Page 9 of The Ex

After dinner, I make a quick getaway, using a long day and my need to catch up on sleep as an excuse. My apartment seems so quiet; it makes me lonely for some reason. I usually like the quiet after spending time with my noisy family.

I walk into my bedroom. I can still smell her flowery perfume in the air. I can't stop my mind from returning to last night with the beautiful woman in my bed and how right it felt. I've never come that hard in my life. The only reason I didn't go right back for seconds was because it was her first time.

I’m ready for bed and climb in. Should have had the cleaning lady come in today and change my sheets. I thought about it for a second but knew I couldn't do it. I wanted to fall asleep in the sheets that smelled like her. I never in a million years thought I could be such a sap, but I am.

I grab the pillow she was lying on and hug it to me while I toss and turn throughout the night. I wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to bed. I had the best dream of Lily underneath me while I pounded into her. Ended up being a wet dream. I’m a grown a man; I don't have sexual fantasies anymore. I’m not a teenager, for fuck’s sakes.

I take a shower and get ready for another day. Yesterday, I may have been distracted, but today, some might think I’m shooting for the Asshole of the Year award. My frustration with everything keeps me fueled all day. It isn't until Noah walks into my office that I realize I might have gone too far.

"The secretaries on the floor have begun plotting your demise."

I throw my pen on the desk and lean back.

He says, "Mrs. Park might act mild-mannered, but my secretary says if I don't step in, it could get ugly." Then he explains further the real reason he is here. I knew that sooner or later, one of them would show up.

I like my secretary, but it seems no one can do anything right, and I've been a moody bastard all day. I'm glad it's Noah who came to talk and not Rob. He might understand my dilemma a little better, since he went through some ups and downs with Amber. As much as I love my brothers, it’s still hard for me to admit what's happening to me.

But I need to get it out.

"I met a woman, and I can't stop thinking about her."

I roll my head back and forth, trying to relieve some of the tension in my neck and shoulders while I wait for my brother's reaction.

He’s standing next to the door. But after I explain my reason for my behavior, he moves fully into the room and sits down in the chair across from me.

"Didn't see this coming, especially from you."

I don’t like the expression on his face, like I couldn't be serious about a woman. He’s pissing me off.

"Well, get over your shock. I need some advice."

I lean forward and glare at him.

"If you like her, and she’s more than a hookup, then you need to ask her out on a date."

I want to spew out some cuss words, but I keep myself in check. I did ask him for help.

"She's more than a hookup."

"Then you need to take her out on an actual date."

Yeah, that sounds good. I've never had to do this, but I'm game. Take her out, make a good impression. I can do this. First, I have to find her.

I grab my jacket and head toward the door. I forgot I have a meeting in an hour. I won't be able to make it. I stop and turn toward my brother. "Can you take my meeting? It’s in an hour. Thanks."

I don't wait for an answer. I have more important things to do, like find Lily and get a date.

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