Mad Love (7 page)

“The closest … ” Erik finds my comment vastly amusing. “That is the funniest shit I’ve ever heard.”

“Fine. It’s funny. My experience with Adrian was a joke! I just don’t understand why we’re even talking about this. You guys are the ones who always point out what a giant prude I am. Why do you think I would have sex with a guy I barely know? I mean, what would that make me?”

“A young, healthy woman with a goddamn need to finally get laid. And let’s be honest, Los Angeles does have its share of hot, single men, but none of them have ever even tempted you. But this guy does. So go with it, Sophie. Who cares? I’m not criticizing you, just trying to protect you. Why do you always have to overanalyze everything in your life?” Erik has a point but I still feel the need to defend myself.

“I’m not—“ I try to get a word in.

“You can’t lie or hide from me. I’ve known you too damn long. Listen, Sophie, sometimes things happen that are unexpected. You meet someone and you’re instantly drawn to them. Like you’ve known them your whole life.” Erik smiles at Orie as he says the last part.

“And you just know it will be right because there’s a chemistry that exists from the moment you first stare into each other’s eyes,” Orie finishes for Erik. I know they speak from experience and yes, they make it all sound so beautiful and romantic, but real life is not a fairytale.

“You guys sound like a Hallmark card.”

“You’re deflecting. Just listen to me. Sometimes we can’t help who we are attracted to. We just are. And you want Clayton. Just go with it. No one is judging you but
you.
My job is just to make sure that you do it as elegantly as possible.”

“How can you even use that word to describe what we’re talking about?” I can’t help but laugh.

“He can use that word because sex isn’t the big, bad scary act you think it is. It’s usually an incredible special experience between two people who are attracted to one another, no matter the reason or how fast they jump into bed,” Orie explains.

I feel like I’m reliving sex ed all over again.

“I get it,” I tell them both, hoping they will stop talking about this.

“Do you?” Erik doesn’t look like he believes me but he holds out his arms to hug me tightly.

“Yes,” I smile as I move into a wet hug. Ugh. “And I love you, too.”

“Can I throw you in the water?” Erik asks me.

“Hell no!” I laugh and move away from his embrace. “Sharks, remember?” I look out over the ocean hoping for a glimpse of Clayton, but he’s gone.

Hours later, we’re at the restaurant on the beach and I can officially say that I’m tipsy. We have a great table on the beach. We watched the sunset and now the stars light up the sky and sea. I’m wearing a short turquoise blue sundress that I bought for the trip. It’s simple, with clean lines of soft
silk fabric, but it’s a dress I could only wear on vacation and it was definitely an impulse buy. I have flip-flops on and I’m happy I have a pretty damn good pedicure. Fortunately, the sun has already given me a little bit of a glow so I think I look okay.

And after three glasses of wine with dinner, I’m having the time of my life. We’ve splurged and ordered lobster and the catch of the day, along with a delicious bottle of Rosé. I have no idea what time it is, nor do I care, because, guess what, I’ve got nowhere to go! Time out. Yes, I do have somewhere to go; I just don’t know if I should.

Clayton keeps creeping into my thoughts. Every single time Orie or Erik start to tell a story during which I think I can remain silent, my mind wanders to him. I
so
want to go to his villa! I wonder if Erik will deem it acceptable for us to attend the little soiree.

“Get that goddamn look off your face. We’re not going,” Erik says.

“Huh?” I look at Erik, then Orie, who avoids my gaze. “Why?”

Orie picks up his cocktail and takes a long swig then runs a hand through his thick black hair. He gives me a serious look.

“We talked about it. It’s way cooler if you don’t show up tonight. You’re hard to get. Guys like that.”

My heart sinks. “Really?”

Orie takes pity on me and reaches out to take my hand. “Yes. Men are hunters. They like the chase. They live for the chase.”

“But I hate running. I suck at it,” I mutter as I pick up my drink in annoyance. “What if he doesn’t ask us over again? What if I lose the one chance I have?”

“I promise you, he’ll come after you.“ I don’t believe Orie, but I appreciate him trying to make me feel better.

“And if he doesn’t?”

“Then fuck him,” Erik says dramatically. “He doesn’t deserve you if he’s not going to chase you.”

“But … ”

“You’re a goddamn catch. The best of the best. Make him work for it,” he interrupts emphatically.

Orie lifts his glass to Erik. “Cheers to that.” I know Erik is right, but still.

“And—Bingo,” Erik says. “He’s arrived. Bow, arrow and sword, ready for the kill.”

My breath is literally sucked out of my body. He’s here! I begin to turn my head but Orie interrupts.

“Don’t turn around, Sophie.”

“Close your mouth. You’re acting so obvious!” Erik demands.

He’s right. I need to get to the bathroom immediately and get a goddamn grip!

“I’ve got this,” I tell him.

I get up, sway a bit from the amount of alcohol I’ve consumed, and turn to find the fastest route to the bathroom. God, I’m
so
going to have to detox when I get home.

I almost trip over my feet when I see him walking toward the bar looking so hot in tan khaki shorts and a baby blue t-shirt that stretches out nicely over his broad shoulders and happens to match his eyes perfectly. His hands are tucked in his pockets and he’s talking to Eduard and one of the women he came with. I notice with some jealousy that she looks like she wants to devour him alive.

Okay. The night just got interesting. I wonder what time it is. Shouldn’t he still be at his villa having a party? I look down and push my long hair away from my face and am ready to pretend like I don’t see him when I lift my eyes and they clash right into his stormy blue gaze. He stares at me long and hard, and if I were to guess his mood, he doesn’t seem too happy. I watch as he coolly looks me over. His gaze lingers on my bare legs, making me acutely aware of just how short my dress really is, and then meets my eyes again.

Heat.

Holy Jesus, do I feel heat. But it’s so weird; there’s a certain aloofness to him that’s as evident as the heat. It’s almost icy. And I don’t understand it. But hell, I can’t even decipher my own psyche—how do I expect to unravel his? I awkwardly nod at him in a silent hello and rush toward the restroom.
It’s tucked nicely away from the restaurant, down a path facing the sea, hidden and lit up by tiki torches. I practically run in, looking for any haven from Clayton and, lean over the sink to catch my breath. What the hell is wrong with me?

I look in the mirror and barely recognize the face staring back at me. I’m flushed, practically panting, my pupils dilated as I try to slow my breath. My hair is wild around my face in long waves. I look almost—hot?? Am I drunk? Yes. But the way he stared at me made me feel really good. I use the restroom quickly, wash my hands, take one last look at myself, and then walk out. Ready … or not.

As I step out the door and start to walk back up the path toward the restaurant, I’m stopped by a voice.

“You didn’t show up at my party.”

God.

My heart slams against my chest. I look around and see Clayton leaning against a palm tree smoking a cigar. He’s lit by the moon and looks sexy as hell. I can’t seem to find my voice. I just stare at him. He takes a puff and blows it out. I’m entranced.

“You didn’t answer my question.” His accent is more pronounced now and sounds very English, I wonder if that’s because he’s been drinking. I find my voice.

“It sounded more like an observation than a question.”

He smiles. “Both.”

He watches me like a lion ready to pounce. His gaze moves over my legs again.

“Your dress is too damn short.”

I immediately try to pull it down to cover more of my thighs, but it’s impossible, so I stop myself.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think the length of my dress is really any of your business.” Really, what does my dress length have to do with him?

I don’t think he likes my response because his eyes narrow and he has that predator look on his face again. I feel like I’m some tasty morsel he’s ready to take a bite out of. He looks me up and down, taking his
time, examining every inch of me. If he’s trying to make me nervous, he’s succeeding.

“I always get what I want, Sophie.”

I feel a jolt through my body. I know he’s warning me or maybe even commanding me, but God, hearing a man sound so confident is the biggest turn-on ever. I dare myself to reply.

“How would you like me to respond to that?”

“However you like.” There’s a definite edge to his voice.

I hold my breath and watch him throw the cigar out into the sand and step toward me. Oh my God, he’s coming close. He’s invading my space. Moving in all around me. His body, his fiery strength, wraps around me like a protective shield against the world. Before I know it, his hand cups my face and he leans into me. I feel the heat move through my body again.

Electricity.

An inner pull. Whatever you want to call it. I’m just drawn to this man in every way. I don’t understand it, but there’s something about him that calls to me on a primal level. That’s the only justification I have for allowing him to get so close to me so fast. I
want
him to touch me. I
want
him near me. My body craves it, calls out to his in a dance as ancient as time.

“Do you know how sexy you are?” His lips, a breath away from mine, whisper like a soft kiss in the wind.

I’m incapable of speech or movement. I’m addicted to the look and feel of him. I’ve never wanted anything more. He leans in and I’m flush against him, so close that I can almost taste the sweet softness of his lips. I want him so bad it almost hurts. His hand cups the side of my face and I’m literally imprisoned by his grip. His hands move up my cheeks and through my hair, pulling it back softly until my lips are turned up for him to take.

He stares down at me, our eyes intertwined as we just gaze at one another. It is the most intimate and intense feeling I’ve ever had. I could stay like this forever.

My hands move of their own accord and grasp his upper arms. My lips part. I can’t comprehend the feeling I have in his arms or the sense of fulfillment I know this man will give me, but for once in my adult life, I just go
with it and trust my instincts. Haven’t all the books I’ve read taught me to believe in what my soul knows?

For whatever it’s worth, I know in my very depths that he was meant to come into my life. He calls to me. If it’s the alcohol that gives me the extra courage, I don’t know. His lips softly brush against mine.

I feel energy surge through my blood and suddenly my entire body is on fire. Erik is right. From one single brush of his lips, not even a deep kiss, I know that Erik is
so
right. This man is completely X-rated, not even R. Straight up X. And I want every last bit of it.

“Clayton? Clayton?” Eduard calls out as he comes into view. I jerk away from Clayton’s arms, completely mortified.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

I’m mortified. I can’t look either of them in the eye. What must Eduard think of me?

Many colorful nouns come to mind.

Hussy. Ho. Tramp.

“No, you weren’t interrupting! I was just heading back to the table.” I know I’m bright red and I need to get away. Clayton’s hand reaches out and grabs mine, stopping me from going anywhere.

“We’ll walk back together.” He doesn’t ask me. He commands. I’m all for women’s lib, but I have to admit that the way he sort of just takes control of everything is a turn-on. “Do you need something, Eddie?”

“Cigar?” Eduard looks uncomfortable. I think it’s the way Clayton’s pinned him to the spot with his gaze. I pity him. I’m uncomfortable too, but Clayton’s holding my hand, and judging from the grip, I don’t think he’s going to let me go. God, even the touch of his hand makes me warm inside.

“I left them at the bar.”

Eddie nods and lowers his eyes. I guess he even intimidates his friends. I look up at Clayton and am overwhelmed by his intensity. Standing there holding his hand, I feel like a complete hoochie mama, so I try to pull my hand out of his grasp, but he only tightens his grip and I feel that charge again. He looks down at me, his expression serious.

“You’re not escaping.”

My mouth goes dry. Erik and Orie told me that he’s a hunter and Lord, they were
so
right.

I am good and trapped.

5

We walk back to my table hand in hand and I almost laugh at the expression on Erik’s face when he sees us. It’s classic. I know I’m going to get a lecture from him about how I should be acting aloof and I fully intend to defend myself. I try again at the table but Clayton stops me cold when he says, “If you gentlemen don’t mind, I’m taking Sophie for a walk on the beach.”

I look at him in surprise.

He’s what?

Stars? Ocean? Night?

Alone?

That’s a recipe for disaster for me. I can’t. I won’t be able to concentrate on a conversation. I’ll just be obsessing about whether he’ll try to kiss me. And about how it will feel. Lord, I’m losing control over my mind!

Erik will save me. He has to save me. But wait.
Clayton didn’t ask, he just said
. Like it was a done deal. I get the feeling that this man really doesn’t ask permission for anything in his life.

“As long as Sophie is cool with it,” Orie answers because for once Erik is shocked into silence.

Clayton doesn’t wait for me to respond whether I’m cool with it or not. “I’ll see her to her villa.”

I realize I’m standing there like a deaf mute and that I haven’t said two words the entire time.

Erik finally speaks. “We’re headed to the club, 15 Below, to check it out. It’s apparently the only underground club in the Maldives. It’s right over here. Do you guys want to join us before you go on your walk?”