Page 20 of Love's Hot

9

Lilly

“DO WE REALLY NEED to go to Xavier’s on the way home? Surely you can drop me off first then head over there,” I complain as we drive out of the office parking garage.

“That’s just stupid. Why would I do that when I’m driving right past it on the way to your place, then I can continue on to my place.” Alesha glares, wondering what’s agitating me.

“Fine. Just don’t be too long in there. I want to get home and run a hot bath.” I return to scanning social media on my phone as she cautiously moves through the city traffic that builds up on a Friday afternoon.

“You’ve been in a bad mood all week since we got back from New York. I know you aren’t PMSing because we’re on the same cycle. So, what’s got your knickers all twisted up?” Keeping her eyes on the road, ever the cautious driver, Alesha is waiting for an answer.

“I haven’t been in a bad mood, what are you talking about?”

She just starts laughing. “Right, let’s call the boys on a conference call, shall we, and ask their opinions? You’ve been snapping everyone’s heads off. I think something happened in New York you aren’t sharing.” Stopping at the traffic light, she looks across at me with loving eyes of my big sister. I really want to tell her, but I know I can’t. I made a deal with Kane and I still think it’s for the best to keep it between us. Otherwise, it’ll just make it too awkward for everyone.

How do I say to Lesh that I’m sulking because I had the best sex of my life with Kane and we made an agreement that it was a one-time-only chance? I want to scream at her that I’m pissy because I want more of Kane. I know normally I’m the one who overshares my sex life, but I can’t this time and it’s driving me crazy. How can I hold in this vital information about our amazing night? The way he played my body like he owned it. Even if I could share, I’m not sure Alesha would be the right person. She’s close to Kane and it would be weird for them both. Don’t know why that worries me now, but it does.

I need to try to change the topic of conversation. I know I’m not very good at lying. God, why did she have to ask me in the car when I’ve got nowhere to run?

“I’m just tired this week, after travelling. The weekend partying left me exhausted, that’s all. Sorry if I’ve been a growly bear all week. I just need to get home and relax. Tomorrow I’ll be a new woman.” I doubt it but there’s always hope.

***

Getting out of the elevator for Xavier’s floor, I hear the music pumping away. I can feel my heart skipping a few little beats. That loud music means one of two things; Xavier is home working out or it’s Kane.

Since I know Xavier is at work then it only leaves option two.

Shit, I’m not prepared for this.

I need to play it cool and calm.

Grabbing my phone out of my bag, I use it to look like I’m really busy as Lesh is talking away to me.

I’m not really looking at anything in particular, but it does the trick.

Alesha disappears down the hall leaving me standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room pretending to be messaging someone really important.

I hear his voice and my body is already responding. Down, girl, you can’t go there, so just relax. Easier said than done as he walks into the room with no shirt on and all sweaty.

Good Lord, this man is a hot specimen!

Eyes down, woman, and try to pretend you haven’t even noticed him. Well, not until he gets close enough, I can’t ignore it anymore. I quickly flick my eyes up to look at him and then back down again.

“Kane.”

“Lilly, how are you?” he asks. There’s something flat in his voice, though. It’s lost its powerful tone and just sounds tired. Hearing him saying his week at work hasn’t been good, I can feel his body telling me how sad it feels. I want to wrap him in my arms and comfort him, but I know I lost that chance.

The best I can do is to offer my friendship. It’s the furthest from where I would like to be but at least he knows I’m here if he wants me. He thanks me and disappears again into the hall. It’s like feeling him walk away again in New York, except this time I get to see his back as he leaves. In New York he just disappeared, which pissed me off. The sunken eyes and dropped shoulders this time, though, tells me today is different. He’s struggling, and I feel bad for him. I wish I didn’t have to leave him here, but I have no other option.

Alesha is talking away about Mom and Dad and dinner. “Why don’t you come too? You know they’d love to see you. Plus, you can rescue me from Mom and wedding talk. She’s not getting the message that we just want something simple and small.” Although I’m normally the first to jump at a dinner invitation, tonight I just don’t feel like being around people. Between my bad mood funk that has been hanging over my head all week and worrying about Kane, I know I’ll be bad company.

“Thanks, Lesh, but not tonight, you guys are on your own to be punished. I’m too tired to put up with Mom on a mission. I’ll think of you while I lie in my hot bath with a glass of champagne. Good luck with it all.” I laugh at her rolling her eyes at me.

“One day this will be you with Mom wanting to plan your wedding. Don’t come looking for me to save you. I’ll be throwing you under the bus just like you are tonight to me. I have a very long memory, little sister.” She pulls into the visitor spot outside of the building so I can get out.

“Well, we both know that my marriage will be many, many, many years from now. I’m not even ready to have a relationship, so how the hell can we be thinking of a wedding. Hold that thought in the memory vault for a long time.” I lean across the center console and give her hug. “Give Mom and Dad a hug from me. Tell them I’ll catch up with them over the weekend. Have fun.” She groans as I get out of the car laughing.

“Call me tomorrow and tell me all about it. Just not too early.”

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