Bound Together (83 page)
Authors: Marie Coulson
Pulling away, I brushed
her cheeks with my thumbs. “I couldn’t get away from you guys if I
tried. I’ll call as soon as I land. I love you guys so
much.”
Pulling them both in for
one last group hug, I sniffled through my tears and closed my eyes,
savoring the memory of my best friends in my arms one last time
before leaving them for my new life.
Holding hands, the two of
them smiled at me as I took my case and walked towards the gate.
Glancing back, I grinned at them then turned and strode quickly
through the long corridor to the check in desk.
A beautiful young blonde
greeted me and checked my ticket, boarding pass and passport. In my
hurry to leave I’d almost forgotten it but Mel had grabbed it for
me, giving it to me in the cab. “Okay Miss Jennings, you’re in
first class. Follow the signs and someone will show you to your
seat at the end. Have a great flight.”
My bag checked in and
shown to my seat, I gazed at the luxury. With fully reclining
seats, free beverages and small TV screens mounted onto the seat in
front of me, I smiled to myself. Mel was amazing.
Waiting for the engines to
start, I knew there was something I still had to do and as I slid
my cell from my pocket I swallowed hard trying not to cry. Typing
out the text, I knew it was a cowardly and completely selfish thing
to do but I couldn’t face the conversation over the phone. It would
be too painful and I couldn’t bear it. I had to let him know, tell
him that I had made my choice. I had to let him go.
I’m sorry. I can’t do it. I will always
love you and you will always hold a piece of my heart forever.
Forgive me.
Layla xxx
Sent: 16.43
swiped my face as a few tears escaped my eyes. And as I thought
about what he must have been going through at that moment I could
hardly contain my grief. Pulling a Kleenex from my purse I dabbed
and wiped my eyes as a barrage of tears fell freely. Flagging down
the flight attendant, I asked for some water. I needed to calm
down, to gather myself and prepare for my journey. It was going to
be a long flight and I knew that meant lots of time to wallow in my
self-loathing over the heart I’d just crushed.
Realizing I would still
need someone to pick me up from the airport at the other end, I
gripped my cell in my hand knowing the next text I was setting my
future in stone. There was no turning back now and I could imagine
the smile on his face as I hit send. Sending my flight details, I
switched it off and slipped my cell back into my pocket, ready for
take-off.
I stared out of the window and
bit my lip. This was it. The first day of the rest of my life, of
our lives and our future together. The roar of the engines made me
jump and as the captain’s voice came over the speakers, I smiled to
myself while sniffling back my tears. No turning back now Layla.
Here we go.
* * *
collection, I reached for my cell and turned it on. There was only
one message. Opening it instantly, I smiled as I read his text. He
was waiting for me at arrivals and as my bag rounded the corner, I
couldn’t have gripped it and swiped it off the collection belt any
faster.
Hauling it from the
counter, I pulled it behind me as I headed out to the arrivals
lounge. I scanned every face in the room before my eyes fell on one
that made me squeak with delight. Standing a little way across the
vast lounge, he grinned at me as he pushed through the crowd of
people in his path.
Grinning myself, I
practically sprinted towards him and as he approached. I was so
relieved and happy to see him that I threw my arms around his neck
and held him in a tight hug. He laughed, lifting my feet from the
floor as he hugged me back.
“
I can’t believe you’re
here. I’ve got the car parked right out front. God it’s great to
see you.”
Releasing me, he reached
for my case and I smiled back at him, unable to contain my own
happiness. Grabbing his cap and pulling it playfully to the side I
beamed at him.
“
It’s good to see you too
Daniel.”
Praise For Bound
Together
The author was able to make
you fall in love/lust with these characters in a very believable
way! I remember being a young adult and having all of these
emotions running through me and Ms. Coulson got this totally right!
I got very emotionally invested in these characters and found
myself yelling, crying, screaming and having to put my Kindle in
time-out for making me so angry! Add this to your "to-read" shelf!
You won't be disappointed! –
Wendy Neuman
Wilken
Take the romance of
Twilight and the sexiness of 50 Shades and multiply it by a million
and you have Bound Together. A tantalizing tale of a journey
through the eyes of a girl just like yourself, into a world of
luxury, love and breaking down inhibitions to their most primal
state. It's team Oliver versus team Jared in a race to see who can
make your panties the most moist. I know whose delectable lips left
me begging for a kiss...What team are you on? –
Shaina Salisbury – Abbs
Bound Together is a tension
and angst filled, sexy and hot, heart melting, heart pounding,
heart crushing ride. And I loved every minute of it!!! –
Karen Anderson of Book Crush Book
Reviews
Erotic lust and sensual
desire are 'Bound Together' with sweet love and real romance. Marie
Coulson rocked her debut! Couldn't put it down. We want more Jared
and Ollie! –
Flirty and Dirty Book
Blog.
Acknowledgements
to so many people who made this book possible. My wonderful family
for believing in me and for your infinite patience while I gushed,
cried and sulked through the process. To my lover, friend and soul
mate for being so understanding when I neglected you for the
company of fictitious males. I know it was difficult. To Giselle
who fell in love with Ollie before anyone else and encouraged me to
continue his story when I needed that extra push.
Roxanne & Polina, my
rocks who kept me going even when it all seemed lost and pointless.
I am forever in your debt. Emma, Angela, Tina and Christine and
Charmaine. Thank you for reading, loving and believing it was good
when I couldn’t believe it myself.
To my editor
Annatassia Parchment
.
Your understanding, patience and professionalism were
indispensable; even when we are emailing at three in the morning.
Thank you.
Sarah Hanson at Okay
Creations for designing me a kick-ass cover that I simply adore.
You rock!
My Flirty and Dirty Book
Blog ladies, I loves ya both billions!!
To all my Bookaholic
babes and of course Fred and Charles. Where would I be without you
all? I love each and every one of you to the stars and back. I
consider you all as much a part of this book as the characters
themselves. You kept me sane, talked me off that ledge and made me
laugh even when I felt I was going crazy. I love you all! My book
pimps Jamie and Vanessa, I heart you! My beta readers: Nina, Karen,
Madison, Lisa, Shaina, Wendy and Deana. For your time and extremely
invaluable help in making my baby as perfect as could
be.
Gitte and Jenny at
Totally Booked and
all
the awesome bloggers that have spread the word and book love
for Bound Together. I couldn’t possibly name you all but I thank
you from the bottom of my heart.
Look out for the scintillating sequel
to Bound Together
Coming Spring 2013
Layla’s Story
Continues…….
Bound
Together
Copyright
© 2012 by Marie Coulson
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