Burning Up

By Marie Coulson

Scorching heat...
Erotic pleasure...
Intense passion...

Layla Jennings thought she had it all figured out. The right time, the right place and the right guy.

After leaving behind her life and friends in Long Beach, Layla must now walk the path she has chosen, hand in hand with the man who holds her heart.

As the flame of love continues to burn brightly, she discovers more about herself and the man she loves every day. But what happens when the fire goes out? What happens when half of your heart is still missing?

With the other man in her life unwilling to give up his fight for her, Layla must battle between the safe and steady journey she has embarked on and the one that leads to destinations unknown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Coulson
• Release date: Nov 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310384479

Marie Coulson

Born and bred in Essex, England, Marie Coulson discovered her love of writing in her early teens. Beginning with poetry and song lyrics, she tried her hand at creative writing while studying for her English GCSE.It was love at first line.Unfortunately, Marie's career as a childcare and education practitioner soon took up most of her time and writing became something she only dreamed about.In the summer of 2012 she quit her job and enrolled at university, ready to start a new career as a therapist. This left her with a lot of time on her hands and on August the 20th she sat down and wrote the first chapter of Bound Together.Bound Together was a story that had been waiting three years to be written and when fingers hit the keyboard...Layla, Jared and Ollie's story was born.Look out for other books by Marie Coulson including the tantalizing sequel to Bound Together. Burning Up - Available NOW, Romantic British comedy - Diary Of A Dieter and the Bound Together novella - Last Christmas.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Big Apple

Walking through the crowds, I gazed out of the vast window at the sparkling lights of New York. Does he know I’m here?

Daniel shook his head. "You asked me not to say, so I didn’t. I’m really glad you’re here though. He’s been fucking miserable since we left Long Beach. Besides, with you here, I have someone to talk to and keep me from going crazy. Things are about to get real hectic at the company. You sure you know what you’re in for?"

I gave him a puzzled look and he smiled at me. Guess not. Well, you’ll learn.

Daniel wasn’t just Jared’s driver; he was his friend, even if Jared didn’t realize it or choose to admit it. I felt that the two of us had also become friends. After all, he’d had my back so many times I’d lost count. When I’d been arrested, it was Daniel who’d called Jared and, as it turned out, broken several traffic laws to get to him. That awful night at Felix’s apartment would have ended a lot differently had Daniel not called Jared and warned him of our activity. I had a lot to thank him for and keeping him company during our time together, was the least I could do. I figured that it must be lonely work driving Jared around, sitting there, in the front seat, a screen between them. It all seemed awfully secluded, isolated and impersonal. I was not going to be one of those high society girlfriends that I saw in magazines and newspapers. The ones that look as though they have caramel stuck to the end of their noses and pout a lot when people speak to them. I was definitely not buying into the hype of that lifestyle. Daniel was stuck with me now, and I was determined to have some fun.

Do we have to go straight to the apartment? Will he get suspicious if you’re gone?

He eyed me skeptically. I guess not. I told him I had to run errands and he’s been so distant, he just kinda nodded and dismissed me. I could have been naked and dancing, and he wouldn’t have noticed. He’s really not himself right now.

My heart sank. My intense, hot mess, businessman was in pain, and I was the cause. Bitch.

I was desperate to see him and put him out of his agonizing misery, but I was also determined to get to know Daniel better. I was going to be spending a lot of time with him during the next few months and aside from Jared, he was the only person I knew in New York and I hardly knew him at all.

Reaching the exit, Daniel gestured to the shiny, sleek Mercedes parked curbside. I smiled at the familiarity of it. He opened my door and ushered me inside before running around to pack my case into the trunk. He got into the driver’s seat and glanced back, smiling at me. I leaned forward and rested my hand on his shoulder. I’m starving. Dinner?

He gave me a look that told me he was unsure if it was such a good idea. I don’t know. I mean, aren’t you anxious to see him?

I shook my head. I wasn’t anxious to see him; I was freaking out from nerves and the more I worried, the harder my stomach churned. Nope. I’m Hank Marvin and I need something to eat before I throw up from nerves. He chuckled.

Hank Marvin?

I nodded. Yeah, you know, starving? I heard it on TV once.

He threw his head back and laughed. Since you put it that way, I’d be happy to have dinner with you. There’s a burger joint just around the corner, or do you want something a little fancier?

I shrugged. I think, a nice juicy burger sounds awesome.

* * * *

Sitting in the booth, I scanned my surroundings. New York was a far cry from Pasadena or even Long Beach. It was almost eight in the evening, and the streets were still bustling with people.

The burger bar was quiet though. It was one of those nineteen fifties diner types and had a jukebox playing in the corner. The waitress rolled over on her skates and placed the most enormous cheeseburger that I had ever seen in front of me. The smell of greasy food and the delicious vanilla from my creamy, ice-cold milkshake was a welcome scent. Every single bite of my meal was like a taste of heaven. I really was hungry. I hadn’t eaten properly in days and I finally had my appetite back. I was definitely looking forward to my first New York bagel, too. Bagels. Coffee. Ollie.

My heart plummeted into my stomach again and I suddenly lost my appetite. My chest felt tight, and I could feel unshed tears begging to be released.

I could only imagine how broken he was right now. I’d done a horrible thing and I’d done it over a text! It was selfish, cowardly, and I deserved whatever hate or anger he was feeling toward me. He hadn’t replied or called since, and I knew that we were not only done as lovers, but also as friends. He’d never forgive me now, and I didn’t deserve him to.

Daniel frowned at me. You okay? You seem a little distracted. You’re not having second thoughts are you?

Snapping out of my mood and forcing thoughts of Ollie out of my mind, I shook my head. No. I’m just a little tired from the flight.

He smiled and took another big bite of his burger.

Pushing my plate away, I leaned back and cocked my head to the side. So, I guess you’ll be keeping me company while Jared works, huh? I hope you don’t mind. I promise not to be high maintenance and to make it as much fun as I can. He grinned and pushed his plate away, cleaning his hands on a napkin.

It’s my job to take you wherever you want to go. Jared doesn’t usually use the Mercedes unless he’s going to a formal dinner or social. He’ll take the Jag so that leaves me at your disposal. Shopping shows and sightseeing … I’m the man to take you there, with Jared’s permission, of course.

Jared’s permission? I rolled my eyes and shook my head at the statement. The whole time we’d been together he seemed to think he could dictate where I could go, how, and with whom. Things were going to change and for the better, I hoped.

You leave Jared to me. I want to see everything, all the sights this city has to offer, and Jared is not going to stop me from having fun. I’m an adult and it’s time he started treating me like one.

Daniel nodded, but I could see he was conflicted. "Well, if anyone can handle him, I’d say you can. Speaking of Jared, we should probably get going. You ready for this?" I bit my lip and smiled. I was so ready I was practically giddy with anticipation. Rolling his eyes, Daniel paid for our meal, even though I’d begged him to let me and we made our way back to the car.

I sat in the back because I needed a distraction as my nerves began to swarm in my stomach. So where’s home for you Daniel? He looked at me in the rearview mirror. Illinois. I moved to California when my dad got transferred to another division of his company. I was about thirteen. My mom moved back to Illinois after the divorce, though. How about you?

Pasadena.

He nodded and smiled. Small town boy, small town girl, and here we are in the Big Apple. Have you ever been to New York before?

I shook my head. Other than San Francisco, I’ve never really traveled beyond Long Beach. You like it here? I mean, you must be here a lot with Jared and his business.

He glanced in the mirror at me again, and I saw his eyebrows furrow. Can’t say I hate it or love it. It’s where I am. I have an apartment here that Jared pays for and I look at it as just another place I work. It’s not like I vacation here or anything. I’m on duty all week and some Saturdays, so I never really thought about whether I like it. I hardly know it. I’ve never seen the sights or anything else New York has to offer outside of the functions I drive Jared to.

I felt bad for him and decided then, that I would do everything I could to make his time and mine in New York more fun.

I guess we’re both gonna have to make New York home for now. Stick with me, Dan. I intend to have lots of fun while I’m here.

He smiled and chuckled a little. Dan?

I blushed.

Do you hate it? He shook his head.

I like it. Dan. Yep. You can call me Dan, Miss Jennings.

I grinned and leaned forward to his seat. And you must call me Layla. Deal? His smile widened. Deal. Well, we’re here. I’ll get your bags and give you a minute to breathe. You look a bit flushed.

I looked at myself in the rear view. I was beet red. Nerves were no longer swarming; they were twirling like a tornado in my stomach.

We’d pulled up in front of an impressive building. With its white brick and elegant golden window frames, it was certainly extravagant and definitely expensive. One look at the name above the golden-framed glass door told me I was right. ‘Garrett Towers.’ It was one of Jared’s for sure.

My eyes immediately darted to the top floor where he would no doubt have the penthouse. My heart did a little skip and my insides twisted.

Opening my door, Daniel smiled and held my bags in his hand.

Ready? Now there was a question I couldn’t answer.

Ready to go up there? Absolutely.

Ready to see Jared? Oh good God, yes.

Ready to leave my old life behind and start my new one with him? Well, that would come eventually. Wouldn’t it?

The doorman saw me exit the car and nodded at Daniel. Layton, this is Miss Jennings. She’s here to see Mr. Garrett. Would you please grant her entry while I park the car? The large and burly gentleman scanned me from head to toe as I stood awkwardly on the sidewalk. I bit my lip anxiously.

Opening the door, he smiled politely. Of course. Right this way. Let me take your bags for you, ma’am.

Daniel grinned at me and nudged my arm, immediately pulling me from my dazed state. You gotta go in there some time. He’s going to be thrilled to see you. Go on. Get in there, girl.

I beamed back at him and threw my arms around his neck.

Thank you so much, Dan. Wish me luck. He snorted.

You don’t need it. He’s crazy about you. I’ll catch you later. Have a good night. Giving me a wink, he got in the car and drove away toward a large pair of iron gates, which I assumed, led to the parking lot beneath the building

Layton cleared his throat loudly. Giving him an apologetic look, I followed him inside.

The foyer was a gleaming white and the front desk was a beautiful ivory stone with gold trim. It matched the marble floor perfectly. I stood at the elevator and fidgeted mindlessly. When it finally chimed and the doors opened, I was so caught up in my thoughts; it startled me a little. I could hardly breathe as we entered, and as Layton reached for the keypad, I caught his hand in my own. I just need a minute. Taking a deep, calming breath, I held my nerve and nodded at him. He pressed the ‘P’ on the panel, and I hitched a breath as the doors closed and we headed, rapidly, to the penthouse. Well, here we go.

Chapter 2

A New Chapter

Exiting the elevator, I cautiously walked into an enormous entrance hall. It looked remarkably similar to the one back in Long Beach. Maybe he wanted it to be his home away from home?

Layton tilted his cap at me as I set my bags down. When I looked up, he had left.

The whole place seemed eerily silent. The light had come on automatically when we had arrived, but it appeared to be the only one lit in the entire apartment. I knew he had to be here; Daniel had told me that much. Leaving my bags where they were, I decided to go in search of him. My heart was pounding in my chest so hard it felt as though it might combust any second. I had no idea where I was going and as I slowly crossed the foyer, I could hear the gentle sounds of Eric Clapton playing.

I followed the low and soft music. I could see a glimmer of light streaming through the gap of a partially open door. The music grew louder the closer I got and I recognized the song immediately. It was my song. Layla. My heart skipped a beat when I heard the clanking of ice against a glass. He was in there.

My breathing quickened and I could feel my body turning into jello. My knees were weak and I was almost shaking as my hand reached for the door. I pushed it lightly so that I could see inside just a fraction more. I peered through the crack and my breath caught in my lungs.

Dressed in his lounge pants with no shirt, Jared paced around the room, gripping a glass of what I assumed to be bourbon. He swirled the drink a little before tipping his head back and downing the entire contents.

He looked as handsome and striking as ever but as he stood in front of the enormous window, I could see his face in its reflection. His brow furrowed, and a deep sadness was written all over his handsome features. He was tormented, and I didn’t have to look too far to know why and who had caused it. So then why don’t you get your ass in there and end his misery already? I wanted to but I was glued to the spot just staring at him, watching like some creepy pervert through a peephole.

He turned to face the door and for a moment, I wondered if he knew I was watching him. Shaking his head, he ran his fingers through his gorgeous, golden brown hair. I pressed my hand to my chest and felt the rhythm my heart was playing loudly beneath my ribcage. Just get in there already Layla! I was about to push my way inside when, placing his empty glass on a black coffee table beside him, Jared began to stride quickly toward the door.

I couldn’t breathe and for a split second, I considered hiding. Don’t be ridiculous. I had to face him sometime and explain myself. Moving back, away from the door, I braced myself, holding my breath as my chest tightened. The door swung open and for a brief moment he didn’t see me standing there. His head was down and his eyes were aimed at the floor. He must have seen my feet, because he immediately snapped his head up and stiffened as shock spread across his stunningly handsome face.

I gulped as he stared at me, his eyes penetrating my own. His eyebrows furrowed as he continued to gawk at me. He was lost for words. His mouth opened but his breath caught in his throat and he stammered, stuttered, and gasped. I stood rigidly in front of him. I wanted to throw my arms around him, to hold him close to me and feel the longing, sadness and hurt wash away from both of us. I was unsure where we stood and I was afraid of his rejection.

Closing the gap between us, he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me fervently. I was taken completely by surprise, but as soon as his soft lips pressed against my own, I immediately relaxed, savoring the sweet sensations of his mouth, tongue and lips on mine. I moaned as his hands moved downwards from my face to behind my neck. He kissed me as though it were our first, last, and forever. It was intense and full of emotion that I was struggling to hide or control. It was relief, sadness, regret, anger, and love all rolled into one passionate embrace. Tears were stinging my eyes, but they weren’t from anything but the pure happiness of being in his arms once again. My heart hammered beneath my ribcage and for a moment, the whole world stopped turning. It was just us. Jared, me, and our thundering hearts.

Finally willing to separate from one another, we gazed dreamily into each other’s eyes. He rested his forehead against mine and let out a long and staggered breath. I thought I’d lost you. I can’t believe you’re here. Please, I’m begging you; tell me you’re staying. I don’t think I could stand to watch you leave again. I wrapped my arms firmly around his waist and closed my eyes.

I’m not going anywhere. I felt the tension in his body instantly release and he was visibly more relaxed.

I’ve missed you so much. When you left that day, I thought I’d never hold you in my arms, feel your body against mine, kiss these lips, or hear the sound of your voice ever again. I’ve been living in hell without you. You’re my angel, and I can’t find heaven without you. Why didn’t you call me? How did you get here? He began trailing tiny kisses over my forehead and down my cheeks to my jaw. He was making it difficult for me to think or even form a coherent sentence. I wanted to lose myself in his arms and as I inhaled the sweet scent of vanilla and cologne that I had grown so comforted by, I sighed deeply.

I knew I had to be with you, Jared. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, wanting you and my heart hurt more with every day we were apart. The thought of never being together again, tore me apart, and I couldn’t bare it. I got on a plane and asked Daniel to pick me up from the airport. I wanted to surprise you, please don’t be mad.

He smiled against my cheek before placing a chaste kiss on my lips.

Mad? Layla, I’m so happy I could burst from pure, unbridled joy. I’m amazed, elated, and I feel like I’m dreaming. God, if I am, please don’t wake me.

We stood for what felt like an eternity just holding one another. His hands clenched me tightly as his lips pressed long and lingering kisses against my own. Caught up in my bliss, I was startled when a loud buzzing came from my pocket. It instantly reminded me that I’d forgotten to call my mother and my friends. Or maybe it was Ollie. The thought hit me like a bullet. Ollie. I felt instantly sick with guilt and I knew it was something I was going to have to grow accustomed to.

I’d made my decision and I had to make him my past now. There couldn’t possibly be any way back for us now. Surely, we couldn’t be friends. Jared would never be comfortable about it if we were. It was better that I severed all ties, for both of our sakes; even though the thought of never being near him again was crushing my heart like a vice. I’d hurt him, and he would never forgive me for this.

I gave Jared a rueful look. Tilting my chin up, he regarded me with an arched brow. What is it? What’s wrong? I shook my head.

I just have to call my mom and the girls. I promised I would when I landed. Do you mind? He breathed a sigh of relief.

I thought maybe you were having second thoughts about being here. Of course I don’t mind. Where are your bags? I pointed toward the elevator.

I’ll take them to the master suite and give you some privacy. He pulled me close for another heart stopping, body melting kiss. My insides heated as his hands roamed freely over my arms and grasped my behind tightly. Down girl. You just got here.

Jared moaned gratefully into my mouth, and I knew he’d been thinking the same. I smiled against his warm lips.

Sliding his hands from around me, he held my own in his, entwining our fingers. His thumb brushed over my bare finger where my ring once sat, sparkling and full of promises neither of us had kept. He sighed deeply and grimaced. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the area gently.

We didn’t need to dwell on it and I didn’t need to talk about it. We both knew our mistakes already and dragging up our past was only going to upset us both. Smiling at him, I shrugged.

I’ll go call my mom. Should I come find you after? The corners of his mouth curled upward.

No, I’ll come back. You go make your calls.

Reluctantly, he allowed his hand to slip from mine as he walked away across the foyer. Picking up my heavy bags with very little effort, he glanced back at me. I love you, Layla, more than you even know. I smiled back at him and nodded. I know. I love you, too.

I meant every word, but they were also true for someone else. My mind wandered to the man I’d left behind. I couldn’t help it and I knew that this feeling would not go away quickly. I loved Ollie and knowing how much he would be hurting right now was killing me. The truth was, I was hurting, too.

I watched as Jared climbed the winding marble staircase and disappeared from sight. Reaching into my pocket, I slid my cell phone out and found a text from my mother asking if I had landed yet. Rolling my eyes, I dialed and headed into the room Jared had exited.

Layla. I’ve been worried sick. Are you okay? Her tone was serious and concerned.

I’m fine, Mom. I’m actually at Jared’s place right now. I can’t really talk long.

Okay baby. I know you two must have a lot to talk about. I’ll call you tomorrow? I sighed heavily.

Yeah. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I love you, Mom.

I love you, too, baby. We both do.

Hanging up, I took in my surroundings. The room was enormous. Large windows made up the far wall and the rest of the room was a brilliant white. Black leather couches and a modern, minimalistic décor gave the place a very sterile and cold feeling. If it hadn’t been for the fireplace at the end of the room, I would have felt chilled based solely on the color scheme.

A long, sleek, black-surfaced bar stood to the right of the right of the fireplace. It was stocked with every liquor, beer, and wine imaginable. Jared had excellent taste in wines. I had learned that first hand on our date.

My cell buzzed in my hand and I quickly answered without checking the I.D. A friendly and slightly over excited voice, screeched down the line at me. Layla! Where are you? How did it go? Was he totally surprised? Tell us everything!

I giggled at Amy’s excitement and as I heard Mel’s voice echo from the background, I asked Amy to put me on speaker.

I’m at Jared’s place. He was shocked to see me, but then again, I should have expected that. There really isn’t anything to tell. He’s taking my bags upstairs and I don’t have long till he gets back. We have a lot to talk about. I heard Amy sigh heavily.

Have you spoken to Ollie? She sounded apprehensive. I knew she was scared to hear how he’d taken the news and as I told her about the text, I hated myself for how I had chosen to tell him. It was cold and so impersonal. Surely, I at least owed him a proper explanation?

Amy gasped. I can’t believe you dumped him by text, Layla! That’s awful! You know that, right? He must be devastated.

She was yelling and I was now getting the full, Amy, lecture on the etiquette of dumping and ditching. The word ‘dumped’ echoed in my ears. I hadn’t dumped Ollie; he wasn’t trash. I had to choose and this was where my gut had taken me.

There was always going to be a broken heart at the end of all of this, Amy. I wish so much that there was another way, but there’s not. I’ve chosen my path and now I have to walk down it. Ollie will forget about me in time and he’ll move on, find someone else, and be unbelievably happy.

The thought of Ollie with someone else brought a lump to my throat and a sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I loved him. It was selfish and though I had chosen not to be with him, I didn’t want anyone else to have him. Not yet.

I listened carefully for any sign of Jared. Silence.

Whispering into the receiver, I held the cell close to my face. "I miss him Amy. I know I’ve made my choice but I do love him. He hasn’t called, texted, or anything. He hasn’t tried to change my mind. I think he’s finally given up and … I’m glad." Liar. We can both move on now. Right? I knew the answer and they did, too. I heard Mel snort.

If you say so Layla. It’s too late now, anyway. Ollie will get over it. He’s a big boy and it’s a hard lesson, but we can’t always get what we want. She was right. I needed to get my shit together and get past this. Guilt I could handle, but holding on to feelings for the man I left behind? That was just cruel and unfair to Jared. I’d put him through enough and I had some making up to do. Saying my goodbyes to the girls, I hung up; picked up the glass Jared had left on the table, and made my way over to the bar.

If we were going to have the conversation that I knew was inevitably coming, then I needed a drink. Call it Dutch courage if you like, but I call it steadying my nerves. I poured myself a glass of bourbon and inhaled the bitter scent deeply. It was familiar and memories of both Jared and Ollie drinking it flooded my mind. I sighed deeply, held the glass to my lips and was about to take a drink, when I heard him clear his throat, loudly. Lowering the glass, I turned to find him leaning against the door frame, watching me with an arched brow. Damn him and that brow.

Do you really need that to talk to me? He pointed at the glass in my hand. I shrugged and stared at the pungent liquid as it sloshed around the glass.

Layla, you don’t need an alcohol shield. We’re just talking. You’re here and that’s the important thing. But we both have things to say. It’s best we do it now rather than later.

He sauntered over and took the glass from my hand. Shooting me a half smile, he downed it and spluttered.

Straight, huh?

I chuckled as his face screwed up. Jared preferred a little soda with his liquor. Shaking his head, he held out his hand for mine. I obliged gladly and smiled as he lifted it to his face and held it against his cheek. Pressing a kiss to my palm, he gazed at me.

Come, sit with me. He led me to the couch and we sat side by side. Our fingers entwined and rested between us. I stared at the floor. I didn’t know what to say or where to begin. But fortunately, I didn’t have to.

Layla, I need to know what happened to us. Where did it all just fall apart? Why? It was a simple question with a difficult answer.

We both fucked it up, Jared. We could never seem to just be honest with each other. You had your secrets and you were so infuriatingly intense all the time. Sometimes I felt like I was flying while other times I felt like you were suffocating me. I don’t think we were really broken until …

Until you kissed him … he interrupted.

My lips pressed into a hard line and I nodded. It was the truth. That kiss had sealed my fate where Ollie and I were concerned. I lusted, ached, and longed for him. The sexual chemistry between us was tangible.

That kiss had confirmed it and I was powerless to control the fallout it created. The way I felt about him now, well, that was something entirely different. It was something that had surprised even me.

That broke me, Layla. I’d given you everything, including my trust and faith. Then, finding out you’d betrayed me like that, even if you didn’t want or ask for that kiss, you still kept it from me. You broke my trust in you.

I understood how he must have felt, but I hadn’t been the only one to mess up. Lifting my head I stared across the room at the bar.

"You broke my trust, too. That morning I found Lucy at the house, it almost destroyed me. Even now I can’t get over why you kept it from me. You say you trusted me, but you clearly didn’t trust me enough to tell me you had a sister. We both played our parts in this Jared. We lied, hid things, and snuck around. I know it must have really hurt you when you found out about Ollie and me at Christmas. I didn’t want you find out that way. Mel was so wrong to do that."

He let out a long and exasperated sigh.

Layla, you know why I couldn’t tell you about Lucy. I thought we went over that. It wasn’t about trust. It was about keeping you safe. Look what happened in Felix’s apartment. Look at what he almost did to you! I can’t even think about what could have happened to you. It makes me sick. And no, I can’t say that particular piece of news really made my Christmas. It’s right up there with you walking out on me, twice, and you telling me you love him. All things I’d rather forget. He held my chin between his thumb and finger and turned me to face him. His piercing blue eyes penetrated my soul.

This brings me to my next question, and I need the truth. Do you still love him?

I gulped, and he saw it. It was also written painfully all over my face. I nodded, completely unable to force a single word past the lump in my throat.

He nodded back at me, released my chin and pressed his lips into a hard line.

Then why are you here?

I reached out and cupped his face in my hands forcing him to look into my eyes as I spoke. Because I want us to have this chance. How often does a feeling like this come along? I chose you, Jared. I’m here and I’m staying. I’m serious about us and I want to be with you. It’s true; I love him. I won’t lie about it. A small piece of me always will. He was my friend first and I’m sure, in time, it’ll fade. But this thing between us is strong, and I know where I am meant to be. I traced my fingertips down his neck to his chest, resting my palm over his thundering heart.

I belong right here … with you. I love you.

His eyes burned and I could feel his breathing quickening beneath my hand.

In a swift movement, he leapt at me, pushing me down onto the couch with his weight as he pressed me into the thick leather cushions. He kissed me deeply as his hands roamed over my body. I melted in his arms. It was familiar, secure, and I ached to be closer to him in every way. But as his hand slid inside my shirt, I halted him, gripping his wrist in my palm.

He snapped his head up and stared at me, wounded and confused.

"No. I can’t. Not yet. Too much of us, is about sex. I just got here, and we still have so much to talk about."

What is there to talk about? You’re here, I’m here, we love each other and I want you, Layla. I ache for you. I thought you felt the same or did I read you wrong?

He wasn’t wrong. He was unbelievably right. He usually was. I was hot for him, that was obvious to both of us, but we were falling back into our old patterns, and let’s be honest, they didn’t exactly work for us before.

"I do want you. I want you so much that it’s making me crazy. But this is too fast. I want us to get to know each other again. I want us to be friends as well as lovers. Don’t you?"

"We are friends, we always were. You’re my best friend Layla."

The best friend you didn’t trust with secrets? The best friend you lied to and hurt? I know I’m not innocent in it all, but you have to see that we need time. I’m not going to run, Jared. I’m here. I chose you. Sex won’t make me want to be with you. This does.

I took his hand and placed it on my chest. He gazed at me and smiled a little. I love you. We don’t need to rush. We have all the time in the world.

His smile widened and he slowly leaned closer. His lips were so close to mine I could feel his warm breath on my own partially opened mouth. I sighed gently. His lips were simply delicious. They made me quiver just knowing what those lips could do to me. I remembered how they could make me need, ache, and beg for him.

You’re anxious.

I gazed at him as his hand reached up and pulled my bottom lip from the clamping of my teeth on it. I hadn’t even noticed I was doing it. I wasn’t anxious; I was excited and turned on purely from the proximity of his body to mine.

I pressed my lips together and he shook his head lightly before closing the tiny space between us and kissing me again. I could feel my resolve weakening. Kisses from Jared were more than pleasurable. They were essential to my very existence. Abstinence was going to be very difficult.

He had the ability to make me clench on demand and he knew just how to do it. He groaned into my mouth and I felt it all the way through my body to the bottom of my stomach.

Feeling the heat between us simmering

Reviews for Burning Up

[nataniar-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I give this book 3.5 stars... Let's start with I'm team Jared 110%.. Ollie is nice but I'm sorry something about Jared I just can't stop loving him. I loved book 1, in fact I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait for the 2nd installment but as I started reading it Layla just kept making me so mad beyond a sane level. I stopped reading this book for days, I even read 2 books in between and I never do that, once I start a book I finish it before starting another. Layla is so childish i wanted to scream at the shit she does omg!!! Her temper tantrums wore me down. I hate this indecisive childish behavior and some of her excuses are so lame... Sorry but I hope Ollie bangs this chick on tour! I'm glad Jared is getting his shit in order and giving himself a chance to be young. Layla will be banging on Jared's door sooner or later I hope she grows up soon! I started off liking Mel and Amy but I think they meddle to much in stuff that's not their business and that irritates me. I liked Daniel and Lucy as well. Layla's parent seem to be team Jared at least I think so her mom seems to think that Jared is the one for IMHO. I guess I'll wait to see the ending of this story, I hope it's Layla and Jared who get their happy ending.

[uanbookaddict · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.75 stars

What to say about this book... I was reeled in in "Bound Together". Needless to say I was awaiting this book to come out. I just had to see where it went.
In all honesty, it went downhill for me. Part of wanting to continue reading a series is the characters. To say that Layla leaves a bad taste in my mouth is an understatement. Yeah yeah. We aren't necessarily supposed to like her at this point; at least I wouldn't hope we are supposed to like her. But my dislike for this character had me turned off from this book. She just got worse and worse as the book went on.
And Jared... I don't care for him. A lot seem to think he was more likable in this book than the first. I am not in agreeance with them. I was all for him after the first book... But as this book went on, I was questioning why I didn't care for Ollie in the first book. Jared's controlling tendencies are not cute. They are very close to being a deal breaker for me.
Now to Ollie... like I mentioned, I didn't care for him in the first book. I thought he was whiny. But after this book, I think it was just the wanting the bad boy to win. I don't have the same opinion of him after this part of the story. He is sweet. His heart won't let Layla go.
I cannot say that I am "Team Jared" or Team Ollie". I can say that I am not "Team Layla". I hope in the third book they both walk away from her leaving her alone with her self-centered self!
I am not sure if I will read the next book... the only reason being Layla. I just can't get past my distaste for her character. I had a hard time finishing the book. If she were real and standing in front of me, I would punch her in the face a few times.
The book is full of drama. Back and forth (on Layla's part). A few chuckles. It is well written. For many, it will be an easy read; one that may be hard to put down.