Invisible String

Chapter 36 - So It Goes

The next morning I woke up and attempted to write. It took three cups of coffee and a few inspirational texts from Jaiden before I got out some good work. It was a new book I'd started since I'd finished the romance one and sent it into Royal Tribute. But I had no idea where this new one was going.

I checked my email around five in the afternoon and responded to a lunch request from Robin. Afterward, I decided to take a break and watch TV. I got so caught up in a couple of silly programs that I lost track of time and missed Jaiden calling me. He'd also texted, but I was really into the criminal program I was watching.

I was eating popcorn when a commercial for some gossip show came on. Alex and his new girlfriend were the hot topic of the night.

The woman on TV said, "Are things moving too fast for Alex Lehane and Annika Pandeni? He's already moved in with the supermodel in his new NYC apartment?"

Videos and paparazzi photos then displayed movers taking stuff into his apartment building, and then it showed Alex and whats-her-face carrying boxes together.

I got up from my bed and turned off the television. Without giving it much thought, I went into my closet and put on a short, loose, lacey-black dress. I let down my hair, grabbed my purse, phone, and keys, then left.

I found a cab and got in. Within minutes I was calling Jaiden.

"Hannah? I called you like an hour ago."

"What's your address? I need to give it to the driver."

"Why?" he asked, clearly confused. "Did we have plans tonight?"

"No." I asked, "Are you busy?"

"No, actually. My plans got canceled."

"Then give me your address."

He gave it to me, and he only lived ten minutes away. The driver rushed me there, and I got out after paying him. It was a lavish building and about a bazillion floors high. I looked up as I walked into the entrance. I reached the front desk and told the woman who I was there to see. She directed me to the elevator.

"Floor eight is his."

I walked away and pressed the number eight. The elevator hummed as it went up, and I mumbled, "What am I doing?" I shook my head crazily as I ran my fingers through my short hair. "This is stupid. Stupid," I said, once more as the elevator stopped and buzzed open.

Jaiden stood on the other side, smiling. He leaned against the elevator door. "So, are you going to tell me why you're here all of a sudden?"

I looked into his eyes and suddenly, whatever had been lying deep down inside me came crawling out, and I leaped forward and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed fiercely. He was startled at first, obviously. His hands hesitated over my arms as I ran my fingers through his hair. His lips tasted strongly of whiskey, but I didn't care.

He pulled away briefly. "Hannah, I have wanted this for so long," he breathed into my mouth, "You know that." He brushed his finger against my cheek.

I kissed him back as fervently, hungering for this moment.

"Han." He opened his eyes and pushed gently on my chin, lifting it up so that my gaze would meet up with his. I looked into his eyes, my lips pulling away from his. "Are you sure–"

"Don't." I put a finger against them. "Don't. Please. Can we do this without talking? I don't want to talk. I don't want to think."

His lips pressed up against my own again as he pulled me inside, and the doors closed behind us. He pushed me against his foyer wall, moving my dress up as he ran his finger along the inner side of the top of my panties, sending an intense heat between my legs.