BTW, you looked and smelled amazing.
It took me a while to digest those simple words. They weren’t deep or flirty, but just right. Especially for someone who hadn’t heard a compliment in over a decade.
I must have taken too long to answer, because another text came in.
Shit. Is it okay to text?
I scrambled to tap out a response.
Sorry. Yes, it’s fine. Thank you. You didn’t look so bad yourself.
As quickly as the resolve rained over me in the shower, it had dissipated.
Why, thanks. I’m off to New York in the morning, but I’d like to see you when I get back. I know you said we shouldn’t, but I think we should.
There it was—a straight-up ask. Why would Mick do it any differently? He was a successful businessman who couldn’t have gotten to where he was without being straightforward and persistent.
I don’t know. Obviously, I’m not sure it’s the right move.
I wanted to see him as much as I needed to draw my next breath. Even my daughter was taken with Mick.
Can I call?
There it was, his gentleness mixed with a touch of compassion, and maybe, just maybe, a tinge of his own insecurity. Probably not, but I could tell myself that.
Yes.
It was only a matter of seconds before my phone rang.
Looking up, I confirmed my door was closed and answered on a whisper. “Hello?” Standing in my robe, I picked up my glass and tipped the last dregs of wine into my mouth.
“Margo,” he said on a soft breath, and I smiled. “I don’t want to keep you long. I met a friend ... a work buddy ... for a drink, and I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
My smile widened. “Oh.”
“That’s right, and now I have to go to New York.”
“Poor you,” I said while setting my empty glass down.
“Ha! Well, if I’m being honest, I’d rather see you. But I’m going to check out a company, and then I’ll be back.”
“It’s tricky,” I mumbled.
“On your terms,” he said quickly. “Always.”
When I nodded, forgetting he couldn’t see me, he asked, “You there?”
“Yes, I zoned out. Sorry.”
“Hey, listen, I didn’t mean that quip in front of your daughter. About my dad. I’ve said it so many times, it just comes out.”
Sitting gingerly on my bed, I glanced around the room, panicked for a minute that Tommy might walk in. What the hell was I doing?
Taking my power back.
“It’s okay. Well ... actually, it gave her an idea. On the way home, she mentioned to me that she knows more than I believed she did. She knows I’m not treated very nicely, and mentioned I should stop that.” Swallowing my pride, I went on, pouring my heart out to a guy I barely knew, but the first person I’d trusted. “I’m not sure if she meant physical or just the general way he treats me, but I decided she’s right.”
“Good. Good, Margo,” Mick said firmly. “You should get out. And like I said, when it comes to me, it’s on your terms.”
