Page 11 of The One I Need
“I think that’s one of our phones,” I say.
“Probably mine,” he says.
He rolls out of bed, naked in all his glory. I never had a chance to really look at his ass, but I can’t help staring as he walks over to where his pants ended up last night. Fuck, that’s a nice ass. Too bad he’s not a friends-with-benefits kinda guy. We really could have had some fun.
Especially if he fucks like that without booze.
“Shit, I have to go,” he says, bending over and picking up his pants.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” he says as he begins to get dressed. “I’m being summoned for a grand gesture.”
“A grand gesture?”
“Yup,” he says, walking over to grab his shirt, which was nowhere near his pants. “My friend Wes really fucked things over with his girl, Betsy, a week ago. I’m guessing he’s pulled his head out of his ass and needs all hands on deck.”
Wow, I didn’t realize this was a common thing. I had heard about grand gestures when it came to relationships, and up until a few years ago, I thought they were just something written about in movies and books.
Then I witnessed one when Knox stepped up for Hazel. Was I moved by it? Of course. I might have a black heart, but I do know that love can exist for others. But I thought Knox’s grand gesture was just something that happened in the moment. That it wasn’t a common thing.
Apparently I was wrong.
Knowing that it’s time to make my exit, I scooch to the side of the bed, swinging my legs over the side.
“Where are you going?”
I look over to Oliver, who’s walking over to me as he buttons his shirt. “If you’re going, I’ll go too.”
“No,” he says, standing in front of me. “You don’t have to rush out.”
“I know, but I can.”
I try to stand but Oliver blocks me. “Stay. Take a shower. Order room service. If I can’t ever take you on a proper date, let me do this for you.”
I swallow the lump that is suddenly in my throat. Damn, this man is really pushing my beliefs…
“Thank you,” I say.
He leans in and softly kisses my cheek. “No, Izzy. Thank you. Maybe I’ll see you around someday.”
Oliver doesn’t say anything as he finishes getting dressed. He gives me a small wave as he walks out the door.
And out of my life.
Chapter5
Oliver
I step into the elevator,press the button for the first floor, and fall against the wall. I know it sounds corny, but with every floor we go down, my spirits go right with it.
I knew last night was going to be a one-time thing. I knew it when I asked her to come to my room, and I knew it when I asked to see her again this morning. I knew the answer before it even came out of my mouth. Yet, I still asked.
Part of me had to know. I had to hear the words from her mouth, because if I didn’t, I’d spend hours and days wondering if she would have said yes if I had only asked.
Well, now I know. And yes, I might not have that regret, but that doesn’t make me feel any better in the present.
The elevator dings and the door slowly opens to the lobby. I’m not even one foot out the door before I see Shane, who suddenly has his hands in my shirt and is dragging me down the hall.
