She was still sleeping soundly when I left, and she looked so perfect I didn’t want to wake her. Instead, I grabbed my notebook and a pen and headed to the patio.
I always carried a notebook if I didn’t have my laptop in case inspiration struck. Her patio was enclosed, so I could feel like I was outside without actually being outside.
I had wasted about two sheets of paper by the time Drea came out. I was trying out ideas for a title, and they were all terrible.
I warmed when I felt soft lips on the side of my neck and smelled the delicious scent of coffee. “Mmm, good morning.” I turned into her waiting lips.
She kissed me softly, and I wanted to melt into her touch. “Good morning, sweetheart. What are you working on?” She sat the coffee down, and I scooted over on the couch so she could sit.
“I’m working on a title, but so far I have nothing.” I groaned and snuggled into her warm body. She had put on some plaid pajama pants and a tank top before she’d come out.
“I know you’ll find one you love. Do you want me to leave you to it?” She got up to leave, but I stopped her.
“No!” I squeezed her tighter so she couldn’t leave. “I need a break, anyway.” I looked up at her, and she smiled.
“Okay, then.” She kissed my forehead.
My smile fell as I whispered, “Please don’t leave me.” I hoped she picked up on the meaning behind my words.
Don’t leave me out here. Don’t leave me for someone else…
“Blair, I’m not going anywhere, okay?” I snuggled deeper into her embrace, wanting to believe her words.
I sat there for another hour, trying and still failing to think of a good title, before my alarm went off, reminding me of my meeting with Cara.
After Drea insisted on helping me take a shower, I called a car to take me to Cara’s. I was thankful she wanted to stay in today and not go to some fancy restaurant.
The past few days with Drea had expended more than enough energy, and I was exhausted, but in the best way. I’d never complain about being too tired from spending time with her or having way too much sex.
Cara was already out on her porch when I pulled up, and I was grateful we didn’t track each other’s locations.
“Hey, doll!” She waved to me as I paid the driver and headed up the driveway.
My steps quickened until I was basically sprinting to give her a hug. I had missed her. “Hey, I’m sorry I’m late.”
I would’ve gotten there sooner if Drea hadn’t “helped” me in the shower. I had to learn to control myself around her. One look at her naked body, one lick of her lips, and I was against the wall, coming and screaming her name.
“God, I’ve missed you, doll! I feel like it’s been way too long since we’ve had a chance to spend some time together without work!” Cara’s voice broke me from my horny thoughts, and I shook my head, bringing myself back to the moment.
I had to agree. The past few months had been crazy busy for both of us, and while I loved my job, I missed my best friend.
“I know! What’s been going on with you outside of work? Today is a no-work day!”
She laughed, leading us to her couch. “Well, I’ve been going on a few dates, but nothing too exciting. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Am I trying too hard? Am I looking in the wrong places? I feel like all I do is go on dates, but I don’tdate, you know?” Her smile fell, and I reached over to place a comforting hand on her arm.
“I’m sorry, Car. I don’t think you’re trying too hard or looking in the wrong places at all. You’re doing what everyone else does. You’ll find your person, I’m sure of it. If you’re feeling lost or frustrated about it, then maybe it’s time for a break? They say once you stop looking, that’s when you find what you need.” I shrugged, but it was true. At least for me.
Once I stopped trying to find someone in bars or on dating apps, that was when I found Drea, although she was right there all along and I just didn’t see her.
She exhaled sharply. “Maybe you’re right. It’s getting to be exhausting, and I’ve been feeling deflated about it all. Maybe I should focus more on my career for a while. Anyway, enough about me, I want to talk about you. Your life is more exciting than mine. How was your trip? How’s Chris?”
I snorted. “You think my life is exciting? That’s sad. And what trip? Chris is fine.” I gave her a confused look.
“Your trip out of town? You said there was a family thing and that’s why you couldn’t hang out.”
Shit. I had completely forgotten about that. I should’ve known she would bring it up. “Oh. Yeah, Chris is good. He just needed help with the boys,” I lied. I hated lying to her more, but I couldn’t tell her where I really was.
“Right. Is everything okay with you? You’ve been acting kind of weird for a while.”
