Three Thousand Miles (26 page)

I make my
way
over to the luscious bed and I climb under the soft covers. I switch off the light and try to go to sleep.

“D
amn it,” I say aloud as I throw
the covers onto the floor. I quickly sit up straight in the bed and I switch on the light. I adjust my eyes as light turns on and I begin to fan my face with the lace fan that sits on the bedside table. I sigh as the cool air, brushes against my face and I am relieved to f
eel it. The heat in this room is
toxic and I cannot
breathe. I wipe away beads of sweat
from my face as I gaze at the alarm clock, by the bed. 3:30, it reads and I wonder if Adrian is asleep? I quickly get out of the bed and I walk quietly out the room. I look around and everything is dark. I switch on the hallway light and I make my over to Adrian’s room. I notice that the door is not fully closed so I push it open and I walk in. I adjust my eyes in the soft glowing light and I see Adrian lying on the bed. He is shirtless but I notice that he has on pyjama bottoms. I cannot contain my smile as I gaze at him. I step further into the room and I fight every bone in my body, not climb onto the bed next to him. I smile at him again and I begin to walk out of the room.

“Alanna,” he says in a husky voice. I immediately turn towards him as he pushes his hair back.

“What are you doing, Alanna.” He asks gently. I walk over to him and I am a little embarrassed that he caught me.

“I can’t sleep; I have been tossing and turning for hours.” I admit as I stand by his bedside. Adrian presses a smile from his lips and jolts me onto the bed next him. He huddles me into his chest as he strokes my hair.

“Admit it you just wanted to sleep in here with me?” Adrian says in a very sarcastic tone. I gently slap his chest and he lets out a husky laugh. He gently squeezes my arm as he begins to talk.

“You know that was the first night in ages that I slept and you woke me.” I feel instantly guilty at his words and I do not really know how to respond.

“I am sorry,” is all I manage to say. Adrian looks down at me as he pulls my face up to his.

“Baby, I would give up sleep forever, I would give up everything for you. All I need is your huge brown eyes and your stunning smile. I look at you, I see my life, and I could never be without you. I never thought that I was capable of loving someone as much as I love you.” I stare into his eyes and then I cannot resist his lips. I lunge forward until our lips meet, I grab onto his hair as he kisses me. I feel myself melting into him and I never want this feeling to end.  Adrian pulls back and I stare at him in surprise.

“What’s wrong?” I say quietly. Adrian gently adjusts his position and I break free from his grasp. I gaze at him and he looks uncomfortable. I have never seen him like this and I wonder what is bothering him.

“Alanna, nothing is wrong.” He finally says. I narrow my eyes at him, as I do not believe his words.

“Adrian, I don’t believe you.” I say in a firm voice. Adrian shifts himself up in the bed and he runs his fingers through his hair. I watch as he considers his next words and I fear what his answer may be.

“I just felt that I things were getting a little heated and I know that you aren’t exactly comfortable with that type of affection.” I smile at his words and I lean over to him. Adrian smirks at me and gently lifts me onto his lap. I slide my hands onto his face and I place a soft kiss on his lips. He pulls back from me and he gently rolls his eyes.

“Adrian, I am honoured that you are so thoughtful of my feelings but I love you and I want you.” I gently kiss him again but Adrian soon pulls back.

“Baby, it’s not the right time for that yet, but when it is it will be epic.” I slowly move off him and I again take the space next to him. He slips his arm around me and I huddle into him. Adrian gently strokes my arm as I begin to ask him something.

“Adrian, have you ever thought about your father?” Adrian’s breathing becomes heavy and my heart begins to race. I am nervous to what his answer may be and I do not know what I will do if he feels angry at my question. Adrian takes a deep breath and I gaze up at him in wonder.

“I often think of him.” He admits. I am glad that his answer was mellow and the look that is in his eyes alerts me into quizzing him more.

“Have you ever met him?”

“No, I don’t know anything about him. Sometimes I wonder what he is like but other times I could not care less. He left me and I went through hell, I don’t think
that
I could ever forgive him for that.” I sigh at his words and I feel compassionate towards him.

“I am sure you could learn to forgive if he gave you that chance. Have you ever tried to find him?” I ask in a soothing tone. Adrian stares wide eyed at me and I gaze back at him.

“A few years ago I did a search on him and I found out that he was in Edinburgh.” I smile at him but at the same time, I can see that he has pain about this subject.

“Scotland is not that far from you, did you go there?” I ask. Adrian shakes his head at me and I feel him getting more frustrated with my queries.

“No
,
I got to his front door but I could not bring myself to knock. Alanna I am done with talking about this.” He says firmly.

“Okay, but if you ever decide that you want to see him all you have to do is ask and I will be there every step of the way to support you.” Adrian smiles at me and I am paralyzed at the sight. He gently kisses the top of my head and he whispers.

“I will keep that in mind; now baby its late, go to sleep my beautiful.”    

The sun is beaming in through the window as I wake. I quickly glance over to the left side of bed but I see that Adrian is gone. I quickly jump out of the bed and I stride out of the room. I make my way into the living area and I can hear people talking. I walk further and Adrian greets me. He walks over to me and he takes me by the hand. He leads me into the lounge area and that is when I see Michael and Katharine. I quickly flash them a smile as I wonder why they are here. Adrian takes a seat onto the large white sofa and I quickly sit next to him.

“Good morning Alanna.” Michael says as he smiles at me. I cannot hold back my smile as I gaze at him. He is smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, his hair is messy and his eyes are sinful. I quickly tear my eyes away from him as I become aware of Katharine. I glance at her and I take in her beauty. She
is
casually dressed in a black floor length maxi dress. He strawberry blonde hair is tied in a high ponytail and she has a pair of designer sunglasses pushed into it. I smile at her then I look at Adrian. He is also dressed very smartly in a black pin striped suit. I wrinkle my forehead as I wonder what is going on.

“What’s going on?” I ask Adrian. He looks at me and he says.

“Michael and I have a meeting today.” He says in a smooth tone.

“It’s Sunday?” I point out. Adrian smirks at me.

“You really do miss nothing
,
do you?” He says rather sarcastically. I do not respond to his words instead I glance over at Katharine.

“The boys are ditching us; you wanna go to the beach?” Katharine asks in a kind tone. I quickly glance at Michael and he smiles wickedly at me.

“Sure
,
why not, let me go and get changed I won’t be long.” I rise up from the sofa and I begin to march up the hallway. I hear footsteps behind me and I turn quickly to see Michael. He towers over me and I gaze up at him.

“Alanna, how are you?” He asks.

“I am fine and how are you?” I move a little closer to him and he loosely places his hands into his pockets.

“I am okay, I have been feeling guilty about the other day and I want to again tell you how sorry I am for what I did. There was no excuse for my behaviour and I hope that you have forgiven me.” I cannot hold back my smile as I stare at him.

“It’s all water under the bridge.” I reassure him. He gently takes my hand in his and my skin tingles at his touch. He smiles deeply at me and I realise just how much
that
I have missed him. Michael quickly lets go my hand as Adrian approaches us. I notice Adrian’s smile quickly fade as he locks his eyes on us. I let go of Michael’s hand
and
I walk over to Adrian. He gazes at me, his eyes are wide and I can tell that this sight has not pleased him. I catch his hand as I say.

“We were just talking, that’s all.” Adrian stares at me and my heart begins to race.

“I know, Michael could you excuse us a minute?” He asks nicely. Michael smiles at me as he walks away. Adrian turns me around to face him and I am slightly panicking as I await his next words.

“Baby, I am sorry that I have to work today but it’s a very important meeting. I have arranged a driver for you and Katharine and here is my credit card.” Adrian hands me a shiny black card and I feel instantly guilty as I take it from him.

“Now
,
I am not sure how long I will be, so don’t sit around all day waiting for me. Go out and enjoy yourself and let the sun soak into that pale skin of yours.” I gently laugh at his remark and I begin to walk away. However, Adrian pulls me back and now his hand is slipping down my waist. He pulls me extra close and he kisses me very passionately. I gasp as he pulls away and I stare up into his green eyes.

“What was that for?” I ask smugly. He leans in again and gently moves my hair away from my neck. As
he places a soft kiss on my skin,
he whispers.

“I hate that I have to leave you again and that kiss has to
last me all day.” I gently lift
his head and I clasp his fac
e in my hands. I smile at him
and then I lean in and kiss him softly.

Twelve

“Wow
,
this is a gorgeous car,” Katharine says as we sit in Adrian’s white Bentley. I smile back her as I bask in the warm air that brushes through my hair. I glance around at busy streets as the car speeds th
r
ough the traffic. I feel the heat on my face and I cannot help but feel a little sad that tonight I will be returning to the cold of New York. Katharine smiles at me and I feel that she has something
that
she would like to say. I do not give her time to speak as I jump in first.

“This is amazing.” I say as I beam. “I adore Miami don’t you?”

“Actually this is the first time
that
I have been and I have to say that I love it here. The people are amazing and the beach is
breathtaking
.” Katharine cannot contain her smile as takes in her surroundings.

“Katharine
,
how are you?” I ask as I look at her with concern in my voice.

“I am good, why are you asking?” She says rather firmly. I compose myself, as I do not want to sound like the annoying friend.

“You seem different and happy i
n yourself and I love seeing you like this.” Katharine gently takes my hand and she gives it a little squeeze.

“I feel different and I really couldn’t be happier. I love Michael and I thank my lucky stars every day that I am with him.” I smile at her but inside I am shaking. I did not need Katharine to tell me that she loves Michael because I already knew. However, I cannot shake the feeling I have about Michael, I do not think
that he feels the same way and it pains me to think that possibly I have something to do with that. Katharine is my friend and I want more than anything to see her happy. However, to me Michael is addictive and I no matter how hard I try I cannot get him out of my mind.

“Katharine you are amazing and don’t ever forget that. Sure Michael is gorgeous but you are beautiful and smart he should feel lucky to have you.” I say proudly.

“I know Alanna but Michael is the best thing that I have ever had and I was in pieces when we were broken up. I have always loved him and I know that he doesn’t feel the same way but I hope that one day he will.” I immediately look down at the floor when I hear Katharine’s words. My heart is breaking and I hate that my friend is going through this. I know that I need Michael in my life and I am very aware of how selfish I am being.

“I am sorry if I have gotten in the way. It was never my intention and from now on I will keep my distance.” I feel instantly guilty as those words pass from
my
lips. I close my eyes and I can see Michael’s face. His thick black hair and his ice blue eyes are flashing in mind. I vaguely remember his kiss and then I quickly open my eyes.

“No Alanna don’t
stay
away from him, that will only make him want you more. It
’
s better if he is around you and I am hoping that if he sees that you are happy with Adrian then he will finally move on from you.” I am stunned at Katharine. I would have thought she would have been delighted that I offered to stay away from Michae
l -
the guy that jumped in front of a bullet for me. Instead, she is telling me to be around him. I gently shake my head as I take in her words.

“Katharine I don’t know what to do for the best. I hate that Michael has feelings for me and I hate that I cannot be without him. I want you to know that I love Adrian and that there will only ever be friendship on offer to Michael.”