Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1) Read online

  “I thought taking my drunk best friend home was the smarter move. So sue me.”

  “Clayton, you’re such smartass.”

  “I’d rather be a smartass than a dumbass.” He laughs hysterically.

  “You don’t have to worry. If you’re still keeping score on my sexual conquests, I’m meeting a friend tonight.” Giving him the stare-down.

  “Another friend? You mean fuck buddy, don’t you? Who is it this time?”

  “Someone I train, but she’s a referral from my father. It’s nothing - believe me. She knows the score.”

  “Why would you fuck someone who could ultimately do damage between you and your father? That’s not very smart, bro,” Clayton says.

  “I don’t plan on having my father find out, so dial it down. Are you hungry or not? I have forty-five minutes now.”

  “Fine. Get me whatever you’re having,” Clayton says.

  I run across the street to Tony’s Restaurant to pick up some grilled chicken and broccoli for both of us.

  “Thanks man. You couldn’t add one piece of bread to the order?” Clayton complains.

  I look at him as if he’s lost his mind. “No can do. You know how I eat. You should be doing the same.”

  Nodding, he shuts up and eats. I swear sometimes he can be such a fucking girl.

  “So, what’s going on with the blonde? Is she up for grabs?” Clayton asks with a mouth full of food.

  I almost choke. “Bryer? She’s totally off limits, Clayton. She’s innocent, and too good for your sorry ass.”

  “Oh really Nathan? It sounds like you may have plans for that ass yourself.” He accuses. He’s right, but I still deny it. I’m not ready to give anything away, especially to Clayton.

  “She’s not my usual type,” I say. “She’s not going to go for someone like me, who’ll only want a week or two of her company. She won’t want to play. She’ll want to play house.”

  He nods, believing every word that comes out of my mouth. But the truth is I would go for the girl next door if I got the green light. Could she handle me, though? No commitment? No strings? I’m a player and I make no excuses for it. I’m cringing at the truth.

  “I’m leaving early today. Can you lock up when you’re done?” I ask.

  “Sure, I plan on weight lifting in the manager’s workout room after closing, so I’ll be here.”

  “Well lock the door to the workout room if you are not alone. I don’t want anyone walking in on you again.” Frowning to get my point across.

  He laughs as we both remember the uncomfortable scene when I walked in on him with a beauty bent over the weight bench and witnessing Clayton’s hard ass working double time.

  “Yeah, don’t worry boss. I didn’t exactly enjoy the exhibition either, although I won’t let the shock on your face get in the way of a good fuck.” He continues to laugh.

  “That’s mature, Clayton.” Meeting him eye to eye.

  “Immature is a word boring people use to describe fun people.”

  “Clever, I’m sure you stole that from somewhere, I’m leaving.”

  “I might be in late tomorrow,” I say as I walk out of the office, not wanting to see his pompous expression.

  Chapter Two

  ~Bryer~

  I LAY MY LITTLE black dress on the bed then get on my hands and knees to look for the dreaded fuck me pumps that every man loves and every woman wears but secretly hates because they hurt like hell. I have them tucked away in the original shoebox for safekeeping and pull them out, cringing.

  Now for my sexy underwear. No grannies tonight. A black thong with black lace bra is the perfect choice to go with this square neckline dress. It will definitely accentuate my curves that God so generously gave me, I admire my choices laid out on the bed, I approve.

  Now for a quick shower, then I apply makeup--just simple mascara and red lipstick. I was blessed, or cursed, with large plump lips, which I have chosen to embrace rather than hide. My hair is usually the easiest task. I only half dry it and scrunch up the waves so they flow down my back. Nature does the rest. Voila.

  ***

  WE ARRIVE AT the club at eight-thirty and my feet hurt already, plus parking is horrible and the walk turned out to be three blocks.

  “The line is long,” I complain.

  Gen frowns at me. “What a shame. I warned you.”

  She’s evil.

  “It’s been almost an hour and we’re not even close to the bouncer, Gen. I’m getting a foot rub out of you.”

  “Ewww, gross. That’s not happening. I’ll walk up there.” She smiles her way up to the bouncer, who looks at Gen like he wants to haul her over his shoulder and do the cave-man thing.

  I watch his eyes travel up and down her body. My best friend doesn’t appreciate this, and there’ll be hell to pay if he’s not careful. She’s a hellcat. But I don’t blame him. She is gorgeous. She has hair like a lion’s mane--thick, long, wild, sandy colored, and all natural, of course. Her tall frame is model-thin, and she has an olive complexion that makes her look sun-kissed. I hate her a little.

  The bouncer finally finds her eyes. “Can I see your ID?” She rolls her eyes as she rummages through her purse.

  I snicker, thinking there’s no way he’s serious. We’re both twenty-seven. He just wants to get her name.

  “Genevieve.” He pronounces it slow and sexy, much to my amusement. My best friend hates her name.

  “This should be pretty,” I say.

  Gen gives the bouncer that ‘I may just pick you’ tonight smile. “Yes, that’s me, but you can call me Gen, hun. This is my friend Bryer.” Attempting to push the focus on me.

  He nods and gives me a quick once over. Nice. I’m used to it by now, I just brush it off I’m used to standing in her shadow, I’m comfortable in the shadow.

  He drops the velvet rope and we’re in. She’s good.

  “This is very cool.” I love the lighting. It’s dark but almost glows. The sconces on the walls are dimmed, creating a very romantic setting for a club. “Check out the candles on each table.” These are a nice touch, but might be a fire hazard as the night moves on. Some clumsy drunk might fall on it, like my date, Tumbleina.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Bryer. I won’t burn the place down, I promise.” Gen hugs me and smiles as we walk.

  “The music is loud.” I shout, trying to be heard over it even as I can feel the bass beating through my body.

  We navigate through a huge crowd, and I hope there is an open table somewhere, but the only spot is a rail table where you can watch everyone dance. This appeals to me.

  “I love to people watch,” I say. “And it’s much quieter over on this side of the bar.”

  “Yeah, this should be a great spot.”

  “Tonight will be pure entertainment since I’m not drinking. Everyone here has already had a few. There is nothing funnier than watching drunk people dance.”

  “I second that.” Gen grins.

  I can practically hear Gen’s thoughts as I see her deciding whether to get our waitress’s attention or fight her way to the bar. I’m positive there’s a small war going on in her head.

  “Head to the bar,” I say. “I’ll keep an eye out for a waitress. Get me something without alcohol.”

  “Okay,” she says. “I’ll be back lickety-split.” She disappears into the sea of people. Lickety-split? Oh, I’m not letting that go.

  I stand and lean over the rail, thinking this might release pressure from my screaming feet. I’m sure my toes will never forgive me.

  A man approaches and makes eye contact. Of course, this creepy guy waits until Gen leaves. He’s getting closer, his eyes slide down to my cleavage and that’s where they remain until he’s close, too close., I see his leering smile, and notice his silk shirt open a button or two too many.

  “Think, think,” I say to myself, but it’s too late. He’s here.

  “They say dating is a numbers game... So, can I get your number?” he says, compl
etely serious.

  I laugh out loud. Did I just laugh in his face? By his shocked response, I did. I just hurt his feelings, if he has any. It was a definite hit on his ego.

  “Oh hey, sorry, but I’m here with someone.” I’ll let him think I’m with Gen. He can wonder what that means.

  At that moment, bless her heart, my best friend arrives. She hands me a fruity looking concoction while she drinks her standard lemon martini. I nod and, without blinking an eye, she kisses my cheek, slow and long.

  “Hey baby!” Gen makes it so convincing even I believe her.

  I love this girl. Creepy guy glances back and forth, and I’m sure a threesome is running through his mind, but our look of annoyance obviously paints a clear picture. Once he realizes all his fantasies aren’t going to come true, he turns and walks away.

  I clink Gen’s glass. “So, are we going to be a thing tonight? Or are you on the prowl?”

  She tilts her head. “What do you think?”

  We both turn to check out the dance floor, where Gen spots possibility number one and two. “I’m heading to the dance floor to check out a few candidates, I’ll be right back.”

  “Lickety-split?” I tease.

  She looks over her shoulder “You like that, do ya?”

  I’m engrossed by guys trying their hardest to dance but failing miserably. It’s why I came, pure entertainment.

  Towards the corner, I spot a couple dancing. The man has one hell of a backside, and it’s hard to look away. His tight, low riding jeans fit so snug I want to reach out and touch that beautiful ass. His sexy partner moves in rhythm to the music while his legs gently rub against hers. This lucky girl is being seduced.

  “Christ.”

  God, I imagine it’s Nathan and me out there with that wavy brown hair flipping up and around his collar.

  “Gen.” I try to get her attention.

  Sex Man pins the girl’s arms above her head while their bodies sway back and forth. It feels like a private moment between them, but you couldn’t pay me to look away. His one hand grabs both of her wrists as he slides his free hand down her body. I wish I was her right now. When he lets her wrists go, she keeps her arms up as if he commands it and I anxiously await his next move.

  “Gen.” Now I’m waiving like a lunatic, but my best friend still doesn’t notice me.

  Sexy Man’s hands slowly move down that lucky girl’s arms then down her body once more. Fingers skim the sides of her breasts. This guy is all sex. She’s all sex, with her long dark hair sleek bouncing off the lights of the club. She could be a model, she’s so beautiful.

  My view blurs as others move to their own beat in front of the couple, obscuring this display of erotic play. But I guess that’s why they’re tucked in the corner. It’s not a show for anyone’s eyes, not even mine.

  “Finally, Jesus, you’re back. I want you to check out this guy,” I say to Gen.

  “My pleasure.”

  “Look against the wall and tell me who that looks like.” I point to the couple in the corner.

  “A very hot guy and some very lucky lady.” She snickers.

  I sigh.

  From across the room, I see him turn, and I recognize his profile. A jolt of electricity runs through my body while my brain catches up. Reality sets in as he moves through the crowd. As he snakes through the dancers holding his date’s hand, he sees me. I know he sees me. For seconds, we stare at each other then he turns away. It seems he doesn’t recognize me.

  A sharp rush of jealously floods me.

  “What the hell,” I say to Gen, and she stares at me in confusion. “That was Nathan. He’s with some woman. I know he saw me, but he totally ignored me.”

  Gen almost breaks her neck trying to get a glimpse. She’s seen him once before so she knows what a sex-god he is.

  “I don’t see him. So he didn’t say hi. He was with someone.”

  I look at her, stunned ‘Well, he could have acknowledged my existence. I spent an hour with him today.”

  “He probably didn’t want to cause waves.” Gen smirks. “‘Oh, here’s one of the many hot girls I touch and make sweat every day.’”

  “Okay, I get it.”

  I don’t.

  “It was just a shock seeing him out of work mode, and God he looked hotter than ever.” I drool while emotions bubble up inside of me—envy and curiosity. Where is he now, and what is he doing with that girl?

  ***

  LAYING IN MY bed, I go over this ridiculous evening, questioning why I’ve suddenly gone from crushing on my personal trainer to concocting a full-blown plan to make him mine, or as much mine as he’ll allow. I’m obsessing over that girl he was with. I have to admit she was beautiful, model-thin, and the exact opposite of me.

  The professional man who trains me in the gym is so completely different from the man I saw tonight. Nathan was not only in control of his sexuality, but he was in control of hers too.

  Annoyed at myself, I give it a rest, get in my favorite position with my pillow just right, and let the heaviness of sleep take over.

  A sexy beat pounds through me and I find myself on the dance floor. Two hands snake around me from behind, wrapping around my waist and imprisioning me against a hard body.

  I don’t fight him. His embrace feels safe, warm, and inviting. His chest presses against my back and he slowly sways in a sensual rhythm. Lips brush my neck.

  “Right there,” I whisper.

  “Bryer, you’re mine tonight. I want you in my bed right now.”

  I still feel the warmth of his breath as he turns me in his arms.

  “You have the most beautiful blue eyes,” I say, as they penetrate my soul.

  He’s focused and assured of himself, one hand pressed to my back and the other in my hair. His grip tightens as he moves in.

  My breasts crush into his chest. He holds my hips immobile as he grinds his hard body against my awaiting sex.

  My black thong is drenched, and heat pools in my lower body while my mind races. I want it all, and I want him. He leans in to kiss me, his hot breath is on my lips…like a whisper, but he waits, knowing I will meet the distance.

  The sound of wind chimes rips me from the much awaited kiss. But I want to taste Nathan. I want to know what his lips feel like against mine. The wind chimes continue to urge me out of the best erotic dream I’ve ever had. I can’t help but feel a sense of emptiness knowing it wasn’t real. The only thing that is real is that it’s Monday, and I have to go to work.

  Chapter Three

  ~Bryer~

  I ARRIVE THIRTY minutes early on Monday morning and head straight to my office.

  “Jake, how are you?” I ask my co-worker.

  “Great, Bryer. Did you see the new shipment? You’re going to love it,” Jake says.

  As marketing manager of Sea Blue Marketing & Modeling Agency, I never know what to expect.

  “New lingerie this week. Should be an interesting shoot.” He snickers.

  “And why am I surrounded by an all-male sales team?” I joke.

  “You couldn’t pay me to do any other job, Bryer. I would work for free.”

  “I’m sure. You and all the boys!”

  Jake is my partner in crime, and if there’s a prank to be played, I’m in. Presently, there’s a weight loss contest going on with three other salesmen. They’re probably motivated by the models who stroll in and out of here. It’s hilarious to me that they care, but men are so competitive.

  “It’s a guy thing. You wouldn’t understand,” they say.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll sit this one out.” I stand in the hall, laughing at them refusing to miss a moment of entertainment.

  “I’ll get on the scale first,” Jake says. “Let me take off my shoes and belt. Get rid of this loose change.”

  I shake my head. “I thought women were bad.”

  This week’s winner is James. He lost 2.4 pounds, and he marks it on the chart taped to the wall.

  “You guys are ridiculo
us.” I laugh.

  The boss, Mr. Morton, who has not one redeeming quality, makes his appearance later.

  “I just made the sale of the day,” he boasts, and we all smile and look at each other.

  “You do have all the top accounts,” Jake says, but Mr. Morton just walks away in a huff.

  Besides that, my job is every girls dream, I have many different assignments that change daily but the photo shoots, design and development are my real passions. And, let’s not forget, free samples are a huge bonus.

  My thoughts keep going back to Nathan.. How will he act towards me when we train together on Saturday? My bet is complete disregard of the entire encounter.

  But I have different plans for him, confronting the man will be swift and to the point.

  ***

  ~Nathan~

  “YOU WILL NEVER guess who I saw at the club when I was with Camilla,” I say to Clayton as I walk into the office, throwing my bag on my desk.

  “Do you really want me to guess Nathan?” He thinks for a minute. “Was it your Dad?”

  “Fuck, Clayton, I don’t know why I talk to you sometimes.” I slump in my chair and lean back, running my hands through my hair. “Bryer.”

  Clayton silently looks at me as if he’s missing something.

  “Do tell?” He swings his chair around.

  “I just ignored her, walked out with Camilla.”

  “So, is she still off limits? Not your kind of woman?”

  “She’s the kind of woman I want. Not the kind of woman I could have.”

  “What the hell does that mean, Nathan? Either you want her or you don’t. Just go for it. If you don’t, I will.”

  “The fuck you will,” I growl.

  “Admit it. You want to sleep with her. Just do it and be done with it.”

  “Jesus, Clayton. I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. She’s not the kind of girl you screw and leave. She’s the kind of girl you screw and stay with.” I sigh. Knowing if I had the opportunity, who knows where it could lead.