She gave me a petulant pout. She was really in a great mood and I was tired of sharing my time with her, I wanted to get her alone.
“I think we should get ready to go,” I said gazing at her for her take as I had my arm wrapped around her shoulder.
“Oh, sure,” she said softy with a soft smile. “Brad, it was great meeting you. I'm a huge fan,” she caressed my hand hanging from her shoulder as she said that. I don't know if I was over-thinking it, but that was her way of inviting me in while she was paying another man a compliment. I liked that.
“Why, thank you, Ms. Brimm. I appreciate that,” Brad said unperturbedly. He's used to this type of attention.
Rayna lifted her head to me for direction. I gave Brad some dap and we made our way to the front of the property where Ray was waiting. But before we could make it to the back doors of the house I could feel eyes burning the back of my head. I turned to see Spin and Britni gawking our every move. I just ignored them and kept it moving. That Britni chick seemed like trouble.
“Thanks for dressing me up and dragging me out of the house, Azmeer!” she jeered, mocking Rick. Cute.
“Are you that wealthy that you could help fund a movie with star power like Brad?” Rayna asked intrigued.
I squinted my eyes surprised by the question. “So they say.”
We both laughed.
I'm not accustomed to speaking about my money with anyone because it's so complicated. I've done extremely well legitimately, it's noted by the IRS. But then I have an equally impressive stash of dirty money that's under the table. I will keep my dark life away from Rayna for as long as I possibly can. That life is ending and the new one has been promising and rewarding thus far. She is a part of that new life. Out with old and in with the new.
As soon as we were in the car, Rayna scooted over and snuggled underneath me.
“Tired?” I asked.
“It's been a long day.” She lifted her head to meet my eyes and clarified, “And it was eventful and exciting thanks to you, Mr. Jacobs.” She searched my eyes.
I nodded in acknowledgement.
The ride home was long but smooth. Rayna and I talked some and rode in silence toward the end of our journey. I thought about my exchange with Spin. She was flummoxing. I attempted to be as clear and honest with her as possible, but the look in her eyes was weird for me. She seemed hurt and I didn't understand why.
Chapter 6
Rayna
It was a Tuesday evening and time for me to clock out of work. I couldn't help but to feel blue. While Azna is a fury ball of joy, his nuzzling wasn't enough to distract me from my pining of Azmir. I missed him and it had only been twenty-four hours. Normally, I'd be consumed with Michelle and Erin so it wouldn't be much of an issue.
It saddened me to realize that I couldn't even call to share my solitary feelings with Michelle. I suddenly realized that since our return from the East Coast, I'd been with Azmir nearly every day—and I couldn't but guess it had been by his design. Now that he had been half way across the world, I was lonely.
Oh, well. I'll get through this day-by-day. I always do.
When I got in the bed I was alerted of an email. It's Azmir!
Good evening. You should be in bed by now. Shit - you had better be in bed by now. I'm all too sorry that I'm not there with you. How's our pet child?
Holy shit! He referred to the dog as our pet child! We share something? My belly filled with butterflies. My goodness! Does this man really have this much of an effect on me?
As predicted I am in bed. A very lonely bed. A very cold, lonely bed. Azna is here relaxing with me but he's not 6 feet 4 inches of unadulterated pleasure. However, he's my only connection to you so I'll deal. What are you up to?
Good. I'm taking a bathroom break from a meeting. My body is still on PST. In other words: I gotta love jones. Missing you. Gotta go...