Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
He woke up this morning as if last night never happened, kissing me and telling me he would be late to the office because of a meeting. One that was still none of my business.
“Yeah, just a long meeting,” he says as I follow him into his office. He’s been consumed with these private meetings. Not to mention he shuts down every time I bring them up. “These private meetings sure seem to wear you out.”
“As I said, they’re long,” he snaps. He scrubs his palms down his face. “Sorry. I have a lot on my plate.”
“Then let me help—”
He throws a hand out, silently telling me to stop. “Let it go, okay? Listen.” He comes up to me and cups my face. “You’re doing more than you know. You, here in front of me? That’s what I need.” He brushes his lips over mine.
“That’s not doing much, though.”
“It’s doing way more than I know how to show you. I’m sorry I was a dick just now. Let me make it up to you tonight.”
“I can’t. I have to work.”
“Come over before. I promise to make it worth your while.”
I pretend like I have to think about it. “Fine. I can probably squeeze you in.”
He gives me a quick kiss and steps back as Julie knocks on his door. “Julie, what can I do for you?”
Julie blushes, and I roll my eyes. Give me a break.
“Theo, we have your birthday event to discuss. I wanted to go over the final budget. It’s on your calendar.” Julie looks at me, her smile tight.
“Oh, was that today? It may have accidentally been canceled for another meeting.” Or I deleted it because I’m immature. And since when is she on a first-name basis with him?
Theo looks at the time. “It’s fine. I have a few minutes.” Julie smirks at me, her upper lip shifting into a snarl as Theo turns away.
“Great. Oh, and Fay, if you don’t mind, this is a private meeting.” That skanky little witch.
Slapping on an even bigger smile, I stand straighter. “Of course.” I turn to Theo. “T, we’ll finish later.” Julie’s brows raise as Theo gives me an amused look. Yeah, I made up a nickname to one-up Julie. Grow up, Fay.
We’re laying in Theo’s bed, coming down from the most exhilarating sex high. My head rests on his chest while his fingers comb through my hair. I hate that I have to leave soon for work, but I’d be screwing Mindy behind the bar if I called out.
“Theo?” I graze my nails up and down his chest. “What does a man who has it all want for his birthday?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, come on, you have to want something.”
“You. In my bed.”
I sit up and straddle him. “You already have that. Maybe I can take you to dinner?”
His hands brush up my thighs. “Why would I want to do that and have to share you with others?”
Maybe because all this hiding around is weighing on me, and I’m starting to want more than to be his little secret. “You know, I was also thinking. . . maybe. . . searching for another job.”
I feel him tense up. “Why the fuck would you do that?”
“Well. . . because that way, we wouldn’t have to sneak around. If that’s the problem, I could probably get a glowing referral from my current boss. What? What’s with the scowl?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. Your mood just totally changed. You’re mad.”
“I didn’t get mad.” He maneuvers me off him and climbs out of bed.
“So, you just decided to get all pissy and get up?”
“I’m not pissy.”
“You are. I get it. No one can know. You’ve made that clear. But if it’s because of work, we can change that. I’ll quit—”
“No.”
“No?” My stomach tightens as the realization starts to settle in. “Because you don’t want it to go past this.” Even saying it out loud hurts.
“Fay, it’s not about that.”
“Then what is it about? I like you. Really like you. We’re—this, it’s good.”
He shoves his arms into a shirt. “It just is. Can we not get into this right now?”
“When is there ever a time to be honest about what this really is.” I climb out of bed and search for my clothes. “Is it me? Are you. . . embarrassed by me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Then what is it—”
He slams his fist against his dresser. “I said drop it. You knew what our situation was going to be from the start. I never led you to believe anything different. Wait, Fay. That’s not—”
“No, you’re right. You were very upfront. That’s on me.”
“Fay—”
“I have to get to work anyhow.”
“I pay you enough. You need to quit that bar.”
“You don’t have a say in my life.” I storm out of his bedroom, searching for my shoes.
“If you were smart, you would quit. It’s not safe for you.”