AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The stage manager pops his head in the door. “Vic, you’re on in five.”
“Got it. Thanks.” He shoves his hands in his pockets after the manager leaves. “I’m in town for two more weeks. Just call if you change your mind.”
Something’s wrong with me because I can’t find a single response in my brain. It’s not until Vic leaves the room that I can breathe again. What the hell just happened?
I can’t seriously be considering going out with Vic? That would break every promise I’ve made to myself. No relationships. No dating. Nothing serious.
Definitely no dating clients.
Am I honestly giving this serious thought?
What about Rob? What about what happened Saturday on the dance floor?
No. I’m not letting Rob influence any decisions I make pertaining to my sex life. He doesn’t get a say.
When Liana returns, I play it off. She doesn’t need to know about Vic’s invitation. No one does because it’s none of their damn business.
Shit. Why does this have to be so damn difficult?
Chapter Ten
Rob
I miss my bed. Don’t get me wrong, Arthur’s penthouse has a better view of the city and more space, but it’s not the same as my shoebox apartment and lumpy mattress.
Being here reminds me of Marcy. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since the wedding reception. Since our dance. Between my regular shifts and overtime, I can’t seem to get a break this week. This is the first free moment I’ve had, and I’m taking it to relax and read a book.
I set aside the Chinese takeout menu and sink back into the couch cushions. Dinner’s on the way, and I’ve disconnected the phone. Tabby jumps onto the empty space beside me. Her inquisitive green eyes search my face.
“Hello, sweetheart.” I scratch her head, and she arches into my touch, rubbing her face against my hand. Her purring resonates through my fingertips. She mews in response and climbs onto my lap.
“Can’t let you languish here alone, can we?” I stroke her fur, and she curls against my chest. “Affectionate thing, aren’t you?”
Her sweet little mew melts my heart. I’m not typically an animal person, but Tabby’s been wonderful company these past few days. It’s nice knowing someone’s waiting for me to come home, craving my attention.
Am I talking about a cat or something else?
Even though Marcy keeps me at arm’s length and seizes every opportunity to sink her claws into me, I know it’s because she’s scared she’ll lose that precarious balance she’s fought so hard to gain. Her protective instincts run deep.
I turn on the television while we wait for the food. Tabby purrs contentedly against me while I flip through the channels searching for something worth watching. I pause on the local news. I don’t really care what it is; I really just want some background noise.
A knock at the door pulls me from my search.
“That was fast,” I murmur to Tabby and set her aside. They knock again just as I reach the landing. “I’m coming.”
When I open the door, my heart flips twice. “Marcy.” I lean against the doorway and drink her in.
“Rob.” The neon top and sparkly gray pants don’t detract from her natural glow. She looks like a rock star and every fantasy I’ve ever had. Even her eyes shimmer in the hall light. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah, sure.” I open the door and step aside. “You just get off work?”
“Yup.” She brushes past me, and the scent of her perfume and Aqua Net lingers in her wake. A bag dangles from her hand. “I forgot to drop off my wedding gift. Figured I would do it now while I have a chance.”
“Busy week?” I ask, closing the door before Tabby can escape into the hall.
“Totally.” Marcy snaps her gum and ventures into the living room. “I’m gonna put this on the counter so they’ll see it when they get back.”
“Be my guest.” Tabby weaves through my legs. I scoop her into my arms and scratch behind her ears. I might be grasping at straws, but Marcy showing up like this seems like a sign. I should take a chance, right?
