Page 151 of Now and Forever

The room was tailored in cream, grey, and black hues with a vibrant tone of amethyst that gave the oriental feel. The orchids and flowers with the same accents were strategically placed, flowing perfectly into the persistent Eastern ambiance.

Someone buzzed at the door, and Drew had to excuse himself to get it.

“Mr. Cavendish?” I could faintly hear an exchange of words before the door was quietly shut and Drew came back into view, effortlessly striding toward me with my purse.

“The concierge brought your things,” he announced with a toe-curling smile before handing them to me.

Having difficulty matching his smile, I frowned at him. “Manolo came to drop it off downstairs?”

Drew shook his head. “I asked one of the managers to have someone get your belongings.” He strolled toward the fridge and pulled out two chilled water bottles.

“They do that?”

“Looks like they do.”

“Thanks

This version of him was—I was sure—what those models often got from him. He took charge while catering to one’s needs. It was no wonder he wasn’t in short supply of those pretties hanging off him.

“I feel like I’m dati—I mean, it sort of feels like I’m with someone older than twenty-one—and what I meant before with ‘I’m with someone,’ I meant for this weekend, not permanently. You know what I mean?” My stuttering never failed to make me look like an idiot each time I tried to explain something that was truly in my heart.

While my heart hammered against my chest, Drew simply eyed me for a moment before raising his hand with the unopened bottle. “Thirsty?”

Shaking my head, I tried to rationalize and ordered myself to breathe and calm down. I would cherish this time with him without taking it to heart. In a way, it could be a good-bye in the most unconventional way. Come Monday, I seriously hoped Cori wouldn’t be too pissed about me ditching him without a word of good-bye. Speaking of which, I opened my clutch and pulled out my phone, scanning the screen. A few missed calls from Cori, along with two messages, and another from Spencer and Manolo.

Trying to hide any emotion, I looked up to find Drew watching my every move as he finished drinking his water.

“Do you mind if I make a quick call?”

He stared at me, unblinking, as if ready to attack. “Is that really necessary?”

“Yes. It’s rude if I don’t. I was supposed to be his date, not yours. He might think I went out with him to get a free dinner, only to bail when I got a chance.” Making a joke out of the situation wasn’t one of my brightest moments.

“Do you want me to let you go?” The dark, mercurial look about him re-emerged. Undecipherable.

Did he mean tonight or forever? He wasn’t very forthcoming, and it didn’t help to calm my nerves with the way he was looking at me. Jesus, what was wrong with him?

“It’s just a quick call, Drew. Stop acting like I stabbed you or something.”

His jaw locked, eyes making deep holes into me before he finally made a decisive nod. “You’re right. Go make that call, Chloe. I’m going downstairs for a drink.”

What? It couldn’t be helped; I began to panic because he was acting so strangely. Hell, this whole thing was bizarre, but Drew wasn’t about to give me a break, and he was driving me deliriously crazy.

“How long will you be gone?” I asked.

That masked face, which I began to hate, assessed me. “For however long I need.”

Was this his way of pulling away? Yes, you’ve seen him do this. Don’t be fooled. He’s losing interest.

“I’ll join you after this. I’ll meet you downstairs, okay?”

He slid his hands in the pockets of his black denim jeans. “Don’t. I’m fine. Just stay here.”

Please, I’m not ready to let him go. One more day. I need one more day.

“You do plan on coming back, right?”

He gave me a long, measuring gaze before the corner of his lips lifted. “Sure. Whatever you wish, Chloe.”

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