Page 156 of Now and Forever

“Hey.” Drew peeked in before coming through the door and closing it behind him.

“Hey,” I uttered, still reeling at the sight of him looking as though he hadn’t dwelled on what had happened between us for a single moment. If he thinks he’s going to bring out “the inevitable talk,” he can shove it where it hurts the most.

“You’ve been gone awhile.” He gave a cautious smile without advancing, choosing to hover by the door.

“Yeah, had to grab a quick dinner, you know. I hadn’t really eaten all day, and the thought of cooking just didn’t appeal to me.” Disconnecting my gaze from his, I dropped my eyes and pulled out my hair from the loose ponytail before brushing the ends with my fingers.

Why is he making this more awkward? It’s fine. I told him it is. But apparently, he didn’t get the damn memo. Ugh. My bleeding heart.

“I could’ve gotten you something had you called.”

He was being polite. I hated it when he was being fucking polite.

“It’s okay. I really didn’t mind since I needed to get some fresh air, anyway.” Giving a stiff smile, I managed to look at him, though not directly. I didn’t have the nerve just yet. Besides, if he decided to know more about dinner, I might be inclined to divulge whom I’d had it with.

He nodded. “Fair enough, but if that happens next time, just call me, and I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“Thanks.” I blew out a breath of relief that he hadn’t pressed. What I had told him wasn’t particularly a lie; I just had chosen not to include Cori.

“Anyway … I meant to call you earlier.”

Here we go, I blew out a breath. Just act casual, Chloe. Easy does it.

“Oh, yeah? What about?”

He hesitated a moment before licking his lips and throwing me shy smile. “A guy from my class mentioned something, and I had this insane but brilliant idea that might interest you.”

So this was something else? Thank God. We didn’t need a confrontation. We were good. That was all I could hope for, really.

“Do tell.”

“My friend’s sister works as one of the chief editors at Teen Vogue. I thought it’d be a great opportunity for you to dip your toes into the world of journalism, get the feel of the surroundings and see if it’s something you might want to pursue later on. I get that this will be mainly focused on fashion, but why not? It’s a great learning opportunity for you, so as a favor, I asked if he could get his sister to see you for an interview. I gave him your number, so don’t panic if you’re getting a random call from a number you’re not familiar with.”

“What?” Did I hear him right? I did, didn’t I? “Teen Vogue? Holy smokes, Drew, that’s huge!” I screeched before thoughtlessly running toward him and hugging the living shit out of him. “You’re the fucking best!”

“You’re not mad at me?” he asked, grinning down at me.

My heart melted over and over again. “Are you serious? Of course not! And thank you. I’d be the biggest idiot of the century if I didn’t take this interview. God, this is so exciting! Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” He cared about me, and I couldn’t fault him for that. “You’re amazing, but you know that already!”

“I do, but I don’t mind being told again,” he murmured just as I was letting him go. “Where are you going, woman? Come here. I’ve missed you all day.”

He had? Oh God …

“You—”

I was about to ask him if he truly had when he kissed me senseless, taking my breath away. If I’d had any lingering questions in my mind about him missing me, his kiss told me all I needed to know.

We tried to part after a few heady, lengthy kisses, but I supposed the need was too great, too powerful. We ended up in bed with him showing me just how good of a lover he was, and I fell asleep in his arms, only to be woken a few hours later when he took me again.

Drew Cavendish was insatiable, and I wouldn’t have him any other way.

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