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CHAPTER14
ALESSANDRA
For days, I have made it my mission to avoid Braydon. I kept myself busy with endless tasks at work. Spent time with friends. Left work and home sparingly.
Mission: Avoid Braydon at all costs. Mission status: Failed.
Three nights ago, I met Braydon for dinner. This time, we actually discussed work and his story. We opened up a little to each other. Shared great conversation and laughs. Got comfortable in our own bubble. Had sex again.
Repeats… something I never do with one-nighters.
I am not promiscuous. Okay, maybe I am to a certain extent. I don’t double-dip. At least, I haven’t in years. Not because I don’t want to. Not because none of the guys haven’t satisfied me. Most nights my body needs release, I take care of business on my own. When it isn’t enough, I seek relief with someone new. With my hectic schedule, it’s easier if my time with men is one and done.
Then Braydon came along.
It’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly has me wanting more with him. What has me caving on a rule I enacted years ago.No romance. Just fun.My life is too busy for anything else.
Yet, somehow, I have made time the past three nights for Braydon. And damn, I want him more each day.
We woke late Sunday morning in a mess of tangled limbs. He pressed his lips to mine and I deepened the kiss. He rolled me onto my back and gave me two more orgasms before releasing his own. And when we were both breathless, a foreign statement left my lips.
“Come back tonight.”
And he has been in my bed every night since. An unspokenacquaintances-with-benefitsagreement between us.
“What has you so cheery this morning?” Lena asks as I tap in her breakfast order.
I peer up at one of my best friends and temper my cheek-stinging smile. I shrug. “Slept well.” More like I have been boneless when Braydon leaves each night. But she doesn’t need to know the minor details.
Her green eyes narrow. Inspect. Question what I am leaving out.
I keep my expression the same and stiffen my spine. One flinch and the floodgates will open.
“Well, it looks good on you.”
My shoulders and spine loosen. “Thanks. Be back in a sec.” I take her reusable cup and walk off.
Down the line, I pour oat milk in a shaker, add matcha powder, vanilla, sweetener, and ice. I clamp the lid on and shake. After several vigorous rattles, I transfer the drink to her cup and rinse the shaker.
As I approach the register, my mouth opens to tell Lena her food should be ready in a few minutes. Instead, my feet stick to the floor. I snap my mouth shut. White noise floods my ears. My rib cage tightens around my lungs. My heart pound, pound, pounds against my breastbone.
What is he doing?
I take a deep breath and unstick my feet from the floor. Take one step, then another, and step fully into view. Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Braydon’s eyes dart to mine for a fraction of a second before focusing back on Lena. He smiles then offers his hand.
“Thank you, Helena. I’ll swing by your shop in a bit. Saving the best for last.”
He winks at her and a knot twists beneath my diaphragm. I ball my fingers and resist the urge to say something I will regret. Something that will hurt my friend and garner the attention of everyone here.
Braydon is not mine. Braydon will never be mine.
I take another calming breath and set Lena’s latte on the counter. “Large, iced vanilla matcha latte with oat milk.”
“Ooh, another oat milk drinker,” Braydon says with a hint of excitement.
Lena puts her metal straw in the cup and lifts it to her lips. One sip and she sighs. “So good.” Her eyes meet mine. “Thanks, girl. I’ll be on the patio.” She starts for the patio, then pauses. “Later, Braydon.”
The casual way they speak has me on edge. Irritated. Borderline jealous. Okay, maybe slightly over the border. Which pisses me right the hell off.
