Chapter 10

Three days later Amanda found herself on a flight to Los Angeles, nervous as hell.  Oh, she almost hadn’t made it.  Not only had her father called the day before, causing her to quickly make up some crazy excuse about getting together with some old friends from college, but--besides that--she was only a mere smidgen away from chickening out.It hadn’t helped that Marcy force her into the hotel’s salon where Marquise, their top stylist, had his way with her.  Now she was afraid JC wouldn’t even recognize her with her newly straightened hair.  

Although, she had to admit it did look much better and it was way more manageable than it had been before.  But it was a change, and Amanda had never handled change very well. She was also dressed a little more casual than she was used to.   Yep, Marcy had forced her shopping, too.

Why did she share the news of her little trip with that woman?  She’d feel a lot more comfortable in her navy pants suit, or one of her many skirts and silk blouses, than she did in the pair of jeans and thin sweater she was wearing. But she supposed she did look nice.  Marcy did have a good sense when it came to fashion and Amanda did trust her judgment.  

Of course, it was a good thing JC wasn’t meeting her at the airport because he’d probably never recognize her.  In fact, when he finally did show up at her hotel room door, which was where they had planned on meeting later that afternoon, he probably wouldn’t even know it was her.  He’d probably think he had knocked on the wrong door or something, because Amanda just did not look like Amanda.

Stepping into the airport, Amanda felt a tad bit overwhelmed, but reminded herself it had been her choice to find her own means to the hotel.  JC had offered to have someone pick her up, being that he wouldn’t be able to do it himself, but Amanda refused.  In fact, she went as far as to tell him that if someone was there, holding up a sign with her name on it, she’d ignore it and whoever would’ve only wasted a trip.  

She had no problems taking a taxi. And that she did. With her carry-on rolling right beside her, and no need to stop at the baggage claim, she headed straight out of the terminal to hail a cab.  Of course, there were only a zillion or so waiting.  She had no problems getting one right away.

She seemed to be sitting on the edge of her seat as the cabbie made the drive to the hotel.  She was just a little nervous about checking-in.  

JC had told her that the reservation had already been made in her name and all she had to do was sign in at the front desk.  Of course, she was sure the room had already been paid for, as well, and that was just unacceptable.  Yes, she was his guest, but she was more than capable of paying for her own room.  That was one habit she did not want to start – not now, not ever.

After fighting through traffic, the driver finally dropped her in front of the grand looking hotel.  Of course, being in the business herself, she had her own first impressions.  Maybe she was a little biased in thinking it wasn’t as nice as hers, but it would definitely do.  

And it was most certainly very upscale.  That much was obvious just by the clientele that were traipsing in and out of the overpowering front entrance.The climate was fair and her sweater seemed a little warm.   She had to remind herself that she was in sunny California now and that the weather was just a little different than what she was used to.  It was a good thing she had packed lighter clothes for her stay. 

After checking-in at the front desk, her hunch being confirmed that the room was in fact pre-paid, she made way up to the tenth floor.  Her nerves seemed a little jumbled as she trotted through an ornately decorated lobby leading to a hallway lined with beveled mirrors and tall chandeliers hanging from above.  Her shoes clicked and clacked lightly across the expensively tiled floors with its intricate designs of beiges and blues. The air smelled fresh and well ventilated, not a whiff or odor of anything to be found.  

Finally making it to the elevator, she stopped, pressed the button, waited for the ding of the bell and then climbed in once the heavy mirrored doors had slid open completely.

Two older gentleman and one very voluptuous blond followed her inside.  She grinned at all three before they turned their backs to her in waiting for their floor. Amanda couldn’t help but wonder why JC had gone for someone like herself instead of the gorgeous woman in front of her.  But she supposed that did say something about his personality.   A quality that was positive to say the least.   He obviously was interested in more than just a person’s outer shell.  She’d have to say that was reassuring coming from a ridiculously popular, twenty-five year old, pop phenomenon.

Now she had first hand knowledge that he wasn’t some egotistical bastard like some celebrities could be.  A fact she had experienced more than once thanks to the many famous faces that had stayed in her hotel.  It was refreshing to meet someone so down to earth. Item number one hundred and twenty-two of why she liked him so much.

As the elevator finally made its stop at her floor, her tummy rumbled with anticipation.  Even though they had discussed meeting later because JC’s schedule was booked until mid-afternoon, she couldn’t help but hope his plans had changed and that he’d be waiting to greet her with open arms.

Instead, she stepped into an enormous suite where the living room alone was twice the size of her own.  It was furnished to the max, complete with wet bar, big screen television, three plushy sofas, a fireplace and some very expensive looking artwork on the walls. Gasping, she had to stand still to take it all in.  Impressing her hadn’t been necessary.  She was already impressed – by him.  There was no need to impress her with anything else.  But nevertheless, he had.  The suite was absolutely breathtaking. 

Slowly she wandered through the impressive room, heading towards what looked to be not one, but two bedrooms.  Her breath on pause, she stopped to wonder, was he sharing a suite with her?  When he said she’d get her own room, was that what he meant? Peeking into the first open doorway she saw an enormous bed decorated neatly in beige and bronze with streaks of white running through the intricate fabric.   Pillows were piled at the head of the bed with a definite pattern in mind.  And on each nightstand sat a full vase of beautifully arranged, fresh flowers.  In fact, she could smell them from the doorway as if they had just been cut and placed their only moments before.  She had to wonder if that, in deed, was the case.

Making way to the next bedroom, she discovered her intuition had served her right as she noticed a few of his things sitting neatly in an open closet.   Gradually she stepped into his room, staring at the black suit hanging neatly in the closet and the sheen black shoes, sitting on the shelf underneath, to match.  Beside the first pair were two pairs of tennis shoes, one white pair of Adidas and one dark blue-ish colored pair of Nike’s.  His suitcase was zipped and sitting on the luggage rack. She had no intentions of snooping.  She would have never even looked in the closet if it hadn’t been left open.  Amanda had to wonder if he had done that intentionally. She also realized that there were no fresh flowers in his room.  Beyond the closet was a bathroom.  Only peering in for a second, she noted he had left a few personal items on the counter, but other than that it was spotless.  There was no dirty laundry on the floor or even a wet towel.  Just bright white tile that glistened like it had recently been cleaned, and it was very possible that it had.

In a bit of a daze, she wandered back to the front entryway to retrieve her luggage and get somewhat settled.  But first, after rolling her small suitcase into her bedroom, she sat down on the bed and tried to regain the normalcy of her heart rate, because at that moment her blood was pumping way too fast. It was then she realized the little note on one of the off-white colored nightstands.  

Amanda, Hope this arrangement is okay with you.  Make yourself at home and I’ll see you in a few hours. --JC

Falling back on the mattress, she took in a deep sigh as she gazed dreamily above at the ceiling.  This weekend was going to change her whole life.  In some ways, it already had.

After finishing up early, JC anxiously rode up the elevator to his and Amanda’s suite.  That was a nice thought.  His and Amanda’s suite… Even if they were in two separate bedrooms, you never know what could happen.  Not that that was his intention.  He just wanted to spend time with her, plain and simple.

He didn’t care if all the other guys thought he was crazy.  He didn’t care that Mike didn’t approve.  He didn’t care that he had lied to Jessie and told her that he would be so tied up all weekend that he probably wouldn’t even have a chance to call her.All he cared about was seeing Amanda.And very soon, that wish would come true.  She was waiting for him in their room.  Man, he really did like the sound of that.

He wondered what her reaction had been when she realized he was staying their, too.  Hopefully she hadn’t taken it the wrong way.  He really did have only the best intentions in mind.  Really he did.

There was an uncanny spring to his step as he ventured down the long corridor.  He noticed an attractive brunette at the ice machine, but for once in his life, he didn’t even take a second glance. Slipping his key into the lock, he opened the door excitedly yet with just a bit of nervousness.  “Hello?”  he called.

No answer.

He stepped into the living room and it was obvious she had been there, if nothing else than from the trace of her perfume that lingered in the room. That two seconds of worry disappeared.  She had definitely shown up, she had just stepped out for the minute.  He had to remember, he was early, after all.Taking two steps forwards, he heard her footsteps and froze. “I’m afraid to touch anything,” she said from behind him, “this suite is so beautiful, I don’t want to mess anything up.”

Slowly he turned around.  And then it hit.   Wait a minute… was it really her?   It had only been a few days.  How could someone change so drastically in only a few days?  

She looked absolutely amazing.  “Amanda?”

“I know,” she said, walking towards him, “they made me go to the salon.  I fought it the whole way, but they made me go.

”He was almost at a loss for words as she slowly closed the distance between them.  Finally, he managed to speak.  “You look--" well, he was trying to speak, anyway.  “You look… great.”

“Thanks,” she grinned.  Her shimmering lips looked utterly kissable.  Her hair seemed longer than it had been before, or maybe it was just the fact that it was straight.  Who knew… all he knew was that he liked it, a lot.

And she looked so much more at ease in the denim jeans she was wearing.  Not too mention the fact that the pale green sweater hugging comfortably to her chest really brought out the color in her eyes.  He could see the flecks of green and gold dancing around her pupils as she stared at him with such positive energy.

Then he realized… she had been the one at the ice machine.  No, the full pail of ice she held in her hands didn’t give it away.  Well, not at first.  It had taken a minute to register. Without a second thought, he took the glass bucket from her grasp and moved to set it on the bar.   “I passed you in the hall and I didn’t even realize it was you.” 

Amanda chuckled and he was immediately smitten.  All of the sudden, he felt like a school boy standing in front of his first crush.  This was absolutely unreal.  But it was also wonderful. 

“Yeah, I kinda thought that was you,” she finally remarked with a dainty laugh.

“Why didn’t you say something?” he asked.

“Hmph… I don’t know.”

He didn’t know either, quite a lot of things, actually.   He knew he could just stand there like a dumb ass, because that’s how he felt – completely dumbfounded and speechless.   Or, he could figure out something to say.   That was probably more of a good idea.

But she beat him to the punch.

“Oh,” she called out, as if some thought had just sprung into her mind, “I need to pay you for my half of the room.”

Was she kidding?  Did she realize how much he had paid for the room?  No way.  No way would he let that happen.  “No, I don’t think so.  I invited you.   You’re my guest.”

“I don’t care,” she argued and fled towards the room she would be sleeping in for the next two nights.

“Amanda,” he said, following, “what are you doing?”

“I’m getting my purse so I can pay you,” she announced, still on a mission and looking as if there was no stopping her whatsoever, disappearing through the open doorway.

He entered her bedroom to find her reaching into the closet, slightly bent over in a very eye pleasing position.  It took all of his might not to step up behind her and grab onto her waist.  “Amanda,” he called to her again.

This time he startled her, watching as her breath came in short and her head smacked into one of the heavy, built-in shelves inside the closet.  Immediately he rushed to her aid, now feeling incredibly guilty.   “Oh shit,” he gasped, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to make you hit your head.  Are you okay?”

WAS SHE OKAY?  Let’s see, in a matter of about fifteen seconds she had hit her head, been scooped into JC’s arms and was now perched, almost, in his lap as they both sat on the floor beside the closet.  Was she okay?   Um, no.  She didn’t think so.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” she rubbed her head while looking over him as he sat so close.  His heat radiated through to the innermost parts of her body and made her just a little flushed. 

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.  It’s just a little bump,” she remarked.

This time he reached up to feel if there was a knot on her head.   “That’s not little,” he disagreed, “that’s pretty good-sized.  You think you should put some ice on it?”

“No,” she waved a hand through the air, shrugging off the idea, “I’ll be fine.”

But neither of them moved.  He sat there with his arms locked around her and she didn’t try to budge out of his hold one bit. “I’m sorry,” he said again.

“It’s okay, I just didn’t expect you to be right behind me.   Guess I’m a little jumpy today.”

“Sorry,” he repeated for a third time, his voice quiet and whispery.

“It’s okay,” she told him once more, her voice equally as soft as his.

Time almost seemed to tick in slow motion as he braced a hand tenderly against her cheek and eased his mouth to hers.  Instantly the throbbing in her head disappeared.  Or, perhaps, it shifted somewhere else and became a much more pleasant sensation.  She wasn’t sure, but either way, she was feeling no pain whatsoever.  In fact, that’s the last thing she was feeling.

The tips of his fingers gracefully slid down her cheek as he brushed his lips to hers one last time before backing away slowly.  “I’m really glad you’re here,” he spoke softly. Amanda’s eyes remained closed as she basked in the moment the two had just shared. Fighting the urge to pull him back, to kiss him so passionately and give in to the temptation that pulled and prodded at her, she opened her eyes and, instead, replied, “me too,” with a whimsical grin.

He hopped to his feet and extended a hand to help her up.   “I’m still going to pay you for my half,” Amanda remarked, rising to her feet as prompted.

“And how do you plan on doing that if I won’t let you?” 

“Don’t worry.  I’ll think of something.”

“You know,” he remarked slyly, a devilish gleam filling his gorgeous blue eyes, “there are other ways you could pay me.  If you feel it absolutely necessary, I would accept sexual favors as payment for your half of the room.”  He spoke with absolute seriousness.

But was he serious?  Oh, Amanda’s eyes were round with surprise and her jaw nearly gaped open. Although, as shocked as she was, somewhere deep inside there was a part of her that realized his offer was deliciously tempting.

JC burst into laughter.  “I’m just kidding,” he clarified, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the bedroom.  “You should’ve seen your face,” he added, his amusement quite apparent as he spoke.  Without question he sat her down on one of the sofas and plopped on the cushion right beside her.  “Besides,” he continued, his laughter subsiding and a much more serious tone taking over, “I’m more of a giver than a taker.”

Oh Lord, did he just say he was more a giver than a taker?   Why was Marcy’s comment about this being the ride of her life slipping back into her head?  If he wasn’t implying something – well, Amanda was positive that he was implying something.  And what that something was sounded extremely desirable, even for her-virginal-self. Of course she had no reply to his remark.  What do you say to something like that?  How do you respond to such a blatant innuendo? 

He was more a giver than a taker…

Those words just rolled through her mind over and over and over again.  Not even daring to think about the sexiness in his voice when he had said it.  Oh no, if she let that get to her she’d really be in trouble. Although, obviously it was too late because it already had.  She was thinking of it right that very second.

He was more a giver than a taker…What exactly did that mean anyway?  Did that mean he was an impeccable lover?  That he’d put forth one hundred and ten percent into pleasing his partner?  Oh God, she was getting flushed just thinking about it.  Huh, just thinking about how she would really like to know if it was true or not.

“Amanda, why are you blushing?” he asked with a grin. It was so obvious he enjoyed torture.  She almost had to wonder if he had some inkling on how innocent she actually was.  Were the words, hey, I’m a virgin, written across her forehead, or what?

Of course, her first instinct was to pretend she had no clue of what he was talking about.  “I’m not,” she defended.

“Okay, you’re not.”  He agreed with that boyish grin of his, obviously lying because she knew for a fact that she had turned an even brighter shade of red after he had so boldly brought it up.  Damn the man, why was he so good at teasing her?

Thankfully, he let the conversation shift and, instead, asked about her flight.  The warmth immediately withdrew from her cheeks as they settled into a much less personal discussion.

They talked and all she could think about was how badly she wanted him.  How she had never felt so turned-on by a man in her entire life.  How she’d give just about anything to spend the night in his arms.  And, most enticingly, how that reality wasn’t all that far fetched.

He was leaving it up to her and she knew it.  The cards were in her hand and it was her turn to make a move.  Only Amanda had no clue what move she was supposed to make.

Why was she feeling like she suddenly needed to break away for an emergency call to Marcy?  Help! she would scream, he wants me.  What do I do next? 

She could hear Marcy’s answer already, stop being so nervous and just let things happen the way they’re supposed to. Yep, that’s what her friend would say.  Okay, she was going to stop thinking about how damned attractive he was sitting barely inches away and just enjoy his company.

Yeah, right…

Finally, after enough casual chit-chat, JC announced to her that he had ordered some movies and whenever they were hungry he’d call down for room service.  “Tomorrow night I’m taking you out on the town,” he told her, “tonight we’ll just stay in.  If that’s okay with you?”

Oh, was it ever.

“That sounds fine,” she agreed.  But she was awful curious where he would be taking her the following night.  She tried not to ask, but her curiosity got the best of her.  “So, where are we going tomorrow night?”

“Somewhere that does not involve a hotel,” he answered instantaneously, “because I feel bad enough for keeping you captive here tonight, but at least it’s not YOUR hotel.”

Okay, now she was his captive.  This was getting even more interesting.

“It would just be too crazy if we went out tonight,” he continued, “the other guys are leaving in the morning, so they’ll think I left, too.”

“Oh.”  Amanda remarked.   Whatever the reason, she was perfectly happy being kept captive by him in their extravagant suite.  Like she would be upset over that.  “Well, you don’t have to take me out tomorrow night, either.  I mean, if you’re worried about it.  I don’t mind hanging out here.”

He glanced at her with a slight tilt of his head.  A combination of the boyish grin and the devilish one slithered across his lips – his oh-so-kissable lips.  “You don’t, huh?” he asked.

Amanda couldn’t handle it when he looked at her that way.   Did he understand what his presence did to a girl?  To her?     Did he realize that with one look of those beautiful blue eyes he could probably have anything or anyone he ever wanted?  He probably did.  He had to.

JC leaned in towards her and she knew she was in trouble.   “Well, no. I mean, I’m not picky,” she sputtered, “I don’t expect you to – “  She was trying to make sense of herself, but with little success. 

“To what?” he asked, leaning even closer as he braced one arm against the back of the couch.

“Well, you know.” 

“No, I don’t know,” he replied.

Oh!  Why was she having such a difficult time finding her words again!  Damn him for making her feel so completely… senseless.

“I don’t expect you to entertain me,” she concluded. 

He stared at her with amusement, but it was also something deeper than that.  It was like he was reading her.  Like he was looking past her exterior and staring straight into the depth of her inner self.  If she guessed correctly, he was lost in thought – thoughts about her. 

“Oh,” he finally responded, “but Amanda, that’s what I do.”

“But you don’t have to do that for me.  I mean – “ 

“What do you mean?” he asked after she failed to finish her sentence.

“I just mean, you can be yourself around me,” she said.

“I am being myself,” he remarked.

“I know, I didn’t mean it like that.”  

Oh my, where was she coming up with all this?

“Well, what did you mean it like?”

Amanda couldn’t stand it anymore, she was so frustrated she had to scream. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed, “Would you knock it off?”

JC laughed, taking her hand in his and rubbing his thumb gently into her palm.  “I’m sorry,” he smirked, “can you not handle me?”

Oh, was that the understatement of the century.

“Apparently not,” she answered.

“Amanda,” he said, now massaging her hand with both of his thumbs, “why do I make you so nervous?  Sometimes you seem really comfortable around me and other times, like just now, you look like you want to run and hide.  Don’t be scared of me.  I’m not gonna bite you.”

“I’m not scared of you,” she said, enjoying every point of pressure he was applying to her fully relaxed palm and now, as he moved on, her forearm.

“Well, I take that back,” he interjected, “if I was gonna bite, I promise it wouldn’t hurt.”

With that remark, she sank even deeper into the sofa and covered her face with her free hand.

“What?” he asked naively.  “Am I being too forward?  Do you want me to stop?”

“Not really,” she whined, still refusing to look at him, “I don’t think.”

“Look,” he told her, stopping the arm massage and pulling her hand away from her face, forcing her to look his direction, “don’t take everything I say so seriously.  I’m just playin’ with you.  I like to tease you.  Haven’t you figured that out yet?”

She only nodded her head yes.

“I promise I’m on my best behavior this weekend.  I would never try to take advantage of you.” JC stood up and headed towards the mini bar only a few feet away.  “I know it’s kinda scary getting involved with a guy like me.  I can understand where you’re coming from.”  He opened a small fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.   “Thirsty?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you,” she answered. 

He grabbed a second bottle of water and headed back towards the couch.“I really like you,” he told as he handed her the water and sat down beside her, “obviously, or I wouldn’t have invited you here.  I just want to show you a good time and get to know you better – and I don’t mean that in a sexual way, I swear,” he grinned.  “Well… not that I would put up much of a fight, if you really must know.”

“JC,” she called to him softly.

“What sweetheart?”  Those words made her ache.  He spoke them with such tenderness and caring.

“It’s not that I don’t feel all those same things.  Really, it’s not.  And it’s not because you are who you are.  That’s not it at all.  I just – I just haven’t been out on a date in a really long time, let alone spent the weekend with a man.  I mean, I’m just a little out of my element, that’s all.”

“Yeah, because you’re not in your hotel.  I know that,” he remarked.  “But we’re not going to talk about that right now.  We will talk about it though, later.”

“Okay,” she didn’t quite understand what that meant, but agreed anyway.

“So, you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to, but how long has it been?  Since you’ve been out on a date, that is.”

He would have to ask.

“Five years,” she answered.

JC stared at her with wide eyes, eyes of disbelief and shock. “Amanda, how – I mean, who?  I don’t understand.  How could you?   For five years?  I mean, I know there’s got to be men asking you out all the time.   How come you don’t accept?”

“I take that back,” she said, “I did go out with this one guy a year or two ago that was the son of one of my father’s associates or something.  He was a huge jerk and I didn’t really count it as a date, but I suppose technically it was.”

It was obvious by the look on JC’s face that he still didn’t understand. “I keep to myself a lot and I work a lot.  I don’t really go out to meet men, or whatever.”  Amanda tried her best to explain.

He looked at her as if her words pained him in some way.   “So, this guy – whoever – that you dated like five years ago.  Was that pretty serious?”

“Um, it was a college thing.  No, not really.”

“A college thing,” he remarked with a smirk, the tension in his features easing up a bit.  “I wouldn’t know about those kind of things.” 

Amanda was sure he assumed it had been more than it was.  “Yeah, well you didn’t miss too much.”

“Maybe,” he said, “I’m not complaining.  I love what I do.  I’m very lucky.”

She couldn’t argue that. “But enough of this serious talk,” he said right before taking a giant gulp of water.  She watched as his head tilted back and as his adam’s apple bounced slightly up and down his throat as he swallowed.  “Are you getting hungry yet?”

“I could eat.”

“Good, because I really can’t stand it when women don’t eat.  You know how some are.  Afraid of a calorie or two.  That drives me nuts.”

“I’m not like that,” Amanda assured.

“Good,” he repeated.  “I’ll go grab the room service menu.”

Amanda watched as he trotted towards the bar and pulled the leather-bound menu off the counter.  JC was bouncy and full of energy.  She loved to watch him move.  It didn’t matter what he was doing.  His body was like a finely tuned piece of machinery that excelled at whatever it did--whatever he did. She realized now that Marcy had been right.  Amanda was in for the ride of her life, no matter how far it went.   So far, it had been better than anything she had ever experienced.  She could only imagine what was to come.  Their weekend had barely begun and already she found herself falling even deeper, but it felt to good to try and stop it.  Not now, not when everything felt so right.