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Elizabeth
I close the door after Miles leaves and erupt into the biggest smile ever. Last night was incredible, well, except for the fiasco with Jacob, but Miles came to my rescue. He stuck up for me, and even told Jacob to never look my way again. He went all alpha male on him, and I’ve got to admit, that’s sexy as hell. I never thought I would be into that kind of behavior, but damn that was hot. Miles is so confident, and his presence exudes dominance. His attractiveness just skyrocketed.
I skip back to my room and get into bed where I can still smell where he was lying.Mmm, he smells delicious.I look at the clock and see that I can sleep for a few more hours before I have to get up for work. I set my alarm, roll over, and snuggle with the pillow Miles used. I can't wipe this stupid smile off my face.Lizzie, you have it bad!This is dangerous territory, but I agreed to jump right in with him; so, I must trust he’ll catch me when I fall. And I'm doing just that, falling. I can only hope that this doesn’t end in heartbreak. I try and push those negative thoughts away and concentrate on all the good that Miles and I have together, even during this short amount of time. I close my eyes and begin to doze off, and the next thing I know is my alarm’s blaring for me to wake up. Geez, there is no way that was two hours! It feels like five minutes. I turn the alarm off and check my phone to see I have a message from Miles. I open it as quickly as I can.
Miles:Good morning, sweetheart. I enjoyed last night, and I can’t wait to cook for you this evening. I’m already at the office and have a packed schedule today. I will call or text when I’m able. Have a wonderful day, beautiful. xo
Swoon.Could he be any more perfect? I mean, all girls want to wake up to messages like this. This man is something else. I reread the message, and again I have the largest smile on my face that it’s starting to sting a bit.
Lizzie:Just waking back up and desperately needing my coffee fix! I may run to our little shop before work. I can’t wait to see these cooking skills of yours. Just so you know, I can be picky, so I hope you bring your A game tonight! Have an enjoyable day! Also, thank you again for last night. Xo
I send the text and get out of my comfortable, warm bed that I don’t want to leave, then stretch. I head to the bathroom and start a hot shower because it is quite chilly this morning. Once the steam fills the room, I step in the shower and just stand under the running water for a minute, feeling the warmth spread over my body. Once I’m warmed up, I bathe and wash my hair, then hop out of the shower. I put my watch back on and realize I’m on time today, which makes me happy. I hate to be in a rush. I towel dry my hair and put my robe and slippers on as I walk out to the living room. Sarah is still asleep, but she will be up soon. I start a pot of coffee in the kitchen and go back to the bathroom to blow dry and straighten my hair. It’s a lengthy process, but it’s worth it. I love when I have time to actually do my hair. Keeping it long is high maintenance, but I don’t ever want to cut it. I finish with it, then put on a bit of makeup. I don’t ever wear too much, just a bit of eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. My cheeks seem to also stay rosy, so there’s no need for blush. I hate having foundation on my face because it makes it feel like my skin can’t breathe. So, I just keep my makeup routine simple.
I go make myself a cup of coffee, then return to myroom, looking up the temperatures for today. I don’t want to freeze to death by not having enough clothes on, but I also don’t want to be hot either. The weather app says it will be a high of fifty degrees today and windy. I put the phone down and open my closet. This is the hardest part of my morning routine, finding something to wear. I have too many outfits, and it’s hard to pick. I love clothes and shoes. I blame Sarah for being a fashionista and rubbing off on me. I chuckle to myself thinking of what she would say if I was to call her that. I pull out a pair of dark skinny jeans and some black knee-high boots. I run my hands through the sweaters I have and pull out an ivory one with a wide neck that hangs off one shoulder. I grab a teal scarf to give it some color. I pour the rest of my coffee into a to-go cup and top it off with some fresh creamer, then grab my phone and head back out to the living room where the full-length mirror is. I look and am pleased with my outfit choice. I won’t have time to change, so this will be what I wear tonight to see Miles.
Sarah comes stumbling out of her room. “Need… coffee,” she huffs.
I laugh as I say, “Just made a fresh pot. What’s going on? Didn’t get enough sleep last night?”
She grimaces and shakes her head. “I was up late working on a new project and fell asleep on top of all my notes. I even forgot to set my alarm; but thank goodness, I heard you out here moving around. I need a vacation!” She walks over to the kitchen and makes herself a cup of coffee, then sits at the counter with the mug warming her hands.
“I have some news,” I announce, pausing for her reaction. “Miles picked me up from work last night because he is insistent I don’t need to walk home alone. I’m so glad he did because guess who showed up at the restaurant last night?”
She looks at me and shrugs her shoulders. So, I go onand exclaim, “Jacob!”
?“No fucking way! I hope you told him to get lost. He’s a piece of trash, Liz!” she hisses angrily.
?“Oh, I know. He requested to be seated in my section, but my manager refused to let me trade the table with one of the other servers. So, I was forced to interact with him most of the night because he wouldn’t leave. I think he was waiting for me to get off work to make his move.” I let out a huff. “So, by the time I left work, he was so drunk he could barely walk. He was stumbling all about and followed me outside, shouting all these terrible things about me. Fortunately, Miles was there waiting in his car and saw the altercation. He jumped out of his car and got between Jacob and me. When Jacob kept running his mouth, Miles picked him up by his collar and told him to never speak to me again. Miles also, warned him that he would regret it if he did,” I recount, as the words finish pouring out of my mouth, like the incident happened only moments ago.
?Sarah’s eyes widen, but she smiles at the same time. “Girl, you got yourself a good man. He’s sweet and protective. You have to keep him around. He definitely has my stamp of approval,” she quips.
“Well, that’s good. I’m glad you approve. I have to get going. You know how Edith gets if I’m just five minutes early. I might as well be an hour late by her standards.” I laugh because old Ms. Edith is a character, but I still enjoy working at the bookstore, even if it’s run by a crotchety, old lady.
Sarah gets up from the counter, coming over and squeezing me tight. She steps back and places her hands on my shoulders, then says, “I’m happy that you’re happy. I know you are because I can see the twinkle in your eyes when you talk about Miles. I understand you’re apprehensive about this relationship and it’s moving so quickly; but I have to tell you, when you know, you know. I think that’s what you have rightnow. Don’t fear this, Lizzie. He is a good man, and I believe he really cares for you. Don’t run away. I know that’s what you want to do, but I’m asking you to see this through. It might just change your life,” she advises with a smile.
I grip her hands on my shoulders. “I love you, Sarah. You have always looked out for me, and I think you know me better than I know myself sometimes. Plus, you are right. I keep the thought in the back of my mind that I could just run away at any time, but that’s not how I want to think in this relationship. If I do, then I won't ever fully give myself over to him.”
?I straighten my shoulders and hold my chin up. “Today is a new day, and I have a man that wants me. I’m not going to let the silly things in my head get in the way of that. I’m not going to run away this time, Sarah!”
She gives me another hug. I grab my coat from the closet, then my purse. “Miles is cooking for me tonight, so I will be home late. I’ll text to let you know when. Love you,” I say, as I step out into the cool New York morning.
I hear her yell back, “Does this guy have a brother?”
?I laugh and holler back, “He sure does.” Before the door closes behind me.
Chapter 14
Miles
I’m in the middle of a meeting with the board members of the company, and one of my employees is giving a presentation. I can’t concentrate on what he’s saying. All I hear is Lizzie’s laugh, and I see her bright smile. I wish it was closing time, so I could see my girl. This day is crawling by, as I look down at my watch for what seems like the twentieth time since this meeting started.
The room falls silent, and all eyes are on me. I look up and see my staff waiting for me to speak. I’m thankful I’m quick on my feet and able to respond with something that satisfies the board, and they continue talking. I have to get my head on straight. I must prove myself to the board and the rest of this company, so this isn’t the time to daydream. I push thoughts of Lizzie away and focus on the rest of the meeting.
Once I get back to my office, Sebastian comes in looking upset. “What happened to you in there? We need the board on our side, Miles. You were off in LaLa land instead of giving the pitch that we prepared. You’re lucky I remembered it, or we would be in some deep shit. What’s going on with you?” he nearly shouts.
I hate letting people down, but I have so much on my mind that I can barely concentrate at work. “I’m sorry, man. My head just wasn’t in it today. Thank you for pulling us through,” I reply, as I run my hands through my hair.
He looks at me for a moment, then asks, “Is this about Elizabeth? Are you really that serious about her? Have you even slept with her yet?”
