Bound To Me (Leather #1) Page 14
“What do you like?” Addison sat in her chair closest to the couch.
“That you’re, you know, a real person.”
Addison couldn’t help but laugh. “What does that mean?”
“Well, you know how some doctors can be. Condescending, like they know everything.” She brushed her hair out of her face, looking down at her hands. “Doctor Thurgood, he can be like that.” She looked up at Addison with wide, round eyes.
Addison knew she could either go the doctor route or choose to be a human being. “It’s a very complicated relationship, and I have no idea where it’s going.”
Michelle giggled. “No offence, Doc, but if I could have any kind of relationship with that man it wouldn’t be the complicated kind. I mean, he is gorgeous.”
Addison nodded. It was true Decland was gorgeous. He was also passionate, funny, tender and rough all at the same time. He was everything she wanted and perhaps more. As much time as she spent with him, she had failed to see these things. Now, sitting in her office talking about her own personal life, Addison saw exactly what she’d just done to sabotage the fledgling relationship she and Decland had. She pushed him away to save herself. In that second, she wanted to slap herself in the head. How the hell was she going to fix this? What if he never spoke to her again? As she began to panic, the only thing keeping her sane was the nervous girl sitting across from her. The girl who needed her help. “That he is. But let’s not talk about me anymore. This time is meant to be about you.”
Again, Michelle’s eyes drifted to her hands, which were now pulling at the strings in the rips of her jeans. “Did Doctor Thurgood tell you what’s wrong with me?”
“He told me that you needed my help. And that’s what I’m here to do. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on? No one but you can voice your concerns properly.”
She nodded, taking a deep breath. “I’ve got this guy, and he’s pretty great. Cute and funny. Not a hottie like your guy, but he’s just got something about him.” Her eyes lit up like she was talking about the most wonderful person in the world.
Addison couldn’t help but wonder if she looked like that when she spoke about Decland. “This is a good thing.”
A pink tint colored Michelle’s cheeks. “Yeah, it’s a good thing. I’ve never met anyone like him before.”
I’ve never met anyone like Decland before. Air filled her lungs as she sucked in a calming breath, fighting the need to run out the door after him. “But?”
Michelle sighed sadly. “But I can’t be physical with him. Not in the way I really want to.”
“You know, there are plenty of things you can do to each other that don’t involve intercourse.”
“Yeah, I know. And we have done almost all of them. Hell, he even gave me my first…” she whispered, “orgasm.”
“And you’d like to take it a step further?”
She nodded. “It’s time. I’m twenty-six years old, and I really want to experience sex.”
Addison shifted in her seat. “Well, there are a couple things I’d like to happen first.”
“Okay. Like what?”
“Well, it seems to me that your mind is in the right place for sex—”
“Great! What do I have to do?” She cut off Addison in her excitement.
Addison couldn’t help but grin. “Well, it’s not going to happen overnight.” The smile vanished from Michelle’s face. Addison reached out and patted her hand, catching her downcast eyes. “But I promise it will happen.”
At that, her patient perked up slightly. “So what happens now?”
“Okay. Well, first, I would like you to go and see a gynecologist for an exam. It will be one who I work with on a regular basis because I’m going to need specific questions answered. Second, I’m going to order you some toys and fun stuff to work with. I’d like to see your body’s response to these before we have to go to more extreme measures.”
“Toys? Extreme measures?” Michelle’s voice shook with worry.
“Nothing too dramatic, I promise. What we’ll do is, we’ll work on gradually stretching your muscles to be able to accommodate a penis without pain. They’re like small ovule inserts, each one larger than the next until you get to one that could be the size of an average penis.”
She swallowed. “How long will I have to use those?”
“It really all depends on you. There is no set time limit. Each day, you’ll extend the amount of time you’ll be using one, and when it gets effortless, then you’ll move up to the next size.”
“It sounds like a long process. Aren’t there any other options?”
Addison nodded. “We could have muscle relaxers injected into the vaginal wall.”
“Injected?” Her eyes popped. “As in a shot into my vagina.”
“Exactly, but I’d rather go the more natural route first.”
Michelle nodded. “So would I.”
“I think you’ve waited this long, a couple more weeks will only build the desire between you and your boyfriend.”
“Oh, Doc, there’s plenty of desire there.” She giggled.
“As long as you’re sure you want to go through with this?”
Michelle nodded. “I am. I think I love him.”
Once Michelle mentioned the L-word, Decland’s face flashed through Addison’s mind. It was in this session right after Decland had put her in her place that she knew she was on the edge of falling for the one guy that she shouldn’t.
Chapter 15
Sexual confidence can come from many things—aphrodisiac-filled food, a lingering touch or even an incredible outfit. The combination of silk and lace against skin can be a sensation like no other. As it wraps across the body in a combination of navy blue elegance then falls to floor, it can make the term red-carpet-ready have new meaning for Addison.
“Are you sure this is okay?” She turned around, looking herself over in the mirror.
“Honey, it’s more than okay. You look fabulous.” Jeffrey floated across her bedroom to stand by her side. As he handed her one of the two champagne flutes he was holding, he brushed his hair away from his face. “I look fabulous, too. Good thing I am a great last minute date. Plus, you owe me big time.”
Addison clinked her glass against his. “Cheers to that. I didn’t want to deal with Jason.”
“Here I am. Your resident shit shoveler. I’ll have to add that onto my resume right after organizational skills. Dealing with ex-fiancés who insist on coming over.”
Addison took another sip of her drink. “I really didn’t want to see him. He always ties me in knots. Thank God you were here to deal with him, and I was able to hide out until he left.”
“Once again, my loyalty has no bounds. It’s only because I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She took a large gulp of her drink, downing the contents of the glass in seconds.
Jeffrey stood with eyebrows raised. “He didn’t return any of your calls?”
“Not one.” She lifted her chin and shrugged, trying not to show how much Decland’s absence was affecting her.
Jeffrey wound his arm around her shoulder, his eyes overflowing with sympathy. “Let’s go get shit-faced tonight. We both look amazing. We’ll dance. We’ll eat. We’ll drink, and we’ll forget about Decland Wallace.”
Addison nodded. “Yes, you’re right.”
“Good, because the limo is here and we’re picking up Neely on the way. It’ll be the world’s best threesome. Except… eww… I’m not into girls. And if I spot my special someone for the night, I’m ditching your sexy asses.”
“Thanks for the support.”
“Oh, shut up. Have you seen yourself? Hello! All the straight guys will be all over you the moment you walk through the door. All the other ones will be all over me. We are going to draw a lot of attention.” He straightened his navy blue Dolce suit before he turned for the door.
“Oh, great.” She sighed, debating whether or not she really wanted to go to this thing. The thought of
a bag of cookies accompanied by a night in her bed sounded more appealing as the minutes ticked by.
“Stop looking at your bed. We’re leaving,” he called over his shoulder.
With one last, longing look at her white fluffy comforter that would provide the kind of warmth she needed right now, she grabbed her purse and followed behind him.
***
“Oh, my God, Decland. What are you doing here?”
Decland’s head whipped around at the high-pitched valley girl voice. Platinum blond hair bounced around as the overly tan woman approached. He’d met her maybe twice, but he knew exactly the kind of woman she was. “Jenna, right?”
He extended his hand in greeting. As she grasped his hand, she leaned in slightly, whispering, “I’m so glad you’re here. You know how dull these New York society things can be.”
This party was anything but dull. The Metropolitan Museum was a sight to behold at night. The normally eye catching Roman sculptures seemed eerily beautiful as he made his way to the great hall where the benefit was being held. A large dance floor encompassed the middle of the room surrounded by tables overflowing with flowers. The wall of windows that normally would show a view of the garden that held sculptures throughout the grounds was dimly illuminated by romantic lighting. The lights in the room were low, creating a mood of silent, sexual secrecy. Even so, he couldn’t help but feel slightly on display as the people sitting in the balcony area watched the couples waltzing around the dance floor.
Sliding his hand out of her grasp, he shoved his fingers in his pocket. “Yes, well, my family has been contributing to worthy causes for years. Usually, my parents would be here, but I’ve decided to take their place.”
“And we’re all the more happy you did.” She slid her hand into the crook of his arm effectively steering them toward the bar.
He sighed, knowing he’d been caught by a social climber. His eyes swung around the room looking for an exit strategy. As he plotted his getaway, his gaze landed on the most breathtaking view. Addison stood with a group of what looked like enthralled men. Her thick chestnut hair was swept up on top of her head in an effortless pile of shining beauty, exposing her swan-like neck clad in a whisper of a silver chain. The deep navy blue of her dress complemented her snowy skin. The lace wrapped halfway down her arms flowed around her body, only exposing a small V-shape at the front and back, hinting at the barest amount of silky skin. It clung to her body the way he would’ve, had she let him. His feet stopped moving of their own accord. When she tilted her head back allowing a laugh to escape her red lips, jealousy flared white hot in his veins as she placed her hand on the man standing next to her.
A slight tugging on his arm drew him out of his Addison-induced moment of revelry. She was beauty in motion. Beauty in motion that threw him away like yesterday’s fashions. She’d called, but his pride had gotten the best of him. Why should he entertain a woman who held so little regard for him? He could feel his lips drift into a bitter sneer.
Jenna looked up at him with wide, vacant blue eyes. “Is something wrong?”
“Is that Doctor Addison Tyler over there?” If anyone knew who was attending this soiree, it would be Jenna.
Jenna craned her neck, her bright silver sequin dress rustling loudly as she moved. Even her unmoving cleavage looked as if it were about to spill out. “Yes, that’s her. You know, I go to see her once a week. She’s an amazing sex therapist.” The last words were a whisper. “You can never be too lacking in your skills. And I like to keep mine above average, if you know what I mean.”
As she wagged her eyebrows at him, he couldn’t help but turn away from her to look at his Addison. He cleared his throat trying to pretend she wasn’t offering him sex on a platter. In an effort to get back to the information that he really wanted to know, he asked, “Who’s the guy standing next to her in the white tux coat? They seem to know each other.”
“Oh, that’s Doctor Collin Reed, one of New York’s finest surgeons. Rumor has it they’ve been seeing each other.”
Decland ground his teeth together, trying to bite back the cutting insult he wanted to let fly. “Oh, really?”
“Yes. Aren’t they just fab together?” she gushed.
“Oh, yeah. Fab.” He started walking toward the bar once more. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Jenna’s face lit up as she practically bounced out of her dress. “I’d love that. You know, I happen to think that they’re on to something.”
“What’s that?”
“To each their own. You know? Doctors should be with other doctors. High society like you and I should stick together.” She squeezed his arm as she practically undressed him with her eyes.
Choosing not to answer her blatant innuendo, he motioned for her to move through the crowd with him. A few feet from the bar, their progress was halted by an exotic, dangerous-looking woman. Her hands were crossed over her chest, one eyebrow raised, her lips pursed in a thoroughly pissed off pout. “Can I have this dance?”
Decland looked behind him, hoping that she was addressing someone else. When no other man answered, he felt the need to cover his balls before he answered. “With me?”
“I’m looking at you, aren’t I?” she snapped.
“Um, yes?”
“Great.” She grabbed him by the shoulder pushing him toward the floor as Jenna let out little noises of protest. The deadly beauty turned a cold gaze over her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Barbie. He’ll be right back.”
With that, he felt a sharp shove to the back of his shoulders. Decland spun on his heels towering over her. “What’re you doing? Who are you?”
She looked at him with daggers in her eyes. “I’m Addison’s best friend. Or did you not recognize me from the restaurant you felt her up in?”
“Neely?”
“The one and only. Now listen here, you fuckable bastard, you’re going to take me on the dance floor for a nice spin so we can have a chat.”
Decland nodded, his curiosity piqued at what this woman had to say. As he stepped to the side, he made a sweeping motion with his hand, gesturing for her to lead the way. She squinted her nearly ebony eyes at him, gathered her bright red dress and swept passed him. She led him to the far corner of the dance floor. Decland stepped close to her, placing his hand on her waist. “What do you want, Neely?”
He began leading her around the dance floor in time to the elegant piece the string quartet was playing. Her soft features returned to a scowl. “Why haven’t you returned her calls? Do you not know how awesome she is, or are you too much of a player to see it?”
Was this chick for real? He allowed the simple smile that he had in place to slip away allowing his real emotions to show through for just a moment. “Why don’t you check your facts as to who was the player in this situation.”
“Oh, woman up! Put your big girl pants on. Yes, she liked fucking you.” Some of the surrounding couples faltered, looking at them oddly. “But the woman clearly likes you.”
Decland spun her, throwing her off balance. “Likes me so much she told me all I was good for was fun in the bedroom.”
“She’d didn’t say that.”
He glared at her, knowing she was splitting hairs trying to defend her best friend. “Pretty much.”
“Ugh, do you want her? And don’t lie to me. I saw you staring at her the moment you saw her.” Neely snapped.
Feeling defeated, he sighed. “Yeah, I want her.”
“Good.” Neely smiled, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder.
“Now what?”
Her lips parted in a mischievous smile; her eyes glinted like she already had a plan. “Leave it to me. You just head back over to Barbie and buy her a drink.”
What the hell was she playing at? “But I thought you wanted me to get Addison?”
“No, I wanted to make sure that you wanted her as much as she wants you.”
Decland couldn’t help but smile. “She wants me?”
Neely slapped him i
n the back of the head. “If you would’ve answered your phone, you would have known that. Now pay attention. Go and hang out with the climber, and leave the rest up to me.”
“I pity the man who tries to come up against you.” He sighed as she dropped his arms.
“You should.” She giggled. “Now get on it.”
He saluted her as he made his way back to the bar toward Jenna. I hope this works.
Chapter 16
As Neely turned away from Decland, she knew she had to get Addison to that man. Whether or not Addison knew it, Decland would be perfect with her. He was ballsy enough to handle her, confident enough not to be intimidate by her, and apparently the sex was “addictive,” according to Addison. She pulled at her strapless red chiffon dress, making sure it didn’t slide down. As she walked back toward where Addison stood, she knew it was going to be difficult getting her alone.
As a waiter dressed in a penguin suit passed with a tray of champagne, she quickly snagged a glass. With little effort, she tipped the glass to her lips, allowing the bubbly sweetness to slide down her throat. Before she reached their little group, her glass was empty. Sliding in beside Addison, she wound her arm around her best friend’s shoulder.
“I’m not kidding, I was the only surgeon on call in the middle of the night. This guy comes in, and you wouldn’t believe what he’s managed to get stuck up his… well, all I can say is toy cars are not meant to go up there.” His light chuckle cut through the crowd.
“Collin.” Neely leaned in, placing her hand on his arm. “Would you mind getting me a refill? I kind of need some girl time with my bestie over here.”
“Sure. Hey, Jeff, you wanna leave these two to their girl time?”
“Oh, hell no! I’m down with girl time. And as fine as you are, it’d be a severe waste of effort on my part to follow you.” He smiled.
Collin couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay then. Be right back.” He leaned in and placed a small kiss on Addison’s cheek, whispering, “I’ll be right back.”