Meeting Mr Anderson (The Men Series – Interconnected Standalone Romances Book 1)

The wheels of the Boeing 747 touch down on the runway into LAX international airport. It’s a beautiful day and the sun shines through the window by my jump seat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Los Angeles International Airport. For your safety, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop and the captain has switched off the fasten seat belt signs. The local time here is three o’clock in the afternoon.”

I switch off as Matt continues his announcement over the PA system. The last nine days have felt so long, but now that we are back in LA, it doesn’t feel like I’ve been away. I say goodbye to all the passengers as they disembark and do my post-flight landing checks to make sure nothing has been left behind. All the crew gather around the disembarkation door and wait for the pilots to join us. When they do, we all begin the trek through the terminal to immigration and baggage reclaim.

“Ugh, why does the west coast have to be so far away?” Rach grumbles as she pulls her carry-on alongside me.

“Forgotten what it’s like, little Miss East Coast?” Matt teases.

“Hey, I love the east coast,” Rach fires back. “Shorter flight times, New York, Boston, hot men in suits. What’s not to love?”

 Me and Matt smile sideways at each other; Rach is a sucker for a hot guy in a great suit.

“I know what you two will be setting your trip preferences as. You’ll be bribing crewing to roster you as many LA flights as possible to see Jay and Steven,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“Stefan,” Matt corrects her, “and yes, you’re right.” He laughs. “At least if I get my way and Stefan realizes the sun shines brighter when I am around.” He looks up to the ceiling theatrically with one arm raised above his head.

“Oh God,” Rach groans. “You’ve got it bad.”

“Not yet, darling, but I will be getting it bad soon. Watch this space,” Matt says.

I smile as the three of us carry on teasing each other and chatting all the way to the crew hotel. It’s such fun being able to fly together like this.

After we pull up at the crew hotel, we stand and talk with the other crew as our suitcases get unloaded from the back of the van.

“Hey, guys, we’re off to a bar around the corner tonight if you fancy it?” says Chris, one of our pilots. “The captain from yesterday’s crew texted me and said they’ll meet us there.”

“Oh, okay, thanks,” I say. “Sounds fun.”

“Aren’t you desperate to meet lover boy?” Rach says, checking out Chris’ ass as he walks off to collect his suitcase.

“I wish.” I sigh. “Jay texted me to tell me him and Stefan are going to be busy at work until late tonight. The show needs to shoot some promotional material for season three. We’re going to meet them tomorrow. You coming?”

“Yeah. I guess someone has to come and make sure this guy isn’t a total tool,” Rach says. “It’s not like we can trust him.” She jabs her thumb toward Matt. “One flex of a bicep and a pretty face, and he’d sell his own grandmother,” Rach jokes.

“Hey! I heard that!” calls Matt in mock outrage. “It would take much more than just biceps and a pretty face, Rach. I’d need the chiseled jaw, strong pecs, weakness for kittens, the entire package! My grandmother would expect nothing less.”

I laugh. These two crack me up. I spy Cooper, the valet, at his desk.

“You two go on inside and get checked in. I’ll be there in a moment,” I call to Matt and Rach as I go over to say hi. His eyes light up when he sees me.

“Hi, Holly. I was wondering when you might be back.”

“Hi, Cooper. Couldn’t keep away,” I joke.

“I can’t blame you. Are you going to be seeing Mr. Anderson while you’re here?”

“That’s the plan.”

“He’s a good man,” Cooper smiles. “You know, last week he came by, took me for a ride to visit my brother at work. Let Eric drive his Ferrari, man!” Cooper’s whole face glows. “Should have seen his face. Made his year!”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it was so cool of him to do that, man. Eric loves cars; he’s a talented mechanic and wants to run his own garage one day. Me and him are saving up to go into business together.” He smiles proudly.

“Oh, that’s amazing! I’m sure you’ll get there. It sounds like you both have the passion for it to work.”

“We do. The rate it’s going I might be sixty by the time we’ve saved enough, but we’ll get there.”

“Well, I’ll be rooting for you,” I say as I wheel my cases toward the lobby door.

“Thanks, Holly,” Cooper calls. “Have a great trip; maybe see you later.”

It’s evening and Matt, Rach, and I are all having a drink in Matt’s room before we head out to the bar around the corner to meet the rest of the crew.

“I love that dress, Holly” says Rach, eyeing me up. I’m wearing a casual black sleeveless dress that fits close on the top half and then has a short flippy skirt that swishes as I walk.

“Thanks, hun. I wish I could look sexy like you. I could never pull your outfit off,” I say as I admire Rach in her skin-tight black shiny trousers and spiky heels. On her top half she’s got a white ripped T-shirt and cropped denim jacket.

“Ahem.” Matt clears his throat.

“You look great too, Matt” I laugh, as I look over at him in his black skinny jeans and V-neck T-shirt.

“Why, thank you, darling.” He smiles, satisfied.

We head off to the nearby bar where the crew are meeting. It’s a sports bar, with a nice laid-back atmosphere. There’s often crew from another day’s flight here, so we get to catch up.

We open the door to the bar and head inside. It’s busy already and there are a lot of people standing around, drinking and talking. There’s sporting memorabilia on the walls, a couple of big TVs behind the bar showing a baseball game, and two guys sitting at the bar cheer and shout every now again. You can just about make out music playing in the background, disguised by the loud hum of animated chatter.

“First round’s on me,” Matt calls as we head to the bar. We order two house cocktails and a whiskey for Rachel, clinking the glasses together when they arrive.

“To flying with friends,” Matt says.

“Flying with friends,” Rach and I echo.

We have a great time talking and laughing together and have had a couple more drinks when my phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s a text from Jay.

Magic Cock: Hey, Holly. Filming has wrapped up for the night. If it’s not too late, do you fancy a drink?

I would love to see him, but I can’t ditch Matt and Rach.

Me: I’m at a bar around the corner from the hotel with Matt and Rachel at the moment.

Magic Cock: What’s it called? Stefan and I will come meet you.

I text him the name of the bar and the street it’s on before putting my phone back into my pocket and picking up my cocktail, downing the rest in one go.

“What’s got into you?” Rach eyes me suspiciously.

“That was Jay. Him and Stefan are coming here to meet us.” I take a deep breath and blow it out.

Matt’s eyes widen. “That’s amazing! Why do you look like you’ve swallowed a fly?” he says, studying my face.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Jay since the last time.” I gulp. “What if it’s awkward, or he remembers me differently and sees me tonight and runs for the hills?” I drag my hands down over my face.

“Then good riddance to the silly bastard,” Rach pipes up. “I’m sure he won’t though, Holls; as I’ve told you, you are a fox. Besides, haven’t you been like sexting each other and shit nonstop since you left last time?”

I chew on my lip. “Well, yeah. But that’s different. He’s going to be here in person soon.”

“Just think of all that pent-up sexual energy he will have stored up for you,” Matt exclaims in delight. “You lucky bitch. I bet he’s going to give it to you good tonight!”

“Matt!” I gasp, hitting him on the chest with the back of my hand.

“What? Don’t pretend you aren’t secretly hoping for the same thing.” He winks.

I smile as he’s right. I’ve missed the feel of Jay Anderson’s body pressed against mine. It’s been all I can think of for the last nine days.

“Okay. But I’m going to need another drink to calm my nerves,” I announce.

“Bartender!” Matt calls to the friendly barman, handing him some money. “My friend needs a drink and make it a strong one, please!”

I’m a lot more relaxed after the whiskey Matt got us all, although God, it was strong. My throat is still on fire. Rach knocked hers back like it was water.

The hairs on my neck stand up and my body goes on high alert, like it senses something. I turn my head toward the door. Jay has just walked in with Stefan. He looks incredible, even better than I remember. He seems taller, bigger, stronger. His sun-kissed hair is screaming at me to run my hands through it.  He’s wearing tan boots over faded jeans and a white T-shirt. His intense blue eyes lock on to me as they make their way over to us. All I can do is stand rooted to the spot and watch. My legs won’t work now even if I wanted them to.

Jay stops in front of me and just studies me to begin with, a smile spreading across his face. God, that jaw and stubble. Heat radiates from his body and my heart races in response to him. Stefan and Matt are greeting each other to the side of me and Matt’s introducing Rachel, but I can’t tear my eyes off Jay’s face.

“Holly,” his deep dreamy voice purrs, and I swear I flutter in places I didn’t know existed.

“Hi, Jay,” I squeak, staring up at him.

He cups my face between his large warm hands and leans in, kissing me on the lips. I suck my breath in as his soft lips touch mine. Then he presses harder and I sink into him, reaching up to wrap my arms around his neck, my lips parting to allow his tongue full access to my mouth. He kisses me deeply, taking my breath away before pulling back and grinning.

“It’s good to see you, Berry,” he says, his eyes glinting. “You’re even more edible than I remember and not as spiky as the picture you sent.”

I laugh as he refers to the holly bush photo I sent him.

“I reserve my spikes for special occasions,” I tease, relaxing in his company once again. I’d forgotten this feeling, how right it feels to be near him, how easy he is to talk to.

“Do I get a hello now that you two have finished?” Stefan interrupts, leaning in to give me a hug.

I giggle. “Sorry, Stefan, how are you doing?”

“Better now,” he says, as I catch him sneak a quick glance at Matt. “That was a long day though. We’ve been on the go since six a.m.”

“Why so early?” Rach asks after she says hello to Jay and introduces herself.

“We have to be first to the makeup trailer,” Stefan says. “It takes hours to make this one’s ugly face presentable.” He points a finger at Jay. “I’m surprised the makeup girls haven’t gone on strike!”

Jay laughs and grabs Stefan in a headlock, ruffling his hair. “Stop! Not the quiff! Anything but the hair!” Stefan cries as Jay lets him go and we all laugh.

“See what I have to put up with?” Stefan says, straightening himself up. “I work with a psycho.”

We all grab another drink from the bar and stand, laughing and chatting. Stefan regales us with stories about a mystery practical joker on set, whose latest prank today was to swap Jay’s costumes for identical ones two sizes too small. He came out of the dressing trailer looking like he’d turned into the hulk. The crew thought it was hilarious. I look up at Jay, who’s smiling as Stefan finishes the story. He’s holding my hand in his, rubbing his thumb back and forth across my knuckles. I can’t believe I’m standing here with him. It’s like a dream. I don’t want to let go of his hand, but I’m aware that I really need the bathroom after all the drinks I’ve had.

“I’m going to the restroom.” I stand up on my tiptoes to kiss Jay on the cheek. He smiles at me and I let go of his hand reluctantly. “Back in a minute.”

I weave my way through people on my way to the restroom and see our pilot Chris across the room. I give him a smile and wave and then stop dead. I can only see the back of the man he’s talking to, and it’s been ten months, but there’s no mistaking that it’s my ex, Simon.

I rush to the restroom. Please say he didn’t see me! I might have gotten away with it. He was facing the other way. I haven’t seen him in all this time. I thought I was over the things he said and did to me, but seeing him again and knowing he’s here just brings it all back to the surface again. I stand by the mirror and use a tissue to dab at the sweat along my hairline and back of my neck. I’m not the same girl I was back then. I can’t let him control me and make me feel worthless again just by being in the same room as me. I can do this. I need to walk out there and past him, back to my friends. Then if I want to leave, I can. Okay, here goes. I open the restroom door and go back out into the bar. I glance across at Chris, who’s talking to a girl now. No sign of Simon. Shit. I look around. With any luck, he’s already left.

“Looking for me?” a voice sneers behind me.

I turn around and am face-to-face with Simon. He’s attractive, or at least I used to think so, but since finding out about the real him, I can’t stomach looking at him.

“No, I was just—”

“You were just what, Holly?” He cuts me off. “Just off back to your friends? Don’t think I haven’t seen who you’re with,” he says, his eyes flashing with something. “It’s pathetic. What do you think he’d want with you? He will soon realize he’s wasting his time,” Simon spits. “Unless you’ve already opened your legs for him?” He sneers and I recoil in disgust. “Ha, you have, haven’t you? You’ve let him pork you and now the poor fucker is planning his escape.”

My cheeks burn and my eyes sting. I can’t stand to be anywhere near him. I try to push past to get away from him, but he grabs my wrist.

“What’s going on, Holly?” Jay’s deep voice asks as he appears beside me.

“N-nothing, I was just coming to find you,” I stammer, rubbing my wrist that Simon has let go of. A red mark is forming on it. Jay looks at it and then back at Simon.

“Who are you?” Jay says, his eyes are on fire and boring into Simon.

“Jay, leave it,” I whisper, trying to take his arm.

“This is him, isn’t it? Your ex?” he says, looking at me. Oh God, he’s furious.

“Talked about me, has she?” Simon pipes up.

Shut up, you idiot! He’s obviously had a few drinks and is feeling cocky.

“Cries out my name when you fuck her, I bet,” he slurs.

A roar unlike anything I’ve ever heard before explodes next to me. It sounds like an animal going in for the kill. Before I know what’s happening, Jay has Simon up against the wall by his throat. There’s a loud gasp around the bar before it falls silent as everyone stops to watch what’s going on.

“What did you just say?” Jay says through gritted teeth. His eyes look wild and the veins are visible in the arm he’s holding Simon with. I can see the vein in his neck pulsating and his breathing is fast, drawing his huge chest up and down. Simon’s trying to say something but can’t get his breath enough to get it out. Jay puts his face right up against Simon’s, his eyes locked on him.

“If you ever,” he hisses, “talk about Holly like that again, or even look in her direction, I will finish you. Do you understand?” Simon’s eyes widen as he grasps at Jay’s arm with his hands. “Do you understand me?” Jay growls. Simon nods weakly and Jay lets him go. Simon drops to the floor, coughing and clutching at his throat.

“Come on, Holly, we’re leaving,” Jay says as he grabs my hand and pulls me past astonished faces with mouths hanging wide open. I catch sight of Stefan, Matt, and Rach. Matt’s eyes are wide open; Rachel’s smirking over at Simon, and Stefan doesn’t look flustered in the slightest. I might be sick after what just happened. I can’t believe Simon was here and said those awful things. I thought I was past him being able to hurt me.

Jay marches me back to the hotel without saying a word. We pass Cooper on the way in, who takes one look at Jay’s face and averts his eyes back to his desk and away from us. I press the elevator button for my floor, and we ride up in silence. I glance over at Jay, who still looks furious. Not as wild as before, but his jaw is clenched, and his eyes focus straight ahead.

“Jay?” I whisper.

“Give me a minute, Holly, please.” His voice sounds strained.

Tears prick at my eyes as I swallow the lump in my throat. Is this it? Is all this over? I’ve never seen Jay so angry before. The first time I ever mentioned Simon to him, he flew into a rage, but nothing like this. He doesn’t even want to speak to me. I’m out of my depth. What am I doing here with someone like Jay? Simon’s right. Maybe he’s realized I’m not worth the trouble and is about to end things.

The elevator doors open, and we walk down to my room. Jay stays one step behind, his hand still holding mine. We get to my door and I turn around to face Jay, my eyes blurry.

“I understand if you don’t want to come in,” I say, not able to look at his face. If this is going to be goodbye, then I can’t bring myself to look in his eyes when he tells me.

“What are you talking about?” Jay says as he puts the fingers from his spare hand under my chin and lifts my face until my eyes meet his. His brows are pulled together.

“I thought after meeting Simon that you might, you might…” I trail off, not sure what I was going to say.

Jay looks deep into my eyes. “You thought I might agree with him and think you’re not worth it?”

I gulp and nod as a tear betrays me and slides down my cheek.

“Holly, don’t,” Jay says with concern as he brushes it away with his thumb. “The only thing on my mind right now is taking you inside your room and making love to you, the way I should have the last time you were here.”

“That sounds better than what I imagined,” I say, and he smiles at me, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“Then open the damn door, Berry!” he says impatiently.

I open it and look back over my shoulder at Jay as I lead him inside by his hand. The door closes and Jay takes a step toward me, resting my back against the wall. He reaches down to my wrist, still red from where Simon grabbed it, and lifts it up to meet his lips. His eyes never leave mine as he kisses it. My breath catches in my throat as he holds me under his gaze, his beautiful blue eyes watching me intently. Somehow this feels even more intimate than being naked in front of him.

He places my wrist against his chest as he leans in to kiss my mouth. One hand cups the side of my face, his thumb stroking my cheek as he kisses me, his tongue rolling against mine, then his lips softly sucking mine. I let out a soft sigh and melt into his touch as his kisses trail down my neck and onto my shoulder.

“You are so beautiful, Holly. I won’t ever get enough of feeling your skin against mine,” he whispers as he reaches around my back to unzip my dress, slipping it down over one shoulder. His kisses change direction and trail across my collarbone to my other shoulder as he pushes my dress down over that one too, returning his mouth to my neck as my dress falls into a puddle around my feet.

“Jay,” I whisper.

“Yes?”

“Don’t stop, will you?” I whisper.

“I’ve no intention to,” he replies as he continues kissing and caressing my neck. It’s not what I mean, but his answer will do, for now.

“I need you naked,” he says as he moves to unhook my bra.

“That’s not fair.” I smile.

He smiles back at me as he kicks his boots off and reaches down to pull off his socks. He raises an eyebrow at me as he lifts his T-shirt over his head, his abs rippling as he stretches up. Then he unzips his jeans and with one swift move pulls both them and his boxer shorts down, throwing them to the side. His hard cock hangs heavy between his legs as he stands again.

“Better?” he asks.

“Much.”

“Now, where was I?” he says as he returns his attention to my bra. With one quick flick between finger and thumb, he’s unhooked it, and it’s on the floor with my dress. He pulls back, his eyes resting on my breasts. “Holly, I’ve missed these,” he says as he strokes them with his hands, rolling my nipples between his thumb and forefinger, watching in awe as they harden under his touch. “God, you’re beautiful.” He dips his head down to suck and pull on each of my nipples.

I moan in ecstasy and arch my back off the wall to meet his mouth. “So beautiful,” he murmurs again with his lips around my nipple. Oh God, that is so good. My body remembers his touch so well and melts further into it. His kisses move down my stomach, his hands caressing my waist.

“These have got to go too,” he says as he kneels in front of me and slides my panties down my legs, helping me to step out of them when they reach the floor. He draws in his breath and raises his eyes to look up at me. “You are incredible, Holly.” He leans forward and kisses me between the legs. “So wonderful,” he murmurs as his tongue licks me, coaxing my lips apart so he can taste deep inside my pussy.

“Jay,” I moan as I lean back against the wall and my hands find their way into his hair.

He groans and dives deeper, licking and sucking, my arousal flowing to him. He drinks it up, a deep groan vibrating his throat. My legs tremble as his tongue licks me harder before he presses his lips against my clitoris and sucks. I come with a cry and almost collapse on top of him.

“Oh, Holly,” Jay moans as he sucks one more time before standing up, catching me in his strong arms and lifting my legs up around his waist. He leans back against the wall. I’m breathing heavily, surprised by my sudden orgasm.

“Holly, you taste so sweet.” His eyes are sparkling and alive, my wetness evident on his lips. I lean forward and lick his bottom lip, tasting myself on him. He moans and looks into my eyes before kissing me, sucking on my bottom lip.

“I want to feel you, Jay,” I whisper. “All of you.”

He looks at me.

“Have you always used condoms?” I ask him.

“Yes, every time,” he says, his eyes intent on mine. “And you?”

“Always,” I say, “and I’m on the pill.”

Jay looks at me again and seems unsure of what to say or do next.

“Please, Jay. I need to feel all of you tonight. I need to be closer than before.”

He studies my face and I know he still sees the earlier hurt that was in my eyes.

“If you’re sure, Berry?”

“I am.” I nod.

He takes my face in his hand again and kisses me deeply as his other hand holds me up around my waist. He pulls back and I loosen the grip of my legs around his waist. Then he’s there. The warm, slick tip of his cock against my entrance. He draws back from kissing to look at me again and without taking his eyes off mine, he slowly slides into me, inch by thick, magical inch.

I gasp. I’m so full. I will never get enough of feeling him inside me like this. Jay moans as he draws back and then sinks back deep inside me.

“Holly,” he says, looking deep into my eyes. “You take my breath away.”

I tighten my legs around his waist as he carries me over to the bed and lays me down, never breaking contact, his body over mine. I run my hands up to the back of his head and stroke his hair.

“You are incredible,” Jay breathes as he supports himself on his elbows above me, his arms wrapped underneath my shoulders and his hands holding the sides of my face. He slides in and out of me, deep and slow, as I keep my legs wrapped around his waist to pull him deeper.

“Jay, you feel so good,” I cry as he touches places deep inside me.

He moves faster as my wetness rushes between us.

“Holly,” he breathes, dipping his head down to my shoulder.

“Kiss me, Jay.”

He moves his lips to mine and kisses me hungrily, his movements getting faster and faster. I can’t get enough of him. I want to pull him deeper and hold him close to me. Another orgasm is already building deep inside me, preparing to take over my body. The sensation of Jay’s body moving against mine, the heat of his body over me, and his scent, are all too much.

“Jay, I’m going to come,” I moan.

“Holly,” he groans against my lips.

The wave builds to its peak inside me, until it’s too much and I crash underneath him, my body tightening around his, my moans muffled against his lips as he kisses me harder.

“Holly,” he moans against my lips. “Oh God, Holly,” he groans as he comes undone. There’s an unmistakable swell of his cock, followed by heat as he releases himself. His hands are still in my hair and his lips murmur my name as he presses his face to mine.

We lie like that for a long time, kissing each other, Jay stroking my cheek with his thumb.

“That was incredible,” he says as he pulls back to look into my eyes.

“Your magic cock strikes again.” I sigh.

Jay smiles before kissing me again. “You’re the magic one, Holly. I want you to see what everyone else sees and understand how special you are.”

“You’re very deep tonight, Mr. Anderson.”

“Yes, I am.” He smirks, flexing his cock, our bodies still connected.

“Not what I meant.” I roll my eyes.

Jay kisses me again as he gently pulls out of me, leaving an emptiness that has my body screaming in protest. “Come take a shower with me.” He grins, taking my hand and lifting me up off the bed.

“I thought you’d never ask, dirty boy,” I tease as he leads me into the bathroom and starts the shower.

“I’ll show you what dirty is.” He winks as he pulls me into his arms under the warm water. I laugh as I press up against his hot, muscular body and prepare myself for Jay Anderson to take command of my body and senses all over again.