Текст книги "About Last Night..."

Автор книги: Belle Aurora

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

She yawned.

I yawned.

She reached down to pull a sheet over our tired, spent bodies.

I drew her close, placing a soft kiss at the area under her ear.

She sighed blissfully.

And then we napped.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Mia

It was official. I was a floozy.

Losing my virginity one night then all but begging for sex the next afternoon…

Yep. I was definitely a tramp.

As I tiptoed around Quinn’s room, trying to be as quiet as I could while retrieving my clothes, I couldn’t help but glance over at him as he slept. His face had softened in a way that looked almost innocent and childlike. His breathing deep and even, he hugged a pillow. A stray piece of hair had fallen over his brow. If I weren’t so worried about waking him, I would have pushed it back, ran my fingers over the stubbled rough skin I liked so much, and kissed his forehead lovingly. He looked so peaceful. I couldn’t bear to wake him.

We’d napped together for a few hours, and although it felt so natural for Quinn to hold me while I slept, my body pressing back into his, I would be lying if I said it didn’t freak me out.

It freaked me out, because it was definitely something I could get used to, and what Quinn was offering was not a forever type thing. He said it before. ‘If you start seeing someone, playtime ends.’

It didn’t even bother him, the thought of my dating another man. I mean, of course it would be a double standard since he was an escort, but the thought obviously hadn’t induced jealousy. That said it all.

Whereas when it came to Quinn, I couldn’t even think about his work as an escort. I could only push the thought aside and pretend it didn’t bother me, for both our sakes. Honestly, how could it not bother me that the man I had started to develop real feelings for was sleeping with other women four to five nights a week?

It bothered me. It bothered me a lot.

But this was Quinn, and I had no claim on him. If I could only have him for a lover, even if for a short while, I’d take it. And when it became too much for me, when I started to feel dangerously in love with him, I’d start dating someone else, ending our non-relationship with the hope that I could find a man who made me feel half of what I felt when I was with Quinn.

It didn’t seem fair somehow, but that was life. It felt nice being wanted, even if it was only temporary.

It was now close to seven p.m. The sun was setting, and being a national holiday, if I didn’t leave now, I’d miss the bus and have to catch a cab. Cabs were expensive. I wasn’t a millionaire.

Dressing soundlessly, I took one last look at Quinn, and at that very moment, he let out a rumbling snore. Quickly covering my mouth with my hand, I chuckled quietly.

My smile fell as I kept my gaze on him. These were the moments I would cherish after our time had passed. These moments were bittersweet.

I shook my head as I walked down the hall, retrieved my purse, and slipped on my flip-flops. With a quick last look around, I opened the door then closed it behind me, walking down the stairs and out the building.

I watched the sun set, splashing of orange and pink across the sky.

The bus arrived and I stepped onboard, taking a seat right at the very back. Thoughts of Quinn assaulted me: his bright smile, his bold laugh, his uncharacteristic playfulness. I ran a hand down my face, suddenly weary as I asked myself a silent question.

How would I come out of this unscathed?

Sitting cross-legged on my bed, the TV on, playing a show about a female lawyer going about her business in all her badassery, I ate tasteless bran cereal for a late supper.

With hair still wet from my shower, as I couldn’t be bothered to dry it, I dressed for comfort in yoga pants, a loose sweater, and fluffy slippers. I called it a quiet night at home, and being that it was close to ten p.m., I hadn’t expected visitors. So when my doorbell rang, I paused with a spoonful of cereal halfway to my mouth, frowning in confusion.

Placing the bowl of cereal on my nightstand, I went to the door and asked, “Who is it?”

The usually sassy voice responded a very tame, “It’s me. Ella.”

My fingers fumbled at the locks, throwing the door open. She looked terrible. Well, not terrible, but terrible for outgoing, feisty Ella.

Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, her curls looking surprisingly pacified this evening. She wore jeans, flat shoes, and a cardigan. I looked her over and uttered a cautious, “Hey, I’ve been trying to call you.”

She smiled sadly. “I know. Sorry, I went AWOL.” She shrugged and uttered a hushed, “Licking my wounds, you know.”

That statement saddened me in such a way that my throat thickened, and in one quick motion, I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around her protectively, wanting to surround her in my warmth. After a moment, her arms folded around my waist, taking all I was giving.

We held onto each other for a minute. Then she pulled back, her eyes shining, her voice shaking. “It just sucks, you know?”

I blinked away my own tears. “I know, sweetie. I know.”

“I thought he liked me.”

“I know,” I repeated.

Her voice quieted and her face turned pained. “He called me a piglet.”

“Oh, sweetie.” My heart ached for her. “The guy was an asshole. But most assholes can be very charming.”

She scoffed, her eyes wide. “You’re telling me.”

A small smile pulled at my lips. “The bartender liked you.”

She sighed. “Yeah, well, I screwed that up too.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.” Pulling her inside, I shut the door behind us and led her into the kitchen, taking the piece of paper from the top of the fridge and handing it to her. “He asked me to give you this, but I knew you weren’t up for it the other night.”

Her pretty eyes narrowed in confusion. She unfolded the paper and read silently.

Eyes wide, I shook her arm and asked excitedly, “What does it say?” I was dying to know. Having held that damn paper for two days and not reading it was absolute torture.

Her brow rose. “You didn’t read it?”

“No!” I shook her again. “Tell me!”

A small smile graced her face. “It says…” her breath caught, “…You’re worth more.” She folded the paper and stuck it in her back pocket, emotionless.

I blinked. “That’s it?”

She nodded. “That’s it.”

“No number?”

She shook her head slowly. “No number.”

I stayed silent a second before I burst out an outraged, “That’s bullshit!”

She chuckled humorlessly. “Do you blame him? I went to the bar he works at, shamelessly hit on him, and then didn’t wait ten minutes to screw a guy I barely knew in a dirty restroom.” She lowered her face, ashamed. “That kind of thing doesn’t scream she’s the one.”

I rested my hand on her shoulder. “You made a mistake. Everyone does, Ella. People learn from their mistakes. I know you have.”

She nodded and uttered an unfeeling, “Sure.”

My eyes narrowed as I thought hard about something, anything that would cheer her up. My lips spread into a smile as I took her hand and threw open the apartment door. Walking across the hall, I knocked on the door opposite mine.

Ella asked guardedly, “Uh, what are we doing?”

The door flew open and Terry stood there, a headband holding his hair back, his face covered in white goop. He looked at the two of us and gasped happily, “Girls’ night!” Leaving us in the doorway, he rushed down the hall, calling back, “Well, what are you waiting for? Get inside, bitches!”

We got inside. Terry masked us up as Bill topped off our wine glasses. By the end of the night, Ella was laughing freely at something Bill had said, not an ounce of despair etched in her features. I smiled thankfully over at Terry. As he walked past me, he pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

Friends like these were hard to find.

How’d I get so lucky?

It was close to one a.m. and Ella had left just minutes earlier. I kissed the guys on the cheeks, thanking them for their incomparable hospitality, and made my way home.

My bed was calling my name. It had been a busy day. And night. I slid under the covers, not bothering to change my clothes. Just as I began falling asleep, my phone vibrated on the nightstand, next to the bowl of forgotten cereal.

I reached out for it and unlocked the screen. My brow slacked and my mouth gaped. Twenty-two missed calls. Eight messages. What on earth?

Every missed call was from Quinn. So were the messages.

Quinn: Where are you?

Quinn: Mia, where’d you go?

Quinn: You seriously snuck out while I was asleep? Shit, Mia. You’re a walking cliché!

Quinn: Pick up. Pick up. Pick up. Pick up.

Quinn: You’re freaking me out now. Pls call me when you get this.

Quinn: I’ve got work in an hour. Call me.

Quinn: MIA! PICK UP!!!

Quinn: I’m not even kidding. I’m going to call your brother to see if he’s heard from you.

My stomach sank with dread. Oh God. I was in so much trouble. I quickly dialed, holding the phone to my ear. The phone rang once. He answered with a booming, “Where were you?”

“I—” But I was cut off.

“Shit. I’ve been going out of my mind with worry! First, you snuck out like a thief in the night.” I winced. “Then you don’t answer your phone when I call. Fuck, I called in sick because I was so worried that something had happened to you.” I winced harder. “I was just about to call your brother! Where the fuck were you?”

Oh, shit. He was angry.

Not angry. But angry.

Something told me honesty was my best option. “I’m so sorry, Quinn. It’s just…you looked like you needed the sleep, so I left and caught the bus home. I was home most of the night, but then my work friend Ella came by, which was actually great, because I was so worried about her after some drama the other night, and she was avoiding my calls.” He snorted and I knew he was thinking, That last part sounds familiar. I quickly went on, rushing out, “And she was so sad that I wanted to do something to cheer her up, so I took her across the hall to Bill and Terry’s, where we did facials, drank expensive wine, and watched TV.” I blew out a breath. “I just came home now. I left my phone at home.”

It was a lame explanation. I knew. He knew it. We all knew it.

He stayed silent a long time.

“I’m so sorry you skipped work, Quinn,” I uttered softly, meaning it. I had just cost him two thousand dollars.

I was ready for the berating. I steeled myself for the scolding. Instead, I got a relieved sounding, “She’s okay.” Then louder, “You’re okay.”

I nodded, even though I knew he couldn’t see it. “I’m okay. Really.”

He sounded tired. “God, I was so worried.” My heart broke at the tone of his voice. “Why’d you leave?”

Asshole. I was a giant asshole. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

My brain yelled out, “Lame!”

His voice regained some of its fire. “I don’t give a fuck, Mia. If I bring you to mine, you wake me and I’ll take you home. You don’t just leave.” His voice grated, “If something happened to you…”

“But nothing happened!” I cried, exasperated.

He went silent and I knew I shouldn’t have spoken. Then he uttered a calm, “Next time, wake me.”

Next time. I liked that. What I didn’t like was that he sounded too calm. Deathly calm.

Rather than call him on it, I uttered a reassuring, “Oh, God, Quinn. I’m so sorry. I promise, next time I’ll wake you. I never meant to worry you. I thought letting you sleep was a priority, but I can see now that I just messed things up.” My insides clenched and I closed my eyes in regret. “I’m sorry, Quinn. So sorry. I’m an asshole. A giant asshole.”

He sniffed a laugh. “No, you’re not. But yeah, you messed up.” I groaned loudly and he muttered, “But you’re safe and that’s all that matters.”

I didn’t speak. I didn’t know what to say apart from sorry.

“Goodnight, Mia.”

A remorseful tone shook my voice. “Goodnight, Quinn.”

I placed the phone on my bedside.

Sleep evaded me for hours into the night.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Quinn

I woke to knocking at my door.

Blinking sleepily, I reached down to the side of the bed and slid on my boxers. I glanced out the window. Fuck me. It was still dark. Someone was in for a tongue-lashing.

Getting out of bed and stumbling down the hall, I glowered as I unlocked then threw open the door. “What the fuc—”

My glower vanished the moment I set my eyes on her. I rumbled, “Mia, what are you doing here?”

She looked sexy in her work attire. She wore black linen pants, a white shirt tucked in, with a thin belt and low heels. Her hair was neatly tied back and she wore eyeliner, mascara, and gloss.

I liked office Mia.

She looked embarrassed. “I-um…I—” then she flung herself forward and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me as she pressed her cheek into my chest. “I’m sorry.”

I stood in shock. Was I dreaming? My arms lifted. I placed one around her shoulders and the other around her lower back. She felt real to me.

Mia pulled back, looking relieved, then she stepped back out into the hall, reaching for something she had placed by the door. She turned holding a paper bag and a holder containing two grande coffees. “I know what I did yesterday was stupid, and I’m sorry for stressing you out.” Her face bunched adorably as she held out the coffees and paper bag. “Peace offering?”

Would you look at all the effort she made?

A smile twitched at my lips. “Okay.” I added quickly, “Only if you let me drive you to work.”

Her guarded expression faded and she smiled softly. “Deal.”

She walked inside carrying breakfast.

It almost worried me at how easy this felt.

Almost.

Chapter Thirty

Mia

This morning was unusual. I’d never seen the sunrise while sharing breakfast with a man before.

It felt epically appropriate though, as though it was the dawn of something more, something new. And while the previous times I had spent with Quinn were highly sensual with a buzz in the air, this morning felt different.

We ate together. We laughed together. We teased and spoke freely with each other. We bonded.

Quinn dressed quickly in sweats, a tee, and a skullcap, slipping on his running shoes and walking me down to the basement. I felt his eyes on me and turned to face him. He gave me a goofy smile. My brows narrowed suspiciously as I asked slowly, “What?”

He shook his head, but wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into the side of his body. Normally, this would cause my body to go rigid, but not today. Not with this man.

I placed my hand on his t-shirt-covered stomach and melted into him, my cheek on his chest, breathing in his fresh scent. He unlocked the car and held the door open for me, closing it after I was seated. I told him where I worked, and luckily, he was familiar with the area. He drove in silence, while I occasionally sang along to the radio, and every time I would, his lips would spread into a smile.

Honestly, I would sing till my voice was hoarse if it meant that smile would show itself to the world. I liked it that much.

As he stopped at a red light, I turned to take in his profile. Matt Quinn was the type of man who demanded attention without meaning to. His face was all harsh angles that only softened with his smile. And when he did smile, the sun shone.

My hand shot out and I ran my knuckles over his five-o’clock shadow. My mind had just shouted, ‘Inappropriate!’ when Quinn closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and leaned into my touch, greedy for the attention like a purring cat.

The light turned green and we separated. Another minute, and he was parking across the street from my workplace. Smiling softly, I uttered, “Thanks for the ride, Cap’.”

He took my hand, bringing my knuckles to his lips. He held them there a moment and my heart raced. His eyes held me in place, something stirring there, but not something I was able to put my finger on. Tightening his grip on my hand, he pressed a firm kiss on my knuckles. With his warm lips on my skin, he looked into my eyes and muttered, “Anytime, Mia. Anytime at all.”

Heat bloomed where it shouldn’t have bloomed and anxiety spread through me. My cheeks flushed pink. I exited the car and didn’t look back, rushing into the building. The elevator opened and I stepped inside. The door closed, and still, I stared into space.

A rough yet amused voice sounded behind me. “Rough night?”

My body jolted in shock. I hadn’t realized anyone was in there. I looked up into a familiar face. “Nicholas, hi.” I exhaled deeply, running a hand down my face. “No, I didn’t sleep well. How’d you guess?”

His eyes twinkled. “You still haven’t pressed a floor.”

My cheeks heated once again and, turning, I keyed in the floor while cursing under my breath. Annoyed at myself, I took some of it out on him by asking, “Does Addison know you’re coming this time?”

His smile faded, his response stern. “She’s agreed to give me an hour in the office without busting my balls.”

The cockiness, which forced me to ask such an inappropriate question, dimmed at the look on his face. “I’m sorry, Nicholas. I shouldn’t have asked that. I really did have a rough night. My brain-to-mouth filter is lagging today.”

That small smile appeared again and I was grateful for it. The elevator opened once more and we both stepped out, Nicholas making a beeline for his office while I walked in the opposite direction. I greeted Pip on the way then stopped by Ella’s desk, leaning my hip on the edge. “Hey, you.”

She smiled up at me. “Hey yourself, lady.”

“How are you feeling?” I asked quietly.

Her smile dimmed a notch and she shrugged. “I’m…getting there.”

That was better than nothing. With a consoling squeeze to her shoulder, I walked down to my desk, logged in to my computer, and waited for eight-thirty to click over so I could start my day.

“This is a fucking disaster!” Ella howled as she skidded to a stop by my desk.

My eyes widened as I caught sight of her heaving chest. “What’s a disaster?”

“The Mason. They kind of double-booked,” she muttered, twisting her hands together, averting her eyes.

My heart stopped and my face paled. Leaning forward, I whisper-hissed, “What?”

She wore a frantic expression. “This has never happened before, Mia. I don’t know what happened, but they double-booked. They have a wedding reception in the same hall as the Desperate and Dateless Ball on the same night.” She winced. “The wedding party booked first, so we’re the ones who have to reschedule.”

“Oh, fuck,” I whispered. “What do we do?”

This was my first big event. I couldn’t have my first event become a disaster. It couldn’t be a flop. This was not acceptable!

Ella straightened, drawing herself up to her full height. “Okay, here’s what we need to do. You need to look for suitable replacements while I contact the radio station and somehow cancel the posters being printed. If they threaten to go with another planner, I’ll give them a fifteen percent discount.” I hated how helpless she sounded. “If that doesn’t work, we’re screwed.”

Ella strode away and I immediately opened a web browser, looking up convention centers, hotels, and community halls. There were over a hundred places and I needed to start somewhere.

With a sigh, I picked up the phone and dialed.

Five o’clock had come and gone, and I was still at my desk, becoming more stressed by the minute.

Fifty-seven calls. Fifty-seven possible host locations, which were already booked. My elbows on my desk, I cradled my head in my hands, willing myself to calm the eff down. This would work out. It just had to.

The next location was a hotel a little out of the way, but they had a great hall with open fireplaces and a glass ceiling. As I dialed the number, I covered my eyes with my hand, fighting off a headache.

“Violet Ridge. This is Mary. How may I help you?”

I sighed, “Mary, my name is Mia. I work for Addison Limited. I’m organizing a fairly large event, a ball, in a little over a month’s time, and I’ve just found out we’ve been double-booked. Please tell me you don’t have anything booked in the atrium hall on the eighteenth of next month.”

Mary made a thoughtful sound. “I’ll just bring up our calendar, Mia. Won’t be a moment.”

I crossed my fingers and prayed.

Please, please, please, please, please.

Mary clicked her tongue then muttered, “Just as I thought.” My heart sank. Then she uttered a happy, “You are in luck. The eighteenth of next month did have a booking, but the party has since cancelled. Shall I organize for someone to show you around?”

I couldn’t believe my ears. I all but shouted an excited, “No, just book it!”

Mary chuckled. “Okay.” She paused a moment. “And you’re booked. Now we just need some additional details. Do you have time to do that now?”

Sweet baby Jesus, I would make time! I looked over at the clock. The time read 5:59 p.m. I smiled, utterly relieved. “Yes, I have time. Thank you, Mary. You’re a lifesaver.”

Over the next twenty minutes, I gave Mary all the details she needed then thanked her profusely. Saying goodbye, I hung up the phone, stood, and then threw my fist in the air, whispering a triumphant, “Yes!”

I looked around the office and blinked. I was completely alone. Letting out a long breath, I logged off my computer, threw my purse under my arm, and started to walk out of the office. I noticed Addison’s door open and the light was still on. I thought I’d better fill her in on the new booking before I left. I stopped in the doorway, knocking on the doorframe, and started, “Mrs. Dietrich, it took a while, but we’re booked for the Des—”

That was when I noticed her, head bent, a hand at her forehead, red-rimmed eyes, and a tissue clutched in her hand. Her shoulders shuddered silently as she sniffled.

She was crying.

Addison Dietrich, bitch, boss, and dragon lady, was crying.

Addison stiffened at the sound of my voice. “Please leave.”

I was not sure what to do here. I shook my head then backed away. “I’m sorry for interrupting. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

I turned and started to walk away, but something stopped me. Walking into her office, I took two more tissues out of the box and handed them to her. She took them, avoided my gaze, and then asked an acidic, “What are you even doing here at this hour?”

“Working late.” I backed up a step, but stalled. I would surely go to hell if I didn’t ask the following question. “What’s wrong, Mrs. Dietrich?

“Nothing. I asked you to leave.” That she did. I knew when efforts were futile. I turned and moved to exit the office. That’s when she asked a faint, “Have you ever doubted yourself, Mia?”

I faced her and blinked, tilting my head in thought. “Of course. Everybody does.”

She laughed humorlessly. “Not me.” She dabbed at her eyes. “Maybe the old me, but not this me.”

I took a step toward her, speaking softly. “Begging your pardon, Addison, but they’re one in the same.”

Her face crumpled. I watched helplessly as two fat teardrops fell down her cheeks. “I don’t know who I am anymore. I don’t like the person I’ve become.” Her breath shuddered. “I’m not this…this…this bitch.”

Well, this just got interesting. I no longer felt as though I needed an invitation. I sat across from her, passing down the box of tissues.

She went on, and I let her, because everyone needed to vent now and again. “I drove the only man I have ever loved into the arms of another woman by being this person.” Her lip curled. “I hate this woman.”

My response was surprisingly simple. “Then stop feeding her.” I tried my hand at humor to see how she would respond. I shrugged and widened my eyes. “You’re not the only one who hates her, you know.”

She amazed me by laugh-crying, “Oh, I know.” But she sobered quickly. “I don’t know how to stop being her. I’ve been her for so long that I can’t remember who I was before her.”

I stood and spoke gently, “Nicholas fell in love with that woman. She’s in there somewhere.” I smiled reassuringly. “You’ll find her.”

As I walked out the door, she spoke quietly, “Thank you, Mia.”

I left the office, speaking loud enough for only me to hear. “You’re welcome, Addison.”