“My parents were married two days after they met. Two days, two years… It doesn’t matter,” I say. “When you’re finished putting out your company fires, feel free to join us in the gym.”
Instead of walking to the door, I head back over to my bag, grab a shirt, and throw it on. Molly smiles at me over the screen of her laptop as I walk out of the hotel room.
Chapter Nineteen
It’s been an hour since Alfie left to head down to the gym. I haven’t been able to stop replaying his reaction to me yelling at him. I was already worked up and frustrated at the stupid mistake one of my staff made with the permits they submitted. A huge fucking error that could put that particular project back months.
And then, Alfie strolled in like he owns the damn place and got changed. Most men I’ve dated in the past would have yelled back. Not that I’m dating Alfie Giuliani. But I did not expect him to remain calm and just tell me to change my tone if I wanted to have a conversation.
He also didn’t seem bothered that I was in here working. Or that I was yelling at staff when he walked in. It’s odd. Then again, why would he care? Like I said, weare notdating.
But he brought me to Portland and chose to stay with me. He has said more than once that he doesn’t want to sleep without me tonight. Does that mean that he likes me a little more than he should?
I shake my head.You carved your initials into each other, Molly. He went and met your parents, made up an elaborate story for your mom without blinking an eye.
Shit. Maybe this is more than just sex…
I pick up the phone and dial Angus. As soon as he answers, I’m spiraling. “I’ve screwed up.”
“With what?” he asks calmly.
“Alfie Giuliani.”
“Has he hurt you? Where are you?” Angus rushes out.
“No. Not like that. He’s not going to hurt me, Angus. I think… I think I like him. More than as just a casual romp in the sheets.”
“Oh, that. Well, yeah, I could tell.”
“Why didn’t you warn me?” I screech. “Icannotlike him.”
“You can, and you do. What made you come to the realization?”
“We… ah… I let him carve his initials into my skin and then I did the same to him,” I admit.
Angus is silent.
I look at the screen to make sure the call didn’t disconnect. “Angus?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I’m just processing,” he says slowly. “You let him carve his initials into your skin? Where?”
“On my hip.”
“Okay, well, that’s… Nope, that’s fucking insane, Molly. What on earth were you thinking?” Angus yells.
“I was thinking about the amazing orgasm that was waiting for me,” I try to explain. “And also, I don’t hate when he says I’m his.”
“Where is he now?”
“At the gym?”
“And you’re not in there ogling that man working out? I bet he has his shirt off and is dripping in sweat.” Angus sighs.
“Gotta go. Good chat.” I press the red button to disconnect the call before running straight into the bedroom.
I change into a pair of shorts and a sports bra. I throw on a tank top to cover my stomach, because, well, it’s covered in bite marks. Grabbing the keycard for the room and my phone, I then head for the door and sprint down to the gym. I don’t love working out. In fact, I hate it. But I do it occasionally when I’m going through anI’m going to get healthykick.
I stop dead in my tracks when I walk into the gym because Angus was right—not about the shirtless part. Alfie does still have a shirt on. His brother does not. But my eyes are trained on Alfie’s ass as he runs on a treadmill next to Hudson.
