Bound To Me (Leather #1) Read online

  Chapter 11

  As the haze from the night before slowly lifted off of Addison’s foggy brain, she rolled around her bed with a groan, knowing the impending headache that would follow the moment she opened her eyes. She was surrounded by the warmth of her down comforter. Pulling it closer around her body, she felt it brush against her bare stomach. When did I take my clothes off? As she began to think about her night, she remembered lying in the foyer with the cool tiles under her.

  Her eyes flew open as her foggy memory started to come into focus. She recalled his voice, warm and cutting through her confusion. The sun beamed in, flooding the room as her un-closed blinds stood useless against the offending light. She sprang to her feet, not knowing what day it was. The instant her toes hit the carpet, the room spun. She braced herself for the nausea that would follow. Placing her hand on the foot of the bed, she glanced at the bedside clock. As she searched out those bright blue numbers, she spotted the glass of water, two aspirin and a note. The bold handwriting was scribbled across the front of the folded paper. Her heart leapt as she tried to remember if she’d slept with the fuckable bastard or not. As she moved her limbs, she noticed her body didn’t feel used the way it should if she’d been with Decland. No soreness or feeling of being utterly unhinged. A slight smile played on her lips as she remembered his tongue running up her neck. She opened the paper next to the glass of water—it only said three little words in perfect script… Until Next Time…

  Yes, until next time. She agreed this thing between them wasn’t quite over yet. Not a relationship to pursue, but more of a need for physical satisfaction. Decland made her body come alive. All she needed was to get that out of her system and find someone who could commit. Even now, her body craved the release she knew he could give her—that dirty, deep, hard release. The kind that made jelly out of limbs. A good dose of Decland Wallace is exactly what I need. As she popped the two pills and chugged the water, she glanced down at her clock. “Shit. Ten o’clock.”

  She sprinted for the bathroom, grabbing clothes as she went along, her first patients this morning would be in her office in less than an hour. “Shit, shit, shit.”

  ***

  As Addison sat in her chair, she studied her patients Dan and Elaine. This couple was the reason why she’d gotten into sex therapy. They were exactly whom she wanted to help. The divorce rate nowadays was way too high. This was a couple that had been headed in that direction after nearly twenty-five years of marriage. Silence hung heavy in the room as they adjusted to being in her office once again. They’d had many visits before, but this was the visit where things got interesting; where she started to push the boundaries they were comfortable with.

  Though they sat in the middle of the leather couch, their legs nearly touching, they seemed miles apart. Dan sat with the posture of a long time military man—his back straight, his shoulders square, his brown-eyed gaze directly on Addison. The many years he spent outdoors showed in the slight wrinkles in his sunkissed skin. If Addison had to guess, she’d say he was in his mid-fifties. His khaki pants were pressed within an inch of their overly starched life. Even so, she could see he was handsome in a Kevin Costner sort of way.

  “Look, Doc, I know that we have issues, but I think we’ve made some real progress here.” He gestured with his time worn hands.

  Addison nodded. “I agree. I think the lines of communication have been opened slightly.”

  “Slightly?” He scoffed. “We talk constantly.”

  Addison smiled to herself. “Would you agree with that Elaine?”

  Elaine was a classic beauty with blond locks that brushed just above her chin. Her large, blue eyes rounded when Addison placed the question before her. She crossed her legs, straightening her black pants, and tugging at her baby pink cardigan like she was getting ready to make a statement to the press. “I think we’ve been talking more.”

  A deflective answer. Not helpful. Addison knew these two needed to dig deeper emotionally before they could make the physical part work. Dropping her pen and pad into her lap, she was about to challenge them to something way beyond what they were capable of at this point. “I think at this point it’s time for us to start transitioning into the next phase in your treatment.”

  Dan cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “Are you sure about that? Perhaps there are more things that need discussing?”

  He was searching for a something to stall this part of their treatment. Addison needed support in this. She needed Elaine to voice her wants and desires. “Elaine, how do you feel about moving forward?”

  Elaine peeked over at her husband then quickly looked away. “I think it’s important to keep moving forward.”

  “Elaine?” He seemed shocked by her words.

  Addison didn’t want to have an argument in her office; that wasn’t what her work was about. “The point of this is to try and save your marriage. To find a place where the two of you are less like roommates and more like husband and wife. Wasn’t there a time in your relationship that things were exciting? Where you couldn’t get enough of each other?”

  How Decland and I are right now. A small thrill went through her as she thought of how his lingering touch made her crave more. Elaine smile wistfully, as if her memories were playing over in her mind. Her soft voice broke the silence. “There was a time when I couldn’t get enough of him. When just looking at him would bring him to me. Do you remember?” she asked her husband.

  Dan nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. “Your parents hated me.” He chuckled.

  Elaine nodded. “Sure, there were other boys who were suitable. Nice boys, boys who had less fire. But when I looked at Dan, my whole body would light up.”

  Dan slid his hand over hers, covering her knee with a gentle squeeze. “Do you remember that time in the car?” He laughed.

  Elaine giggled, covering her mouth with her other hand. “When the sheriff found us behind the high school? Windows all fogged up?”

  “God, you were overwhelming,” he admitted as he looked at her, love shining in his eyes.

  As Addison sat listening, she couldn’t help but think, is this where I’d be if I keep on messing with Decland? A past full of lust and a future of polite friendship because he’d lost interest? A tear ran down Elaine’s cheek; Dan brushed it away. Her eyes lit up at his touch, but even in that moment of love, he looked away quickly. Is this what Decland would be? Hell, would he even get this far? As she thought of him during this very intimate moment with her patients, she came up with one resounding answer. If she didn’t want to end up like Dan and Elaine, Decland Wallace was not the man for her. Living a life of lost passion was not something she could handle. According to Decland, a longer term relationship was something he could handle for no more than a year, at least that’s what he said in their last session together. She was okay with being around him for right now, but to take it further… No.

  Clearing her throat, she brought her patients’ attention back to her. “At this point, I need you two to start getting comfortable touching each other.”

  “Touching each other how? In what manner?” The questions tumbled out of Dan’s mouth like he was starting to panic.

  “Well, for this week, I’d like for you to give each other massages every night. Tell each other what you like and what you don’t. That way you can learn to be open.”

  Elaine nodded enthusiastically, her blond hair bobbing with each motion. Dan, on the other hand, seemed uncomfortable with the thought of touching his wife like this. The future Decland Wallace, lost interest but too loyal to leave. Damn the fuckable bastard. Even as she thought it, she knew it was going to be hard to stay away from a man like Decland. Clearing her throat once more, she refocused. “And for the week after that, I’d like you to start pleasuring each other using your hands.”

  Dan nearly choked on air. “You can’t be serious?”

  Hurt immediately flashed across Elaine’s face. “Why can’t she be serious? This
is what we are here for, Daniel.”

  “Let’s remain calm. This is just a transition toward our goal as a couple. Now, Dan, if you are uncomfortable, we can postpone this for some time—”

  “No,” Elaine cut her off. “We have been this way long enough, and if you don’t want to work this out then tell me now, otherwise we are doing this.” She gave her husband a level look, challenging him.

  He looked at her wide eyed as if he’d never heard her speak to him like that before. “Okay, if this is what you want.”

  “It is,” she snapped, seeming annoyed for having to put her foot down.

  It was the first time that Addison had seen that side of Elaine. The side that wanted to fight for her marriage, that demanded her husband participate or leave. She was proud of her patient for taking a stand. “Very well. I will see you back here in two weeks, at which time we will move into the back room to continue on with a guided sexual session.”

  Dan started to speak. “Really—”

  “Thank you, Doctor.” Elaine cut him off, her fiery eyes silencing him.

  As the buzzer on the table went off, they all rose to their feet. Elaine smiled at Addison as she passed, clutching her purse as she opened the door. Dan paused watching as his wife threw her shoulders back and strutted out of the room. “There’s the girl I used to know. All fire and piss.”

  He smiled at Addison as he walked by, wagging his eyebrows like he’d had some kind of small victory today. “That’s my girl,” he mumbled to himself as he followed his wife out.

  Addison couldn’t help but smile. There was still hope for Dan and Elaine. Could she say the same thing about her and Decland? He was good for one night, but for the long term? Not so much. As she closed the door behind them, she knew she had time for only one quick phone call. Picking up her cell phone, she slid the bar to the side, then dialed Neely.

  Her best friend answered after only two rings. “Hey, what’s up?”

  Addison sighed. “I need a date.”

  “Things not working out with the fuckable bastard already?” Addison could hear the teasing smile in Neely’s voice.

  “Not that they’re not working out. You just can’t base a relationship on sex.”

  “So says the sex therapist,” Neely countered.

  “There has to be more to it. And I don’t think Decland is capable of more.”

  “You haven’t even given him a try.”

  “I don’t need to. I know what men like him are capable of. Multiple orgasms and no long term commitment. So are you getting me a date or not?” She knew she sounded desperate, but at this point she was. If the shoe fits, wear it. She needed to get Decland out of her head and fast. After she woke up this morning on cloud nine just from a little note that showed he cared, she needed to at least try to move in a healthier direction.

  “Fine, I have someone in mind. He’s hot, a doctor and definitely in the market for commitment.”

  “Excellent.”

  ***

  Otto’s was one of the best little Italian restaurants New York had to offer. Though it wasn’t stationed in little Italy, it had an ideal location on Fifth Avenue, about a block away from Washington Square. It wasn’t overly expensive, which worked out perfectly in case Addison ended up paying. Admittedly, she’d ended up paying on occasion during a lousy first date. Otto’s was in some ways no different than other restaurants in New York. The tables were lined up from wall to wall, each packed with customers. At some point, you always felt like you were having dinner with the people next to you. For a first date it would work—lots of distractions, great food and people watching galore.

  Addison sat at the small bar stationed next to the entrance. Neely had called back within thirty minutes with the name Collin Reed. He was supposed to be an up and coming scalpel jockey, one of New York’s finest neurologists. Dating a brain surgeon, how cliché. She took a small sip of her Pinot Grigio waiting for her date. She was a bit early. Perhaps it was the guilt she felt for being here, but she needed to get out of her own head. Hell, she and Decland hadn’t agreed to a commitment. He probably wouldn’t agree to it without being forced into it. She could hear her phone vibrating in her purse. As she pulled it out, she peeked at the screen and grinned. Think of the devil, and he comes knocking. Decland’s name flashed brightly across the screen with his text below.

  Thought I’d hear from you by now. How’s the hangover?

  Her heart skipped a beat, like he knew what she was up to. Why did this feel wrong to her? Like she was playing some sort of dangerous game. But she wasn’t playing. Things could be easy and open with Decland. Did she have to give him up completely? Maybe not. She smiled as the thought of them using each other’s bodies in dirty ways flashed through her mind. She typed a quick response.

  I’m managing thanks to the water and aspirin.

  She could picture his lips curving in that devilish, knowing grin that came so easily to him. Glancing toward the door to see if Collin had arrived, she grew more anxious as time went on. Checking the time on her phone, she realized she was still fifteen minutes early. Her phone vibrated again as Decland’s name popped up.

  I wanted you to be comfortable.

  Her response was quick. I suppose removing my clothes had something to do with your overwhelming need to comfort me.

  No, but I certainly felt better about leaving you alone. I mean what if your skirt had ridden up around your neck? You could’ve been strangled by it. I think I saved your life.

  A small giggle escaped her lips as she read his response. In that case I guess I should be thanking you for your lifesaving skills.

  She sipped her wine as she waited. The ambiance of the restaurant began to change with the sunset. The lights were low, allowing the candles in the middle of the tables to fill the room with a soft glow. The low flickering seemed to warm the beige walls and bounce off the decorative wine bottles lining the shelving around the room. She checked her phone to see if he’d responded yet. Though it’d only been moments, it felt like hours. I’m acting like such girl right now. She could see the little text box on her screen that meant he was typing, but still she felt giddy as she waited for his response. There was something about Decland that was fun and playful.

  I think I deserve a thank you in person. Don’t you?

  Her fingers flew across the screen as she typed. Perhaps, but only if you’re very good.

  “Excuse me, miss,” a clear voice said from behind her.

  Addison swiveled in her chair. Holy hell. “Yes?”

  “Are you Doctor Addison Tyler?”

  “I am. Are you Collin?” She swallowed. It couldn’t be possible to meet two men in the same year this gorgeous let alone in the same month. His dark blond hair was combed back out of his face, but she could see where it curled at the ends and began to brush against his stubbly jaw line. His dark chocolate eyes seemed to melt before her as he looked over her face.

  A large smile spread across his face as he extended his hand. “I am. It’s nice to meet you, Doctor Tyler.”

  His fingers swallowed her hand. “Call me Addison, please.”

  She hopped off the stool, nearly colliding with his solid chest. As his soft chuckle slid across her skin like silk, goose bumps covered her arms. He reached out, steadying her with firm hands. “Very well, Addison. Care to join me for dinner?”

  “That would be lovely, thank you.” Is this what a date with Decland would be like? She quickly snagged her phone from the bar, placed her clutch under her arm and left her half empty glass on the bar. Her first step forward, Collin was everything a gentleman should be, easily guiding her toward the hostess stand with one hand at the small of her back. When he turned to speak with the hostess, Addison opened her phone to fire a quick text to Neely.

  Hot damn, the boy is fine.

  As she followed him toward their table, her phone vibrated in her hand.

  If anyone can make you forget FkB, it’s Collin Reed.

  FkB?

&nb
sp; The fuckable bastard. Duh!

  Addison felt like smacking herself in the head at that one. She should’ve known what ‘FkB’ meant.

  For sure. She wrote back quickly as she ran her eyes over Collin’s large stature. The easy way he walked showed a confidence that could only come from success.

  Text me later. Neely answered.

  Once they reached the table in the back corner of the restaurant, Addison was surprised to find that the dull roar of the chatting customers was drowned out. The corner was dimly lit by the lone candle sitting in the middle of the pristine white cloth and some ambient lighting from other parts of the building. It was odd to have a quiet corner to themselves, as if the date had taken on a more intimate meaning just by where they sat. The hostess quickly handed them menus giving them the “Your waiter will be with you shortly” bit before she left them alone.

  Collin leaned back in his chair, his menu resting easily against the table and his lap. “So, Neely tells me you’re also a therapist?”

  Addison crossed her legs, glancing up from the menu. His voice was warm and smooth like sliding into a bubble bath. It wasn’t that deep, gravely timbre that Decland had, the one that promised dirty deeds in the middle of the night. “Yes, I am.”

  He flashed her a perfect white smile. “Although she neglected to mention what kind of therapist you are.”

  This was a tricky subject. Most men thought a sex therapist was some nympho who got off on anything even remotely sexual. Before she could answer, their waitress came to the table to take their drink order. Once the mousey brunette got a glimpse of Collin’s smile, she fidgeted under his brown-eyed gaze and stammered through the nightly specials. She asked Addison what she wanted to drink three times before finally writing it down. As Collin ordered his Scotch on the rocks, Addison’s phone vibrated. She quickly snagged it off the table.