INFLUENCED: A Good Girl, Bad Boy Love Story Read online

  Luckily for me, the employee waiting inside sensed my hesitation and met me at the mouth of the passage.

  “Ms. Reese, I presume?” he asked.

  Nodding my head, I glanced over him to look at the beautiful and dangerous creatures swimming around. Not only were there small and large sharks, there was an assortment of different fish and plant life. I wished I was brave enough to go in.

  Suddenly, there was a beautiful and dangerous stuffed creature joining my current two, as well as another wax sealed letter. Taking a moment to sit down and rearrange, I opened up my next clue.

  We all know Snape’s,

  Patronous is a doe.

  Find your patronous,

  In the exhibit with the snow!

  PENGUINS!!!! I jumped off of the bench and did a silly little dance, mentally cheering that Spencer wasn’t there to see my idiocy. He remembered how much I loved those tuxedo dressed birds. I couldn’t even believe he remembered.

  Grabbing up my stuff, and shuffling past the grinning clerk, I hightailed it to the destination that had always been my favorite. I was almost running in my flats, but I didn’t even care, I was too excited to get to my next clue.

  In no time at all, I was stopped in the line, waiting to go into the penguin's lair. I knew how cold it could be inside, but the chance to glimpse these little animals was one I wasn’t going to pass up. I could only hope my next clue, or Spencer himself, would be waiting at the end, and not the beginning.

  How he knew I wanted to go through the line and not be sidetracked in the start was impressive. I floated through the exhibit, shivering in the cold, but absolutely in penguin heaven. They were beyond cute, diving into the water, or lying out on a rock. I loved watching them waddle, but even more so watching them zoom back and forth in front of the glass. When I reached the end, a large stuffed penguin greeted me with a sign around it’s neck with my name on it, and an envelope paper clipped on.

  As a Gryffindor

  You’re Loyal and True.

  Follow this map,

  To get to your last clue.

  The penguin was large, and I was going to have a hard time carrying it, but there was no way I could leave it. It was mine. Opening up the map, I sighed in relief when I saw my next, and final destination was just across the small walk way, in the dolphin area.

  The map had little penguin footprints that documented my journey from start to finish, and I mused that if I had been a scrapbooker, this would be a perfect page. As it was, I thought about a shoebox trapped in the back of my closet, holding anything and everything “Spencer” I had collected over the years. This was definitely being added to it.

  Hauling my load across the walkway, I got to a door clearly marked “Employees Only.” Hmmmm? What now? The footprints lead to this door, but I couldn’t exactly go in.

  Before I could turn around, the door opened, revealing a portly man wearing a large yellow shirt and a wide energetic smile.

  “Miss Reese! Welcome. If you could, please follow me.”

  Stepping into the darkened hallway, the smell of dead fish assaulted my nose, but it didn’t bother me; in fact, the smell was almost heavenly. I loved the smell of the sea.

  “Right here, Miss Reese,” he said at the end of the hall, facing a door on our left. “You can go in and leave your items on the bench. They are in good hands. Per Mr. Grant’s request, please put on the outfit inside, then meet him outside the door to your left. Have fun.”

  Before I could ask him any questions, he had ushered me into the room and shut me in. Turning around slowly, a gasp left my lips.

  Is that?

  Is that a wetsuit?

  Holy Fuck!

  Waiting for me was a blue and black wetsuit. What on earth did Spencer have up his sleeve? My journey through the aquarium had already been enough, I didn’t think I’d ever had that much fun in this place since I was a kid.

  There was no turning back now, I was committed to this. I removed my dress and placed it on one of the various hooks. I’d never put on a wetsuit before, but there was a time for everything in life.

  My only disappointment was the fact I knew I would be getting wet, which meant my hair that I’d worked on straightening perfectly in the morning would be getting wet and my work would be undone. Oh well, Spencer was worth it.

  I put on the wetsuit as quickly as possible, before I did as instructed and exited the door to my left. My body was hit with a rush of cool air as I stepped into an area where I was greeted with the surface of a large tank. Was I going to swim with the fish in reality? A giddy excitement struck me.

  A whistle shocked me away from my thoughts, snapping my head up, and I spotted Spencer. The sheepish grin on his face indicated that he was pleased with himself. My teeth bit into the bottom corner of my lip as I tried to hold in the frenzy of emotions that were coursing through my body.

  “Get over here, Peaches,” he instructed and he didn’t have to tell me twice. I quickly moved around to where he stood, dressed in a wetsuit similar to my own.

  The tight fabric hugged his thoroughly toned body. I fought to not allow my eyes to wander south.

  “You are something, you know that?” I noted sarcastically to the man that had just taken me on the best adventure of my life. It was the kindest thing I’d ever had done for me and I appreciated all the work he’d put into this surprise. Surprises weren’t my thing, but kinds like this made me believe in the magic they held.

  “Just trying to give you the fun you seem to lack,” he said plainly, as if it was no big deal. Though he kept emotion from his voice, I felt emotions radiating through the atmosphere and they told an entire story.

  “Thank you and I mean it. You didn’t have to do any of this for me,” I said sweetly to the guy who stood in front of me. At first glance, one would not think Spencer was the type to plan out something to elaborate for anyone, but despite how he looked on the outside, he had a heart of gold.

  “I’d only do it for you.” Spencer took a step towards me. For the first time, he touched me, as a hand landed on my hip, pulling me in a tad closer. His breath was on my face and instantly, I was transported to that moment in my car, that kiss. “So,” he began and disappointment flushed through my system. “Normally, the Dolphin Encounter only involves feeding and petting them, but I know some people and pulled some strings. Peaches, get ready to swim with the dolphins.”

  “You’re serious?” I questioned.

  “Very, and here comes the trainer, Ashley, now.”

  Turning around, I spotted a blonde approaching us. Spencer’s other hand found its way to the other side of my hip and he pulled me in close. Was this him being protective like a big brother or was he holding me in romantic and caring manner? I chose to ignore my questions and take a breath. He smelled fresh, like newly washed laundry or the smell left lingering in the air after a spring shower.

  “Good Afternoon, are you guys ready to swim with my friends?” She asked cheerfully. What kind of question was that? I’d never been more ready in my life.

  “Ready for this, Peaches?” Spencer whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. I bit down on my lip and nodded eagerly.

  After a few minutes of instructions and rules, we were allowed into the tank. Spencer entered before me. I stood on the edge as I watched Spencer get approached by a dolphin. I’d only ever gotten the privilege to view these beautiful creatures from the other side of the glass, but now I stood incredibly close.

  “Are you going to join the fun?” Spencer asked as he ran his hand over the dolphin’s nose.

  Going to the edge of the tank, I sat down and put my feet into the water that was colder than I’d expected it to be. Deciding to not chicken out, I slid my body into the water until I was all submerged except for my head.

  Right away, a dolphin approached me. Nervously, as I kicked my feet to keep my body afloat, I reached my hand out in the way the trainer had instructed us and I touched the top of the dolphins smooth head. It was
smooth to the touch and almost felt like rubber.

  Before I knew it, I was splashed in my face. Opening my eyes, I saw Spencer laughing and the dolphin appeared as if it was also amused. I joined in the laughter as Spencer swam to me.

  “There’s that beautiful laugh,” he commented with a grand smile. I loved those moments, being myself. I rarely got to fully be myself and with Spencer I could be the girl I saw in my head, who smiled and laughed frequently without being held back or reserved.

  “You guys want to see some tricks?” the trainer asked.

  “Bring it on,” Spencer shouted back to her.

  With the blow of her whistle, the two dolphins that were with us dove down into the tank, nowhere to be seen, until my body was lifted at once by the nudging of a dolphin nose. I let out a shriek as I spotted Spencer also being lifted.

  Chapter Nine

  Megan

  I didn’t know how much time had passed, but I’d had the most fun I’d ever had. As Spencer helped me from the tank, we gave the dolphins waves while he led me toward the door I’d entered from, his hand resting on the small of my back.

  “Go get dressed and meet me in the employee area,” Spencer instructed.

  “There’s more?”

  “Of course there’s more.” He gave me a wink that sent a giddy excitement flushing through my veins. I’d never experienced anything like my day so far and to know there was more intrigued me. If he was trying to get me to fall for him, it was already done. I fell and I was refusing to get up.

  “I don’t know how to thank you for all of this, Spencer,” I told him truthfully. I couldn’t possibly thank him or repay him for giving me a day of magic and adventure.

  “I’ll think of something. You already owe me for saving you from a walk with Smelly Davis.” I burst into giggles at his name for my cologne bathed ex. “Now, get going, Peaches.”

  “Okay, see you,” I murmured, before disappearing through the door.

  It took me no time to get dressed. Grateful for the mirror in the small dressing room, I checked myself out. My straight locks were now fully curled and everywhere. Reaching into my purse, I found a few stray bobby pins to tame my mess of hair into something manageable.

  Once I’d completed my hair, I found some tinted lip gloss and a tube of mascara to do something with my now makeup free face.

  Satisfied with my look, I exited the dressing room to find Spencer fully dressed in jeans that hugged him perfectly and a light blue t-shirt that brought out the deepness of the dark blue eyes that appeared to study me from head to toe.

  I’d pledged not to be a little girl in his eyes and to be the woman I’d become with him and my outfit, despite my lack of high heels, displayed that. I’d worn a red fit and flare dress that hugged my bodice enough to show off my womanly features. There was just enough cleavage to be enticing, but not slutty.

  “I’m here, what else do you have planned for me, Mr. Grant?” I questioned out of intrigue as I approached Spencer, noticing my stuffed penguin and letters were now gone from the bench I’d been instructed to leave them at. “My things?”

  “I had them put in my car. I will make sure you get everything back, but for now, we have dinner waiting,” he informed me as he took me by the hand, his fingers lacing with mine, pulling me along and out of the room.

  “Dinner?” I questioned as I reached my hand into my small purse, pulling out my cell phone and finding it was already after 8 PM. Time actually did fly when having fun. I’d spent time exploring the aquarium and following Spencer’s riddles and then there was the time we spent with the dolphins.

  We weaved through the few aquarium guests that were left until we made it to the entrance of a room I’d walked through earlier where the tank of the largest fish species were found. Upon reaching the exhibit, it was roped off and an attendant stood guard. Spencer continued towards the attendant who gave us both a kind and welcoming smile.

  “Mr. Grant and Miss Reese, you may go right in,” the attendant instructed as she removed the rope for us and allowed us inside.

  Gripping at my hand, Spencer led me inside. I was greeted with the large tank filled with giant species of fish, sharks, stingrays, and schools of smaller fish. As we continued in, something else caught my eye. Sitting right in front of the tank was a single table set for two.

  Spencer stood behind me before I twirled around to face him, my mouth open in shock and amazement. He’d gone above and beyond anything I could ever dream up. Had he done all of it for me? Then something struck me, something Spencer had said to me.

  I approached him slowly, standing right in front of him, his eyes searching my face for any clue of what was going to exit my mouth. Finding myself standing as close as I could, I glanced up into his sapphire pools.

  “Spencer, is this you going for what you want, despite the consequences?” I asked, remembering his words from that night we had ice cream together.

  “You could say that,” he breathed, his hand reaching out and resting gently on my cheek. I leaned in, knowing what I wanted from him, wanting it more than anything. “You remember the club night, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” I answered truthfully.

  “Every part of the night?”

  “Every part.”

  “Even this?” There was no time to think as his lips came in contact with mine. It was like last time, starting instantly soft, but in no time, passion pulsating through, his tongue sliding across my lips, begging for entrance.

  I slid my hands up his chest, feeling every muscle flex under my touch as I moved toward his shoulders and brought him closer to me. My mouth opened and right away, his tongue intertwined with mine. His hands on my hips gripped me and pulled me in closer. Those years of practicing with my imagination of him and my pillows were nothing compared to kissing the real thing.

  “And he shoots, he scores!” cheered a voice that caused me to quickly break away from Spencer. Entering the exhibit area was a gentle man dressed in black slacks and a button up. He clapped his hands together as he approached us.

  “Megan, this is Matt Schofield, the managing director of the aquarium and a family friend. He helped me set today up,” Spencer introduced.

  “Nice to meet you,” I noted kindly as I extended my hand to Matt, who took it and gave it a firm handshake.

  “Your dinner's nearly ready and will be delivered momentarily. I just wanted to check up on the lovebirds before I headed out for the evening,” Matt said as he gave Spencer a pat on the back. Lovebirds, eh?

  “Thank you for everything, Matt. I mean it, buddy,” Spencer said. I watched the men interact for a few moments before Matt said his goodbyes and left us alone.

  Taking my hand, Spencer led me to the table and pulled out my chair; he was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Steve and Heather had done a decent job with him, unlike with Chase. I tried to shake thoughts of Chase away and focused on Spencer, who was now seated across from me, but memories entered my mind, taking me hostage.

  I thought of my parents and all they expected from me, especially my mom. Being with someone like Spencer wasn’t at all something she’d find admirable or respectful. The woman she expected me to become was accomplished and married men like Hampton, they didn’t lust over guys like Spencer.

  “Peaches,” came Spencer’s voice. “Are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not,” I confessed as I stood from my seat. Spencer appeared to be puzzled at my sudden change in demeanor.

  I felt my lungs closing in, not allowing in air. I closed my eyes, fighting for breath. I needed fresh air and to be as far away as I could. I despised second guessing my every decision and finding myself at odds with my heart and my conscious, bringing me a level of stress that caused my body to react physically. My mother was responsible for bringing this peril to me. Maybe Spencer was my saving grace, maybe.

  “Megan, Megan, talk to me,” Spencer was at my side, his arm around me.

  “I need to go home,” I forced out between e
rratic breaths.

  “Here, I can take you. I don’t think you should be driving like this.” He took me by the hand, I didn’t protest.

  Leading me through the aquarium and out the front doors, I was hit with the warm evening air. I brought in a deep breath, filling my lungs, and exhaling fully. I allowed Spencer to walk me into the parking garage and toward a white Range Rover. He opened the door and assisted me into the passenger seat.

  The ride to my house was silent. Every few moments, Spencer would place his hand on my leg and rub it. He was being caring and gentle with me. I’d calmed down significantly, but I still was at war with myself over my feelings for Spencer and the expectations my parents had placed on me.

  Pulling up to my parents house, it was mostly dark. I knew my mom was swamped with a new case and my dad was most likely also working or socializing. I’d be home alone, as usual.

  Turning to Spencer, I was filled with sadness. I’d ruined the night he’d planned for the two of us. He’d gone out of his way to make me feel special and my overflowing anxiety burst in and broke up the party.

  “I’m so sorry,” I muttered to Spencer, guilt filling me. “I ruined the night you put so much work into. I can’t express how horrible I--”

  “Shh, no Peaches. You didn’t ruin anything. I got to make you smile and laugh for the day. That’s all I wanted, honestly.” Spencer held my hand tightly in his.

  A smile spread across my face and it was impossible to take it away. I leaned toward him, knowing exactly what I desired, and Spencer knew it as well. He kissed me full on, with no hesitation.

  “Want to come inside?” I whispered breathlessly against his warm lips. “My parents are out and Lucinda has the night off.”