Page 37 of Not As Advertised

“Can I stay here tonight?” After what we’d just shared, he watched me intently, as if I would tell him no. Still, I appreciated him asking, just in case I wanted some space. It was heartwarming that he didn’t want to leave.

“Yes, please.”

He helped me off the desk before moving to the still-made side of the bed and sliding in. Sneaking into the washroom, I grabbed my pajama shirt and shorts, whipped off my dress, changed, and brushed my teeth.

Coming back out into the bedroom, I found him lying on his side, waiting for me. Aiden pulled back the covers in invitation, and I slid beneath them. He wrapped me up tight in the sheet and duvet. God, I loved to be tucked in. It emphasized his attentiveness, and I couldn’t get enough.

He gathered me in his arms. I didn’t know if I could sleep like that, but I was damn sure going to try.

“We can talk tomorrow, okay?” Aiden whispered into my hair.

“Okay,” I replied quietly.

So much had changed. My mind was spinning. I couldn’t think right now, though. I was going to melt into Aiden and face reality in the morning.

My internal clock woke me at 4:48 a.m. from the best sleep I’d had since changing jobs. The night before came back to me as I realized I was pressed up against Abbie’s back, my arm slung low on her hip. Her long hair spread out behind her, tickling my shoulder and chest with its softness.

Knowing I should get up versus getting out of bed were two different things. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d considered sleeping in. Going to the gym before work had been my routine since I started my first job out of college. Thirty minutes on the treadmill every morning helped clear my head and get me focused for the day ahead. It was the only time I pushed business to the back of my mind.

This morning, my body wanted to stay in bed with Abbie. No one with an ounce of sense would leave the haven of tropical scent and warm skin created by the gorgeous woman beside me.

But we had said one night, and I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. It might be easier for her if I left now while she was still sleeping. She could have some time to herself before our final day of meetings to process last night for what it was.

Could I really do that? Just go? This wasn’t a one-night stand, and Abbie was much more important to me than that.

Resolved to stick with the routine that hadn’t failed me yet, I shifted out of bed and eyed the open door between our rooms. It felt wrong to leave, but things would be too complicated if I stayed.

My steps were soundless as I moved to her side of the bed. I didn’t feel right simply leaving a note, but I didn’t want to wake her fully after so few hours of rest.

“Abbie?” I whispered. “Abbie?”

“Hmm?” Her eyes remained closed. “Aiden?” Her words were slurred with sleep.

“I’m going to the gym now. We can talk at breakfast, okay?”

“Oh. Okay. Sure.” Abbie managed to squint in my direction, some awareness seeping into her voice. “Do you…?” Her voice drifted off. I couldn’t tell if she’d fallen back to sleep or changed her mind about saying something.

I was ashamed that I hoped it was the first option.

Leaning down to give her a brief kiss on the cheek, I moved toward our adjoining doorway.

I couldn’t resist a look at the desk where she’d taken her pleasure hours earlier. Flashes of our intimate encounter threatened to overwhelm my thoughts. And send me right back into her bed.

Once her door was closed, I did the same to the door on my side, locking the dead bolt with a gentle click.

I leaned back against the door, scrubbing my hands over my face. I thought I’d feel relieved after we spent time together. But if anything, my need for Abbie increased having seen her experience pleasure.

Hell, I hadn’t even gotten off, and it was the best sex I could remember in forever. I cringed at the idea of going back to the office and pretending like the intimacy between us had neverhappened. The draw I felt toward her was stronger than ever before.

Shedding my T-shirt and boxers, I quickly rummaged through my suitcase for my workout clothes, then put on my running shoes.

I used the hotel’s gym to burn off the adrenaline of finally having Abbie in my arms. Maybe I could push myself hard enough to outrun these dangerous feelings.

After a grueling workout, endless emails, and a shower, a few hours later, I found myself sitting in the hotel restaurant waiting for Abbie.

Since leaving her bed, she had been all I could think about. The initial thrill was still running through me, but the reality of our situation had added a layer of unease that I couldn’t shake.

I was in the midst of chastising myself for putting her in this position when I looked up to find her sliding into the seat in front of me.

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