Chapter Six
Aaliya
SOMEHOW, ZAIN ARRANGED for a fresh set of clothes to be waiting for me when I opened my bedroom door earlier. They sat in a neat, folded pile, tucked in a bag that was set in front of my door. A pair of black cotton cropped pants, a bright pink T-shirt, and a pair of my favorite brand of flip-flops. All in the proper sizes, all of it cute and something I would probably pick out on my own if given the chance.
How the hell did he know my sizes? Sorta scary.
I never heard anyone pass by the door either. And I would've. I tossed and turned, hardly getting any sleep, what with my thoughts consumed by what happened between Zain and me.
Images had flashed all night. The way he looked at me. How he touched me. The things he said to me.
I can't f**king wait to be inside you.
God, I melt just remembering how dark his voice had sounded, the way he whispered those words close to my ear, his hands all over my body.
A shudder moves through me and I let loose a frustrated huff, then proceed to take a long shower in the hopes the hot water would wash away all of my useless and overwhelming feelings for a man I have no business feeling anything over.
Unfortunately, it didn't work. Considering I'm in Zain's house after being in his arms the night before, he permeates everything.
I both secretly love it and openly hate it.
I get dressed quickly, pulling my wet hair into a low ponytail with a band I found in the bottom of my purse. Slicked on some lip gloss because that's all the makeup I brought with me.
No one's called me, no Riz, no Zain. No one has even knocked on my door, and finally curiosity gets the better of me. I open the door and peek my head out, glancing left, then right, but the hall is empty. Rizwan's door is closed. The house is quiet; it's like I'm staying in a museum or something and I step fully out of the room, contemplating going to knock on Rizwan's door.
What if he's still sleeping? It's already past nine and Rizwan isn't one to sleep in. Deciding I need to know what's up, I approach the door and knock, stumped when he doesn't answer. No way can he still be in bed. And if he is, what a total bum.
"He's outside, waiting for you."
I jump and turn at the sound of Zain's deep voice, surprised to find him standing in the middle of the vast hallway. Like a ghost, he magically appeared. And what a good-looking ghost he is too. He's dressed in jeans and a black polo shirt, his dark hair is still damp, as if he just came out of the shower and oh wow, he looks amazing. I'm filled with the urge to take him by the hand, drag him back into my bedroom, and strip him. Run my hands all over his delicious body. Ride him into oblivion.
Stop!
"Oh." I can't come up with anything better to say so I don't. Ridiculous how I thought a little sex between two age-old friends"acquaintances, really"would be no big deal, but it's like the giant elephant filling the entire house, sitting directly between us. I meet his gaze and all I can do is remember how close his face had been to mine a few hours ago as he thrust deep inside my body. How I craned my neck and met his mouth with mine, our tongues sliding against each other's.
Yeah. This is . . . awkward.
"We're leaving for Hush soon. Are you ready?" His velvety smooth voice sends shivers running over my skin, and I press my lips together, searching for composure.
So far, I can't really find it.
"I need to grab my purse." I gesture toward the open door, then let my hand fall helplessly at my side.
"Did you sleep all right?" His question is innocent and courteous considering I'm his guest. But he mentions sleep, which makes me think of a bed, and then I'm remembering how he was in my bed and how fantastic he felt between my legs.
"I slept fine. Great," I lied. "Um, thank you for the clothes."
"You're welcome. You like them?"
"They're . . . perfect." I frown and he does as well. "How did you know my sizes?"
"I took a wild guess." He said this with a shrug, looking a little sheepish. This of course makes me skeptical. Just goes to show how well Zain knows his way around the female body when he can guess my size accurately.
My gut clenches at the realization.
"Oh." I'm at a complete loss of words. His explanation makes perfect sense. Our being together makes absolutely no sense. Clearly, we made a huge mistake. And now we're paying the price with the awkward silences and uncomfortable vibe between us.
"I'll get my purse and then I'll be ready."
"Meet us out front then?" He smiles at me but it's grim. And it doesn't quite light up his eyes.
"Yes. Give me just a second." I nod once, shooting into the bedroom the second he turns away from me.
Going to the bed, I sit on the edge heavily, chewing on my thumbnail as I give myself a mental pep talk.
You can handle this. So you've seen him nak*d. So what? And you know what he looks like when he comes. Big deal. Focus on the old days. When he used to be such a jerk to you and treated you so terribly. Remember how you felt last night at the reception, when he first talked to you and called you "chicken." Jerk. Yeah, he irritated the crap out of you. Hold on to that feeling. The Zain Abdullah-drives-me-out-of-my-mind-he's-such-an-a**hole feeling.
Forget all about the Zain Abdullah-drives-me-out-of-my-mind-when-he's-kissing-me-senseless-and-f**king-me-into-oblivion feeling. That is so the wrong feeling to hold on to.
Picking up my purse, which I left on the bed, I stand, tug at the hem of my new, cute T-shirt, smooth a hand over my hair, and decide to go face my reality.
I can handle this. Because really, I don't have a choice.
Zain
"WHAT THE HELL is taking her so long? I'm starved."
"Grumpy bas***d," I mutter, irritated with Rizwan's incessant miserable chatter. He hasn't quit griping about his empty stomach since the moment I ran into him in the kitchen. I offered him an apple but he wouldn't take it. Heaven forbid he eats something healthy. And besides, it's not my fault his sister is taking so long to get ready.
Why, I'm not sure. I saw her no more than five minutes ago, looking absolutely gorgeous in the simple outfit I left for her to change into. I'd been half tempted to grab her by the waist, walk her backward into the bedroom, lock the door, and have my way with her for the rest of the day. Talk about an ideal lazy Sunday.
But I knew Riz was waiting and besides, the panicked expression on her face when she first saw me deflated my ego completely. She looked ready to jump and run.
Did she regret what happened between us last night? I don't, but I gotta admit, the vibe between us just now was uncomfortable yet hyperaware.
Were we going to pretend it never happened? That was probably best: act like what we shared last night was some sort of weird"and f**king amazing"dream. Acknowledging it the morning after only asked for trouble, especially since Rizwan was present.
A grumbling, moody Rizwan. He's acting like a bear you'd regret poking too hard.
"You need coffee or what? I told you there's a freshly made pot in the kitchen," I say, unable to stand his moodiness one second longer.
"Bah." he waves a hand. "I've had your coffee before. It's complete shit."
I don't bother reminding him that I had the housekeeper make a fresh pot of coffee every morning. Just one of the many perks of having a lot of money. Rizwan is still stuck on us being college roommates when I used to make coffee that tasted like black oil sludge.
"Whatever. You're missing out." I glance toward the door, standing up straight when it opens, revealing Aaliya, who stops on the top step. She's looking fresh as a damn daisy, her hair still wet from the shower and pulled into a ponytail, showcasing that pretty face of hers. Her eyes sparkle, her cheeks are flushed, and when she catches sight of the both of us standing in front of my Mercedes, a smile curls those sensuous lips. Lips I tasted again and again last night.
Lips I'd like to see curled around my . . .
I frown. Damn it, I really need to stop thinking about her like that.
Her smile fades just as quick as it appeared. Like she caught herself doing it and realized her mistake. Or she noticed my frown.
Hell.
"Finally," Rizwan calls out. "Let's get going before they stop serving brunch."
"They serve it until two," I mutter, wishing like crazy Rizwan wasn't with us. Of course, if he wasn't, we wouldn't be going to Hush either, and I'm excited to show off my baby to Aaliya.
"I forgot what a grump you are in the morning until you get some food in your stomach." She approaches us, her eyes soft when they light on me. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"You're right on time," I assure her, because at this very moment she really can do no wrong.
"I call shotgun," Riz says as he reaches for the passenger-side door handle.
I slap my hand against the door, stopping him from opening it. "Are you so freaking hungry that you lost your mind? Let your sister sit in the front."
"Why?" Rizwan sounds boggled. And clueless.
I should be thankful for clueless. If he was feeling a little sharper this morning, he might catch on to the weirdness going on between Aaliya and me.
"Stop being such an infant and just sit in the back seat." I jerk my thumb toward the back of the car.
"I can sit in the back . . ." Aaliya starts, but I shake my head, cutting her off.
"Sit in the front." I say it like a command, which gets those perfectly arched eyebrows of hers rising, and I round the front of the car without another word, sliding behind the steering wheel and starting the car.
I don't mean to be such a bossy ass but Rizwan is on my last damn nerve.
She slides into the passenger seat, sitting right beside me, her usual floral scent not as strong. I can only assume that's because she didn't use her own products. Shampoo, body wash, perfume . . . I wish I knew exactly what made her smell so good. Perhaps it's a mixture of everything, plus her own unique scent.
"It's a beautiful morning," Aaliya says, her head turned away from me, nose practically pressed against the glass of the window. "I wouldn't be able to get any work done if I had this sort of view distracting me every day."
I pull out of the driveway, taking in my surroundings, ignoring the snort that emanates from the back seat. I thought I turned into an adolescent when I got near Aaliya. Riz was ten times worse, switching to jerk big brother mode within seconds of Ivy making an appearance.
"After living here for so many years, I don't even notice it," I say, turning left and heading toward Hush. The resort is not far from my house, so the drive is easy. Beautiful.
Definitely beautiful, not that I'd noticed it much. Too distracted with work, too distracted with the business opportunitythat suddenly came up. Thankfully, it's an opportunity that will keep me in Napa Valley, but I know my father worries it might be a mistake, working on a new venture so close to the already successful Hush resort. Why mess with a good thing, is basically what he told me.
Not for the first time in our lives, I completely disagree with him. I know what I'm doing. So I screwed around in college and didn't get the best grades"so what? I might've spent more time chasing women and going to parties versus studying and actually attending classes, but guess what? I got my education in the real world. Growing up in the Abdullah Hotels gave me the hands-on experience and vision needed to take the company to the next level.
Too bad my father didn't realize it.
"Do you miss the city?" Aaliya asks, knocking me from my thoughts.
I glance over to find her studying me. "Sometimes. Not that it's far, but I haven't had much time lately to make it over. Not as if I want to visit my parents . . . I like the pace here, though. It's a little slower. More reflective."
"Are you trying to say you're reflective?" Rizwan pipes up from the back seat. "Give me a break."
I press my lips together to keep from calling Riz an insensitive prick.
"Ignore him," Aaliya whispers, reaching over to pat my thigh. "He's just jealous."
"Yeah, right," Rizwan laughs, but I don't reply.
I'm too caught up in the fact that she touched my thigh, and just like that I'm sporting a hard-on. A full-blown one too, all from a light touch of her fingers on my leg.
This is . . . bad. If I can barely handle her touching me on the leg for a brief second, then I need to get her out of my life pronto.
Or pull her so deeply into my life there's no way she'd ever want to leave my side again.
Keep dreaming, a**hole.
Funny how the nagging voice inside my head sounds just like Rizwan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From
Ann
Chapter Seven
Aaliya
THE RESORT IS gorgeous. Unlike anything I've ever seen, and I've been to more than a few exclusive spas and resorts in my life. My mom loves to indulge in spas and she's taken me on many a "girls only" trip the last few years. She's all about the detox.
But the Hush Resort is more than just a simple spa. And it's definitely more than a hotel too. From what I can see since Zain's taken us on a tour of the lush grounds, it's all about promoting a lifestyle.
Indulgence. Decadence. Sex. That's the message Hush is sending me, albeit in a sophisticated, understated package. I noticed from the moment we were seated in the small on-premise restaurant we're surrounded by couples. Young, old, middle-aged, every one of them is so in tune with each other, so focused and seemingly happy, I can't help but admire each and every one of them.
And also feel a little jealous.
I sat with two men, the lone oddity in the entire restaurant. One is my jerk of a brother who can't quite stop giving Zain grief while stuffing his face. I have no idea what's gotten into Rizwan but it isn't a pleasant sight.
Then there's Zain, who's been quiet since we arrived. He seems almost . . . nervous, and I've never seen Zain nervous. Of course, I'd never seen Zain nak*d either, but I sure remedied that last night now, didn't I?
I feel like I'm seeing all the bits and pieces that make him up. It's rather fascinating, though I tell myself I most definitely should not be fascinated. What happened between us was a mistake. Why I can't seem to remember that, I'm not exactly sure.
Hormonal issues maybe? Yes, that must be it.
After breakfast, he takes us for a tour, showing us the gorgeously landscaped grounds with what seems like miles of lush green grass spread around the facility. The rolling hills that surround the hotel location are dotted with the vineyards' neat rows and my eyes are constantly drawn to their simple, efficient beauty. The day is crisp and clear, the sky a startling blue, the sun warm on my skin, and I glance around in utter amazement, overwhelmed with all the natural beauty that's surrounding me.
"You like it?" Zain asks, sounding eager.
"I do." I smile up at him, unable to contain it. I don't want to give him any wrong ideas, but wow, I'm blown away with his resort. "The location is unreal."
"My father bought the property years ago, before I was even born," Zain explains, his gaze going to the vineyards, just like mine does. "The old Abdullah Hotel in Napa that's not too far slowly turned into a complete loser, a financial drain. Couldn't turn a profit, was considered in a less-than-ideal location."
"I'm surprised," I say, interrupting him. He turns to look at me, his eyebrows raised, and I shrug. "Just the beauty of the location alone is breathtaking. And you haven't taken us inside any of the buildings yet besides the restaurant. I'm sure I'll become even more impressed."
Gage wanders off, seemingly bored with the conversation, but I'm sure he's heard it all before. Funny, how Archer and I have never spent any sort of time alone together like this. Until now.
"Well, I had the original hotel building razed when my father sent me out here. I started over completely from scratch. And when I say it wasn't an ideal location, it's because so many other hotels were built in another, much more populated area. This one was considered out of the way." He slips his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, looking so gorgeous as the breeze ruffles his dark hair I want to lunge at him. Grab hold and never let go.
I keep myself in check instead.
"You've done an amazing job," I say softly. "You must be proud."
"Yeah, I am." He smiles, his eyes warm. "It wasn't easy. My father sent me out here to fail."
I frown. "He did?"
"Of course he did. He had no faith in me. I was a world-class screwup, I'll admit it. I didn't want to work, not directly for him, at least. So he said since I thought I knew what the hell I was doing, he'd give me this." Zain's smile turned rueful. "I showed him, didn't I?"
"How long ago was that?" I knew his relationship with his father wasn't the best, but to send his son out to purposely fail with a bad location? Awful.
"Over three years ago. Construction took a solid ten months to a year and we opened when only a few buildings were completed, expanding as each one was finished. Hush made Abdullah a lot of money in the first six months it was open." He studies the vineyards in the near distance, his expression serious, not the usual smiling, charming Zain.
My heart aches for him, no matter how much I tell it to stop.
I'm impressed with his success story. I remember how it was when we were younger. His dad constantly disappointed in him. His mother never around, or always drunk and crying over the way her husband treated her. No wonder Zain spent all of his time at our house when he and Rizwan became such good friends. My parents weren't perfect, but at least they get along for the most part and they have a relatively normal relationship.
No drunken yelling or icy-cold neglect.
"Such a great story," I say, wincing the moment the words fall from my lips. More like such a lame comment for a truly amazing accomplishment.
"Yeah, well, tell that to my father." His voice is tight, as is his jaw.
I hate that he feels this way. He should be proud of what he's done in such a short amount of time, versus fixated on his father's shoddy treatment of him over the years.
"Is this hotel part of the Abdullah chain or is it separate?" I'm not quite sure why I'm asking him this, but I have to know.
"It's all mine. He signed it over to me." He turns to look at me. "I told you he thought I would fail. He had no problem giving it to me figuring I would lose my ass over it."
The pain in his voice is undeniable. "You certainly proved him wrong," I say softly.
"Sure as hell did." His gaze meets mine, dark and mysterious, his mouth grim. My heart flutters and I step toward him. Somehow wanting to offer him comfort, solace, something. Anything. He's hurting and it makes me hurt for him.
"What made you decide to create a resort like Hush in the first place?" I'm desperate to change the subject. The last thing he ever wants to talk about is his dad or his mom.
"I knew it would turn a profit." He waves a hand. "You know how many people I've heard complain that their sex life was dead after being in a relationship for too long? That they didn't spend enough time with their significant others and they were desperate to connect? I realized it was an untapped market so I created Hush and fed the need. The new location takes the concept a step further."
"It's all a business decision, then. Not because you wanted to help people." Disappointment crashes through me, and I try to push it away. Of course. It's always a business decision. My brother thinks the same way. So does my father.
I sorta hoped Zain was different. Clearly, he's not.
"I'm not looking to help anyone. I'm no one's savior." His gaze meets mine and he tips his head toward me. "You of all people should know that."
I most definitely know that. "I find it funny that the man who is the epitome of anti-commitment creates a safe haven for couples looking to spice up their sex life." I shake my head. "You must see the irony."
"Oh, I do. Trust me." He smiles and the sight of that dimple I adore momentarily takes me aback.
"You should show Aaliya some of the rooms," Rizwan suggests as he approaches us, breaking the quiet spell that had settled over Zain and me. I step away from him, smiling faintly at my brother, though really I'm irritated. I should be glad he spoke up before I did something foolish. Like touch Archer. Give away that I might . . . feel something for him.
I definitely feel nothing for him beyond a fondness for a man I've known for what feels like forever.
Ha. And a yearning for his body.
"I'd love to see the rooms," I say, trying to push the confusing thoughts from my brain.
"Yeah, Zain. Show her everything. Explain the concept behind the resort so she can get a better understanding." Riz smirks.
The look that crosses Zain's face is nothing short of uncomfortable. "Do you want to see them, Aaliya?" he asks stiffly, his gaze flicking to Rizwan before it returns to me.
"Absolutely." I'm surprised he asks. I wonder more at his discomfort. Is this entire scenario misleading? Is he hiding some sort of secret sex den in one of the buildings? Oh, good lord, I know Archer's reputation precedes him, but he was pretty vanilla last night when we had sex. Nothing too outrageous.
But he was certainly the tastiest vanilla I've ever experienced.
We walk down a meandering gravel path, Zain leading us to a row of detached cottages that each individually house a room. They all have quaint front porches with a pair of large, comfortable-looking chairs on either side of the front entrance, and he approaches the largest one, me following right behind him and stopping while he opens the door.
Inhaling as discreetly as possible, I breathe in his scent, closing my eyes for the briefest moment. He smells . . . amazing, fresh and clean and delicious. I sway toward him, afraid I might fall into him, and he turns just as I right myself, his brows furrowed as he studies me.
"Ladies first." He points toward the door and I follow the length of his arm, realizing a little too late that the door is open and he's waiting for me to enter.
I'd been so caught up in my obsessive sniffing, I didn't realize he opened the damn door.
My cheeks hot, I walk inside, glancing about the space, which I instantly love. It's got a contemporary feel with dark wood floors, a giant fireplace dominating the room, and sleek furniture. I do a slow circle, taking everything in. I catch a glimpse of the giant bed within the bedroom, a deck off the back of the cottage with a beautiful view and"is that a . . .
"Is that a tub?" I point toward it lamely, feeling like a little kid.
"Yes, it is." He sounds amused, and he starts toward the French door that leads onto the deck. I follow him, curious to check it out, and I glance over my shoulder, seeing that Rizwan isn't following us.
In fact, he isn't in the room at all.
Frowning, I turn back around to see Zain studying me carefully, his hand curled around the door handle. "Your brother took a phone call. He's out front."
"Oh." Swallowing hard, I nod once. Is that all I can seem to say when he makes those types of statements? The ones that worry me and make me realize that I can pretend I don't want him but it's all a lie.
I still want him. More now that I've had him.
"Well, let's check out the view then," I say, hoping he doesn't notice my wavering voice.
Being alone with Zain, even for a few minutes, is going to test my very patience.
Zain
AALIYA'S LOOKING AT me like she wants to eat me up with a spoon and f**k me, I'm returning the feeling a millionfold. But Rizwan is out front and who knows how long he's going to take with his call.
I can't risk it.
I want to risk it so bad my hands literally itch to touch her.
Being near her flat out arouses me, there's no denying it. Her scent, her smile, the way she looked at me when I explained Hush's background. I saw the glimmer of sympathy in her eyes. She knows what an a**hole my father is.
The last thing I want from her is sympathy. I'm not a charity case.
She walks out onto the private deck and I follow her, admiring the curve of her ass, the little gasp of pleasure she gives when she catches sight of the rolling hills covered with what looks like endless rows of vineyards.
"So beautiful," she murmurs, and I wholeheartedly agree. She's gorgeous.
"You like the view?" Because I sure as hell do. I take a step closer, noting how I tower over her. Her hair is mostly dry, the ends wavy, and I want to grab hold of her ponytail. Yank her head back and kiss her until the both of us are stupid with lust.
"It's stunning." She glances over her shoulder at me, the smile on her face slowly fading. "You're looking at me weird."
The sexy whisper of her voice doesn't quite go along with what she's saying. "How am I looking at you?"
"Like . . . like you want something from me." She turns to face me but backs up a few steps, until she's leaning against the deck railing. Her hazel eyes are wide, her cheeks flushed. A few wisps of hair have escaped her ponytail, brushing against her face. I move toward her, slow and easy, not wanting to startle her. Not wanting to ruin this.
"I want nothing from you that you don't want to give," I murmur, and I note the rapid beat of her pulse at the base of her throat.
"Zain." Her voice is a warning, with the slightest bit of waver. That waver gives me hope. "My brother is right out that front door. What if he finds us?"
"We're not doing anything that we need to hide." I'm directly in front of her, crowding her, and I rest my hands on the railing on either side of her body, effectively trapping her.
"Yet," she whispers, and that one single word gives me so much damn hope, I do what I've been dying to do since I saw her in the hallway of my house.
Dipping my head, I nuzzle her hair with my cheek, breathing in her scent, closing my eyes. My entire body tingles at having her close, hearing the catch of her breath, feeling the slight tremor that moves through her. She doesn't touch me, doesn't so much as move, and I settle my mouth close to her ear. "All I can think about is last night."
"Zain." She sounds like I'm torturing her.
Good. Feeling's mutual.
"Do you think about it? I swear to God, Aaliya, all I want to do is drag you into that bedroom right now and f**k you until you can't see straight." My control is about to snap. And I never let it snap. But this woman pushes all my buttons, does everything she can to tear me apart with just a look. A smile. It blows my mind how much power she wields over me.
She has no clue about her power either.
"You shouldn't talk to me like that. Last night was a . . . mistake." She settles her hand on my chest as if she's going to push me away, but her fingers curl ever so slightly into my shirt. Pulling me just a fraction closer to her.
Triumph surges through me. She can't resist this pull between us either. "You really think so?"
"I know so." She pushes at my chest so I have no choice but to look at her. She's not strong enough to get me to step back, though. No way am I moving from her yet. "We can't continue this."
"You want to." It's a statement, not a question.
"No I don't." But she's nodding as I lean into her, and when I brush my mouth with hers, the shuddering exhale she breathes against my lips twists up my insides. "Zain . . ."
I love hearing her say my name, even if it's in protest. Because really she's not protesting. She wants this just as bad as I do.
"Just one kiss," I murmur against her lips, darting out my tongue to lick. The soft moan that escapes her is my answer, and I settle my mouth fully on hers, our tongues meeting, circling, tasting. I rest my hand on her hip, stepping into her, wanting to feel her.
The breeze sweeps over us, a shiver moves through her, and I slip my arms completely around her waist, tugging her lower body close to mine. f**k Rizwan. f**k anything else. I want to pull her into that bedroom, slam the door and keep her in the bed pinned beneath me for the next twenty-four hours.
It wouldn't be enough. But when it comes to Aaliya, I'll take what I can get.
A buzzing sound rings through my head as I continue to kiss her, lose myself in her. I slide my hands over her ass, groaning when she grinds subtly against me. The buzz gets louder, more insistent, and I break the kiss first, staring down at her, my breath coming in pants. "What is that?"
She blinks up at me, looking as wrecked as I feel. "I think it's your phone."
Shit. She's right. I can feel it vibrating in my jeans pocket. Yanking it out, I see it's a text message from Riz.
I gotta get back home. Meet me at the car.
"It's your brother." Damn it, I'm not ready to send her back to the city with Rizwan. I want to keep her here with me.
Like she'd ever go for it. She has a life. A relatively new career, friends"she probably has little time to spare, especially for me.
I'm delusional if I think I can make something between us work. Not that I want something real or lasting. A fling. That's all I want. And then there's the bet to consider.
You're really going to let a bet guide your decision?
I ignore the shitty little voice in my head.
"What did he say?" She licks her lips as if she's trying to get one last taste of me, and my c*ck twitches as I reluctantly step away from her.
"He's ready to leave."
"That's probably best." She pushes away from the railing, glancing to her left, looking at the tub that sits outside near the deck. "You never did explain the reason for the tub being outside."
"It's built for two. The decks are all private; none of the guests can see each other." I smile, imagining the two of us in that tub, our nak*d skin slick and soapy, Aaliya sitting in my lap, her long legs wound around my waist. "It's, uh, one of our most popular features."
"I'm sure." The sarcasm is thick and I take another step away from her, surprised. "Zain, what happened between us last night . . ."
"Was a mistake. I totally agree." I finish for her, needing to be the first one who said it.
Weird thing, though, is the look on her face when I did. Like I slapped her when she least expected it.
"A mistake," she says slowly as she nods. "That's what you think?"
"Absolutely. I mean, come on. We could never work. I don't do relationships. You know this." I sound far more confident than I feel. Maybe it's because I always say this sort of thing to women, or really more to myself. I've never been in a relationship. I know I would fail at one. I would most definitely disappoint her. Ivy.
But secretly? I wish she would give me"give us"a chance.
"And I do."
"You most definitely do," I agree a little too quickly.
"And you're yet another Humpty Dumpty." She sighs.
"What?" Okay, that made no damn sense. Why is she calling me Humpty Dumpty?
"The kind of guy who's all broken up and can't be put back together again." She smiles at me, but it's sad and the sight of it makes me feel like a complete jerk. "I have a type. And I think you top my type list."
"I'm on your type list?" I never believed Aaliya had any sort of crush on me. Not beyond the push-pull-we-hate-each-other-maybe-we-should-tear-each-other's-clothes-off thing we've been suffering through for years. Though I always figured that was more one-sided on my part.
"I never realized it until now. You're so right. We could never work. I'm too nice. And you're too . . . you." She drops that bomb like it makes all the sense in the world.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I rub my palm against my chest, irritated with myself. I'm acting butt-hurt over a woman. This is crazy.
"Do I really need to explain myself, Zain?" She doesn't let me answer. "Let's go meet Rizwan. I need to get out of here."
Without a word, I follow her out, trying to ignore the disappointment settling over me like a heavy wet blanket.
But I can't. Her rejection, her words hurt far more than I care to admit. And I'm the one who rejected her first.
We're quiet as we head back to the car, Rizwan waiting beside it with his arms crossed in front of him, tapping his foot impatiently. We all get inside, Aaliya taking the back seat this time, and the mood is dark as I make the quick drive home.
They both hop out of my car as if they can't wait to get away from me the moment I pull up in front of my house and I climb out, chasing after them.
"Sorry to be so abrupt, bro," Rizwan tosses out apologetically as he yanks his keys out of his pocket and hits the remote, unlocking his car. "I have a client wanting to meet for dinner. He owns a piece of property I've been after for months and I think he's finally going to cave."
"I understand. You'll have to call me when you make the deal."
"Prepare for a call late tonight then." Rizwan grins at me and I chuckle.
I get it. I'm a businessman. When an opportunity presents itself, you have to go for it, and that's exactly what Riz is doing.
Sort of what I did with Aaliya.
Sprinting ahead of her, I approach Rizwan's Maserati and open the passenger door for her, watching as she slides into the seat. She glances up, her eyes fathomless as she studies me. "Thank you, Zain," she murmurs. Then adds meaningfully, "For everything."
"You're welcome," I automatically say, though I'm not quite sure what we're referring to.
Rolling her eyes, she huffs out a breath and yanks the door closed, effectively shutting me off.
Shutting me out.
And as I watch the car speed away, I feel like I'm watching my heart leave with it, forever in Aaliya's possession.
f**king crazy, but true.
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What happened between Zain and Aaliya,was it really a mistake..? As much as we know that it wasn't,but they think something else..are they trying to convince themselves or the other..will they meet again? And when they do will sparks fly between them once again...What will happen next..Stay tuned for the next update tonight..!
From
Ann😊
Dedicated to Shippu ..
Chapter Eight
Aaliya
One week later.
"AND SO YOU had sex with him."
I nod miserably, trying to ignore the glee in my friend Aayat's voice. She's really enjoying my story"a little too much. "I did."
"And it was awful. Terrible. He was selfish and didn't bother getting you off."
"Wendy," I whisper harshly, glancing about the restaurant, at the people sitting nearby. Nobody's paying us any mind. "What if someone heard you?"
"No one heard me. And quit trying to change the subject. Give me all the dirty details." Aayat sips from her water glass, her brows raised expectantly.
I sigh, completely put out and embarrassed that she wants to hear everything, yet also perfectly willing to reveal all. I've had no one to talk to about my encounter with Zainand I've been holding this inside me for an entire week.
Then I see Aayat waiting for me at our usual restaurant for our Saturday lunch date, and I immediately tear up like a baby when she asked what's new.
I reached my breaking point.
She took one look at my tear-streaked face, my watery eyes, and demanded I tell her what the heck was wrong with me. After purging the entire story of my encounter with Zain in twenty minutes, she's contemplating me with a gleam in her eye, as if she sees me in a new light. She's probably impressed"or in shock. I don't normally do this sort of thing. Aayat's the adventurous one with men. I'm the boring one who tends to choose wrong and stay too long.
I definitely don't do one-night stands with sexy-as-hell men who know just how to touch me to make me go off like a rocket. No man has ever been able to make me go off like a rocket. Ever.
Until now. Until Zain.
"He wasn't selfish," I say primly, pressing my lips together to keep from saying what I really want to.
He's amazing. Hot as hell. The best kisser ever. Oh, and his hand . . .
A slow smile curves Wendy's mouth. "Meaning he was all right."
Better than all right. "He knew what he was doing."
"Quit being so vague." Wendy sounds irritated. Not that I can blame her. I'm being vague on purpose.
"I'm not about to give you any more detail than that. Sorry," I say chirpily, sipping from my water glass. "I don't kiss and tell."
"Since when? We've dished about plenty of men. Now I want details about the one who was actually decent in bed andyou're not talking." Aayat's eyes narrow as she contemplates me. "What gives?"
I squirm in my seat. I don't want to admit that my night with Zain is . . . special. She'll probably make fun of me. She should make fun of me. I deserve it. I'm thinking like an idiot. "I really don't want to relive what happened between Archer and me. It's too weird. We've known each other for too long."
I'd have hoped he would call but he hasn't. We agreed it was a mistake, what happened. I walked away from him. The subject was closed, in both my mind and his.
But I lied to myself. Since I came home from Napa, he constantly invades my thoughts. I'm trying my best to focus. I throw myself into my work, which is easy considering how busy we are. Sharon Paxton is one of the most coveted interior designers in the city and her clientele keep her"and me"busy. Learning from her, working with her is a privilege, one I take very seriously.
I've lost concentration more than once, though, since the Zain incident. I missed an appointment with a very important client. I brought the wrong fabric samples to another one. I was acting so out of character, Sharon sat me down yesterday afternoon and asked what was wrong. I made up some sort of excuse, promised I would do better and escaped her hawk-like gaze before she asked any more questions.
This is what Zain's done to me. Turned me into a terrible employee. I can't sleep. I sit around on the couch at night and watch really bad reality TV. All the while I stare at my cell phone, willing him to call me, text me, something.
Yes. I've turned into one of those girls. God help me.
Our waiter magically appears with our lunch, setting our salad orders in front of us before he takes off, leaving me alone once again with my too nosy, too perceptive friend.
"You like him," she says, stabbing her fork into her salad with relish. Like she's killing the lettuce.
"No way," I reply too quickly. I'm such a liar. "He drives me crazy. He always has."
"Because you like him. You just didn't realize it yet. Now you do. The two of you have sex and it's like roses and romance and you want more," Aayat says, full of logic.
The sex between us was definitely not roses and romance. I can't begin to describe what it was like, but not soft and sweet like I was used to. It was hard and fast and immensely satisfying. "No, it wasn't quite like that."
"But it was good."
"It was amazing," I admit softly, earning a giant smile from Wendy.
"Knew it." She munches happily on her salad while I sit and watch her, my appetite having fled a while ago. "Call him. Tell him you want to do it again."
"No way." I shake my head, jealous of Aayat's hearty appetite. I've hardly eaten since my night with Zain. He's all I can think about and it's so stupid, I don't know why I'm acting this way. "I don't want to do it again."
"Liar."
"Okay, your smug, short answers are starting to bug," I say, grabbing my fork and stabbing the lettuce much like I saw Aayat do a moment ago. Damn it, I'm going to eat even if it kills me. "And they're totally not helping my situation."
"Well, what are you going to do then? You and Zain Abdullah have a past. A history. There's tension there and it finally resulted in the two of you having hot, amazing, outrageous sex."
I don't answer. I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of an acknowledgement.
"Now you're all mopey and sad. Wishing you could see him. Well, go see him then. Call him up. Greet him with, Hey sexy, let's do that again.' See what he says." Aayat smiles. "I bet he'd take you up on your offer."
But what if he didn't. "I would never call him and say something like that."
"Maybe that's half your problem."
I glare at her and she bursts out laughing. "It's not funny," I insist.
"I think you like him more than you want to admit, and you don't know how to deal with it. I'm trying to tell you how to deal." Wendy offers me a sympathetic smile. "Maybe you need to fess up to your feelings. Why are you acting this way? Is it because you're disappointed in yourself for doing something so crazy?"
"Partly." I shrug. "I don't know why I'm acting like this. Why he has me all twisted up in knots."
"I've already told you why," Wendy says gently. "There's nothing wrong with you contacting him. I'm sure you're waiting for him to call because that's your usual MO. Well, guess what. Having a one-night stand with Zain broke your pattern. Calling him will continue to break that pattern. And there's nothing wrong with doing things a little different."
Sighing, I stare at my still-full plate. My appetite has completely evaporated. "I was about to tell him that maybe I wanted to see him again, and he called our one night together a mistake. He doesn't want me, not like that." I should confess I called it a mistake too, but I can't. I hate to admit how much it hurt, him saying that. It's one thing for me to think it, another thing entirely to know he feels the same way.
But do I really feel that way?
No.
"Ah, honey . . ."
I interrupt her. I really don't want any sympathy. There's no one to blame for this but me. "Yeah, I might've changed up my pattern, but look where it got me? Miserable. Angry at myself for making such a stupid, stupid decision. He's not the one for me. Not that I ever really thought he was." I shake my head. "I need to focus on my anger over this."
"Yeah, you do," Aayat agrees.
"Not sit around wishing he would call." Whoops, wish I hadn't admitted that part.
"Forget him. Screw this guy," Aayat said vehemently.
"I already did." I scrunch my lips together.
We stare at each other across the table for a few seconds before we both burst into laughter.
"You sure did," Aayat says after she gets herself under control, slowly shaking her head as the occasional giggle escapes her.
Yeah. I sure did. What a mistake.
The realization hits me like a swift kick in the ribs. Yet again, I did it. I went after a man who has no intentions to do right by me. Heck, I have no intention of doing right by him. To do so would be utter foolishness. The man is a mess. He's a complete and utter mess and I have no one to blame but myself for getting involved with him.
I almost want to laugh at my mental choice of words. Involved. As if what we shared contains any sort of involvement beyond the quick and dirty sexual kind.
Zain Abdullah is my ultimate failure. That Humpty Dumpty of a man can never, ever be put back together again. I won't even bother trying.
Zain
"HEY, WHAT'S UP? Haven't heard from you in a while."
"I've been busy." So damn busy I can hardly breathe. Not so busy that I haven't been thinking of a certain someone constantly. Hence my reason for calling her brother"I'm digging for information. "You make that deal you told me about?"
"I sure did. Purchased the property for an absolute song. Already have a buyer lined up, and my end of the deal isn't even closed yet." Rizwanchuckles, sounding pleased with himself. "It all came together way too easy."
"That sort of thing usually makes me nervous." Struggles and roadblocks actually make me feel better when it comes to business. And life. When it's too easy, there's always a catch.
Always.
"I've been working this guy for over a year. This was definitely not an easy deal. I finally got him to cave. I'm a persistent motherf**ker when I need to be." Rizwan full blown laughs.
Wasn't that the truth? One of the many traits Riz and I share. "Congrats man."
"Thanks." He pauses. "There must be another reason you called. You're not one for chitchat."
I blow out a harsh breath, working up my nerve. "Listen, I need Aaliya's work number," I say as nonchalantly as I can, leaning back in my chair so I can stare out the window.
"Why? Call her cell." Rizwn sounds distracted. "Or are you afraid she won't answer you."
Damn him for being too perceptive. "I need to talk to her about a business proposition." Not a lie. The new location is going into fast-forward mode and the interior designer I hired to transform Hush is unavailable. I need someone quick.
I need Aaliya.
"Are you serious? She's just a junior associate, you know. I have no idea if she's up to snuff with what you might need." Riz mutters something under his breath, and I hear a female's soft laugh.
"Way to bag on your sister." I shake my head, irritated with him. "And where the hell are you anyway?"
"Work. Where the hell are you?"
Doesn't sound like he's at work. And he's awfully quick on the defense. "Come on, just give me her number."
"Hold on, I need to scroll through my contacts. Give me a minute."
Tapping my fingers impatiently against the edge of my desk, I wait. I can hear him say something, hear the light tones of a woman answering him, and I wonder who he's with on a Monday afternoon. Can't help but feel a little jealous too.
Jealousy is an emotion I'm not used to and definitely not comfortable with. There's no need to get jealous if I'm never with a woman beyond a night or two, right? I move through life with no entanglements, no relationships beyond my friendships, and even then I don't let many into my inner circle. Hell, I don't even stay in regular contact with my mom, not that she cares. She's too busy hitting the bottle or fighting with my father. And I deal with him only because I have to.
More than one woman has described me as a loner. Fairly accurate. I surround myself with plenty of people but it's meaningless. A good time for a few hours before I go home alone. Socially I've withdrawn as I become more consumed with work. This latest project has kept me constantly going these last few weeks.
I miss Aaliya. I regret calling what happened between us a mistake. It wasn't. Screw the bet, forget my friends, forget everything. I want to see her. It's been over three weeks. Three long weeks without seeing her pretty face, that gorgeous smile. Hell, I miss hearing her all exasperated with me, insulting me, telling me to leave her alone.
I miss the way her body felt beneath mine. How she tugged on my hair tight, the hot little words she panted against my lips just before I made her come.
"All right, here you go," Rizwan says, interrupting my thoughts as he rattles off a number. I scribble it across a notepad, my mind still foggy with images of Aaliya, and I blink hard, banishing her as best I can. She is the last thing I need to think of while I'm talking to her brother.
"Thanks," I mutter, dropping the pen on my desk and scrubbing my hand over my face. I need to get a grip.
"You're serious about wanting to hire her?"
"I am. The new Hush location's completion is ahead of schedule and I'm pushing it forward. Our previous designer is heavily involved with another project, so she's unable to get on board. I thought I'd ask Aaliya if she's available," I say this as casually as possible, not wanting him to figure out my other motive for contacting her.
"I know her boss would probably like a chance at it," he says.
Sharon Paxton probably would. But I know for a fact she's beyond busy with her own clients. She has a waiting list, for the love of God. This probably doesn't bode well with getting Aaliya's help, but I'm willing to pay whatever it takes to have her work with me on this project.
I want to see her that badly. This is the perfect excuse. That I have to use my business as a way to get her back into my life is probably underhanded, but I don't care. I'm to the point that I'll do anything to see her again.
Prove to her that maybe I am worth being put back together again.
"I'm sure she would," I say. "I'd rather have Aaliya."
Rizwan is quiet for a moment before he finally asks, "Do you have a thing for my sister?"
"Not at all," I say easily. "Hell, we argue most of the time when we see each other."
"Then why would you want to work with her if all you do is argue?"
Valid question. Shit. "I trust her. I've known her for years. She's your sister. She'll do a good job and not try and screw me over."
"Huh." he doesn't sound like he believes me so I push forward.
"This project, this location, it has to be handled delicately. Discreetly. I can't hire any designer off the street. I need someone I can trust to keep their mouth closed and not leak what I have planned."
"You haven't even told me what you have planned," Rizwan points out.
"Exactly, and I'm not going to either. That's why I think Aaliya is the perfect fit." This part is true. I do want her to work for me. I trust that she won't blab what I have planned for the remote location. An even sexier, more intimate resort than Hush, it will cater to wealthy couples that want an indulgent getaway with their significant other.
Private gourmet meals, couples massages, the small hotel will be exclusive to only eight couples at any given time. The location will be the ultimate in intimate, quiet luxury.
"Well, good luck. Give her a call. I'm betting she'll say no."
"Why does everything circle back to a bet?" I ask irritably, not needing the reminder. "And how do you know she'll say no?"
But she doesn't count toward the bet, right? Didn't Rizwan and Kartaar count her out? After all, she's just Aaliya.
"She doesn't particularly like you, Zain. You know this." Rizwan makes it sound like common knowledge. "And besides, I'm going to guess her boss won't let her take on the project. Sounds like it'll be over Aaliya's head."
"I want her. Only her." I clear my throat, realizing how that sounds. "For the project," I add weakly.
"Good luck. I doubt you'll get her, but more power to you."
Rizwan's words are just the challenge I need to hear.
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Will Aaliya accept Zain's proposition to work with him on his project...>To know the answer..you'll have to wait for tomorrow's update!
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