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“Good. You know she’s going to make it to three hundred thousand.” I laugh. My words turn serious, thinking of all he’s done for me. “You’ve already given me so much. Of course, I’m going to pay you back every penny of that loan—”
He holds up his hand to stop me. “I know. But you don’t have to.”
“I know. But I want to.” I glance down at my black down coat. “And thank you for the coat. The only one I had was a jean jacket.”
“Seriously? You go out in the New York winter in a…” His words trail off. “You know what. Never mind. It’s not my business anymore, is it?”
The awkwardness and sexual tension crank up a notch at his words. Every time our breakup is brought up, it gets like this. I change the subject. “Rose is a cutie. Isn’t she?”
A powerful smile spreads over his face. He leans the back of his head on the headrest of the car, closing his eyes. “Man. Is she ever. The first time I held her, I felt my entire heart triple in size like the damn Grinch.”
It’s a little more natural, back at his place. Kind of like I never left. My feet move along the hardwood floors like I live here or something. He gives me some space, offering me the guest room. He leaves me, closing the door softly behind me.
All my things are carefully stored in the guest room closet. I stand back, staring at the gowns, outfits, shoes, and accessories. It’s like he’s created a shrine in here, to me. I should be creeped out, but I love it.
It makes me smile.
I choose a gauzy teal gown and gold sandals, hoping the event will be heated because this dress is basically a scarf. I can’t wear anything under it other than a thong.
I stand staring in the mirror. I look like a Beauty. I look like I belong here, like I never should have left.
My stomach flips over, my heart hammering. Is tonight going to be just like the last night we were together, the ball at the Parish?
One long, beautiful, painful goodbye…
I shouldn’t be here. I should have left straight from the hospital. Gone home. But I couldn’t say no. And now, I’m here.
I take a deep breath, willing a smile to come to my glossy lips. “Just enjoy it, Rhett. You only live once.”
When we arrive, I’m happy to find that the rooftop bar has been enclosed in a massive, clear plastic bubble. Heaters flicker with orange flames, heating the space.
I’m handed a pink, sugar-rimmed cocktail glass. I take a sip of the sweet concoction. It tastes just like the one we had in Greece. I knock it back, needing the heady liquid courage it offers me.
I stand at the bar, empty glass in hand, and take in the twinkling lights of New York City. I drank my first drink quickly, unsure of my place here. The air is thick with the buzz of conversation and the smell of liquor.
It’s like I never left him. Should I have left him… Do I belong here, with him at my side?
He comes up to me. "Want another drink?"
"Sure." I glance down, taking a long look at the city in case this is my last time here at the rooftop bar.
He orders for me—a pinot grigio. When he hands it to me, we both smile, remembering our night of favorites in his kitchen when he helped me discover I like white wine. I take a sip and savor the flavor, feeling a warmth spread through my body.
I'm lost in the moment.
I glance up at him, studying his face. I think he feels it too. He stands beside me, hand on my waist, and I can feel his presence like a heat wave. His eyes, deep and intense, spark with a hidden fire. I can't help but melt into him.
I lean against him, inhaling that clean, musky scent that is just... him.
He leans in close, his lips brushing my ear. "If I've only got you for one night, let's make it one to remember."
“Yes. Let’s.” I shiver with anticipation and turn to face him.
I know we’re going to fuck.
First, he drags out the anticipation, making us wait to couple up by enjoying the party. We mingle, joke, and laugh with the others, share a few dances. I love every moment of our time, but there’s an underlying current of electricity buzzing over what’s to come.
We’re going to fuck. And… I know it’s going to hurt. I can see it in his face. That I’ve hurt him and he’s going to repay the favor on my body.
