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I don’t have the time to devote to a relationship.His message was quite clear. This is a one-off, and I’m not to expect a follow-up call. He told me himself he has ADHD, and it sounds as if he loses interest in girls at light speed. When he did let himself get involved with Felicity, it ended badly because she obviously didn’t understand that his work is everything to him, and any relationship will clearly come second. I’m sure he’s going to be very careful to keep any future liaisons to a minimum, so the girl doesn’t get the wrong message.
His open shirt flutters in the breeze, revealing his light-brown skin and the sprinkling of hairs across his chest. Unable to resist, I lean forward and kiss just beneath the dip at the base of his throat. His breath hitches as he inhales, and then he lowers his head to kiss me.
He does so slowly, and we gradually stop moving, my arms rising around his neck, his tightening around me. His lips move across mine, and it’s like a long, slow, gentle goodbye.
When he eventually lifts his head, I force a smile onto my face. “I’d better get going,” I say, moving back and dropping my arms.
His eyebrows rise. “What? You don’t have to go.” He catches my hand as I turn to walk back to the stairs. “Stay the night. I’ll get Jamie to take you back in the morning.”
“No. I’m sure you’re super busy before Christmas. I need to sleep and then shower and change in the morning before I go to work.” I smile. “But thank you.”
He meets my eyes. Does he know why I’m going? Does he understand I’m already so crazy about him that if I stay, leaving him will definitely break my heart? Having an IQ of 172 doesn’t mean he’s an expert at reading emotions or understanding women.
But I’m determined not to make a fuss. I will not be another Felicity.
I turn away and walk toward the stairs. Gus runs past me, and when I pause at the top and look over my shoulder, Mack is following, his hands in his pockets.
We go down the stairs and along the corridor to his apartment. “I just need to get my purse,” I say, “then I’ll call a cab.” I see the look on his face and add, “I do it all the time. It’s perfectly safe.”
His jaw knots. “You’re not going in an Uber at this time of night.”
I give him a direct look. “Excuse me?”
He glares at me.
“We’re not in the bedroom now.” I pick up my purse. “Thank you for a lovely evening. I had a wonderful time.” I take out my phone and dial for an Uber, hoping he can’t see my shaking hand. “There, all done.”
I give Gus a last stroke, then walk to the door and go out. When I turn, he’s leaning against the door jamb, hands in his pockets.
“Don’t go,” he says. He looks puzzled, as if he’s not sure why he said that.
I move closer to him, reach up, and kiss him. “Thank you,” I whisper, looking him in the eyes. I hope he knows that I mean for the evening, and for everything he’s done for my family.
He doesn’t say anything.
“See you later, alligator.” I move back and look at him expectantly. “You’re supposed to finish the rhyme.”
He doesn’t. He just continues to study me with that slightly puzzled look. I remember then that he told me,I’m used to getting my own way. It occurs to me it might be the first time in a while that someone has stood up to him.
“Text me when you get home,” he says. “Please.”
I go into the elevator and press the button, and give him a nod as the doors close.
The Uber arrives only a couple of minutes after I exit into the warm night. I get in, and soon we’re weaving through the busy city. There must be plenty of Christmas parties happening tonight, and the streets are filled with people in suits and glittery dresses, some with Santa hats or reindeer antlers or flashing earrings, all celebrating the festive season in their own way.
When the car pulls up outside my house, I thank the driver and get out, then send Mack a text.Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m home.
He comes back immediately.Don’t mention knickers. I’m already having trouble getting you out of my head.
I smile, but it also makes me sad. It’s been less than fifteen minutes, and he’s trying to forget me.
Night, I text. Then I slide my phone into my purse and go inside. Caro and Hana are in their room and there’s no light under the door, so I go straight through to my room. I’m tired, and more than ready to crash out.
After going to the bathroom and changing into my pajamas, I check the phone again as I climb into bed. The screen remains blank—no more messages.
Disappointment settles over me like a big gray blanket. But as I lie there, I make myself think about how wonderful the evening was. I think about the way Mack kissed me, and his beautiful eyes as he made love to me. And I remember the way we danced on the rooftop, with the moon hanging above us in the sky.
I don’t regret it, I’m glad it happened, and I’m not going to be sad about it.
