More than a memory

Chapter 14

Butterflies

Roxanne

Since the days I've spent at Jerry's house during the storm we started to hang out in secret. I wanted to get Damon down more than anything and Jerry seemed to be determined to help me with it. I always gave him a few recordings that I managed to get from my home security system, but Damon became more careful so all what Jerry saw was arguing between a couple... I've told him that I'll try to make Damon furious so he would hit me again, but Jerry stopped me. He kissed my forehead and said.

" It will be over soon, but a little rush is not worth for you to get hurt. Be patient tiny dancer." Without realizing, I've fallen for him slowly. I counted the days for our meetings and always tried to make my best appearance. Today we should meet again, andy heart was beating in my throat. I stole glances at the clock during our rehearsal. The grand opening of Damon's play was in two days and we all worked extra hours just to make sure that everything is going perfect. The tickets were already sold out thanks to his and my fame. The rehearsal was over but I was running late. I bit my nails since I had no time left to take a shower ams get changed. I was about to leave when Damon blocked my way.

- Where where my shinning star? - he asked with a smirk I couldn't wait to wipe it off of his face.

- I have an appointment with my doctor and I'm running late. - he raised and eyebrow and I tried to get out, but he kept blocking the door.

- You are going to a doctor a lot lately, and you always come back smiling... - Damon laid closer and asked in a frustrated voice.

- What kind of doctor makes you feel this way? - I felt how my knees got weaker. I was afraid of him, my bruises from last day were still aching.

- I've already told you that I am going to a therapist. - Damon grabbed my face and smiled.

- Fine. Go, just don't forget that I have eyes everywhere. - he let me go ams I basically ran out of the theater. He was right, he kept me under supervision. I called Jerry as soon as I was finally surrounded by people.

- Hi! Sorry I'm running a bit late. Is my appointment still on? - Jerry sighed from the other side of the phone.

- Of course. But if you feel that you are too tired we can reschedule it. - I wasn't sure if Damon was listening to my calls so we always talked this way. Sometimes I've called Jerry in the middle of the night if a nightmare happened. Damon caught me talking to him once that was when we came up with this cover story.

- I need today's appointment really bad. I'm really nervous about the play.

- Totally understandable Mrs. Martin. In this case I'm waiting for you in my office.

- Thanks Dr Hayes! I'm running.

- Take your time Mrs. Martin, better late than sorry!

- See you in a bit. I'm already on my way.

- See you soon then. - I felt charged with energy every time I heard his voice. Being with Jerry made me feel safe and wanted. I still didn't know if our kiss was true or it was just my imagination... But I craved for his touch. I wanted his closeness and dreamed about waking up next to him. Once I get rid of Damon, I'll make a move on Jerry. I was in the subway and looked around. I spotted two of Damon's men watching me from the distance. Jerry thought me how to spot them and the paparazzi out. In about fifteen minutes I was already in the office building where we held our "sessions". Luckily, Damon's men couldn't follow me inside of the office Jerry rented. I have to pay all this money back to him later... - I thought while I knocked at the door. My heart was beating fast and I tried to quickly fix my hair without any success. An older man opened the door. He smiled at me and let me in.

- Nice to see you again Mrs. Martin. - he said and took my coat.

- The pleasure is mine Sid. Let me thank you again for helping me out in so many ways. - Sid, Jerry's boss smiled at me.

- Nonsense Roxanne. After Jer.. Jerry told me about the situation, this is the least I can do. On the other hand, I own the kid a lot. Our newspaper is still on top thanks to his hard work. Not many people are crazy enough to visit such dangerous places and brave enough to reveal the truth of the dark side of the world.

- Anyway, I'll give you a full exclusive interview as I promised once this is over!

- I'd really appreciate it. I'm leaving now, have a good time!- Sid smiled and opened the door next to us. It lead to another office, which was his wife's. She was a real therapist and she helped us to get this room. I walked into the main room and found myself in strong arms. I didn't shiver, my body already knew his touch.

- Hi! - I smiled and inhaled his sweet scent.

- Is everything okay? - Jerry asked without greeting me. I immediately became self conscious remembering that I was in my gym clothes, I haven't showered and I didn't want to imagine how my hair looked. I got out of his arms and hung my head.

- I was in a hurry, sorry for my appearance. - Jerry chuckled and I looked at him. I knew him now for several month but I still couldn't look into his eyes. He was checking me out and I felt my face getting warmer.

- You are always breathtaking Roxanne.

- You know what? Considering the way I might smell, this time I believe you! - he started to laugh and that laughter washed away all my fear.

- This was a really good one! Take a seat. - Jerry said and he walked behind the table. He put a bottle of pepsi in front of me and a box of still steaming chinese food.

- I assumed you had no time to eat during today. Good appetite! - I looked at the food and shook my head.

- We shouldn't waste any time with this, but thank you for it. - Jerry grabbed another box and a Dr. Pepper. He smiled and said.

- We have plenty of time. I won't talk until you eat a bit. - I groaned and grabbed the food. As soon as I took the first bite my stomach grumbled remembering me that I didn't eat a single bite today. Jerry chuckled.

- At least your stomach is collaborative! - I pulled my tongue at him.

- How did you know? - I asked and the sticks stopped in Jerry's hand.

- I still have a full time job... - he said and all I said was.

- Oh... - from time to time I completely forgot that Jerry is a journalist and I'm his project right now.

- How are things going? - he asked and I sighed.

- He is more careful lately. He never gets physical with me at home or in front of other. Honestly, his two-faced ways are getting me sick. While we are in front of others he is caring and a gentleman, as soon as we are alone he shows his true colors. - Jerry held my hand.

- Soon it will be over. I'm gathering information of him and his past. Luckily he wasn't always famous and I have my own connections in places where his hands can't reach. - Jerry mentioned these connections before but never told me any details which only made me more curious about him. My phone rang, I checked the screen with fear and sighed loudly when I saw the name.

-May I? - I asked and Jerry tilted his head.

- I'm not your owner, you do what you want while we are here Roxanne. I'll make a quick call in the meantime. - I thanked him and picked up the phone.

- Finally! I thought you'll ignore me again...

- I'm sorry Clarissa. Things are pretty crazy lately.

- I can imagine. I just called to ask you about how are you doing and thank you for the tickets! We'll be there tomorrow to give you some emotional support!

-It means a lot to me! I know you are really busy with Rico's companies.

- Don't even mention that... - I heard Rico talking with someone in the background and he seemed pretty angry. In the meantime, Jerry raised his voice for the first time I've known him. His voice sounded dangerous, commanding and powerful.

- Who are you with Roxy? - Clarissa asked.

- Oh, sorry. I'm with Jerry, he seems to be pissed of with someone.

- Are you still seeing him?

- Apart from you and Rico, he is my only friend. He helps me with... You know.

- I told you that we could've done it already. No one would find him after we got our hands on him. - I had no idea what Rico's company did, but Clarissa sounded like a mafia Queen sometimes. I chuckled and said.

- I don't want that. It would be too easy.

- I know, I know! But, can you be sure about Jerry's intentions? I mean you have only known him for a few months. What if he is plotting against you? - this thought already turned in my mind before.

- To be honest, I've never felt like this with anyone. I don't know why, but I know that he would jump in front of a bullet for me.

- This sounds pretty extravagant. - Clarissa said sceptically.

- I know. I think I'm in love with him.

- WHAT?! NO!

- NO?! Let me remind you that you have been bugging me about getting a boyfriend!

- But he is weird.-Clarissa said and tried to sound disgusted, but I knew her well.

- He is the sweetest man I've ever known. I can be myself around him. He helps me and never acted in an inappropriate way even when he had a chance!

- Does he feel the same way about you? - I smiled sadly.

- I have no idea. I have these dreams about us kissing and I don't know if it really happened or if it was really a dream.

- Such a shame that I don't know him.

- You can! Tomorrow!

- Wait what? - Jerry walked back.

- I have to go now. See you tomorrow!

- Roxy! - I hang up on Clarissa and smiled at Jerry.

- I'd like to invite you for a dinner tomorrow. My friends will be here for the play and I'd like you to meet them. - Jerry crossed his as and tilted his head like a puppy.

- I don't think that's a good idea.

- True, it is a marvelous idea! And you promised to get a coffee with me months ago. No way out! - Jerry laughed and lofted his arms in defeat.

- Fine!

- May I ask you a favor? - he nodded.

-Could you please give me a hug? I really need it. - Jerry smiled sweetly, and walked to me slowly. He looked like the main man from a romance novell. Jerry gently held me in his arms and I could feel his strong muscles wrap around me. My head rested on his chest and I listened to his heart beats which were very fast...