Page 6 of Dirty Fortune

Chapter 4

Julie

Iwake up to find myself in an empty bed. I search to see if Keith's clothes are there but there's nothing. He left. Without saying goodbye. I don't know what I expected, and I berate myself for having hoped for more. I was the one who established the parameters. One night.

As soon as I try to move out of bed, I feel a lot of sore muscles. Last night was intense, and it might be better that it ended like this. I get up and go to the shower. I step under the cold water and let it cleanse my soul. Last night was something I had dreamt of for years, and it came true. The water soothes me, and I stay under the spray longer than intended. I hear some noise in the room and panic. Maybe it's just the cleaning crew.

I reach for the towel, dry myself, and put on the terrycloth robe they provided with the suite. We seriously need to thank Hailey's father for all this luxury. I open the door only to find that Keith is taking things from a cart and putting them on the dining table.

"Hey, you're finally awake." He says.

"I thought you'd left."

"Without saying goodbye? I wouldn't do that to you, Princess."

"What's all this?" I come closer and take a peek at the food.

"You wouldn't budge when I tried to wake you, so I assumed I tired you out last night."

He smiles, that wicked smile of his, and I can't help but be annoyed. I don't know what's the matter with me, but seeing him all happy and smug is pissing me off. No matter that, just minutes ago, I was grieving for the loss of him.

He moves from the side of the table to where I stand and holds my arms.

"You seem upset, Princess."

"Wow, you catch on quickly. What are you still doing here?"

"What do you mean?"

"We agreed on only one night. That night has passed."

He hooks a finger under my chin and makes me look up at him.

"Last night was very special to me, Julie. I was hoping it meant something to you as well."

His sexy voice is playing tricks on my mind, making me swoon for him.

"I…"

"Come on," he pulls me towards the chair at the table, "let's sit down and have some breakfast. We can talk about it after I've fed you and taken care of you."

I follow like a pet who's been trained to follow its master. Why is he being so sweet and attentive, damn it? He serves me coffee and puts in the exact amount of milk and sugar I like. Then he fills my plate with eggs, some bacon, and a croissant. A bowl of fruit follows, and I'm completely speechless.

"I…" I start once again.

"Eat, Princess." He urges me on with a fork in his hand.

He eats his food with gusto, and every once in a while, he looks at me to check that I'm eating. The food is delicious, but I need to know where we stand. I just thought we'd go our separate ways and see each other in another ten years or so. After I eat half of what's on my plate, I put my fork and knife down and clean my mouth with the cloth napkin. I take a deep breath and decide to address the matter at hand.

"Keith, why are you still here?"

"I don't want this to be a one-night-only deal. I want more."

"What about Mike?"

"I haven't talked to him in months. I…" he hesitates, "I've always regretted ending things back then. I don't want to make the same mistake again."

"Would we have to sneak around? Wait, I don't even know if you live in New York anymore."

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