Page 40 of Come Apart
"Turned out Samantha didn't want any visitors today. And I didn't see any reason to wait around when I could just drive back in the morning."
"Oh." She frowns. "I'm sure she's just embarrassed. It's not like she wants you to have to rescue her every six months."
I nod.
"I'm sure you're right."
"Are you okay though? I know, if I abandoned all my responsibilities to be at someone's side and she rejected me... I'd be pissed as hell."
"I'm okay." I really am. "It was a shitty round trip, but at least now I can be at the party with you." I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, studying her face. "How are you dealing?"
"You know me. Nothing I love more than crowded parties where I'm the center of attention."
Her tone is snarky, but I can see the anxiety in her eyes.
I squeeze her closer.
"I'll be there with you."
She smiles, cupping my face in her warm palm. "That will make it easier, at least."
"Good. I'm glad. And if you want me to sue anyone afterwards, I'm always down."
She laughs, rolling her eyes.
"Come on," she says, pulling back. "You can take a nap while I get ready." She gives me a concerned look while she tugs me inside. "You look beat."
"It was a long drive," I acknowledge, following her into her room.
A nap sounds like nirvana.
So I do exactly what she suggests.
I strip down to my boxers and fall into the bed.
"I'll wake you up when you need to throw on some clothes."
"Hmmm."
I drift into sleep, barely feeling Alyssa kiss my forehead.
* * *
"It's going to be fine."
"God, I wish I was anywhere else," Alyssa mutters, surveying the crowd.
She looks fucking gorgeous, as usual.
What I really want to do is drag her back into her room and remind myself that she tastes just as good as she looks.
My cock is already more than a little interested.
Unfortunately, it's not in the cards right this second.
So I content myself with looking.
Her blond hair tumbles around her shoulders, her simple calf length sheath dress highlighting her body, but in an understated way.
