Just Breathe - Sample

Chapter two

Chapter Two

“Let’s get out of here,” Mr. Davenport said as we made our way through the chaos of LAX arrivals. I had never seen this many people in my life. I dragged my hot pink suitcase behind me while desperately attempting to keep my eyes open. My mind was running a hundred miles an hour and I was trying to absorb everything going on around me. I couldn’t believe I was in Los Angeles.

“Let’s go and find me a man!” I replied with a smirk and nudged him in the side as excitement simmered inside of me. My biggest reason to live was to taunt him.

He shook his head at me and rolled his eyes in frustration. “You will be the death of me.” He chuckled as his lips curved into a smile.

The sunshine of Los Angeles hit my face and caused a tingly sensation to sweep my skin. We walked toward the awaiting car that had been organized to take us to our apartments in a comfortable silence while my eyes darted around my surroundings. I loved the way the sun caressed my skin like a much wanted need. My skin felt like it was screaming at me after eighteen hours without natural sunlight or a good cleanse and moisturize. My pleasure, however, was short-lived as Mr. Davenport ushered me into the waiting car. The smell of leather engulfed my senses and my body molded quickly into the plush leather seat as exhaustion swam through every inch of my body. It was 11 a.m., and I was tipsy and tired. All I wanted was to climb into bed and float away to dreamland.

My heavy eyes drifted to the window beside me and I watched Los Angeles buzz around me. It was so different from Sydney. The hills in the distance contrasted beautifully with the fevered busyness of the freeways around us. I watched as familiar landmarks passed me by, and my excitement bubbled over as I saw the words Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Melrose flash before me. This was going to be such an adventure. The freeways of Los Angeles soon became streets, and thirty minutes later, the driver was telling me we had arrived at my new apartment. I lifted my sunglasses from shading my eyes, looked out the window, and squealed. This couldn’t be right. I looked at Mr. Davenport in astonishment and the grin on his face answered my question.

“What the fuck?” I cried in disbelief. My busy eyes scanned the pool, the perfectly maintained lawns, and the white and rustic orange décor of the ten-story apartment building in front of me. It was breathtakingly beautiful. “Thank you, Mr. Davenport. This is amazing. I am, for once in my life, speechless.” I scooted across the seat and wrapped my arms tightly around him.

He hugged me back and narrowed his eyes. “You are never going to call me Simon, are you?”

“I do it just to piss you off.” I smirked before the driver opened the passenger door beside me. I climbed out of the cab and waved goodbye. I could still hear him mumbling to himself as I closed the door behind me.

In a happy daze, I pushed open the double glass doors that led to the foyer of my new apartment block. It was chic and eccentric and it had a Hollywood feel. I fell in love almost immediately. I walked toward the reception desk, eyes bouncing around the foyer, and I couldn’t hold the happiness in any longer as a smile overtook my face. This place was perfect. There was the overwhelming sound of chattering people lingering, and there was a coffee stand and a snack machine that I knew would fuel my M &M’s addiction. My eyes were zigzagging all over the place in an eager attempt to take it all in.

Holy shit!

My body felt like it had been hit by a freight train, and my breath escaped my chest when my eyes first landed on him.

Standing by the lifts was Mr. Sex on Legs. He held himself with a confidence that would make any woman squirm. He was perfection—the ultimate panty dropper. I watched from afar in pure amusement as his hands lingered on the hips of a giggling young woman who was wearing a skirt that left nothing to the imagination. He whispered in her ear, softly kissing her neck while she continued giggling. He had no regard for where he was or who could be watching. I smirked to myself as I watched him; I could pick a player from a mile away because it was like I was watching myself. He was using all of my favorite moves.