Next August (14 page)

I grab her hips. “You’re so damn tight. If you keep moving like that, I’ll lose it.” I say between clenched teeth.

She puts her hands on my shoulders. “I want you to lose control with me. Let me do the work this time.” She slides up and down, teasing me— slowly up, the down hard, taking me all in. I come, and with so much upward force, her head hits the roof. It doesn’t bother her. She keeps riding me until she comes herself. She collapses against me.

“Is your head okay?” I ask, as I stroke her hair. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I’m fine. I love you.”

“Oh, I forgot.” I reach for the glove box.

“You forgot that I loved you?”

“I guess I did for a few weeks, but that’s not what I meant.” I hand her a silver velvet box.

“What’s this?” She takes it.

“It’s to remind you that you have my heart even when I am acting like an asshole.”

She laughs. “This box isn’t big enough.”

“I’ve even missed your smart mouth. Open it.”

She holds up a delicate silver bracelet. A diamond heart dangles from it, catching sunlight as it drifts through the dissipating clouds.” It’s beautiful. But you know you don’t have to buy me gifts, right?”

“I wanted you to have it. You’re my heart. I know I don’t have to buy you anything, but this means something to me. Please don’t return it.”

She smiles down at me.” I will cherish your heart, August. This one—“ She holds up the bracelet. “— and this one.” She touches my chest.

☀

As the rain lets up, we drive back to her parents’ house. She rubs my thigh. “This truck is a good look on you.”

“Don’t get used to it. This is temporary. I just did it to impress you.”

She pouts at me.” We can’t do what we just did in the Jaguar. It’s way too small.

“Baby, if there’s a will there is a way. I can figure out a way to fuck you in that car. We’re both flexible and the seats recline.”

She laughs. “Game on. You better work on your yoga poses. My dad is really pissed at you, you know.”

“I know he was, but I think I made up for it by informing him of just how much I love you.”

“Honestly, I think he enjoys having you around. Usually, it's just him and me and my mom. He’s outnumbered.”

It’s a good chance to tell her what’s on my mind. Or at least as much as I can tell her. “He’s going to enjoy your company for a little while longer. But not mine.”

“What? I’m going back with you.”

“I’d prefer you stay here a while longer.”

“Why?”

“It’s not safe at my house. Turns out you were right. There was someone in the cabana the night you and Anna went for a swim. I know this is scary, but I think someone has probably been in the house. And let’s not forget you being followed. The cameras have been malfunctioning all over the property.”

“Sounds like an inside job to me. Have you interviewed the staff?”

“Smart girl. Wayne is working on it.”

“I’m still going back with you. I’m not going to let anyone scare me off.”

“Nash—“

“August.” She says, and she doesn’t have to say anything else. I’m not arguing with her.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

August

“It’s so good to be home.” Nash kisses me on the cheek as we walk in the door. I stop her and take both her hands.

“I want you to be vigilant. Report anything out of the ordinary. Do you promise me?”

“I promise. After we change and grab a bite to eat, can we go see Tom?”

“Okay, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

We find Stella in the kitchen. I told her we were coming, and she promised to make up something special.

Nash hugs her. “Are you feeling better? I heard you had the flu.”

“I’m much better now. Mr. Rylan sent his doctor to see me, and he fixed me right up. It’s so good to have you back.” Stella beams at Nash.

“I’m starving,” I say. “What’s for dinner?”

Stella laughs.” I’m glad to see your appetite is back.”

“You do look like you’ve lost weight.” Nash frowns at me.

“Think about it. You left me. Stella has been sick. So I’ve had no appetite and no decent food to tempt me.” I swat her playfully on the ass, and she yelps. Stella laughs again. I can tell she’s genuinely thrilled to have Nashville home again. Nash makes the whole house feel warmer and more alive.

“Sit down and let me feed you both.” She’s made fish and roasted potatoes in some kind of light lemon sauce. I couldn’t order anything better in a five-star restaurant.

When we finish, Nash rubs her eyes. “It’s getting late. Your father can wait until tomorrow. He’s better in the mornings. Besides, I have a surprise for you.”

“I’m not crazy about surprises.”

“If you meet me upstairs in our room in ten minutes, I promise you will love surprises.” She whispers and kisses my ear. Stella regally ignored us as she washes dishes and wipes down the countertops.

“You have eight minutes,” I say.

She winks and whispers back, “Then I’d better hurry.”

☀

I wasn’t kidding when I said that I don’t like surprises. I look at my watch, but it’s only been two minutes. Stella is talking to me about something, but all I hear is background noise and the anxious thoughts humming between my own ears. What the hell is she up to?

Another two minutes have passed, and I decide I’m done waiting. I take the stairs two at a time. I open the bedroom door, and Nash is standing at the end of the bed with her cowboy boots on.

Only her cowboy boots. God, I love this woman.

I shut the door behind me. “Well, this is a
nice
surprise.”

She has her hands behind her back. She’s hiding something. “Watcha got there, pretty lady?” I ask, smiling.

She grins at me and reveals a long rope. She holds it out toward me.

“A lasso?” I can’t believe her. She amazes me.

She drops the loop over my head and shoulders, and tugs it tight, pinning my arms to my body.” Come here, city boy. I want to show you a few of my country tricks.” She pulls me onto the bed and removes the lasso. I think she might want to keep going with her scheme for control, but I don’t give her a chance. I gently shove her onto the bed and pin her body down with mine.

She pouts.” I wanted to play lasso the cowboy.”

“As you have aptly pointed out, I am a city slicker.” I kiss her hard.

“You have on too many clothes,” she protests between kisses.

“That I can remedy, but you have to promise to stay put.”

“I promise.”

I strip as fast as I can because I don’t trust the little minx to do as she’s told.” I do have a few rope tricks of my own.” I pick up the rope and loop it through my hands. I stand beside the bed, she’s on her knees on the soft mattress.

I place one finger under her chin. “You are already soaked aren’t you?”

She looks up as me, licks her lips, and nods.

“Raise your arms.” She does as she’s told. I slide the rope down around her hips and then further wind it around her wrists.” Lay down.”

She obeys, and I tie her arms to the headboard.” Every time you move your hips, the rope will tighten around your waist.”

She wiggles, and gasps as the rope also obeys my plans. “That’s not fair. I wanted to tie you up.”

I know she’s turned on because her skin is flushed, and her blues eyes are black with desire. I spread her legs wide.” Are you sure you don’t want a safe word?”

She lifts her head to look at me and licks her lips.” Bring it on, city boy.”

“I will bring it. I’ll bring you so close to heaven, you’re going to beg me to let you go into the light.”

☀

I brought us both to heaven multiple times through the night, but when we finally fell asleep, it seemed like morning came way too early. There’s been so much going on in my personal life, that for once I’ve let myself get way behind at work. My normally pristine office is full of stacks of paper and incomplete to-do lists.

I untangle from the sheets, and from Nash herself, and slip on a pair of jeans. It’s only six in the morning, so Stella hasn’t made coffee, so my caffeine craving will have to wait. She will not let me touch the coffee maker. The last time I did, it was a disaster.

I ignore the mess as I enter my office, even though the site of anything out of place usually makes my OCD go crazy.
It’s Nash,
I think, smiling.
She calms me down.
I lean back in my leather chair and turn on my computer. I haven’t answered many emails this week. There are hundreds of messages waiting for me. Most of them are not really important, just people cc’ing me on decisions they have the authority to make, but all my employees are fully aware that I insist on being kept in the loop about the smallest developments at Rylan Designs. They know I read every message I receive at some point, no matter how insignificant the matter may seem. One subject line jumps out at me, between meeting agendas and a funding request from the marketing department.

“Time for payback.”

My stomach drops as I open it. Pictures of Nash and Anna skinny dipping in the pool pop up. There are even a few of Nash sleeping in our bed. At the end it says:

“If you think this is good, I have more interesting pictures for you.”

There are no demands
.
Nothing. Shit. What the hell is this? I call Wayne.

He sounds groggy.” Yes, Mr. Rylan.”

I know I woke him, but I’m furious.” I’m forwarding you an email I received. You need to beef up my security and find out how the hell someone got inside my house and took these pictures. And you need to find out who the hell it is. I want this information ASAP, like yesterday!”

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. I can’t tell Nash about the pictures.

“Yes, Mr. —“

“Put a security team on Nash, but tell them to stay out of her sight.” I hang up before he has time to respond.

I send Nash a text, letting her know I’m going to my office in Moab. I need to do some more digging, and I can’t risk her looking over my shoulder and seeing those photos.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Nashville

The bed is empty next to me, but I smell August on the sheets. I touch the redness on my wrist from the ropes he used on me in our latest lovemaking session. I blush thinking about it. He warned me to stay still, but I couldn’t. The way he touched me was sweet torture. I can’t believe how August awakens my senses. I never could have imagined I’d enjoy those kinds of escapades, and he makes me actually crave them.

I take a quick shower, slip on a sundress, and admire my new bracelet. The idea that I’ve captured his heart warms mine. He could have any woman in the world, but he chose me. I feel like I should do something special for him. He texted that he’ll be at the Moab office, and I’ve never been there. I doubt he’s eating enough, because once he gets sucked into work, he thinks about nothing else. A picnic would be a nice surprise, but I need to make sure Tom is taken care of before I even think about leaving. I relive the night aide and ask the daytime aide to give me a few minutes alone to assess Tom.

“Good morning, Tom,” I say.

He smiles his crooked smile at me and blinks furiously. I wonder if that’s his way of saying,
I’m so glad to see you, but where have you been?

I put the stethoscope on his chest. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around these past couple weeks. I had some personal matters to deal with.”
That’s the truth.
I smile at him. “Today is the day. I’m going to bring August in here later so he can see the progress we’ve been making.” He reaches over to the nightstand and hands me the journal. I flip through the first few pages, but they’re still blank.

“Augie,” he says.

“Yes, August will be here today.” He says something else, but I don’t understand him.” I’m not sure what you’re saying.” I pat his arm and the bracelet slips from under my sleeve. It’s sparkling stone catches his eye. I dangle it before him.” August told me I have his heart.”

He smiles and nods, and then closes his eyes. It’s amazing how these simple interactions exhaust him.

I enlist Stella to help me pack up a picnic. We put together a feast of sandwiches and fresh fruit and Stella’s delicious homemade potato salad. I select a bottle of red wine, so I don’t have to worry about keeping it cold. I’m excited about my plan, and I hope August will be excited, too. I hope he doesn’t get mad at me for leaving the estate. I know he wants me to be safe, but I’m not going to be a prisoner here. He has to understand that. What could be dangerous about planning a picnic?

I drag all the stuff for lunch, complete with blanket and cloth napkins and a cooler of lemonade, out onto the front step. For a moment I’m confused because my car is gone. There’s Fred, standing beside some sporty looking silver number. The car is so shiny, I put on my sunglasses as I approach it. I can see my own reflection, and the sparkling water from the fountain reflected in its sleek lines.

Before I can open my mouth to ask after the whereabouts of my Mustang, Fred starts talking. “Mr. Rylan had me take it to the shop for some much-needed repair work. He said to teach you how to use this one.”

“This thing? Is this one of August’s designs?”

“Yes. It’s fully automated.”

I walk around and open the driver’s door.” You mean it drives itself?”

“Yes, ma’am. Mr. Rylan instructed me to teach you how to use it.”

“I don’t know. Maybe you could just drive me to his office.” I’m nervous about taking one of August’s cars. I can’t imagine what it’s worth. What if I screw up giving the damn car instructions and it drives us into a brick wall?

He opens the door wider.” It’s very easy to operate.”

Fred and I sit in the car and he launches into a detailed tutorial. He shows me how to map my course and all the other bells and whistles that come with this amazing vehicle. It’s like something out of a science fiction movie. I wonder if the car has an actual mind of its own. Like maybe it will tell me when it doesn’t like my outfit, or that I’m drinking too much coffee. It makes sense to me that August would want to build a car like this, something safe and predictable, after what happened to his parents.

“Okay,” I tell Fred. “I think I can handle it.” Fred gets out and waves me off. The car roars to life with the push of a button and drives itself through the gate. I find that I’m still sitting there, looking out the windshield, like I would in a traditional vehicle. The car tells me about my route and announces that traffic is all clear. It speaks in a calming English accent. It obeys the streetlights and speed limits all by itself. It plays my favorite music, and after I select a few songs, it figures out what I like, and sends a stream of popular country music tunes through the speakers.

The car parks in front of his office, a one-story stone building that blends into the surrounding countryside. I go inside, and the woman behind the front desk smiles at me. “I know who you are!” she says.

For a moment I’m not sure what to say. I’ve never seen her before.

“You’re Mr. Rylan’s girlfriend. He has a picture of the two of you beside his computer on his desk.”

“Oh!” That seems sweet to me and makes me happier I came to surprise him. “Yes. I’m Nashville.”

“You go ahead up. His office is the one at the end of the hall.” She smiles. “The big one, of course.”

I run up the stairs, and she’s right, there’s a double door at the end of the hallway that must lead to August’s office. I knock, but I open it without giving him a chance to answer it. “Hey!” I say. “Surprise! I wanted to—“

He’s hugging someone, and my heart falls as I recognize her. It’s the dark haired woman who had placed her card in August’s pocket at the party.

He steps away from her and walks toward me.” Um…you remember Lisa?”

I don’t say anything. I’m not sure what to say. I take in her chic dress and perfectly manicured fingernails. Her elegant shoes and tasteful makeup.

“Thank you for meeting with me, August.” Her voice cracks as she says his name. I wonder if she’s angry, or feeling guilty because I broke up their rendezvous. Her heels clickety-clack on the polished marble floor as she leaves.

“What are you doing here?” he asks me.

“Is that really what you want to say to me right now?”

“It’s not what you think.”

“Then tell me what it is. I came here to surprise you with a lunch, and I find you in another woman’s arms. What the hell am I supposed to think?”

He tries to touch me, but I back up. His arms fall to his sides. “She came here because I wouldn’t answer her phone calls.”

“So you hug her?”

“She was hugging me. She was telling me goodbye. I didn’t realize she had feelings for me, but I guess she did. That was part of the deal through the club. No attachments. I told her I had no feelings for her romantically and she was upset. She wanted more, and I told her about you.”

“And how did she react to that?”

“She said she wished I had those feelings for her instead.”

“That simple. End of story.”

“It is for me. I’ll never see her again.” He reaches for me. This time, I let him pull me close.

“I don’t understand how you can have sex with a woman and have no feelings for her? I’ve never been able to separate the two.”

“All you need to know is that all of that ended the day I met you. I don’t think I could separate the two now either.” He lifts my chin so I have to look into his eyes.” But know this, I don’t ever want to meet any man who has had his hands on your body. I don’t ever want to be in the same place with someone you had feelings for.”

“I’ve never felt for a man the way I feel for you.” I kiss him softly.

“What did you pack for lunch? I admit, I’m starving.”

“For food or for me?”

“I’m always starved for you, but I skipped breakfast. A man needs nutrition if he’s going to keep up with your sexual appetite.” He kisses the top of my head.

We collect the picnic fixings from the silver car and set up beside the stream that runs behind his office. The breeze is heavenly, and there’s a light smell of wildflowers in the air.

“This is beautiful,” I say. “Your office is nice, but I would spend my entire day out here.”

“Then I’d never get any work done. I’d daydream, or fall asleep.” He smiles as I lay out the food. “What a spread!”

“I might have had a little help from Stella.”

He takes a huge bite of his sandwich, chews, and then shovels some potato salad into his mouth. He coughs, and once I know he’s not choking, I laugh.” You really are starving.”

“It was all that sex last night. You wore me out. So how do you like your new car?”

“What? Fred said you sent my car in for repairs.” I stop eating.

“That’s partly true. It needs to be fixed up some before you can sell it.”

“I can’t afford a new car. I’m just now starting to make a little headway on my student loans.”

“I can afford it. I want you to have it. I want you safe.”

I put my plate down.” We have been through this a million times. I do not want or need you to buy me things. My car is perfectly fine.”

He places his plate on the blanket and scoots toward me until our knees are touching.” You need to understand that I will spend my money as I see fit. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me. The car is one way that I can see to it that nothing happens to you.”

How do I make him understand that I just don’t want him to have so much control over me? I know his motives behind the car are good, but it still makes me uncomfortable. Still, we’re just starting to work through our problems. I really don’t want to fight. I make a quick decision to choose my battles, and I do not choose this battle in this moment.

“Okay, well then, thank you.” I touch his chin.

He squints at me.” That was too easy.”

“I will graciously accept your gift, but in the future, please discuss it with me before you buy me anything.”

“I’ll try,” he says.

It’s a start.

☀

We finish eating and I gather up the blanket.” What time are you coming home?” I ask as we walk hand in hand back into his office.

“I have a few more things to do around here. Why? What did you have in mind?”

“And you think I have an insatiable sexual appetite.” I laugh at him.” I really want you to see your father’s progress.”

“I’ll be home in a couple hours, but I’d rather see what progress I can make getting you out of those clothes.” His mouth traces my jawline.

“You truly are
insatiable
.” I kiss him, hard. The man just touches me, and I’m turned on.

He abruptly unlocks our lips.” Not here. I want to finish this work stuff, so it’s not on my mind when I want other things on my mind.” He pinches my bottom and walks me to the car. When I sit in what should be the driver’s seat, he tells the car to buckle my seatbelt, and it does.

“Now that’s a neat trick,” I say.

“Safety first.” He smiles.” I’ll meet you back home in a few hours.” He looks over his shoulder.

“Who are you looking for? The boogieman?”

He laughs, but his eyes are still serious. “Maybe.”

☀

True to his word, a few hours later he walks through the door. He is on the phone with someone and he sounds a little angry.

“Everything okay?” I ask as he says goodbye.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” He kisses me.

“Come on. Let’s go see your father.” I take his hand and lead him up the stairs.

Tom is sitting in the chair with his usual blank stare. The one he presents to everyone but me. I ask the aide to leave, and I walk over to Tom. I kneel in front of him. August stands behind me.

“It’s okay, Tom. I brought August with me to see how well you are doing.” His stare remains fixed. I touch his hand.” Don’t worry. We’re all in this

together.”

Nothing.

“Tom, look at me.”

Still nothing.

I can’t believe Tom is doing this. I glare at him. “Why won’t you cooperate?”

I feel August hand on my shoulder.” It’s okay, Nash.”

I stand up.” No, it’s not. I swear to you that he interacts with me. He can even say a few words. He says your name.” I turn to Tom.” Say his name. Your son’s name.”

Nothing.

“That’s enough. Let’s go.” August leads me out of the room.” Don’t worry about it, or be upset with him. He’s been this way for years.”

I pull my hand from his grasp.” You don’t believe me?”

“I believe you want him to talk. But baby, you’re the only one who has ever said you see any kind of response from him.”

“He does talk. He watches television, and he’s even played cards with me.”

“Okay. Okay, I believe you. But why doesn’t he react to anyone else?”

“I don’t know. This is so damn frustrating. I think he’s hiding from you.”

“That makes no sense.” He holds me to him.