Broken Heart (Broken Heart #1) (17 page)

“By all means, I’m going to get a little comfortable myself.” 

As he reached for his tie, he stared at me and slowly slid the tie gently from around his neck down passed his firm chest and placed it on to his lap. I followed his every movement with my eyes sipping on my martini and wishing I could move a little closer without him noticing. The

overwhelming heat of the alcohol surged through my veins. He fiddled with his shirt until he unbuttoned the first button, then the second, and I just continued to gaze at him, with my mouth

slightly parted. I exhaled as I felt warmth between my legs watching his fingers gently unhook the buttons. I wondered how quickly he could unhook my bra! He was so sensual, with those blue-

green eyes gleaming and heart shaped lips. You could feel the attraction between us, the heat, and the animal magnetism! I would give anything just to place my lips on his. I knew what he was

trying to do, and it was working. I sipped on my martini and swallowed hard, licking my top lip discreetly but enough for him to still see me as my expression of delightfulness reached his eyes.

My heart was sprinting under my dress and I found myself enjoying the view. I was surprised at my behavior, I didn’t even think I could feel this way, it was exhilarating, but deep down inside, I

knew the alcohol had a lot to do with my bravery. He was working everything he had to try to seduce me with his eyes, and if he came any closer, he could seduce the panties right off of

me…and I wanted him to. I was so captivated by his actions that I had to look away. I glanced around the gallery and saw Dave who was staggering towards me with his new female friend.

Dave, please, walk a little faster…I thought to myself. I was feeling out of control. Between the liquor and his beautiful face…I couldn’t take it. The heat between my legs turned into a moist, wet

jungle of love, and I was panting for that blue-green-eyed tiger to come and devour me.  Dave approached as he swayed back and forth, his body unsteady, and his eyes blood shot red. 

“Jen, I’m sorry! I almost forgot about you! Here’s…some money…for a cab…home,” he said as he threw a hundred dollar bill at me. His words slurred as he gently wavered from side to side as

he spoke. I knew he was in no condition to go home alone. His drunken breath and his garbled speech infuriated me. He reminded me of my father. I was so embarrassed when he tossed that

hundred-dollar bill at me, I mean, what the hell! Don’t I deserve a little more respect than that! And what cab driver has change for a hundred?

After the five seconds of embarrassment that seemed like an eternity, I looked at the woman he was talking to who walked cautiously with him.

She didn’t know him, so I felt obligated to take him home to make sure he was going to be all right. I introduced Michael to Dave and Dave shook his hand strong and tight as if he wanted to send him a message. Michael looked at him with his intense green eyes and immediately jerked

his hand away. I quickly grabbed Dave by the arm and sat him down on the couch. His new friend whispered to Dave in his ear, 

“Here’s my number, call me tomorrow.” She handed me his cell phone.  She looked at me and smiled.

“I’m Margaret; it’s Jen, right?” she said guardedly as she extended her hand to me.

“Nice to meet you,” I said with a half- smile as I propped Dave up against the couch. Margaret looked at me and slowly pulled back her hand towards her side when she noticed I didn’t extend my hand in return. 

“He mentioned to me that you’re like the daughter he never had. Please make sure he gets home safe, if you need me, just call,” she said as she slipped me her number on a folded napkin. I looked

at Dave’s phone to remind her she just put her number in his contacts. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

I thanked her with a nod and looked over at Michael. He looked a little annoyed and began to button his shirt and fix his tie. I looked at him regretfully and said, 

“I’m sorry I have to leave so suddenly, but I need to take him home.” 

“I’ll get a cab, I want to make sure you get home safely,” he said, looking at Dave with aversion. 

I shrugged my shoulders and agreed. We took him home in a cab. The ride was quiet and tense. Michael stared out of the window as Dave gave Michael a piercing stare. I glanced at both of them and just kept wondering how the night would have ended if Dave wasn’t drunk. We arrived at the

apartment building, and Michael helped me walk Dave upstairs. We were holding Dave underneath his arms practically dragging him up each step. He kept looking at Michael harshly while he

staggered up the stairs. Michael just ignored him shaking his head every chance he got. We finally got to the door; I took Dave’s keys from his suit jacket pocket and opened the door. 

“Thanks Michael, I got it from here,” I said politely. Then, I quickly turned around and asked, “Can you wait a minute?” He nodded and looked into the apartment. I felt so bad.

Michael stood in the doorway and watched as Dave stammered in and plopped on the couch. 

“Dave, are you going to be okay?” I whispered gently as I lifted his chin with my hand.

He grunted with his eyes closed. I took off his shoes and gently laid him down on the couch. Dave grabbed my hand,

“Thanks, Jen,” he said then he looked towards the doorway. 

I looked over at Michael who appeared to be uneasy with the situation. I turned off the living room light and left the kitchen light on for him. I closed the door behind me, locked it, and looked at

Michael. He was leaning his back against the wall in the hallway with his hands in his front pockets, slightly lifting his suit jacket. He looked like perfection. 

“You don’t have to say anything. I’ll take you home.” 

“Good thing you just have to walk a couple of steps…I live here, too, right upstairs on the fifth floor, number 12.”

“Saves me money on a cab, beautiful,” he said teasingly.

We walked up to the fifth floor. I felt I owed Michael an apology. I was embarrassed that Dave was drunk, so I reached out and touched Michael’s hand gently. 

“Thank you,” I said apologetically. He leaned down and kissed me affectionately on my cheek. The hairs on my skin stood in attention when his warm lips pressed against my cheeks. I didn’t want him to leave, so I said hastily, “Coffee?” 

“No, thank you, but I will take a rain check, how ‘bout tomorrow night, around six?” he asked with his soft sexy voice. 

“Sure…goodnight,” I said with an anxious smile. 

I closed the door behind me and held my stomach. I burst into tears as I slid down against the door and sat on the floor. I don’t know why I was so hurt, but I was. Dave had disappointed me, and I

drank again. I was more disappointed with myself. I was embarrassed and I felt like I did when I was in high school, when my mother used to call me at my friend’s house and I would have to leave my friends to pick up my drunk father at the bar and take him home. The funny thing was as soon as my friends heard the phone ring they knew it was my mother and that I had to leave. These horrible memories will always haunt me. I was angry with Dave, and I wanted to tell him, but I didn’t want to hurt him. He was beginning to become an integral part of my life and I needed him. I’ll tell him tomorrow. 

CHAPTER 9

Tomorrow came, and I said nothing to Dave. I didn’t have the heart to hurt him, he’s been so good to me and this was just one incident. Hopefully, it wouldn’t happen again. I was more interested in my date with Michael than having a painful conversation with Dave.

It was 5:54 PM, and so many thoughts were running through my head as I waited for Michael to come. I can’t believe I’m having dinner with the stranger I so longed for. Who is he? What’s he

all about? I hope he’s not married. He looks too young to be married. Why did I invite him to my apartment? 

I had prepared a delicious dish my mom was famous for, Chicken Francese with potato croquettes, a garden salad with tangerines, and baby shrimp, and a bottle of Piedmont, Italy 2007 Gaja

Barbaresco. My mother kept this bottle in the basement hidden away from my father. She was saving it for my graduation and gave it to me to hold. I kept it in my suitcase at school; it was

expensive, about a hundred and twenty dollars and that was expensive to us, maybe not to someone like Dr. Logan.

I was becoming anxious because it was a little after six, and I already had a glass of cheap wine alone. I thought maybe Michael didn’t want to come because of yesterday’s fiasco. I glanced out

the window to see if I saw him, and I could barely see anyone it was pouring so much. The drops of rain filled the city streets sending people to run for cover. The sidewalk and streets were already

flooded, and I worried the rain would keep him from me. I poured myself another glass of cheap wine, took a sip, and placed it on the windowsill. I heard a knock at the door. My heart pounded

in my chest as I walked over to answer the door eagerly, desperately brushing my hair with my fingers.

“Who is it?” My heart was hammering against my chest. 

“It’s me, Dave,” the familiar voice on the other side of the door answered. I was disappointed, and my heart calmed down to a steady beat again. “Hey Dave, how are you feeling?” I asked for the

sake of asking, and I know he noticed it in my expression. I wanted to know where Michael was, and that was it.

“There’s this guy downstairs looking for you. I think it was that guy from the gallery last night.” He pointed towards the staircase. 

My eyes opened wide and my heart skipped a beat. I ran out of the apartment and leaned over the banister to catch a glimpse of him. 

“Michael! It’s me, Jenesis!” I shouted. 

He looked up toward the stairwell. His blue-green eyes glowed as he smiled with that beautiful, contagious smile. He looked absolutely gorgeous. He was wearing a black trench coat that fit him

to perfection. His hair was drenched and the water slowly dripped down from the side of his face. He had what looked like flowers in his hands wrapped in a red plastic wrap.

“I’m coming up!” His voice was deep and sensual and just hearing it made me all tingly inside. 

Dave was standing in front of my apartment door waiting for Michael to come up. An unusual look crossed his face as if he were confused or angry, I couldn’t tell. His eyebrows raised, and his forehead crinkled more and more as Michael approached. Michael walked towards my door and

glanced over at Dave. Dave walked over and shook his hand tightly and Michael, this time, held his hand tighter then pulled his hand away abruptly. 

“How are you feeling?” Michael asked politely.

“I’m fine…a little too much fun last night,” Dave said with a slow grin.

“Yeah…that was loads of fun, I bet.” Michael glanced over at me. I smiled and reached out my hand to him, but he didn’t move.

I stared at both of them, first Dave then Michael. I gave Dave the ‘it’s time for you to go look’ hoping Dave would get the hint, but he didn’t budge. I reached out to Michael and grabbed his hand as I said to Dave, “Good night, Dave.” Dave gave me a warm but stern smile, and as he

passed Michael, he mumbled something under his breath. I watched him turn around and walk down the stairs to his apartment.

Finally, Michael was with me. Michael entered the apartment but was hesitant at first. 

“I’ll take that,” I said as he handed me his coat. I walked over to the bathroom and hung his sopping coat over the curtain rod. I brought him a towel, and he dried his damp hair that he was desperately trying to comb back with his fingers. Michael stood there with flowers wrapped in plastic.

“These are for you.” He handed me the flowers wrapped in plastic, dripping wet. We skimmed each other’s hands as he handed me the flowers. His gentle touch caressed my palm and my heart

stood still for a moment. His blue-green eyes stood focused on me as he watched me unwrap the flowers.

“Thank you.” I took off the plastic wrapping from around the flowers. “White Orchids and Red Roses, they’re my favorite. They’re beautiful. You didn’t have to, though.” I looked up at him. I

was smitten with this handsome man and deep down inside I was shuddering with delight. I placed the flowers in the sink filling a crystal vase I collected from the cabinet underneath the sink. 

“I wanted to, they’re beautiful…like you.” I could feel him eyeing me from behind.

I turned around and said,

“Thank you. I can take your shoes and place them in the bathroom if you’d like?” I looked down at his shoes that formed tiny puddles on the tiled floor, and then I glanced up at him meeting his

eyes that were penetrating mine. I gestured with my hands towards his feet so he could take off his shoes.

“Yeah, sure, they’re pretty wet. Sorry about the puddles.” He stood in the middle of the hallway, a little embarrassed as he motioned with his eyes towards the couch, and I nodded. He took off his shoes, and I placed them on the floor of the bathroom. He made himself at home on the couch.

“I hope you’re hungry. I know I am.” I jumped at the opportunity to serve him. My mother was always happy to serve my father. She felt she needed to…but I don’t know if she felt appreciated. 

“Actually, I am. I’m sorry about the mix up but your dear friend told me you lived across the street and that I was confused.”

“Who told you that?” I stopped serving the food for a moment. I knew exactly whom he was talking about.

“Dave, The older gentleman that had one too many last night,” he grunted with sarcasm. 

“No, you must be mistaken; he lives on the second floor of this building. Wait, what I’m I talking about, you know that, you were with me last night, and he just came up to tell me you were looking for me.”

He gazed at me for moment, trying to read the expression on my face, as if, I thought he was lying. I tried to ignore the conversation so I turned around to get dinner ready. I felt his stare behind my back as I served the chicken francese.   I turned around and said,

“You’re here, that’s all that counts, let’s eat.” 

We sat and ate until our bellies were bursting out of their seams. That was a great meal if I do say so myself. I was proud that I could cook like my mother…she loved to cook.

“Wow,” he rubbed his stomach jokingly, “that was delicious. You’re a great cook,” he said as he got up from his chair. He walked over towards the window and looked out and asked, “Where’s the restroom? Will you excuse me for a minute? I’d like to wash my hands.” 

I pointed towards the hallway. He walked over to the bathroom and shut the door. I spoke to him as he washed his hands. 

“I’m glad you liked it! It was my mom’s recipe!” I shouted in a high-pitched voice.

“She’s a good cook!” he shouted back.

“Yes, she was.” My heart hurt a little as I said the word was. I placed the roses and the orchids on the table in the living room, remembering my mother. Then, I sat at the kitchen table waiting for

him to come out.  He strutted out the bathroom with his shoeless feet, his black socks walking quietly across the tiled floor. He sat down at the kitchen table next to me. 

“Sorry, I didn’t know that your mother passed away,” he said apologetically as he leaned in close to me leaning his elbows against the table. I didn’t want to talk about it so I changed the subject quickly. 

“How about dessert?” I said interrupting him. “Chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries?” 

He stood up, looked down at me, and grabbed both of my hands gently, sliding his fingers in between mine. 

“Jenesis,” he said as his sparkling eyes invited me into his trance. “May I kiss you?” His eyes twinkled as he tilted his head slightly moving in, his lips begging me to kiss his. 

Every part of me was racing like wild stallions. This was it. Finally, a kiss with the man that’s been on my mind since the day our eyes met. I looked up at him and nodded, and then I stood on my tippy toes to gently reach his lips. Our lips pressed together softly as he held me by my arms. The

sparks hit the roof and my face was heated with emotion. That simple kiss pushed me over the edge and I wanted more. Michael pulled his lips away from me, his face blushed, and his blue-

green eyes were hungry with desire. He grabbed my hand and walked me over to the living room and sat me down on the couch and said, 

“Thank you for inviting me over.” 

He gently cupped my face into his hands sliding his tongue across my lips. I didn’t know whether I should return the favor of allowing my tongue to meet his, but it was too late, I did, and Oh My

God! He tasted so good, just as I imagined, as sweet as an apple martini! We gently massaged each other’s tongue, swirling and sucking while gazing into each other’s eyes. We were breathing

intensely and you can hear the locking of our lips; it was as if we were trying to swallow each other’s soul. Jesus! I was a hot, wet, mess as I let his fingers trail tenderly up and down my back

down to my bottom, then sliding his hands slowly coming back up around caressing my breasts over my blouse. I held his hands as his kiss became more intense, his lips and tongue reaching

deeper and further, sucking and swallowing my tongue as if it were his own. I was melting beneath him, my hands searching for his belt as I slowly tried to unfasten it. I was wrapped in his warm

embrace while he pushed his body against mine. I became more intoxicated off of his touch, my breathing was erratic, and the feeling of the heat and the moisture between my legs rose like an

inferno. I had to stop him. I couldn’t let this go any further. I reached for his hands to stop him. What’s wrong with me? This guy was gorgeous, perfect, and delicious and… he wanted me.

He stared at me deeply as I grabbed his hands, his face was red and heated, and his eyes lit up the room in the dim light. My hands searched for his chest, one touch and you could feel his strong

tight chest bulging through his shirt. He lifted up his shirt above his navel and as he pulled it over his head, I could already imagine myself leaning my naked, hot body against his. He leaned my

head towards the arm of the couch as he kept his stare hard and focused on my lips. I wanted explode. I could feel the passion between my legs drowning with anticipation and I gently pulled him down to me as I licked his lips with my tongue. He groaned into my mouth, letting his sweet

tongue meet mine again. I wanted to suck the life out of him. He skimmed his hand over my thigh slowly and stopped in between my legs as he began to massage me. “There…right there,” I

whispered.   I began to shudder as I pushed my body against him to feel the friction of his hand. He stopped, pulling away from my lips, breathing hard, and leaving me breathless. He stared at

me, his eyes dark, looking at me as if he were desperate to find his way inside of me. He pushed up against me and I spread my legs wider so I could feel how hard he was. I wanted to feel him. It

felt so good. I was so turned on by him I let myself go. I reached down toward his rock hard manhood and massaged him through his tight black jeans. He pushed against my hand as he kissed

me sensually and I returned his kiss, feeling the warmth of his tongue entwined in mine. I didn’t want him to stop, I didn’t. I was gasping for air. Staring at him made me want to undress myself

and let him have his way with me. He slowly lifted my silk blouse, letting his fingers slide up my stomach as he reached the rim of my bra. He gently placed both of his hands on my breast and

gently stroked them with the palms of his hands, then pumped me with his hips back and forth, right there, yes…right there I moaned internally embarrassed to let him know I was about to come

in my panties. I found myself getting ready to shatter, I quickly began to panic…I can’t…I can’t…not like this… I said to myself…Jenesis sit up…sit up. I couldn’t breathe, I held on to him

tightly, and then I opened my eyes. I had to control myself, and I quickly sat up looking at him hot and confused and whispered softly, “Michael, I…I can’t.” He then placed his finger over my lips

as he glared at me passionately, with that please, just let me make love to you look and then he said, “I know…it’s too soon, but how can I stop myself from making love to you now. Please,