Page 53 of Fate In Fiction

Max calls for the second time at work, and I decline. No texts have come through stating an emergency, so I’ve ignored the calls. Friday is my day filled with minuscule tasks from the week that don’t need to be dealt with immediately. Though, they pile up and on the last day. The signature six knock on my door notifies who is on the other side.

“Come on in, Adrianna.” My eyes remain on my screen as I try to get everything done to have the weekend off.

“Max is on line two. He said he’s been trying to reach your personal phone all morning.” Her dark blonde hair is curled today, and I notice her blazer looks fitted.

“I’ll answer this time.” I smile and nod toward her. “I forgot to tell you how nice you look today. The blazer looks different.”

“I went to a seamstress. I appreciate your generosity, but I can purchase my own clothing. Being indebted to someone isn’t what I need.” The strength in her voice to speak her mind makes me smile.

“I’m glad you didn’t quit. You had me worried.” She’s always been reserved, until I offered more money. Go figure.

“Don’t forget about Max.” Adrianna adjusts her glasses and dismisses herself.

“What’s up, bro?” I answer Max’s call.

“Why the fuck aren’t you picking up?” Max asks with an annoyance and panic.

“What wrong? Is Kelsie okay? How’s the baby?” My own voice raises with concern since I haven’t talked to her lately.

“They’re fine.” Max pauses for a moment. “Great, actually. Lauren is throwing a gender reveal party for us tomorrow morning, and it would mean the world if you could join.”

“Why do people have parties for this shit? Why not just tell people if they choose to ask?” I’m not a father or anything, so what do I know. “This is so fucking last minute too.”

“This is a turning point for her. Kelsie isn’t aware of this being planned. Lauren is planning everything for Napa’s hot air balloons.” Max goes on about how he’s facing a fear to take flight and they will face her fear together about being more in tune with their child. Fuck, her ex-husband really screwed with her emotions.

“Okay. We will be there, Max,” I say, then hang up the phone.

I finish out the workday and try to push last night’s ordeal out of my mind. If only we were in a perfect world, and dumb shits like those guys wouldn’t attempt to harm a woman, but that’s not reality. I may have a large back list of women, but not one of them wasn’t on board. We still haven’t talked about the kiss again either. She was up and out the door before I woke this morning. Maybe it was a meaningless to her. She has bragged about having better self-control. I could forget it too if I didn’t lose my fucking breath and become dizzy from the simplicity of a damn kiss. Never has a kiss left me craving more the way hers has. She’s right that it shouldn’t happen again. Risking feelings to have them crushed in two months is the dumbest thing we could do to ourselves.

I fire off the last email and make my way down to my suite. Stepping off the elevator, I follow a scent of deliciousness instead of burning. My stomach grumbles and pleads that Josie cooked something edible and we don’t need to order in. I open the door and smile as her rock music plays while she plates the food. That’s my hoodie. Josie stands barefoot in the kitchen as her messy bun flops about in nothing but my hoodie. Okay, she probably has something underneath. My cock wakes along with my senses from the appetizing meal.

“Another lesson with Emery?” She jumps at the sound of my voice, nearly dropping the bowl. “Sorry, I thought you heard me open the door.”

“She showed me two basic meals the other day. I hope you like lemon and garlic shrimp pasta.” Her smile beams, and the sudden need to cup her sweet face and press my lips to hers hits me.

“One of my favorites!” Slipping off my suit jacket, I roll up my sleeves and notice her smile droop. “What’s wrong?”

“This dish is going to be compared to all the past times you’ve eaten it.” The realization of her outspoken insecurity kicks in and she shakes it off. “This is the second meal I’ve cooked without any issues. I don’t care if you hate it.”

“I’m not going to hate it.” I take the bowl from her and sit at the island. “We have to leave for San Francisco early tomorrow morning. I’ve already arranged for a jet.”

“Have to?” Her fork drops, looking up at me with wide eyes as she waits for more details.

“My sister and my friend Max, who is like my brother, are having a baby. She’s been detached after her ex screwed her over and this baby was unexpected.” I take a deep breath and continue with basic details. “Anyway, she’s finally coming around and there is a very last-minute surprise gender party in Napa Valley tomorrow.”

“I have to meet your family tomorrow?” Panic washes over her face as she pushes her pasta dish to the side. “No time to eat. Start making a family tree so I can be sure I have every family member and their likings memorized.”

“Breathe.” I place my hand on top of hers. “Let’s eat, and I’ll make you a hot chocolate as we review the basics. You’ve got this.” I place my hand over hers and quickly retract it. “We can blame me being so focused on work that you’ve had to pry for information. They’ll believe that reason, for sure.”

“You better be telling the truth on that one.” She sighs, swirling her fork in the pasta before taking a bite.

And she smiles when she does, because it’s another successful meal.

* * *

Boarding the plane, Josie doesn’t complain or make a face about flying coach. A smile rests under her sleepy eyes and I take it she got as much sleep as I did last night. Bringing her to meet my parents is nerve-wracking. Especially when there is limited time to impress them. Her hand weaves with mine during takeoff, and I keep a hold of it. It molds to mine so perfectly and calms my nerves. Josie stares out the window with such contentment, I have the sudden urge to share more with her. More insight as to why I’ve seemed lost for so long.

“When I was thirteen, I overheard my parents talking one night when I was supposed to be asleep.” Her hand tightens around mine as her head turns to face me, giving me her full attention. “My brother and sister were constantly praised for their work ethics in school, and interests in the family business. I, on the other hand, had been a bit more spoiled, and being the youngest, I didn’t have to pull as much weight.” Josie looks down at our hands and her thumb brushes back and forth, encouraging me to continue.