Brooke

 

I can’t believe this is happening. He just told me he wants me and I ask him about his business plan. The thing is I want him too, I want him so badly. I don’t want this to end, to lose him. Losing him, well it will hurt like losing my business. So what the fuck am I supposed to do?

“My business plan?” he asks, still wiping my tears. “Blue eyes, my business plan…”

“No,” I shout, cutting him off. “Please, I don’t want to hear it, I can’t hear it. I’m sorry. I want this too, I want you.”

Pete can tell the mom’s whatever the fuck he wants. It’s no one’s business how I got the money. I’ll just need to figure out a way to keep them. Because being in Owen’s arms isn’t something I’m willing to give up either. I’m done playing the game, I’m done worrying.

“I’ll tell you whatever you want,” he whispers, kissing beneath my ear.

“Tell me what you’re feeding me, cause I’m starving,” I say, trying to lighten everything up.

Laughing he wraps his arms around me, rolling so I’m on top of him. Holding my hair off my face he smiles. “Don’t expect much, I’m just ordering pizza,” he says with a wink, throwing my words back at me.

Laughing, I press my lips to his. “I never expect much from you,” I say, teasing him.

“Oh blue eyes, you should expect everything from me.” Deepening the kiss, he tightens his fingers in my hair. “I’ll make you happy,” he says with such sincere compassion.

“You already do,” I say, searching his eyes. “I mean when you’re not being an entitled prick.”

He gazes at me, linking our fingers together. “I wasn’t always an entitled prick,” he says, rubbing his thumb on my knuckles. “My parents had nothing when they got married. My dad didn’t even have a ring to give to my mom when he asked her to marry him.”

“Owen, I’m just playing with you.” I feel like an idiot now.

“I know you are, I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I’m trying to open up a little which isn’t easy for me.” My heart swells knowing he’s trying and I let him in a little. He glances down for a second before hitting me with his piercing eyes. “My dad stood in Central Park, made a damn fool out of himself to prove his love. Dressed in the only suit he owned, in ninety degree weather, he stepped out in front of her as she was walking through. He loudly declared his love for her, drawing a crowd. My mom had no idea what the hell he was doing because they’d only been dating a few months, but he said he just knew she was the one. Time made no difference. So, after telling her how we felt, he picked up a single red rose and got down on one knee. He told her he didn’t have a ring, but he had a promise. It was all it took and they got married a few weeks later in city hall.”

He’s lost in the memory. Telling it with such love and emotion that I feel a tear escape. “Owen, that’s a beautiful story. He sounds like a true romantic.” I kiss him softly, feeling his beard rub against me.

“I heard that story so many times growing up. Pretty much every time we walked through or by Central Park.” He lightly laughs. “It’s a good memory.”

It’s a good memory, yet he looks so sad. I want to ask about his parents, to find out where they are now. But it’s one of those subjects he’s not comfortable with, so instead I wrap my arms around him and hold on.

“It’s a beautiful memory, Ace.” I stay quiet for a minute before I clear my throat of the emotions. “You wanted to know when we first started talking why I call you Ace, remember?”

“Of course I do,” he says.

“Well, it’s cause you ace everything. The things you say, the way you look, the business you run. You excel at everything, you’re an ace.”

I can feel him grinning before he kisses my head. “It’s fucking awesome, blue eyes.”

We hold on to each other for awhile. It’s almost like we are sharing some kind of silent connection, but he finally pulls away. “How about I feed you now? Don’t need this whole thing starting out with me starving you,” he says, grinning.

“About damn time,” I joke.

We laugh getting up and collecting our clothes. It was a surprise to see him at my door, but holy shit. It was a shock the way he came in and just fucked me. He’s got something going on. First anal and then opening up like that. It’s unlike him, but I’m not complaining. And I’m sure as hell not going to push. I’m done pushing.

After we eat our pizza, he hangs out for a little bit before leaving. Giving me a long, powerful kiss before he walks out the door. Getting a quick shower, I lay down in bed and smile. I feel a little lighter and even though Pete is hanging over my head, right now in this moment, I don’t care. The only thing I care about is Owen and that magical story he shared.

 

**

 

Waking up, I stretch and climb out of bed. I have to get down to the studio early because I’ve got a few classes.  Friday is my busiest day and I need to be ready. Gathering my hair into a ponytail, I throw on my black yoga pants and gray tank top. Just as I sit down to get my sneakers on, my phone alerts me.

Picking it up I see I have a text from Owen

 

Ace: Morning blue eyes

 

Me: Morning Ace

 

Ace: What time are you working until

 

Me: I should be done around nine

 

Ace: Ok, go do your thing

 

Me: My thing lol

 

Ace: Go be amazing

 

Me: Better

 

Ace: Such a pain in the ass

 

Me: Have a good day being an entitled prick

 

I tuck my phone in my purse laughing and head out the door. Time to go be amazing.

After the last student leaves, I lock the door. I’m sweating and can’t wait to get home to shower. Turning everything off, I grab my stuff and walk outside. Waiting by the curb is Frank, Owen’s driver.

“Good evening, Miss Alexander. I’ll be taking you home tonight,” he says, opening the door for me.

Blown away by Owen’s thoughtfulness, I smile. “Thank you, Frank,” I say, slipping inside.

The smell of food hits me as soon as I get in. On the seat next to me is a box of takeout with a note.

Working late but wanted to make sure you could relax when you got home, so I took care of dinner. I’ll call you tonight if it isn’t too late. Enjoy blue eyes. -Ace

Damn his sweetness. But I can’t lie, I’m so grateful I don’t need to go home and figure out what the hell I’m having for dinner. I pull out my phone and send a quick thank you text. Never in my life have I had someone make sure I had a ride home and taken care of dinner for me. It melts my heart a little and I smile knowing I had him pegged all wrong.

Frank drops me off and I carry my dinner to my apartment. When I get inside, I drop everything and go into the kitchen. Grabbing a fork, I stand at the counter and eat the chicken alfredo he sent me. It’s delicious and I can’t help to moan a little bit.

Once, I’m done I grab a shower and sit on the couch to relax. My phone rings and I grin knowing it has to be Owen.

 “Hello?”

“Hey, blue eyes. How was dinner?”

“It was amazing, thank you again. It was very sweet of you to get me home with dinner, Ace,” I say, pulling my legs up onto the couch.

“You’re welcome. What’s your schedule tomorrow?” he asks.

“I have nothing tomorrow. I usually have a class, but most of the kids are on vacation. Why, what’s up?”

“Nothing, just wondering that’s all. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it over there tonight, but I’ve still got a few things to take care of here. I just wanted to call before you fell asleep because I missed hearing your voice today,” he says, making my heart beat rapidly in my chest.

“Damn, who knew you were this sweet guy, Ace?”

“I can’t share all my secrets at once, blue eyes,” he says, laughing. His deep throaty laugh is so damn sexy and he’s not the only one who missed hearing someone’s voice. “I need to go, but I promise tomorrow we’ll do something. Sweet dreams, Brooke.”

“Don’t work too hard. Sweet dreams, Owen.”

Hanging up, I hold the phone against my chest. “Damn, he’s good.”

 

**

 

Sipping on my coffee, I flip the news on. I make a quick morning phone call to my mom and when she asks if I’m seeing anyone I just laugh. I guess I am, but I’m not ready to spill the details to her just yet. Not until I see how serious this thing is.

When I hang up, there’s a knock at the door. Fixing my hair real quick, thinking it’s Owen, I rush to open it. No one is there, but sitting in the hallway is a dozen blue roses. I’ve never in my life seen blue roses. I pick them up and look down the hallway, but see no one. Bringing them inside, I grab the note.

Good morning, blue eyes. I saw these blue roses and they reminded me of looking into your eyes. It was the first thing I noticed about you. Your captivating eyes. Go get dressed in some jeans and a shirt and let’s have some fun.

Your next clue will be by the elevator when you’re ready.

Holy shit, I can’t contain the smile on my face. How romantic is this? I put the unbelievably beautiful roses on my coffee table and go get dressed. I’m about as giddy as I was the day he took me to Juilliard. Grabbing my phone and purse, I smell the roses before leaving.

I head in the direction of the elevator. I step inside, but see nothing. No one is in here and there is no note. I get off and decide to go outside. When I do there is a cab parked by the curb. The driver sees me and opens the door, handing me a note.

The first time I met you was in the backseat of a cab. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight. You were a massive pain in the ass and thought I was a complete entitled prick. When you got out that day, I never thought I’d see you again, but you also never left my thoughts.

Enjoy the ride.

I laugh reading the note, because he’s so right. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight. I went full blown bitch on him and never felt the slightest bit bad. But knowing I never left his thoughts, that makes me feel a little bad, but not enough to change anything that happened.

Pulling up in front of the hotel where we first hung out, I smile and get out of the cab. I figure I should just head to the bar. I was right because when I walk in the bartender waves me over to the table where we sat. When I reach it, he smiles and hands me another note.

This is the table we sat at when you got all ballsy and walked over to me. It made me grin because I saw you sitting at the bar, but I was biding my time to see who you were waiting for. This is the first time we talked and laughed. I was so damn attracted to you. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you. So when I asked you back to my place, I was so thankful you agreed.

Have some food and head outside when you’re done. Enjoy.

I knew he’d never come over to me. That’s why I went to him and I’m so glad I did. I feel bad as to the reason I came over, but he’s right it was a great night. He was fun to talk to and so different from anyone I’d ever met. So, after I finish eating, I go outside to see what’s next.

This game is so thoughtful and I love hearing about what he was thinking in those moments. This man, damn it’s impossible to not have caught feelings. He made it happen and this is just making it so much stronger.

Owen’s car is out front, but no Owen. Frank opens the door for me. “Having fun, Miss Alexander?” he asks, smiling.

“It’s unreal, Frank,” I say, getting in.

He drives us to Owen’s penthouse and I get out. Riding the elevator up, I feel butterflies in my stomach, waiting to see him. So when the doors open and I step off seeing the place is empty, I’m a little disappointed.

Looking at the kitchen counter, I see the note and pick it up.

This is where I got my very first taste of you and I knew I’d want more. Even if you left me with blue balls, standing naked in my living room. I knew when you walked out that you were definitely not like anyone I’d ever met before and I was right.

Sit and relax for a little bit and then go meet Frank outside in an hour.

It’s the longest hour of my life. Standing by the window, taking in the beautiful view reminded me of my ass pressed against the window. It was an amazing night and he’s right I did leave him with blue balls. Poor guy, I’m surprised he agreed to even take me to dinner the next night. An hour on the dot, I step into the elevator. I think he made me wait there as a punishment for leaving him that night. Laughing, I get out and go outside.

Frank is by the car he normally drives and opens the door. “So we meet again.”

“You’re a good sport, Frank,” I say, laughing.

Leaning a bit closer to me, he whispers, “It’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

Smiling, I squeeze his hand. “Me too.”

He drives and I know exactly where he’s going. He’s going to my dance studio, because that’s where Owen ended up the next day before we went to dinner. Smiling when I see I’m right, I’m curious how he’s going to pull this one off. When Frank parks in front, I see someone standing outside. Getting out, I walk over to him.

“Your lunch and note,” he says, handing me a bag and another note.

I had a bad morning and ended up needing fresh air. I have no idea how it happened, but I ended up at your studio. Seeing you in your element was a personal thing and I was happy to be a part of it. You wouldn’t dance for me. Not yet anyway. In an effort to save time, I’ve had lunch delivered. It’s from my favorite restaurant where we had our first date. You can hang out here to eat it if you like, Frank has been instructed to wait.

When you are finished, Frank knows what to do.

Still a bit full from my big breakfast, I eat a little of the lunch inside my office. I’m honestly too excited to sit and wait, so I put it in the small fridge I have and go back outside. Frank has a big smile on his face when he lets me back in the car. I have no doubt where we are going next, so I sit back and grin. Nothing will ever compare to this, nothing. I’m totally floored by the entire thing. And when we pull into the Juilliard School, my heart pounds in my chest. Letting me out by the building we were in, I walk over to it. One of the dancers I danced with hands me two envelopes and winks walking away.

Looking down at the two envelopes one says, open first. So that’s what I do. Pulling out a piece of paper, I begin to read it. The more I read, the more I realize tears are running down my face. It’s a contract to dance one night with the same group I practiced with. I can’t fucking believe it. I rip open the next one, wiping my eyes.

Don’t be mad. I’m not interfering, just giving you one night. When I brought you here, I did it because you were upset with me about something and I wanted to make you feel better. Watching you dance, well it is one of those moments that took my breath away. You are truly talented and I want everyone to see, even if it’s only one night.

We’re almost done, so dry your beautiful eyes and get back in the car.

Don’t be mad, how the hell could he even think that’s possible. This is too much in the most amazing way. As I walk back to the car, I continue to wipe my eyes, just like he told me to. Once inside, we drive and I’m not sure at this point what the plan will be. Unless he’s going to fuck me somewhere soon. Which honestly after all this I’m hoping happens, sooner rather than later.

Pulling back up at his place, I return to his penthouse. There’s a note sitting on the railing leading downstairs. Grabbing it, I sit down on the top step and open it.

I want you to relax, so there is a hot bath drawn for you. After you are finished, you’ll see a variety of dresses hanging in my room. Choose which you like best and get yourself ready. When you are done, go back outside. Take your time. Relax and enjoy. Tonight is about you blue eyes, so embrace it.

Racing down the stairs, of course, I look at the dresses before I get into the bath and I know immediately which one I’ll be wearing. I do what I’m instructed to do. I spend far too long in the bath. Even longer doing my hair and makeup, and when I finally step into the deep blue dress I’m ready to embrace what’s next.

Sliding on the blue heels that match, I look at myself in the mirror. Damn, I’ll admit I look good. This silk dress rubbing on my soft skin definitely helps with how I feel. So I grab my purse and head outside.

Stepping out the door, there he is. Dressed in a black tux, with a smile on his ridiculously handsome face. My heart is pounding as I step closer. I haven’t seen him at all today, but reliving how we met makes me feel like I’ve been with him. The man is good, damn good.