AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER FIVE
BLAKE
When I wake up, the first thing I notice is that she’s gone.
I pull on some boxers and check my apartment just in case she’s in the kitchen or on the balcony. No, she is really gone. Usually, I’m happy when a girl has left when I wake up. But for some reason, with Lily, I’m not happy that she left without saying goodbye.
I shake off the strange sensation of loss. Need to get ready for work. A one-night stand shouldn’t affect me so much, but it does. Because she’s not a one-night stand.
The day drags on, and I can’t get her out of my head, not that I’m trying too hard. Not only did I have the best sex with her, but there is something else about her I can’t explain.
I can’t stop thinking about her. I need to see her again. I know she has enough problems with her ex-fiancé and doesn’t need more to deal with right now. I hope she doesn’t forgive him and take him back. No, she wouldn’t. He slept with her sister. There’s no weaseling your way back from that.
I can’t believe a guy would do something like that to her. I bet about now, he realizes what a mistake he made and is groveling to get her back. I would, but I wouldn’t make the mistake of losing her in the first place. She’s a great woman and needs someone who will treat her like a princess and take care of her.
I’ve been sitting at my desk reading some papers, but I haven’t read a word.
I look up. My brother is sitting across from me. The guy walks on cats’ feet.
“I see you are hard at work. I’ve been sitting here a while. “I can’t lie to him; he caught me. I shrug. I got caught daydreaming, so what?
“I have a few things on my mind.”
I’m not ready to tell either of my brothers that I’ve been thinking about a woman, especially not Rob.
“Did you need something?”
I’m not going to explain my lack of concentration.
He hands me a folder.
“I need you to look at these figures. I think the New Orleans project looks favorable.”
“Okay, I’ll get back to you on it.”
I look back at the papers, trying to read them for the hundredth time.
My brother gets up to leave. “Don’t forget about the family dinner tonight.”
“I won’t.”
I keep myself busy the rest of the day and try to stop a certain person from invading my thoughts. I even stay after hours to play catch-up on things I’ve been avoiding.
My phone rings. It’s Noah. I check the time. Forgot about the dinner.
I answer. “I’m on my way.”
“You better be.” He hangs up on me. That was rude.
* * *
Amber is hosting a little get-together with the whole family.
I don't have time for a shower or change of clothes. I hit the elevator button for the top floor. The minute the doors open, I hear them and follow the noise. They all are in the kitchen arguing about something. I look around. Everyone is accounted for, except my sister. She is out of town tonight. I see Mom didn't bring an extra guest, thank god.
My mom likes to bring a guest to our diners occasionally. The guest isn't one of her friends; it's usually a set-up for either me or Rob. I had hoped she would stop pushing women at me and Rob after Noah found someone, but it only made her pushier.
She sees how happy he is and wants the same for us. It's all great and everything, but you can't force us to like someone. I'm just grateful that they came alone tonight. I don't think I could take a pushy debutante this evening. I don’t pay attention to the conversation around me and only make appropriate comments when asked. I'm not looking forward to going back down to my place.
