Maneater Page 12

  After pacing for another ten minutes, and five more unanswered phone calls, I can’t sit here any longer. I run out to my car and jump inside. I’m driving over to his place to get some answers.

  The traffic is ridiculous, and I’m sweating, stressed, not knowing what the fuck has happened, where he is, and what is going on. I try his phone again on my Bluetooth; straight to voicemail this time without even ringing.

  Up ahead, I see a four-car pile-up, which is obviously the cause for the traffic.

  As I get closer, I see the first car that was hit by the three behind. It’s a Commodore. Holy shit, it’s Dan’s black Commodore; I know his number plate.

  Fuck me!

  I stop my car in the middle of the road, oblivious to everything else. There are cars everywhere as I scream his name. I jump out and run over to his car; he is unconscious inside, with paramedics and specialists working to free him.

  “Dan!” I scream as tears run down my face. Oh God, please don’t let him be dead, nooooo.

  “Miss, you will have to move away,” police officers declare as they keep me from getting closer.

  I drop to my knees in shock as the tears fall.

  How could this be happening? I must be jinxed or something.

  My phone rings from inside my car, bringing me back to reality. Thank God my window was down so I could hear it.

  I hastily run and grab it. “Hello,” I answer shakily.

  “Jemma, did he turn up? Did you go over there? Are you crying?”

  “Oh God, Roxy, he’s been in a car crash. Can you come here? I’m on the Pacific highway near the North Sydney exit,” I manage to say before the tears fall again. I’m feeling grateful for the female police officer who comforts me.

  “What? Oh shit, Jemma, I’m on my way,” Roxy announces, and she hangs up.

  Fifteen minutes later, Roxy’s arms are embracing me as we watch Dan get cut out of his car. His injuries have been stabilised, and the paramedics wheel him onto the ambulance. He is still unconscious, which is the part that scares me most.

  “Let’s go. We will follow the ambulance to North Shore Hospital,” Roxy tells me, holding my hand. Thank God, the other police officer moved my car to a side street, or I’m sure there would have been more crashes.

  “Oh Roxy, I was finally admitting my feelings for him, and now what if it’s too late?” I question, and the tears fall like a monsoon.

  “He will be okay, Jem. There is no way in the world he would give up so easily; he is falling in love with you,” she announces, and I smile. I smile at the thought of him falling in love with me because it doesn’t freak me out. I don’t want to run in the opposite direction. Right now, I want to run into his arms; I want to tell him I’m sorry for making him work so hard and that I’m willing to try all the strings with him.

  When we arrive at Royal North Shore, there is an older couple in the waiting room, and I know it’s his parents. Dan is the spitting image of his dad. His mother is beautiful; she has long chestnut hair, and her outfit is classic and sophisticated.

  “Mr and Mrs Westbrook?” I say, and wonder if they have any idea who I am.

  “Jemma?” they reply, and I’m surprised they know my name. Dan must have mentioned me.

  “Oh Jemma,” Mrs Westbrook says, and hugs me tight as the tears drip down her face.

  I hug her back and comfort her; it must be so hard seeing your son in pain and not be able to fix it.

  “He was so excited to be going away with you for the weekend,” she whispers to me, and I smile. He told his mum about me and our plans. Roxy was right; he really is invested in me.

  “I just couldn’t believe it when he didn’t show up,” I say to her.

  “It’s okay, Jemma. You guys can rebook for another weekend,” she declares and winks at me.

  We sit in the waiting room for the next hour, and when a doctor comes in, we all stand, eager for some information.

  “Mr and Mrs Westbrook, Daniel has three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a broken arm. He is stable, but we have a drain in his lung and we need to monitor him closely over the next twenty-four hours,” the doctor tells us, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

  I was imagining the words vegetable, brain damage, or paraplegic. These injuries can be rectified, thank God.

  “I’m so relieved,” I say, feeling a little better, and Roxy hugs me.

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Mr Westbrook replies, shaking his hand. “Can we see him?” he asks.

  “Yes, just one at a time, please. Mrs Westbrook, you can go first,” the doctor tells her, and she nods and follows him to Dan’s room.

  A little while later, she returns, looking a little shaken, but gives me a soft smile.

  “Your turn, Jemma. He is asking for you.” I’m so eager to see him.

  “Great, thank you.”

  I make my way down the corridor and into his room. He is lying very still with wires everywhere. He has nose prongs in for his lungs, a drain for the fluid, and of course, an IV.

  “Oh, Dan,” I say as I make my way over to him. He has his eyes open, and he manages a smile. Cheeky thing.

  “Sorry I wrecked our plans,” he says softly.

  “Oh, God, don’t say that. I’m so glad you are okay. I was so worried, mister,” I admit and lean over to kiss his lips.

  I lie with my head next to his on the pillow and gently place my hand on his chest, feeling the beating of his heart; the rhythm is soothing.

  ***

  He stays in the hospital for the next week for his lung to be drained and for a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. His arm is in a sling, but he is healing.

  I visit him every day, sometimes twice a day. The thought of losing him has given me a huge wake-up call.

  “You’re looking so much better,” I announce on day five. “Thank God!”

  “It’s because I get to see your pretty face every day,” he replies.

  “Well, I kinda think you’re stuck with me now, mister,” I say playfully, but also to let him know that I’m not going anywhere.

  “Being stuck with you is a dream come true, Miss Donovan.”

  I smile widely. My heart swells, and I just know.

  I have finally decided to say, what the hell! Life is too short for what-if’s.

  When a life-threatening accident shows you just how much a person means to you, you realise that seeing them hurt or injured is heartbreaking to watch.

  For once in my life, I’m going to let down my guard and my wall and see what happens.

  How do I know how it will end?

  Will I get my heart smashed?

  I really, really like him and want to spend more time with him. It’s a no-brainer, really.

  I've fought it for months, and now it's like a lightning bolt.

  “Can you take me home tomorrow, Jem?” he asks me, and I feel special that he chose me over his parents, his brother, or other mates.

  “Of course,” I respond, smiling as I kiss him on his forehead.

  ***

  The next day, I arrive all ready to take him home.

  After a talk with the doctor, he is given the all-clear to leave.

  “In three days, I want you to go to your GP for a check-up,” he’s told.

  “Bye Dan, good luck with your recovery,” a cute little blond nurse calls out as she walks past. I give him the evil eye, and he just shrugs then smirks.

  “She didn’t give you any sponge baths now, did she?” I question him a little jealous.

  “Ha-ha. No, my nurse was around sixty with missing teeth,” he replies and that makes me feel much better, but I wonder if it’s the truth.

  As we walk slowly through the corridors, he looks at me and I smile. I got him a little gift, and I can’t wait any longer to give it to him.

  “Here’s a little something from me,” I tell him, and he looks intrigued.

  I hand him a cute little otter stuffed toy; on his chest, he has the words “Otterly Yours.”

&nb
sp; He looks a little puzzled.

  “Did you know that the otter is my spirit animal?” I ask him, and he shakes his head, smirking. I must sound a little nuts, but hopefully he gets the hint.

  When we reach the car, his eyes are on mine.

  “Do you know how worried I was about you?” I state honestly.

  “Is worrying allowed in your no-strings rule?” he asks sarcastically.

  “I was thinking of ditching the no-strings rule once and for all,” I say to him, and his smile is large and beaming.

  “Really?” he questions.

  “Yep. The thought of almost losing you, Dan, opened my eyes. I really like having you in my life. You mean a lot to me,” I admit, and I’m so proud of myself for saying those words.

  “God, woman, you never cease to amaze me,” he states, squeezing my hand.

  Chapter 24

  Dan

  Hunter Valley

  Three weeks later, I take Jemma on the weekend trip to the Hunter Valley. My recovery has been great; only a small amount of pain on my left side, all fluid gone, and my ribs are healing nicely.

  Jemma drives, as it still hurts me, but I’m a little annoyed that she gets to have all the fun with the red convertible I hired.

  I have a red rose waiting when she comes to pick me up.

  “A rose for my favourite lady,” I declare, handing her the delicious-smelling flower.

  “I’m so excited to stay at the Crowne Plaza, Dan. I’ve heard sensational things,” she tells me, and I nod. I hope the reality lives up to her expectations.

  We load our bags into the convertible and head out of the city. It drives like a dream, and with the roof down, our hair is blowing in the wind. I feel euphoric and energised of what is to come.

  A little over two hours later, we have arrived.

  The Crowne Plaza is gorgeous, with its scenic golf course and breathtaking vineyard views.

  The room is sensational, extremely modern, with a stunning view of the golf course and skyline. The sunset is lighting up the sky.

  The spa bath looks so inviting, too.

  I am pleased to see the champagne and chocolates I ordered on arrival sitting on our bed with a red envelope that has Jemma written on the front.

  I posted this letter last week, so it would be here waiting.

  “That is your handwriting? You have thought of everything. You’re the one who never ceases to amaze me, Dan,” she tells me, and kisses me sweetly.

  “You can open the envelope on Sunday,” I declare, and she rolls her eyes. I know she is impatient, and I like testing her just a little.

  “I've booked the best wine-tasting tour in the Hunter Valley for tomorrow, Jem,” I inform her. The thought of her a little tipsy gets me hard already. “But first, change into something lighter. We both have a one-hour massage booked, starting in ten minutes,” I announce, smiling like a Cheshire cat. A massage and her company is like heaven.

  The massage is wonderful. The masseuse was informed about my injuries, so she avoids those areas. It’s so relaxing.

  “Mmm,” Jemma moans, and I smirk. I plan to make her moan a lot more over the next two days.

  We head back to our room, relaxed and smiling, hand in hand. This is a much-needed blissful escape for the two of us.

  “Swimmers are optional. I’m getting the spa ready,” I announce.

  “I forgot my swimmers, so I guess there is your answer,” she playfully responds, and I’m instantly hard.

  A spa with the beautiful Jemma, naked and ready …

  I strip off my shorts and shirt and eagerly climb into the spa, waiting for her.

  She wanders into the bathroom in nothing but a towel and her hair tied up. She could look sexy in a brown sack, always stunning.

  When she drops the towel, I watch her edible body climb into the spa. I’m so hungry for her.

  I make my way over to where she is like a magnet to her. My hands playfully explore up her back and then rub along her arms, sending chills across her skin. She shudders.

  I’m all about pleasing her this weekend—and always—as I place soft kisses on her nape then up to her earlobe. I lick and kiss, knowing it drives her wild.

  Jemma thrusts her body into me. Her hands are in my hair roughly as she wraps her arms around my neck. Our lips connect sensually.

  “Damn, Jemma, you are so beautiful, so goddamn sexy, and always full of surprises,” I admit to her truthfully; she is like no one else in the world.

  I rub my hand down her left breast and bring her nipple to attention, and then I do the same with the other side. Both nipples are hard as I seductively cup them.

  “Your breasts are perfect,” I tell her, squeezing them both as I kiss along her cleavage. My dick hardens against her then I surprise her with my mouth around her nipple. I suck it hard then flick it with my tongue.

  “I am so wet right now, Dan,” she whispers to me. My cock throbs as I think about her.

  “Can you feel how hard you make me, woman?” I ask her as her hand disappears into the water to feel my throbbing, hard cock.

  She is gazing into my eyes as my hands wander over her naked, wet body in the bubbling spa. I find her pussy, teasing at the entrance, flicking her clit.

  “Oh, God,” she moans as my finger enters her wetness; a second finger slides in, catching her by surprise.

  My mouth is hungrily on hers again, my tongue flicking hers as my fingers massage inside, over and over in a perfect rhythm.

  Jemma cups my cock, squeezing and massaging it to perfection; the pressure is quickly building.

  “I need to be inside you, Jemma. I can’t wait any longer. Do you want my hard cock in you?”

  “Yes, I want you inside me, Dan. Now!” she demands, sounding breathless.

  “I’m harder than I have ever been before. You do crazy things to me, Jemma,” I reply as she follows my lead and climbs on top of me.

  “I can’t wait any longer. I want to feel just how hard you are. You make me so wet, knowing you are that turned on for me,” she tells me with hunger burning in her eyes.

  Jemma spreads her legs. I push my cock upwards, and she pushes down as it slides inside, slowly at first, but she is so wet it slides in with ease. My next thrust is hard and deep; I gradually pull out before I thrust harder. I continue to thrust into her as she rocks her hips over and over, bouncing on top of me like she was born to ride my dick.

  God, she feels fucking incredible.

  It’s not long until I feel a release coming. I massage her nub to help her orgasm move along faster, flicking and swirling my fingers.

  “Yes, baby, yes!” she screams, and I feel her orgasm rip through her like a lightning bolt as she gyrates, exploding into a hundred pieces.

  I thrust with more force and momentum, again and again as I hit my own wave of pleasure and my orgasm takes me into the depths of euphoric satisfaction.

  “Yes!” I shout as I come deep inside her, emptying myself.

  We are both reeling from our releases as we collapse in each other’s arms, feeling amazing and on top of the world.

  “We have dinner plans, Miss Donovan. Let’s get showered and ready,” I tell her. Her cheeks are a nice shade of pink from our rendezvous.

  “Your weekend is pretty great so far, Mr Westbrook,” she replies, and we climb out then into the cool shower to refresh.

  Chapter 25

  Feeling Amazing

  I excitedly dress in my tight grey dress, adding a long black necklace with diamantes and large black hoop earrings, and then darker make-up before we head downstairs to dinner.

  Hand in hand, we catch the lift to the second floor. The restaurant is stunning; the table is set with fancy candelabras for centrepieces, and the atmosphere is setting the perfect mood for romance.

  “Would you like a bottle of our house red?” the waitress asks as we are seated.

  “Sounds perfect,” Dan replies, and I smile. Looks like it might get a little messy tonight—me and red have that
kind of relationship.

  The menu has a wide variety of meals and huge price tags to go with them.

  We choose a mixture of breads, including bruschetta and garlic bread, crumbed garlic prawns, and rock oysters. For his main meal, Dan chooses the scotch fillet with mushroom sauce with creamy mash and veggies.

  “I’ll have the chicken souvlaki, please,” I tell the waitress.

  Now for the dessert … layered chocolate mousse and hazelnut meringue cake.

  “Seriously, I could have orgasmed just from the taste of tonight’s food,” I declare, meaning every word. Best restaurant I’ve eaten at, hands down.

  “Looks like we’ll be driving two hours to eat every weekend,” Dan says, agreeing with my statement.

  “Special request for the beautiful lady,” the violinist announces to us, serenading me with Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.”

  My smile is beaming as my heart is warmed with everything this wonderful man keeps giving me; he is paying attention, spoiling me, and showing me what I’ve been missing.

  “You are amazing,” I whisper as we hold hands and listen to this beautiful song.

  Walking hand in hand, we take a brief stroll around the stunning gardens outside the hotel. The night air is crisp and refreshing, our stomachs are full from dinner, and our hearts are full from each other’s company.

  Afterwards, we head back to our room. I change into my night slip, and we collapse into each other’s arms. We fall asleep next to each other, sharing a bed and so much more than that.

  When I wake up and see Dan’s face, it’s a welcome sight; it suddenly feels very normal to have this amazing man sharing my bed and now my life with me.

  ***

  The next morning, I sneak out of bed and decide I can’t wait until tomorrow to open the red envelope that Dan had delivered. I don’t see the point in waiting another day, so I open it, needing to know what is inside.

  Jemma

  I hope you had a beautiful weekend.

  You are amazing and sensational

  I feel lucky and privileged to have you in my life.

  Cheers to many more chances to prove my feelings.

  A single tear rolls down my cheek; a happy tear from his words and from the way he makes me feel, the way he makes me feel better about myself.