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He came back and wrapped his arms around her, crushing her to his chest. “Don’t ever apologize for that. I think it’s safe to say that I’ll always want one more. One more kiss, one more minute, one more day.” He kissed the top of her head before stepping away again. “One more time.” He winked at her before he opened the car door.
“Go on, go in. And text me to let me know when you’re home safe.”
She laughed and looked up at her building. “All I have to do is ride the elevator and unlock my door.”
He nodded solemnly. “And I hate that I don’t get to go with you. So, please, text me and let me know.”
She stood on the curb, watching as the car pulled away and waved just before it turned the corner. She didn’t know how she’d gotten so lucky. As she made her way in through the lobby and waved at the concierge who was on the phone, her mind was halfway made up that she was going to tell both the tech guys and the marketing company that she wasn’t going to be able to work with them.
When she let herself into the apartment, she leaned back against the door and let out a sigh, wishing that she was still in Napa with Bentley.
“Surprise!”
Her hands flew up to cover her mouth and she let out a little squeal of terror. Her fear rapidly transformed into anger when she saw her mum standing in the middle of the living room with a glass of wine in her hand.
“Mum! What the hell?”
Her mum grinned at her. “What? I told you I was coming.”
“Err, you did, and I’m pretty sure I told you no. How did you even get in here, anyway?”
“Aaron on the front desk is lovely. He let me in.”
Alyssa scowled. One of the things that had attracted her to this building was the security. So much for that! She couldn’t process this. She just stared at her mum.
“Let me pour you a glass of wine. You look peaky. Have you had a bad day?”
Alyssa just nodded. It had been a great day, but it had taken a turn for the worse now.
“Why don’t you go and get changed while I fix you a drink?”
She just nodded again. She could use a minute to herself to gather her thoughts, and rein in her temper. She blew out a sigh as she headed to the bedroom. The first thing she wanted to do was text Bentley. Yes, she wanted to let him know that she was home safe like he’d asked. But now, she’d have to tell him that her mum was here – and they’d have to figure out what that would mean for the weekend.
Chapter Twenty-One
Bentley: How did it go?
Alyssa: Good news and bad news. The good news is that the tech guys have decided they want to wait until Q1 next year. They asked if they could give me a deposit now, but I told them that I don’t work that way. I’ve said that I’ll touch base with them before the holidays.
Bentley: That is good news! One down, one to go. What did you say the marketing company is called?
Alyssa: Haha, I’m not telling you. We just have to wait until Wednesday.
Bentley: That’s probably wise of you. I’m doing my best to be patient and understanding, but I just want you to come back. I miss you. If you tell me who they are I might have to persuade them to go with someone else. But wait – Wednesday? I thought they were going to answer you tomorrow.
Alyssa: Aww. I miss you too. And Wednesday because their CFO’s secretary called and asked if we could push the meeting till then. But Bayside Media isn’t even my biggest concern.
Bentley stared at his phone. He wondered whether she’d purposely told him who the company was, or if she’d just let it slip. He also thought he knew what her biggest concern was – or who it was. But he didn’t feel like he should say too much. From everything she’d told him about her mom, he wasn’t inclined to like the woman. He didn’t think that he’d like her even if she hadn’t arrived uninvited and messed up their weekend plans.
Alyssa: You’re too polite to even say it, aren’t you?
Bentley: I want to say that I don’t know what you mean. But I do. It’s not a case of me being polite, I just don’t want to put you in a difficult situation. She’s your mom. I understand.
Alyssa: I don’t. I don’t understand how a mother can be so selfish. There, I said it! I told her that I’m seeing someone, someone who lives in Napa. I also told her that I had plans to come and see you this weekend. She’s pulled theplease don’t leave me on my owncard.
Bentley sighed. He’d been expecting this.
Bentley: You could bring her with you?
