CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

LYDIA

Hayden and I slept most of the flight back to Atlanta. He wasn’t happy with me when I told him I was sleeping at home that night. Hayden personally checked out my apartment making sure I was safe.

“Hayden, why are you being so over protective?”

He placed his hands on my face. “I need you to trust me. We can talk about it next week.”

Hayden opened the door to leave. I slammed it shut. “I trust you and you know that. What did you do?” I whispered.

His lips latched onto mine, making me forget why I was upset. Briefly, I stopped him from kissing me. I placed my hands on his cheeks, staring into his beautiful blue eyes. “Fuck, Hayden. I hate the effect you have on me.” I hugged him tight.

He wasn’t talking. He was upset I was sleeping at my place tonight. Hayden stepped back. I shielded the door with my body. “Hayden, I’m going to see you tomorrow for lunch.” I pulled him closer running his hands over my ass.

“We are getting married next week. We will be sleeping in bed together every night after we are married.” I attacked his sexy lips.

“Tell me you love me.”

“I love you, Lydia.”

I blushed. “I love you too.”

“Are you leaving this evening?”

“Yes, I’m going to my fathers.”

“Ok, Duke will stay here until you return.”

“Hayden, a bodyguard seriously.”

“Yes.”

“Ok.”

“Talk to you later, Lydia.”

“Bye.” He didn’t look back. He was upset.

After leaving my dad’s I called Hayden. He didn’t answer.

I sent him a text:

Hayden, why did you hire a nurse to take care of my dad?

Lydia, I don’t want to argue. I’m busy right now. I will see you tomorrow at noon. Valen will pick you up from home at 11:45 a.m.

Goodnight Lydia.

Hayden was still pissed we weren’t sleeping in the same bed tonight. He can’t always have his way.

~

I woke up missing being swallowed up in Hayden’s big strong arms. I realized it was dumb sleeping alone. He told me if I miss my place he would sleep over. We will alternate.

After class I avoided Curtis like the plague. I left class early, ran home showered, then slipped into one of my new fancy dresses Hayden bought me. Valen stood outside the white Maybach wearing a dark suit and sunglasses. The sun warmed my skin the second I stepped outside. I wore a short-sleeve lavender dress that hugged me in all the right places of course. The dress stopped right below my knees. My blonde ponytail rested on my shoulder. The nude peep toe patent leather sling back Christian Louboutin’s made me look classy. I tucked my nude clutch under my arm as I stepped closer to Valen.

“Good morning, Valen.”

“Good morning, Ms. Carmichael. You look lovely today.”

“Thank you, Valen.”

I slid inside my favorite car out of Hayden’s collection. My heart plummeted when I realized this is about to become my life.

Valen merged into traffic. “Congratulations, on your engagement Ms. Carmichael.”

I gleamed. “Thank you, Valen.” I glanced down at my empty ring finger. I left my engagement ring in my safe. I didn’t want to cause any trouble with Hayden’s sister, since he hadn’t told his immediate family we are getting married. I feel sick. ‘She’s a pit bull’ Hayden’s words ring out in my head.

Before I knew it, we were coming to a stop in front of the Gaster building. I closed my eyes, breathing deep.

“Ms. Carmichael, are you ok?”

I fanned myself with my hand. “No, but I will be.”

Valen stepped around opening my door. “Ms. Carmichael, Teddy will take you up to Mr. Gaster’s office.”

“Thank you.”

A few minutes later I was strolling behind the security guard Teddy toward the wooden double doors of Hayden’s office. His secretary stood greeting me.

Her smile was inviting. “Ms. Carmichael, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Marsha.”

“Right this way please.” I followed her inside Hayden’s office.

It donned on me, I’ve never seen Hayden working in his office. He was wearing an ear piece persuading someone to invest in a tech stock. Hayden is one sexy man. His piercing blue eyes roamed my body. I was wet by the time his eyes landed on mine.

His gray suit jacket hung on a coat rack next to the sofa. I stood in the middle of the room, heart beating out of my chest. I have no control over my feelings when I’m in Hayden’s presence. I didn’t even realize Marsha closed the door behind me until Hayden walked toward me, kissing my neck. I had to remember not to moan, since he’s on a phone call.

I was going down. How could I survive this lunch today? Shit honestly, I wasn’t even hungry for food I was starving for him to eat my pussy. He hasn’t touched me since Friday night. Damn, this fucking man. He knows how to hold my attention. His cologne made my nipples hard. This is why I slept by myself last night. I want to fuck him badly. It’s hard sleeping with a man you want to have sex with. I’m pleased he’s trying to do the right thing, wait until we are married. Hayden held me in his arms, rubbing my ass, while he continued talking to his client. I love this fucking man. I pushed away from him. I couldn’t do it anymore.

“Are you wet for me,” he mouthed. Fucking arrogant muthafucka. I hate he knows the effect he has on me.

I rolled my eyes, then sat on the sofa. His office door opened. A beautiful woman with long brown hair stepped over to me. She extended her hand for mine.

“Hello, Victoria Gaster. Let me guess.” She smiled.

“Lydia.”

I stood smiling, shaking her hand. “Yes. It is nice to meet you Ms. Gaster.”

“Please, call me Vicky.” She sat in a black leather chair across from me. She was working her short- sleeve navy blue dress with pleats around her lower back. She crossed her long ivory legs, leaning forward.

“Tell me something about Lydia. My brother has been hiding you. I wonder why.” She cut her eyes at him.

I cut my eyes at him too.

“You are absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

“I’m a full-time college student. My major is computer science.”

“Oh, you should meet my cousin, Sebastian Johansen.”

I smiled. “I did. Hayden and I had dinner with him last week.”

Her demeanor changed. I just pissed her off.

“I’m sorry, I need to use the ladies room.”

Hayden pointed to the door to my left.

“Yes, I will go ahead and set you up in the tech investment. You won’t regret it.”

I disappeared into the bathroom. I closed my eyes, leaning against the door staring at my reflection in the mirror. I hope she is gone by the time I step out. I heard them arguing.

“Get over it Vicky! So what Sebastian met her first. He doesn’t live here fulltime. You could meet her anytime. Shit, you are meeting her right now, aren’t you?”

“Does she know you are supposed to take over the office in L.A. in less than six months?”

“Stay out of my business.”

“You’re serious about her, aren’t you? How long have you known her?”

Hayden was silent.

“Hayden, don’t fuck up this company!”

I snatched off my shoes, storming out of the office.”

“Lydia!” Hayden called out.

I dipped into the stairwell, running as fast as my feet would carry me. Valen was double parked out front. I inconspicuously walked out of the side door, then ran around the corner. The tears clouded my eyes. I desperately swiped the tears away trying to flag down a cab. I ran into a restaurant sat myself at a table, opened the menu, ducking behind it. I quickly turned off my cell. The waitress approached.