightly.
"Please stay here tonight," he spoke as his eyes burned into mine.
"Tomorrow is my first day of work, Andrew."
"I know. We can drive in together. Plus, I want you in my bed, so I can hold you and keep you safe." He smiled.
All I kept thinking was how fortunate I was to meet a man who was so kind and sweet.
"I would love to, but all my stuff is at home and I need to make sure I'm fully rested for my first day. Somehow I don't think I'll get any rest if I spend the night.”
He sighed. "You're right, but I want you to know that I'll be very lonely tonight. You’ve already spoiled me.”
"Then why don't you stay at my place tonight?"
"Wonderful idea. I'll go pack a bag." He grinned.
He gave me a brief kiss and walked to his bedroom. I was tidying up the kitchen when I heard arguing coming from the other room. I walked down the hallway and heard Andrew's voice. He sounded pissed and he was cursing. I walked into the bedroom, and when he saw me, he immediately hung up the phone.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing. It's just business. I'll deal with it later." His voice was edgy and firm.
As he stared at me, he could tell I was a bit put off by his tone.
"I'm sorry, Addison.” He walked over to me and placed his hands on my hips. “It's just a business deal that's not going so well. I'll take care of it. But tonight, I'm yours and nothing else matters." He softly kissed my lips. "Phillip is waiting for us downstairs."
Chapter Twelve
After we arrived at my apartment, Andrew set his bag down beside my bed. The apartment was empty because Emma was having a girl’s night with her cousin and Jasper was working into the wee hours of the morning. We climbed into bed, made love, and then fell asleep in each other’s arms. It was the perfect weekend and I didn’t want it to end.
The sunlight peeked through the blinds as I stretched my arm and the other side of the bed was empty. I glanced at the clock that read six am. I walked to the kitchen and found Andrew putting bagels, muffins, and croissants on a plate.
"Good morning, Angel." He smiled as he walked over and kissed me on my forehead.
"Good morning, what's all this?" I asked.
"Breakfast, Madame. You must eat well for your first day of work." He grinned.
I sat at the island and he handed me a cup of coffee. It was made to perfection just like he was. I took a sip, then grabbed a croissant from the plate. Andrew sat down on the bar stool next to me and grabbed a muffin.
"Do you like blueberries?" he asked.
"Yes." I smiled.
He pulled off a piece of the muffin.
"Open up,” he spoke.
I opened my mouth and he slowly fed me.
"Mmm…this is amazing."
Andrew smiled and kissed me on the tip of my nose.
"I know. These are the best blueberry muffins in the world."
I was so happy in my moment with him I almost forgot we had to go to work and I still had to get ready.
I put on my black pencil skirt with a ruche-sleeved black jacket. I wasn't sure what color cami to wear, so I asked Andrew for his opinion.
"Which one, red or white?" I asked him as I held them both up.
He cleared his throat.
“How about neither one and you just wear the jacket?"
I rolled my eyes.
"I don't think the owner of the company would approve of such a dress code."
"Oh, he would, but
only for you." He grinned as he walked over and softly kissed my neck.
He teased me with his lips and softly whispered in my ear, “Wear the red one," then proceeded to smack me on the ass and smile as he walked away.
After both of us were dressed and ready to go, we slid into the back of the Escalade and headed to the office.
"Are you nervous?” Andrew asked as he grabbed my hand.
"No, yes, just a little," I nervously answered.
“Don't be. If anyone gives you any trouble, you tell them you have an in with the owner and I'll take care of them," he spoke as he gently stroked my hand with his thumb. "I'm going to have Phillip drop you off at the front of the building and I'm going to go around back."
I didn't understand why as a look of confusion crossed my face.
"Don't worry. I have a meeting I have to get to, and it's closer if I go that way."
"I'm not worried." I smiled.
Phillip pulled up to the front of the building, and before my hand could reach for the door handle, Andrew cupped my face in his hands and passionately kissed me.
"Now go have a good day and I'll see you after work," he spoke.
I smiled and gently rubbed his face.
"You have a good day too. I'll miss you."
"Not as much as I'll miss you."
I opened the door, took a deep breath, and walked through the large doors that belonged to the London Arc Corporation, taking the elevator up to the tenth floor.
“Hi, I'm Lucas, and you must be Addison? Please have a seat.” He motioned to the chair that sat across from his desk.
"Hi Lucas. It’s nice to meet you."
Lucas Locke was my new supervisor. He was a six-foot-tall, medium build, blonde hair, blue-eyed dream that Jasper would die to meet.
"Welcome to LAC. Before we get too comfortable, let's get something out of the way. If you have any plans to seduce me or think that we will ultimately sleep together, you're sadly mistaken because I don't swing toward the female gender."
I let out a light laugh as I looked at him and cocked my head.
“Do you always welcome your new employees with that line?”
He leaned back in his chair and confidence radiated from him.