Let Me Love You Read online

  The song changes and I feel an arm slip around my waist and a hard warm body pushes flush against my back. I lean into the body that’s grinding into me and I grind back. The guy runs his hands up and down my arm, causing my skin to heat up. I don’t know how long we dance for, as my head is swimming from the alcohol and I start to feel unsteady on my feet. The body is hot and solid. He feels so good and Goddamn, he smells good. Marie pulls me off from the dance floor and sits me back in the red leather booth. I’m a tad drunk. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, oh boy do I pay for it the next morning.

  Ellie and Marie call me a cab, as I’m in no fit state to walk, or get myself home for that matter. I share the cab with the girls, as they don’t want to leave me alone. We pull up outside my house and they help me over to Scarlett, who is waiting for me. She doesn’t look too pleased with me.

  “What the hell Natalia? Don’t you know when to stop?” Scarlett must be mad, she only uses my full first name when she is really mad. “Obviously not.” She states. Scarlett is the more responsible one now.

  “She was really nervous Scar, she needed to unwind.” Ellie explains.

  “Fine. I’ll take her from here. You girls should go home, it’s late.” Scarlett lays down the law to my adult friends. I think she forgets that we’re twenty-four. Scarlett has to help me into the house and up to my room, as everything is blurry and shifting. I bounce from side to side of the door frame of my bedroom like a human ping pong ball. I fall onto my bed. Scarlett starts undressing me and then everything goes black.

  I wake up to the sun beaming through my bedroom window, which is typical for a summer morning in California. The heat in my room is unbearable. Why didn’t Scarlett close my curtains and open my window last night? My head feels like a high school drum line. I climb out of my bed and go to the bathroom to grab some painkillers and a glass of water. I need this hangover to be gone, like now. I try to focus on the clock to see what time it is, but my body is still pumping the SoCo and lemonade around my body. Its eleven forty-five. Have I really slept that long? For Scarlett just to leave me here isn’t like her at all. I must have really pissed her off last night.

  I look around my bedroom for my phone. I see my jeans and blazer on the chair in the corner of my room. I find my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. I see that I have had three texts from Cassidy and two missed calls. Great, she is in panic mode now because I haven’t contacted her back. Typical Cassidy.

  Me: Hey Cass, I’m fine, really hung-over. text u l8ter ok

  I must have slept the day away, as Scarlett wakes me up when she gets in from work. I have to do some grovelling with my big sis to try and get back in her good books.

  “Hey Scar, how was work? Are you hungry? I can make us something.” It’s like I’m begging for her forgiveness, but I only got drunk. It’s not like I did something awful, right? Scarlett sits at the dining table while I dish out the take-out she brought home with her. I’m very glad for it, as I’m still in no state to cook for us. We make small talk and Scarlett goes through her plans for her big three-0 party.

  “Are you bringing anyone to my party, Tally? I need to know so I can add a plus one.” Scarlett looks at me, searching for any clues to see if I have a man in my life, which of course I don’t.

  “Nope. Sorry Scar, just me.” I shrug. I clear our plates away into the sink. My phone rings, but Scarlett gets to it before me. She sees the caller and gives me a full Scarlett Slone smile while handing me the phone.

  Without looking at the screen, I answer the call. “Hello?”

  “Am I speaking to Natalia Slone?” A man’s smooth voice comes through the phone. I look at Scarlett and have a quick glance at my phone screen. Only then do I see the caller Id. The man is calling from Exposure.

  “Yes, this is she.”

  “Oh good. Miss Slone, my name is Tanner and I work at Exposure. We were hoping that we could move your interview to tomorrow at two-fifteen if that is okay with you. Saturday has become unavailable.” I look at my sister, who is leaning her elbows on the table, staring at me.

  “Yes, of course that will be fine. I can rearrange my work hours.” I look at Scarlett who is nodding eagerly, having no clue as to what she is agreeing to. The man lets out a big sigh and I know that he is relieved that I can make the new appointment.

  “Oh Miss Slone, you just saved me a whole lot of hassle, thank you. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at two-fifteen. Have a good evening.” I hang up and look at Scarlett. I know I’m blushing big time. My nerves kick in and I begin to shake.

  “I need a few hours off tomorrow Scar. They have moved my interview up to tomorrow at two-fifteen.” Scarlett jumps around the table and hugs me in a big sis way.

  “Ring mom and dad. They are going to want to know.” I grip my phone and ring my parents to inform them of the change to my big interview.

  After a big talk with my parents, I go upstairs and run a hot bubble bath to help me relax. I lay in the tub, smoothing the bubbles over my silky soft skin and started to get turned on by my thoughts of the hot guy from the bar. What was his name again, something Wilde? It’s funny how I only remember his last name. I chuckle to myself. It’s been so long since I last had sex. I let my hands slowly move over my nipples and they harden from my touch. I stop in my tracks and I remember Dean. My whole body shivers as his face flashes through my head. I shake it off and climb out of the bath. I dry quickly, get into my PJs, and jump into my bed. I lie in bed, staring at the plain white ceiling while ‘The Script’ plays softly from my iPod. It isn’t long until I drift off to sleep.

  I wake with a jolt as my alarm stars beeping from my bedside table. I hit the off button and lay there thinking about how I can make this day be over with already. I join Scarlett in the kitchen. “Wow! You’re showered and dressed already, you feeling okay?” She winks at me and I give her a-you-really-have-to-ask look. She turns away, continuing to make our breakfast. I sit in silence to eat my bagel and scrambled egg while Scarlett talks on the phone to someone I’m assuming has something to do with her party.

  We drive to work with Iron and Wine’s ‘Flightless Bird’ playing in the car soothing my nerves. When we arrive at work I decide to sort the new stock out which will take my mind off my afternoon appointment. I sort through the new dresses and shoes that have just arrived. It takes most of the day to account all the stock and sort orders, for which I am very grateful.

  Scarlett comes into the back office. “Pup it’s time to go, you ready?”

  I hated her calling me ‘Pup’, but it’s been her and my older brother Jake’s nickname for me since I was a baby. They asked our parents for a puppy, but they brought me home instead and the nickname just stuck with me. I look up at Scarlett and I know that the entire color has drained from my face. I take a deep breath and stand.

  “Ok, let me just grab my bag.” I’m so glad that Scarlett is driving me to Exposure. I don’t think I would have been able to drive with my nerves. We arrive at one-fifty-five and Scarlett drops me off outside the rather large white building. She kisses me on the cheek and wishes me good luck before driving off. I’m on my own looking at this immaculate building. I’m so glad that I decided to wear my black skirt which stops just above my knees and a cream short sleeve blouse and my flats. ‘You got this Tally’ I breathe. My phone peeps and I take it out of my bag to check. There are a few texts from family and friends wishing me good luck on my interview.

  I walk into the reception area which has a black semi-circle desk that comes right up to chest height with the company name Exposure in bold silver letters. There are doors either side going all the way back which I’m assuming are studios. Just behind the desk are two stair cases, which meet at the top. Everything is white with splashes of silver and black. The receptionist stands when I approach the desk. “Hi, Natalia Slone for an interview at two-fifteen. I know I’m early” I just look at this perfect looking twenty-something young woman with a perfect face, body and short blonde h
air. She picks up the phone, hits a number and informs the person on the other end that I’ve arrived.

  “Please take a seat, someone will be with you shortly.” I nod and take a seat. I sit and watch as beautiful people come and go. Models, most definitely models. I think to myself that Lucas would be in heaven if he were with me. Not too long after I arrive, a young man maybe early to mid-twenties walks over to the reception desk, glances at me and walks in my direction, stopping just a few feet in front of me.

  “Natalia Slone?” Comes a smooth voice from my left.

  I stand “Yes?”

  “Come with me please.” I follow this rather good looking man, all bleached blonde hair, blue eyes and tall; he obviously works out. He has to work out to get an ass like that. He takes me up the stairs and into a large office, where he sits next to Mrs. Silver and another man casually dressed in dark jeans and a tight black t-shirt. Mrs. Silver gives me a look as if she is thinking where she has seen me before.

  The blonde tells me to sit and I comply. They leave me sitting there while they flick through my portfolio, surely they should have done this before I came in. The blonde looks at me and then back to Mrs. Silver. Mr. Casual looks up at me.

  “Have you been taking photographs for long Miss Slone?” He asks. I look at them, thinking that I went through all of this when they phoned me the first time.

  “I have been taking photos since I was ten years old. My brother Jake bought me a camera for my tenth birthday. It’s always been just a hobby for me.” They confer amongst themselves. They all turn to me and smile with little giggles.

  “Natalia, can I ask a quick question?” I nod yes. “Are you related to Jake Slone of LA Galaxy?”

  I smile at the blonde hottie. “Yes, Jake is my big brother.” He nods and gives me a beautiful smile.

  They laugh and Mrs. Silver sits forward in her chair. “This is all for show Natalia, or should I call you Tally. We try to look mean, but we can never keep a straight face,” says Mrs. Silver. So, she does remember me. They all relax and come and sit at my end of the table.

  “So, who taught you to take such amazing photos, Natalia?” Mr. Casual asks, then realizes that I don’t know his name. “Sorry for not introducing myself. I’m Carlos. I’m the head photographer here and I think we are going to get along nicely. I love raw, natural talent like yourself,” he says matter of factly.

  “Oh, please call me Tally.” He nods at me. The hot blonde offers me his hand

  “I’m Tanner, nice to meet you. I’m the guy who phoned last night.” I visibly relax, with the introductions out of the way. We chat for about one hour. Mrs. Silver asks me if I would like Carlos to show me around to see if I like the place, and I agree. I would love to see what goes on inside these big famous studios of Exposure, just in case it will be my last chance. I follow Carlos out of the big room and he starts showing me all the different studios. Each studio has a different purpose, like the glamour shoots, the family shoots etc. He shows me the aptly named ‘E’ room, which is where the clients relax before a shoot, where the buffet table is always full and the drinks table looks as if it should belong at a house party,. Even though the whole building looks very professional, it’s also very laid back.

  Carlos introduces me to staff members as we walk through the different studios and everyone seems really nice and down to earth. As we are walking past one of the back studios, a small group of men walk out in front of us and head for the stairs. Carlos shouts to one of the men and they all stop and turn to face us. “Hey Sam, this is Tally. She has a job interview here today. I was just showing her around.” Not all of the men turn around until I speak.

  “Nice to meet you Sam, I have seen some of your photos online. You’re amazing.” I say to Sam, who is just beautiful. He is a tall, tanned man with jet black hair, green eyes, olive skin, and is very well dressed. The last of the men turns to face us and I go blood red.

  Oh my God, it’s him.

  It’s James Wilde!

  Chapter 3

  James is wearing black jeans with a grey long sleeved Henley and grey vest. So damn hot. I’m locked in a gaze with Wilde. Carlos looks back and forth between Wilde and I.

  “Have you guys finished your meeting?” Carlos turns and asks Sam, to which he nods. Wilde is staring right at me as if I’m the only person in the hallway. The men’s voices fade into the background. I can’t look away from Wilde, our eyes still locked on each other. I can feel my skin heating up. He completely ignores everyone who is talking and comes straight at me. He stops directly in front of me and I can feel his feather light touch on my hip.

  “Hello again Tally. Did you enjoy drinks with your friends the other night?” I blush and try to remember my drunken antics.

  “I did, thank you. Did you enjoy your evening?” He gives a sexy smirk and I flush again.

  “I did also, thank you. I spent most of my night just dancing and enjoying the view.” Wilde winks at me. Oh God, what did I do? No he couldn’t mean me, could he? I give Carlos a look. He smiles and politely excuses us from the group. I glance back at the men and Wilde is watching me walk away with a very smug look on his face. As we hit the bottom of the stairs, Carlos stops me.

  “Do you know James Wilde?” I shake my head and explain.

  “He jumped the line at a bar I was at the other night.” Carlos and I join Mrs. Silver and Tanner at the reception desk. They inform me that they have a few more candidates to look at and they will be in touch. I say my goodbyes and make my way out onto the street.

  It’s a beautiful day yet again, so I stroll back to Scarlett Avenue. It doesn’t take long to get there. As I walk through the door, Scarlett comes darting towards me. Thank heavens she can run in heels. She gives me a big sis hug and can’t wait to get all the details

  “So? How did it go? They loved you, didn’t they?” She asks, a huge smile painted on her face. I’m stunned by her confidence in me.

  “They are going to let me know once they finishing interviewing everyone else. It was really nice there, the workers are really friendly and I could be friends with the manager, Carlos. Oh, and Tanner, Mrs. Silver’s PA, is very cute.” I need to go and give Cassidy the run down on my interview and tell herabout my little run in with James ‘hot and sexy’ Wilde.

  At the end of the day, we lock the store up and head to our parents’ house for our family night. Mom started this family tradition when we all moved out into our own places. We arrive at our parents’ place and mom is in the kitchen with Marcy, her housekeeper, adding the finishing touches to our family meal. My dad was in his study as always, finishing his lawyer work for the day. I poke my head around his office door and wave. He looks up, giving me a smile and a little wave. Scarlett and I go and say hi to our mom.

  “Hey, Mom.” I lean in and kiss her on her cheek. “What are you cooking?” My mom signals us to sit at the table in the dining room while she chews on a chunk of food. I’m so happy to see my big brother sitting at the table, tapping away on his laptop. I lean against the door frame. “Hey hot stuff.” I always call him that because that’s what my friends called him. They all had a crush on him in high school. Ellie still has a crush on him. Jake looks up and sees me. He shoots me a big boyish grin, shuts his laptop, and makes his way over to me. Jake is tall like Scarlett, with short brown hair and green eyes. He has one arm covered in a tattooed sleeve. On his wrist is a special tattoo. Jake has a heart with wings on either side. That tattoo symbolises the three of us. He got it after the Dean incident.

  “Hey pup, how was the interview?” Jake asks while pulling me in for a hug.

  Again with the nickname. I roll my eyes at him. He gives me a big bear hug and almost squeezes all the air from my lungs.

  “Oh God Jake, I can’t breathe. Put me down you ape,” I say, breathless. Jake puts me down, not letting go of my hands, and twists my ring on my finger. He has done that since he and Scarlett gave it to me. We haven’t seen each other in a few weeks because he was on tour with hi
s soccer team. Jake has played soccer for LA Galaxy for two years now. He plays left wing and is awesome, if I do say so myself. I’m very proud of my big brother. He gives Scarlett a big hug and we all sit at the table and chat while waiting for our parents come to join us. After our parents join us, we start eating our meal. Marcy has done amazing yet again, with roast chicken, potatoes, and the typical vegetables. I have known Marcy all my life. She is like another member of our family. I’m driving, so Scarlett is having a glass of wine or two. The conversation is about how my dad’s day went, even though he couldn’t go into full details of his case. We also chatted about my interview.

  My dad is good looking for his age. He is an older looking version of Jeffery Dean Morgan. “How did the interview go Natalia?” My dad turns to me and asks, so I go into full detail about how it went. I tell them how amazing Mrs Silver is, how Carlos would be great to work for, and that I could really enjoy working there. I didn’t say anything about James Wilde being there. My body temperature raises just thinking about him and a slight throb starts between my legs.

  Why does he have this effect on me??

  After we have finished eating, my dad and Jake go and watch soccer on TV while Scarlett, my mom, and I take to the kitchen and have a nice girly chat about clothes, shoes, handbags and Scarlett’s birthday party of course. She is having a big, lavish, cocktail style party. Ladies will be in evening gowns and the men in tuxes. I’m so not looking forward to wearing an evening gown and heels. I don’t do heels and Scarlett knows this, but she says I have to, as it’s her big three-0 birthday. As the night winds down, we say our goodbyes to our parents and the three of us leave. I’m glad I’m driving, as Scarlett drank a little more than a one or two glasses of wine. We have to drop Jake off at his place, as it’s on our way home anyway. I’m driving and we are all singing at the top of our voices to ‘Lazy Song’ by Bruno Mars. Scarlett and Jake are going crazy doing the dance moves, but it’s so nice to be here with my big sister and brother. I love them to death.