Page 16 of Connected By Stars
I walk into my apartment, and for the first time in my life, I feel alone and wish I had someone I was coming home to. I grab a beer from the fridge and sink into my black leather couch, laying my head back. I close my eyes, and all I can see is her.
Sighing, I take a long drink. Usually, when I’m feeling like this, I head to the bar and drown myself in someone, so I don’t have to think, but the thought of touching someone else doesn’t appeal to me. The someone I want to touch is a few doors down and sleeping like an angel. An angel I have no business touching. Groaning, I get up and head to the shower,a very cold shower, and hope to God I can get through these next few weeks leading up to the wedding.
Chapter Seven
Bella
I openmy eyes to sunlight filtering in and squint against the brightness. My head hurts, and my mouth feels like the Sahara Desert. I groan and throw the covers over my head. How much did I drink last night? I remember dinner and then walking with Sophia to Mav’s jeep.
Memories come rushing back of me, falling and landing in Maverick’s arms. I remember how much I wanted to press my backside into him. God, I didn’t rub myself against him, did I? Shit, I can’t remember. I do remember him getting turned on by it, though. I smile and do a little happy dance under the covers. I felt him pressing up against me and could feel how aroused he was. If Sophia hadn’t been in the jeep, I would have probably flung myself at him whether he had his feelings figured out or not.
How did I get in bed, though? I don’t even remember falling asleep. I throw back the covers and notice I’m dressed in a t-shirt. I look and see my dress on the floor beside my bed. Puzzled, I get up in search of some water and coffee, in that order. Running a hand through my bed hair, I go to the kitchen and see Sophia eating a bagel.
“Morning sleeping beauty.” She grins at me and takes a sip of her coffee.
“When did I fall asleep last night? I don’t even remember going to bed?” I walk to the fridge to get some water. Chugging it, I set it down and look at her.
“You were out cold,” she says, laughing. “I guess the last few nights of not sleeping well caught up with you. I had Mav carry you in, and I undressed you when he left. How do you feel this morning?”
I’m relieved it wasn’t Maverick that undressed me. I wouldn’t want that opportunity wasted because I was snoring away. “I feel pretty good, actually. I’m just thirsty, and my head hurts a bit, but the water will help with that. Thanks for taking care of me last night.”
“Anytime. I left you some coffee over there if you want some.” She points to the coffee maker on our white marble counter.
“Thanks.” I walk over and pour a cup. “How was Maverick when he left?” I ask casually, stirring my creamer in.
“He seemed fine. Why?”
“No reason. I thought he may be upset with me again about Logan texting during dinner.”
“He better not be upset with that. He promised you he would stay out of it. He was really sweet carrying you in, and he made sure you were comfortable before he left. I don’t think he’s mad at you.”
I smile, thinking of him tucking me in. “Good. I wouldn’t want anything to ruin this weekend. We have only four weeks until the wedding.”
“Nothing is going to ruin this wedding. It’s going to be perfect. So what are you and Logan doing Sunday night?”
Crap, I forgot I texted him back last night with a yes. “I’m not sure. I haven’t checked my phone since last night.” I walkdown the hall and get it from my nightstand before returning to the kitchen and checking my messages. “He said he’s looking forward to dinner and so glad I didn’t give him a fake number.” I laugh at our inside joke and read the rest. “He wants to take me to dinner around seven but said I can choose because he doesn’t know the area very well.” I look up at her. “What should I say?”
“How about Rusty’s? It’s casual but not too romantic. Are you meeting him there?”
“Yes.” I like to drive separately for the first date in case it goes horribly wrong. I don’t like feeling trapped that I can’t leave if I want to. “Rusty’s is a good idea.” I send over a quick text. He immediately responds back. “He says that’s perfect, and he will meet me there at seven.” It dings again. “And that he can’t wait to see me again.”
“Awe, that’s so sweet. He sounds really nice.”
“Yeah, he does.” I give her a small smile and try to be as excited as she looks. Who knows, the spark may be there. I only met him briefly, so maybe I need to get to know him better. At least he’s making the effort to date me. I push thoughts of green eyes and dimples out of my head and smile at Sophia. “Let’s get our showers and get ready. It’s dress shopping day!”
“Yay! Hopefully, they offer us champagne like those fancy places we see on TV.”
“Let’s hope so. If not, we’ll bring our own bottle.”
“Great idea!” Sophia finishes the rest of her coffee before going to her bathroom to get ready.
Taking my mug with me, I glance at my phone again as if looking at it will make a text message appear. Just because I know he wants me doesn’t mean he will start texting me like I’m his girlfriend. Maverick doesn’t do girlfriends or sappy text messages. Sighing, I set my phone on the bathroom sink and step under the hot spray. Would I even be happy with someonethat doesn’t commit? I’ve always said that one night would be enough if he ever looked my way, but will it be?
Giddy on champagne,Sophia, Skye, and I sit on the couches with my mom, Sage, Mimi, and Luna. Emma has tried on about ten dresses, and so far, nothing seems right. She walks out with another one on, and we all gasp. It’s a mermaid-style dress, and the bodice has two thin straps before going to a deep V down her chest. The dress hugs her curves and has a vintage lace overlay down the entire dress, ending in a flare at the bottom. The back is open down to the top of her behind.
“This is the one,” I whisper. Tears forming in my eyes. I look over at Skye, and she’s crying too.
“You look so beautiful, Emma.” Skye sniffles and wipes her eyes.
