Let Me Love You (9 page)

I still see his friends from that night,
but they don’t approach me. Evan and Dylan work in a sports store just a few stores away from Scarlett Avenue. Dylan just smiles at me and Evan, he can’t make eye contact with me most days. When he does, I get a sympathetic smile. I feel that he is sorry about what happened but feels compelled to stick to the story they were told to say. I listen to my bedtime play list, which has soothing songs on it and I drift off to sleep thinking about how much Dean wins again.

         
My alarm goes off and it’s a bright morning. I need to get out of this bed, showered and in to work. I need to keep my mind busy so that I don’t think about James. It’s been four days since I saw him last and he hasn’t made any contact with me what so ever. He invaded my sleep last night again, looking all hot and sexy and making love to me on a beach with the sun burning down on us. I have to shake this off. I have a fast shower and get ready for work. I can’t stomach breakfast so I skip the kitchen and go straight to my car. I’m at work on time and I walk through reception, giving Bella a big hug. “Morning, how’s Cassidy doing?” I smile at her and explain that Cass is fine; she is healing and she will be back to her normal self very soon. I see Carlos and I walk over to him; he looks pissed off.

“Morning Carlos” He turns
.

“Follow me
, please.” Great what have I done now? I know that Mrs Silver gave me a few days off due to Cassidy being in hospital, but I have worked hard since I came back, and I don’t think I have done anything wrong.

I follow Carlos into his studio and he shuts the door behind me. I turn and face him
, “What’s this about, have I done something wrong?” A cheeky grin spreads across his face and I smile with him, my shoulders sagging in relief.

“No honey, you haven’t
. I just wanted to talk to you about a very big contract that we have coming up and see how Cassidy is doing?” Ok, I’m intrigued. “Come, sit down.” I follow Carlos over to the sofa in his studio and I tell him how Cassidy is doing. “Right. I know that you haven’t worked for us that long, but I love your work and that isn’t a secret. This contract will do Exposure and your portfolio the world of good.” I’m confused, what is Carlos actually saying? “I want you to take the new contract. Now, before you say no, let me tell you about the job first, okay?” I sink into my side of the sofa and try to take in all the information. “The contract will be with TV network QBC and we will do all the promo shots for a list of their TV shows.” I lift myself up and my heartbeat quickens.

“Please don’t tell me that Control is on that list
.” No I can’t do this, I can’t see James. I stand and start pacing in front of Carlos; he looks concerned.

“Tally
, what’s wrong? I thought you would jump at the chance to take this contract. You and James Wilde seem to have some sort of connection”

Oh G
od Carlos, if you only knew how much of a connection. I stop and cover my eyes. “Ok Tally, I will make this easy for you … You are taking this contract. I need you on this job. You’re one of the best I have in this field, so whatever has happened, you two you need to suck it up and move on, ok?”
I have sucked it up
, I thought to myself. I blush at the delicious memory of James on me, in my mouth, and I start to tingle. I stop and shake my head, letting out a big breath.

“Fine Carlos
, I will do it, but I want a PA for this.” I wince. Am I pushing my luck? Carlos looks surprised by my outburst.

“That’s doable, I will give you Cleo.
She’s young and eager to learn” He stands and kisses the side of my head, “I’m so glad that Cassidy is doing much better.” I make my way to my studio and get on with the day’s work. I’m grateful I have a client full day.

Midday comes around so I stroll down stairs to Bella
, who isn’t at reception. That’s strange for her. I check the ladies room, but no luck. I try the staff lounge but still nothing. Where is that girl? I go to Tanner’s office to see if he knows where Bella is. I knock on the door gently and open it to find Tanner standing, gripping onto his desk with Bella on her knees sucking him off. I freeze. Tanner throws his head back and his eyes lock on mine. I smile and fake my shock. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry guys. Tanner you really need to lock your door,” I say with a cheeky grin on my face. Bella is as red as a tomato, and she quickly jumps to her feet but she can’t look at me. Tanner slowly puts himself away and tidies up his appearance.

“We thought everyone was out to lunch, but obviously not
” Tanner says calmly. Bella sits on the sofa with her head in her hands, still beaming a bright red.

“You okay
, Bella?” She raises her head to look me and then to Tanner. Tanner and I burst into a fit of laughter but Bella is shaking her head at us.

Tanner says “I will go get us some lunch
.” I raise an eyebrow and smile a cocky smile.

“Oh
, I think Bella has eaten enough for one day.” She snaps her head at me and Tanner laughs and while walking towards me, we high five and he leaves his office. I sit by Bella on the sofa. “So…you and Tanner? Nice one Bells, you’re obviously are into him big time, then?” She visibly relaxes.

“Oh Tally, he rocks my world. I have liked
him for a few months but never knew how he felt about me, until the night of Cassidy’s accident. I know I come across all confident, but when it comes to boys I really like I have no clue. Especially with guys like Tanner fucking Black!” Oh, I know how she feels. 

“Well
, I know that Tanner really likes you. Carlos said that he has for a while but didn’t know how to make the first move.” I’m so happy that Bella can talk to me like this; I miss girl talks. As Cassidy has been healing, she gets tired real easy these days. We chat about Tanner and boys in general; she gives me a tight hug as Tanner walks back into his office.

“Hey now ladies
, I’m game for a threesome.” He winks.

“Oh honey
, you couldn’t handle both of us, right Bella?” Tanner laughs and sits on the floor next to the all glass coffee table and we eat our lunch, chatting and giggling. God, I have missed friends time.

It’s been a nice few days at work and my weekend was busy.
I had to help Scarlett run around for her birthday party, which helped with distracting me from thinking about James. I arrived to work late this morning due to an accident on my work route. I can feel my face heat up, and I know I look all flustered as I enter reception and see Bella. “You okay? It’s not like you to be late. Your QBC client’s up in your studio. Just a warning … James is with them, along with a very attractive leggy piece.” I blow out a big sigh and straighten myself up as I make my way into my studio.  I stand outside my door and I can hear voices. I open the door and come face to face with a wall of hard, hot muscle that I know intimately. I peel my eyes up to look at him, and step back.

“Oh, umm
, I’m so sorry Mr Wilde.” James, who has his hands on my hips, smiles.

“Miss Slone
, I was coming to see where you were.” I step around James and walk to the table where there is a leggy blond and an older gentleman.

“I’m so sorry
, Mr??” I don’t actually know his name but I offer my hand, even though he doesn’t take it.

“Mr Williams.
I’m not happy that you are late to this appointment, Miss Slone. I am on a very tight schedule today.” I drop my hand.

James comes back at the table and takes the chair next to Miss Leggy. I take my seat across fro
m them and explain about the accident on my way into work. “Miss Slone, this is Carmen Vogel, she is my co-star on the show.” I shake her hand and she smiles at me. Okay, I don’t know if I like her.

“So
, Mr Williams, would you like to go to a location or use the studio for the stills? I’m okay with either and we have some amazing locations on file.” James is staring at me with his fuck-me eyes. I bite my lip and I try not to look at him, because I know if I do, I’m going to melt. We go over the details for the photo shoot; it takes us around an hour.

“So Tally.
Is it okay if I call you Tally?” Carmen asks. How did she know to call me Tally?

“Yes Miss Vogel, Tally is fine
,” I smile at her and she returns a full mega-watt smile back at me.

“D
oes a pretty little thing like you have a boyfriend?” I’m taken back by her question.

“Um
, what’s that got to do with the contract?” She smiles and re-crosses her long legs and places a hand on James’ thigh. I clench my fists, my body heats all over, and I’m pretty sure my face gives my jealousy away. Mr Williams stands and excuses himself. I wish Carmen would excuse herself too, so I can hash this out with James with no witnesses. Carmen leans over to James and whispers in his ear and he lets out a gentle laugh. I can feel my face burning; I need to get out of here to calm down.

“Will you two excuse me please?
I will give you some privacy and I will be right back.” I can’t help but notice the anger in my voice. I get up to leave but James catches my elbow before I can get a grip on the door handle.

“Where
are you going?” My breath hitches as I feel the warmth of his skin on mine.

“Why don’t you go and sit back with Mi
ss Vogel, you two seem quite cozy.” I take a deep breath, still not looking at him. “So much for not giving up on us, Mr Wilde.” He tightens his grip on my elbow.

“I meant what I said baby, I’m not giving up
.”

“So
, what?” I wave my hands in Carmen’s direction but keep my voice low so only James can hear me. “Was all that for show, you letting her put her paws on you to make me jealous, to make me see what I’m missing?” I pull my arm free and exit my studio. I walk towards Carlos’s studio with my head held high; I knock and enter when he calls out to enter. Carlos is looking over some photos on his laptop and I throw myself on the white sofa next to his desk.

“You ok Talls? You look rather flushed
.” I blow out a big breath and explain to him what just happened in the meeting. “You left them there?” I nod.

“Yep
,” popping the P as I reply. Carlos pinches the bridge of his nose and raises his head to me.

“Go back Tally, go and finish the meeting … Now
.” I open my mouth to speak but I see the tell-tale look on Carlos’s face, so I leave and head back to my studio. I stand outside the door and take a deep breath, before opening the door and walking in. I see that James and Carmen are still seated at opposite sides of my table, deep in conversation about what I don’t know, and personally don’t care.

“Ah
, you’re back. Is everything okay, Tally?” Carmen asks with a slight smirk on her lips. I square my shoulders and reply to her.

“Everything is fine
, Miss Vogel. I just needed to check with my manager about a few location possibilities.” I take a seat next to James, and Carmen eyes me intently.

“Why don’t you come and sit next to me Tally
? I won’t bite … unless you want me to,” she says with a wink. I take it all in and let it wash over my head.

“I’m good here
, thank you. I’m sure you would bite me if I asked, but I’m sure that Mr Wilde could bite me just as well, if not better. Don’t you agree, Mr Wilde?” Carmen’s face drops. I surprised all three of us by saying that, but it felt good. Scarlett would be proud. I want James, and I know that he wants me. James looks at me with a huge grin on his face.

“Oh Miss Slone, I would be more than happy to bite you if you wish. Name the time and place and I will most defiantly be the
re,” James says matter of factly. I bite my lip and I blush right on cue. Mr Williams walks back into the room and takes a seat next to Carmen.

“So Mr Williams, are you happy to go ahead with the promo shots?” Carm
en hasn’t taken her eyes off me. I can feel them burning into my skull, and suddenly I feel self-conscious. James places his hand on my left thigh with a gentle squeeze, and my breath hitches at the same time I see Carmen’s eye widen. Mr Williams explains what his plans are for the promo shoot. We make our way to the door.

“Miss Slone, it was a pleasure. I look forward to working with you on this contract
.” We shake hands and he turns to leave. Carmen is standing there looking all goddess like, but eyes like the Hounds of Hell.

“So James, you know Miss Slone very well then
?” Oh, I’m back to Miss Slone now. James places his arm around my waist and pulls me closer.

“Yes Carmen,
I told you I was seeing someone. Tally is my girlfriend.” I am taken aback by his revelation, so my body tenses and Carmen sees that.

“Maybe so James
, but does she know that?” And with that she leaves the room. I pull of out James’ embrace.

“Don’t you th
ink I should have a say in this? When exactly did I agree to be your girlfriend?” He blinks a few times.

“I told you Tally
, I’m not giving up on you, on us. We have something and I want it. I want it all. I don’t just have sex with random women Tally. I know that you have some underlining issues and together we will get past them.” My heart tightens and I rub my chest.