Today has been seemingly torturous, I haven’t been able to concentrate on anything. I worked from home and I didn’t need to talk to Triston for anything today which was good. I had enough time to dwell on the last few days. Tomorrow I was spending the night with Bash, we needed to finish the painting. I couldn’t wait to see the final product. Slipping on my t-shirt and sweats I walked into the kitchen and got the blender out. Jessie and I decided on homemade cocktails. They were normally more lethal. I was looking forward to having a night with her. I thought about this afternoon with Bash and I shivered. Him pinning me against the bookshelf, filling me. I shook my head, I needed to stop thinking about it. We still had to finish the painting.
There was a buzz on the intercom and I pressed the button to open it. Unlocking the door as Jessie reached the top of the staircase. “Oh my god I missed you!” Her voice echoing in the empty foyer. We hugged and I smiled. She was so amazing; I was glad to have someone to call a friend that didn’t have the last name, Hart. “Come in. Did you bring the whole liquor store?” I giggled at the amount of bottles in her shopping bag.
“Well, you did say you wanted to get drunk!” She set the bag on the counter and unpacked. Vodka, white wine, cranberry, strawberry and orange juice. There was also a bottle of some sort of sours, it looked like the peach flavor.
“Uh, well, wine and vodka? And shots?” I picked up the bottle and unscrewed the cap. Giving it a sniff, I coughed. “What the hell Jess?” I giggled at the look on her face. She really was adamant on getting drunk. “How was work?” I looked at her and she knew I was actually asking how Triston was.
“He’s… I don’t know darling; he’s really broken up about this. I can tell.” She looked at me seriously and my heart ached. I wish it wasn’t like this, but we both made stupid mistakes. We needed time apart.
“I know, so am I. He just, it’s just so fucking complicated Jess.” I gave her a small smile. “I mean. Bash is…” I didn’t even know how to describe him. He is perfect in his rugged way and I didn’t know how I was going to say goodbye to him.
Then on the other hand I wasn’t sure how I would say goodbye to Triston.
“Darling I know it’s difficult, but like I said. Drinks!” She started opening drawers, grabbing the corkscrew she started opening the wine. “Glasses?” I nodded. Getting two wine glasses out of the cabinet. I placed them on the counter and watched the light yellow liquid fill the glasses. “Now! A toast. To men!” She giggled and her good mood made me feel better. This was good. We drank to men and giggled.
We sat down after making the first round of cocktails. We raided my liquor cabinet and found some other mixers. I turned on the sound system, “I still can’t believe everything that’s going on. I mean, it just feels surreal you know?”
“I know babe. I am so sorry you’re going through this. To be honest, I can’t believe the boss man did that!”
“Well, I mean, I slept with Bash.” I looked at her.
“Yes, you did, but only AFTER he went and shagged his ex!” We drank to that. “Okay, so let’s do this!” Jessie got up grabbing a notepad and a pen from her bag. I noticed our company logo on the notebook and chuckled.
“You stole stationery from the office?”
“It’s not stealing its borrowing! I doubt Mr Grumpy Pants is going to notice since his girlfriend is gone! Ugh! Shit sorry babe! You know my head and my mouth don’t work well together!” I shook my head, it was true. I was gone. I was out shagging his brother.
“It’s okay, I am gone. It’s just weird thinking about it.” I knew I had to decide but in my state of mind. I wasn’t deciding anything. Except what I wanted to drink next. I got up and went into the kitchen. Grabbing the jug of cocktail that Jessie mixed filling my glass.
“OMG Okay, come on we have to do a list of pros and cons!”
—∆—
I woke up early Tuesday morning with a massive hangover. My head was pounding and I didn’t think I deserved to live. I wasn’t sure how Jessie was feeling being in the office, but I was definitely not feeling good. I rolled over and hugged the pillow. I closed my eyes trying to ease the pain.
BANG BANG BANG!
Who the hell was at my door?
I rolled over and pulled on a t-shirt. Padding to my apartment door I pulled it open and gazed into the intense steel-blue eyes I missed so much. My heart lurched and I felt sick. Leaving Triston standing at my door I ran to the bathroom and proceeded to puke my insides out. I felt like death. Hugging the porcelain god, I wiped my mouth and dropped the tissues in the bowl. I stood on shaky legs. Flushing the toilet, I grabbed the mouthwash. Looking at my appearance I was far from the beautiful girl Triston was in love with.
Making my way back into the living room, I found Triston on my sofa. “There she is!” I looked at him with a pained expression. “Jessie looks as bad as you do. I brought you breakfast. If you promise not to puke on me.” He chuckled and my body ached to be held. I wanted his arms around me.
“What are you doing here?” I grabbed the painkillers he left for me and downed them with water. Orange juice and I were never going to be friends again.
“I came to see you at your worst. You know they say if you love someone at their worst you can love them at their best.” His voice was low, sending delicious shivers down my spine.
“Triston—”
“I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I still love you, just, by the way.” He sat forward, dropping the magazine on the table.
“I am fine. I am a big girl. We’re supposed to be apart.” My voice came out harsher than I expected and I winced. “I mean you shouldn’t be here.”
He nodded. “I know. I am leaving now.” He stood and walked to the door. “Soon angel,” opening the door, he left.
—∆—
“Bash, I cannot do this!” I giggled, hearing him groan. He had me twisted and I had been sitting for at least 2 hours.
“Okay darling, you can move. I think I only need another day. I swear!” Holding his hands up in resignation at my expression. “How about I take you out to thank you?”
“Thank you? For what?”
“For… being here.” His voice gave away more than it should and I smiled. It was Tuesday, we were running out of time. My heart hurt. I wanted more time with Bash, but I knew it could never be more.
“Okay! Let me get changed,” I grabbed my clothes.
“Emily,” I turned and looked at his beautiful eyes. “I am not stupid. I know you’re going back to him. I just want the time I can get.”
I nodded, my heart hurt for him and me. I loved him more than he knew, but I could never tell him. It was a secret I would have to carry to my grave.
“Bash—”
“Go and change woman! I need to take you out!” His smile was handsome, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I turned and walked into the bathroom. Locking the door behind me I slid down and the tears flowed. I couldn’t do this anymore I was hurting them both when it was the last thing I ever wanted to do.
“Emily!” I started at the sound of Bash’s voice.
“Yes?” I stood up and realized I was still in the bathroom. What the hell?
“Are you okay? Open the door!”
I unlocked the door and pulled it open. “I… I don’t know what happened.”
Grabbing me and pulling me into his embrace Bash’s arms felt warm and safe. “I want you, Emily. I want to be inside you.” His words stoking the fire inside me and I knew I wasn’t going to say no. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bedroom. He turned to me and held my face in his hands. Leaning down he planted feather light kisses on my lips. My mouth opened to him, allowing his tongue entry. He licked into me. It was slow and sensual. His hands came down to my neck, and slowly slid the robe down over my shoulders. His hands were hot to the touch. He undid the string of my bikini top and dropped it next to me.
His lips on my neck, shoulder sending shivers over me. He sat on the edge of the bed pulling me forward as I stood between his thighs. His lips on my rock hard nipples elicited a moan from me. His 5 o’clock shadow on my soft skin tingled. He undid the belt of the robe and it fell, pooling at my feet. Kissing his way down my belly slowly. I ran my hands through his soft hair when I felt his mouth on the apex between my thighs. “Bash…”
His fingers hooked in the waistband of my bikini bottoms and tugged them down gently. This was so different to yesterday in the office. I stood naked in front of him and he growled in appreciation. “You’re perfect darling, so fucking perfect.” His mouth on my wet entrance, licking slowly and I almost came undone. He stood up, his eyes locked on mine. “Lay down,” I obeyed, not saying a word. I climbed onto the bed, laying back watching him. His smile was devilish, he kneeled between my thighs and my back arched. He stroked my slick folds and lapped at my wetness. He plunged two fingers inside me and I came undone. He stood up and unbuttoned his jeans, letting them fall to the floor. His rock hard erection stood proudly and I wanted him. He climbed between my thighs and grabbed his hardness. Stroking my now soaked sex. It was slow and deliberate, taking me higher. I lifted my hips and a smile curved his lips. “Is someone in need of me?” I nodded shyly, a blush spreading over my cheeks. Supporting his weight on his left arm he positioned himself at my entrance. As he slid into me I moaned, he was taking his time. Teasing himself inside me, inch by rock hard inch. “Slowly babe,” his mouth at my ear, sending torturing shivers over my body. Once he had bottomed out, buried to the hilt inside me his hips rolled hitting my sweet spot. I grabbed his neck, pulling his mouth to mine. His kiss was heated and I could taste my arousal on his lips. Our tongues danced in unison and I felt the knot in my stomach tightening.
“You feel so good Emily,” Bash growled in my ear, his thrusts hastened and I knew he was close. I wrapped my legs around his taut waist, pulling him in deeper. I closed my eyes and Triston’s face stared back at me. And as I came undone his face was the only thing I saw.
—∆—
“Bash this is beautiful!” We were standing at the top of the Chrysler Building. “But isn’t this closed off to the public?” I turned to see a sparkle in his eyes.
“It is, but we’re not public, my new investor Mr Richards has offices up here so I have access.” He wrapped his arm around me and held me close. His intoxicating scent washed over me and sent my senses into overdrive. The view was magnificent. “I have an idea.” He walked over to the computer in the conference room we were standing in and started typing. The speakers around the room came to life and I recognized the song. It made me smile, but deep down it tugged at my heart. The song was called ‘One Last Night’ by Vaults. “Dance with me?”
I slipped my hand in his and he pulled me close, his one hand on my lower back. I closed my eyes and rested my head on his chest, taking him in.
Tied to a shallow heart
Why does he want to bring me where he goes
Oh and to find out the reasons why
It's enough to make you want to try
For one last night
Ghosts and silhouettes
They take a piece of me, they want it all
Oh but to wait in an empty room
With the feeling, that is closing in
I had a dream I was dying
But I found nobody there
And if one last night is all that we've been given
Let's live it like we care
For one last night
For one last night
“Bash,” I looked up as the song came to an end. His molten caramel eyes burned into me. “Thank you, for giving me this.”
“It’s not me giving it to you Emily, this is all you. You know how I feel about you, but I know you love him. I just wish we had met first.”
I stepped away and closed my eyes, the tears that threatened to spill burned. “Maybe,” he turned me around and my eyes locked with his. “I love you, Bash, I do. So much. I just…” My voice trailed off and I didn’t know how to say it.
“Just?” His gaze inquisitive.
“I just love him more.” He nodded. It was evident how I felt about both brothers. I will never love anyone the way I love Triston. It was an all-consuming love. The thought of never seeing him again pulled at my heart and it winded me.
“Tomorrow we finish the painting.” His voice laced with sadness.
“Well, we have till Thursday. So I mean…” I found myself not wanting to let this end. I didn’t want to lose him. He would still be a client, but that wasn’t the same thing. “Unless you want to finish tomorrow?” Why did I feel like a love sick teenager? Maybe because I was acting like one.
“No, I want as much time with you as possible. Will you stay over tomorrow night?” I nodded. He pulled me into his warm embrace as we swayed in the silence of the room.
—∆—
Groaning at my phone alarm, I picked it up and shut it off. Bash had dropped me off at home just after midnight. Unlocking my phone, I found a message from Triston.
*Friday, 10 am at the penthouse. I can’t wait to see your beautiful face. T xo*
I hit reply, staring at the cursor blinking, toying with my words.
*Are you flirting with me, Mr Hart?*
I got out of bed and padded to the kitchen. Coffee was needed. I had some work to finish and then I had to get ready for my last day with Bash. The kettle boiled and I took it through to my office. My phone beeped.
*Miss Reid, if flirting will get me your forgiveness then yes, I am*
He really was distracting me now. I was going to forgive him, but I wanted to tell him face to face. We had the most amazing chemistry. He made me feel whole. Like I was the only thing in his life that kept him going. I hit reply.
*Well, I suggest you should continue the flirting, Mr Hart. Now I have work to do. My demanding boss is such a slave driver*
I giggled, I knew he would have something smart to say about that. A knot of anticipation tightened in my belly as I watched my phone.
*It will continue until you’re screaming my name... Oh wait that’s not flirting is it? ;) This boss of yours sounds terrible*
I giggle at his reply. The butterflies are going wild in my stomach.
*No, Mr Hart, that is most definitely not flirting. You better think about this carefully*
I open my laptop and log into the email system. Only six new e-mails. Nothing I can’t handle and have finished by midday. I was excited to see the painting. Bash was so talented I was sure that it would be amazing.
—∆—
My buzzer startled me from my book at midday. “Hello?”
“It’s me,” Bash’s deep voice came through the intercom. I buzzed him up. Opening the door, I waited for him to reach the landing when my heart stopped. Dressed in his ripped painter jeans and a black tank top. I took in his appearance and flushed. “You look a little flushed gorgeous.”
“I was just, um…” I stepped back and let him in. I couldn’t tell him he had me blushing.
“I am sure you were.” He winked and flopped down on the sofa. “Are you ready to get dirty?” His smirk was devilish and I could tell he was in a good mood.
“What?”
He chuckled at my shocked expression. “Painting darling… Were you thinking naughty things again?”
“No!” I giggled, his expression was disbelieving. He leaned back crossing his hands behind his head and his tank rode up. His toned abs peeking out the top of his jeans and I licked my lips.
“Would you like to join me?” I walked towards the sofa and straddled him. His strong thighs below me. “I like this position. I think we need to try this later.” Grabbing my ass, he pulled me to him. His kiss was warm, his tongue licking my lips. I could feel his arousal between us. Rocking my hips, I rubbed against his jeans causing a deep growl in his chest. “Or right now!” He tugged at the tank top I was wearing and pulled it up over my head. “Oh god Emily,” his voice laced with desire when he saw I wasn’t wearing a bra. His mouth assaulting my hardened nipples.
Moving my hips back and forth over him. He was rock hard, the front of his jeans straining against the zipper. “Bash…” I moaned when his fingers found my heated sex. He pushed two fingers inside me, I rocked back and forth on his fingers.
“Come for me gorgeous, give me your pleasure this last time.” His words brought tears to my eyes. I moved faster as his fingers brought me to the edge.
“Bash!” I cried out as he stroked my sweet spot, pushing me over. My orgasm ripping through me.
“That’s it,” pulling his fingers from my sweatpants, he gripped my hips, holding me to him. His mouth crashed on mine as he devoured me. My heart felt a physical pain as I kissed him.
“Don’t cry Emily, it’s okay.” I shook my head because I didn’t trust my voice. How had I fucked this up so much? “It is, don’t be sad. Let’s go paint!” I looked down at his erection that was still very much at attention and I giggled. He looked at where my gaze had landed and smiled, “That you can take care of later.” It felt like I was being taken on an emotional rollercoaster and I wanted to get off now.
“Let’s go,” I got up and grabbed my phone and keys. “I don’t need anything do I?” He shook his head and we went downstairs.