You and I (You and I #1) Page 12

  "Fuck, Richard! Get the hell out," exclaimed Jake only just tearing away his own roaming gaze away only to spot Richard's trained on me. Without waiting for compliance he lifted his hands to bodily shove Richard out. Shutting the door he turned around to face me, "Stand up. I need to treat those cuts and bruises."

  "I'm not getting up with you here," I stated adamantly.

  "Babe...I need to see...that you're okay," Jake muttered huskily leading me to believe that was not all he intended to see.

  "I'm fine," I assured him settling further in beneath the water.

  "Honey you know I'm worried about you," Jake groaned finally tearing his gaze away from submerged parts of me that weren't in the least bit injured to focus keenly on my eyes. It worked. I felt that he was earnest even though logic insisted otherwise that he was just justifying looking at naked me.

  "Pass me a towel and turn around," I demanded finally.

  "Okay," he said a little too eagerly. I stood up when he turned his back and dabbed myself dry before wrapping the towel about me. It was a large towel so I felt decently covered. I looked up then to catch Jake staring intently into the mirror at the side.

  "You did not just have a peek at me. Tell me you did not see me," I demanded urgently flushed with embarrassment.

  Jake turned around to face me and train his intense gaze up my length to stop at my eyes. "I did not," he lied blatantly.

  But my anger stood not a chance at his obvious desire. So I decided to ignore his breach in propriety and opened the bathroom door.

  On my bed was my change of clothes laid out neatly. Richard! Neat rows if grey slacks, blouse and underwear were displayed on the bed. I heard Jake emit a low growl of displeasure and sighed inwardly. While I was not happy at Richard wading through my clothes I was eager to get something on.

  "Close your eyes," I demanded brooking no objection. This time turning around wasn't an option and I knew he wouldn't go in for waiting outside for me to get changed.

  I kept my eyes trained on his face as I slowly let my towel drop. I grabbed the lacy panties that Richard had thoughtfully placed on the bed and quickly struggled into it. Then I grabbed at the bra and only just managed to hook it into place before a loud hammering on the room door jolted Jake into action.

  His eyes flew open and taking in my still unclothed state he ignored the pounding on the door and threw me on the bed. I bounced up once twice before Jake's weight was over me pinning me into place. His mouth opened hungrily over mine and I couldn't help but respond.

  "Are you guy’s deaf?"

  The piercing tone was close. Closer than at the other side of the door like it should be. Like she should be. I opened my eyes and tore my lips away from Jake's consuming kiss to look at Celine lounging by the side of our bed with what looked like a first aid box in her hands.

  "Richard sent me up with this. I don't know why. You look like you're getting more than enough TLC as it is. Tell me does the kiss it better treatment really work?" Celine smiled down at us sweetly but it was wasted on Jake.

  "Get the hell out!" Jake all but snarled at her making me feel a little bad. She did come carrying the much needed first aid. So I smacked Jake's chest and pushed him away. Scrambling to my feet I grabbed Jake’s t-shirt that was hanging on a chair and pulled it over. Then I took the first aid kit off Celine who was all this while shooting vile glares at Jake who returned it with interest.

  "Thank you," I said walking her backwards to the door. I shut the door and leaned my tired head on it.

  After a while I said," We should get dressed and head downstairs for dinner. I'm starving."

  "Let me look at those first," Jake said resigned to the inevitable. He reached out for the box as I approached the bed then telling me to sit beside him he opened the box and rummaged through it. Pulling out an ointment and a spray he made me remove my t-shirt as he went over each scratch and bruise placing kisses where the salve was not required. I never felt so cherished before. I guess Celine had it right. Kisses do make me feel better.

  I pulled him in for a long kiss when he was done and that delayed our arrival for dinner so that I was absolutely famished when I hobbled in the dining room on Jake's arms.

  Filling my plate full I took my seat at the furthest end from Sadiq who lifted his flute of champagne in toast to me. I wanted to lift the finger in reply but only just managed to restrain the urge in time. I refused to look at him to the extent of even participating in any conversion with the other guests seated along the table. Jake chipped in then to answer concerned queries about my earlier adventure taking the attention away from me and for that I was intensely grateful.

  Then he moved the discussion away to matters that held little interest for me. He started off by conversing about the stock market with the person to the right of him who could only be a merchant banker for the level of in depth understanding he had. I happily tuned out and gave all my attention to the juicy steak before me. I dug in with relish and parted equal measure of attention and enjoyment to each and every dish that passed beneath my fork. It was only when I was well into desert that I finally gave my attention to the strange prickly feeling I had been registering throughout but pointedly ignoring.

  I looked up at Richard and then at Sadiq and then turned back to devouring my meal. Who knows it might even be my last meal, ever? At the very least the last one here. Hopefully.

  The meal was almost over when Richard suddenly stood up and lifting his champagne flute he offered a toast.

  "I thank you all for joining me here to enjoy the rustic life," he started to say and a tinkle of laughter rang across the dinner table. Mine I was sure sounded ironic there was nothing here remotely rustic… excepting Sadiq, of course.

  "But as those of you who know me, know I do not as a rule take recreational breaks, I move on to the purpose of this visit. To thank the Amir Sadiq Al Fayad for his generosity in extending his support to fund the Reeves and Neels’s joint venture in expansions into a new product line that will revolutionise how we do business. The Amir's funding will enable an entirely new division to spring forth from the bosom of our core market leaders to create something new that will become the cash cows of the future....."

  I lost him at the point where he mentioned cows. To me it sounded like he was selling the Sadist cows but I knew that was not the case. I found my eyes wondering over the table and taking in the reactions of everyone there and they all appeared to be listening with rapt attention. Even Jake was smiling enthusiastically and then my eyes settled on the Amir. Sadiq was staring back right at me. His expression was mocking if somewhat almost questioning but what was it he wanted. I looked back quizzically and at his slightest raise of his eye brow I instantly comprehended.

  "No! You promised," I burst out interrupting the speech Richard was giving and in the process drawing all eyes on me.

  I flushed red with embarrassment and pushed away from the table. I could not sit there anymore not especially if Sadiq did what he had implied he would and that is to rescind his offer to finance Richard's efforts. I knew he would do it to spite me. To spite Richard. It was all my fault. I thought back in despair. Dad was right I really do not belong in this world. I do not belong with Jake. He deserved better.

  I ignored Jake calling out to me to wait up. I didn't even spare a glance Richard's way to see what his reaction would be to my outburst before his friends instead I ran back to my room and threw myself on the bed.

  The clock ticked noisily on but there was nothing. No sleep and no Jake. My tired mind flew assessing all possibilities considering all possible scenarios that could have unfolded below stairs after my leaving. It must have been nearly dawn when the door to my room creaked open. I turned around to have the bright glare from the corridor lit upon me. I squinted to see the silhouette of Jake come through the doorway. Then the door fell shut behind him. I heard the rustling of clothes and knew he was undressing. Then the bed creaked beside me and the mattress rolled beneath me and finally the sce
nt of his fragrance hit me.

  "Richard?" I gasped out loud. I turned to face him but he was barely discernable in the dark.

  "Yes it’s me," was all he said before falling silent again.

  "Why?" I asked simply.

  "Jake had to escort the Amir back to the city. Celine accompanied them," and then after a pause he added," I didn't want to be alone."

  That had me reaching out to him like nothing else would. I wrapped my arms about him and held on tight forgetting entirely that he had his latest paramour waiting for him in his own bed.

  "What did Sadiq say?" I asked finally unable to stand the suspense.

  "He wanted to warn me that my behaviour would not be tolerated and that the funding conditions would be held strictly to its terms. In short we can expect no clemency nor reconsideration should we default on any clause. He warned me that if we so much as put one foot wrong he would foreclose." He fell silent then no doubt pondering over it all. I too lapsed into my own churning thoughts.

  "What will he gain?" I needed to know.

  "Everything," Richard stated matter-of-factly. My head shot up to stare down at him in the dark and for a while we both simply stared at each other but then he reached out to pull me closer and I dropped my head down to rest on his bare chest. I breathed him in and listened to his heart beats till I was soothed into sleeping.

  "Lucy? Lucy?"

  The soft tones calling my name made me want to snuggle up closer. It was so warm and cozy. But I was being shaken awake. So I stretched against the lean form I was being pressed close to and emitted a loud yawn.

  "Is it morning yet?" I murmured sleepily but got no response in reply. I opened my eyes to see Richard staring down at me. I lay cradled in his arms and looking at him I begun to recall the events of last night. I turned to look out the window and saw that the sun was rising. It was past dawn at least. Still too early for me but not I realised for Richard.

  "Not quite," he said then he laid back on the bed and pulled me up on him. I have only ever lain on Jake like this but I was not uncomfortable. We fitted well together.

  "I have something to say you before I leave," he begun ominously sending a pit of apprehension to roll about in my stomach," I like you… a lot. I have never ever felt like this about anyone."

  He stopped there leaving me breathless while searching for the right words, "But I don't want to like you. You're young and naive and oddly spastic. In short you are not the one for me. I cannot continue to like you."

  I gaped up at him but made no move to get off his chest in a huff because I saw clearly what he meant and couldn't agree more yet even as he spoke my flesh was melded to his and where they touched they sizzled.

  "You are not meant for Jake either. I want you to realise that_."

  I decided to cut him off there," Then why are you in my bed? Why do you keep approaching me? Why am I here in your home at all?"

  I raised my head to glare sharply down at him but he only grinned before grimacing in frustration.

  "You are my weaknesses. My Achilles Heels. You bring me out of my senses every time I see you. You always have. You have no idea just how long I've been all but stalking you. Do you remember when we first me?"

  That question snowballed me for my last strong recollection of him was at my 16th birthday party.

  "You were fourteen and I was nineteen. You have no idea what kind of a pervert you made me feel like then but I think I it was back then that I almost fell for you," he paused there recollecting.

  "Almost?" I asked wanting to know but he pretended he hadn't heard and continued on with his tale.

  "That first time… I had followed Jake over to your home then and you came in through the back door of your home trailing mud. You almost walked right into me before you stopped short and screamed I hate Richard Reeves!"

  I gasped trying to recall that incident.

  "I was stunned for as far as I knew you didn't even know me. I stared into your beautiful greys and fell in love with your eyes. Then I asked you why. Why you hated me? And you said it's not me you hated but Richard Reeves for he was ruining your weekend plans with Jake. It was because of Richard you wouldn't be going to the beach house at all...because of me," Richard finished regaling the tale with a tender smile playing across his lips.

  I didn't get it. If I declared I hated him that should have hardly endeared me to him.

  I shook my head at him puzzled.

  "Yes I don't quite understand it myself. I've had years to try to figure it out but I just don't know why or what it is about you that have held me captivated for so many years. Do you know you are the reason I became best friends with Jake. After that day I always wanted to see you whenever I could so I hung about with him as much as I could," he explained simply.

  I only shook my head at him some more.

  I turned to stare up at the empty ceiling. I was certain no answers could be found there but that didn't stop me from looking.

  "Why don't you want me with you? Or with Jake for that matter?" I knew my own reasons for not pursuing this with either but what was his?

  "You're too good for either of us," Richard replied simply. "I'm not as I seem. I have baggage you shouldn't have to deal with and Jake. Well I simply can't stand to see you with him. I'm selfish that way," he stated pragmatically while staring up at the ceiling too. They really should add something up there. Patterned cornice maybe?

  "I think I may really like Jake," I found myself admitting to him of all people. "But I feel something for you too." I was confused and I wanted him to know it.

  "Jake said he loves me," I felt compelled to continue when Richard remained silent just listening.

  "What did you say?" he asked then. I wasn't sure if I detected some urgency in his tone but he grew tense and listened intently.

  I became conscious of the importance of my reply. So I didn't immediately reply. I thought it through. Did I love Jake? I knew I loved being with him. He was like an extension of me. A missing limb. But was he a limb I could live without? Then again what was love anyhow and if I needed to ask was that not indication enough over my true feelings for him. I honestly didn't know how I felt and I wasn't as yet ready to be in love. But did being ready matter at all when you're in love?

  My questions threw me further into turmoil. In the end I decided it didn't matter. Jake wanted me and Richard didn't. That was all I needed to know. I turned to Richard and said clearly even as the door to the room flew open.

  "I love Jake."

  The echo of that statement rang off in my ears long after I uttered it. It was as if time stood still or at the very least passed in slow motion as Jake made it through the door at the same time as Richard's face contorted with pain. It was at that moment that like a mass of grey clouds clearing through an out pour of rain my swirling doubts cleared away in an instant.

  The fading fear on Jake's face and the sorrow on Richard's made me realise I was torn between my love and my love. I loved them both.

  "You love me?" Jake asked quietly.

  I turned to face him and was stunned by the joy on his face. My own lit up as it never did before. I glowed from inside out realising that it was true. I loved Jake!

  "I love you!" I all but shouted out at him before I leaped up off the bed and flew into his arms.

  Behind me the motions on the bed enlightened me of Richard's intensions to leave. I felt my heart wrench instantly at that thought. I reached out blindly behind me and he must have seen my intent for Richard caught my other hand even as I remained enveloped in Jake's embrace.

  I pulled away then and held on to both of their hands tightly. I had to be honest to both of them. They were my love and I was certain I was theirs.

  "I love you both!" I announced boldly.

  "But I cannot have you both. So I think it’s best if I have neither of you," I said this even as my heart broke painfully. It was the only way. My love for Jake may be fulfilled if I accepted only him but how could I rejoice in his love
when Richard was suffering from a loss that was both self-induced as it was necessary. I could not sacrifice him for Jake and vice versa.

  "What the hell?" Jake demanded incredulous over my outburst. "What the fuck does that mean? You're dropping me for him?"

  I sighed but the love I felt for him that shone out in my eyes didn't diminish. I simply looked on at him till he saw it.

  "You really do love me," Jake breathed out then finally believing what I felt for him was real. His eyes watered as he realised that I also meant it when I said we should be apart.

  "No," he stated with finality.

  "Jake," I pleaded with my eyes I couldn't love him and not Richard. I couldn't see Richard suffer like that and not have my own heart shatter each time. I knew it would shatter because Richard's silent suffering was louder than my own. It would always be so.

  "No," said Richard tightly. His expression was inscrutable but I read it loud and clear.

  "Richard," I said simply.

  "Bloody hell Lucy," Richard finally burst out impatiently," you cannot love us both and while I don't want you with Jake I don't want you to love him either."

  "Fuck you!" Jake launched himself across the room at Richard and the both went tumbling back onto the bed. I watched them at it for a while. Each grappling with the other trying to get on top and out do the other. I signed and shook my head at their antics. As if this would resolve anything. I restrained the urge to toss myself over them and enjoy a threesome wrestling session. Then unbearably turned on by my wayward thoughts I decided breakfast might be ready and went off to brush my teeth.

  Chapter 15

  "Drop it!"

  "You drop it!" I said.

  I stood there glaring at Jake wrapped up in his towel as I was in mine. It was a stalemate. A Mexican stand-off. There was no way I was dropping my towel simply at his say so.

  Jake smirked at me. Strangely it was as if this morning never happened. As if Jake hadn't come barging into our room to find his suspicions was correct. That Richard was in bed with me. That we were both scantily clad and terribly indecent. A state any boyfriend would have freaked out and maybe even shot of a few rounds of M16 over. But Jake was remarkably restrained. Maybe that wrestling session worked. I guess I just didn’t understand the dynamics of the relationship Jake had with Richard. I only knew they both couldn’t do without the other. After his little scuffle with Richard during which Richard left in a huff Jake went as far as declaring me insane and his.