“I’d love for you to be Brianna Marie Falco.” A wistful smile ghosted his face. “But—”
“Someday.” I kissed his lips, nipping his bottom one as I pulled away. “Now, I have six hours before I leave for two weeks. We couldpretendthat’s my name, for tonight.” I wiggled my eyebrows and fell into his chest.
Josh chuckled and ran his hands up and down my arms. “Yes, I need to get you into bed. Andyoucould.” He stepped out of the shower and held open a towel for me to step into. The sadness in his eyes made my heart sink.
“Icould?” I asked as Josh wrapped the towel around me and enveloped me in his arms.
“You could pretend, but I can’t.” He drifted the terrycloth down my wet cheek as a sad chuckle fell from his lips. “I want Brianna Marie Falco for real, but she’s worth the wait.”
Josh
“THIS BLOWS,” BRIANNAsighed as I turned onto the exit for LaGuardia Airport.
“This is a big commercial, Bri. A week ago, you were thrilled.”
“That’s before I found out we had to stay for the whole shooting.” She crossed her arms and gazed out the window. “My boss and her big idea to bring the creative team.” She huffed and shook her head.
“Two weeks in San Francisco. It’s a little hard to feel sorry for you right now, Cupcake.” I smirked and squeezed the inside of her thigh.
Her leg jerked against my hand. “I was just thinking how much I didn’t want to leave you for so long, but since you’re being an idiot, it just got easier.”
I laughed as I pulled up to the American Airlines Terminal. I stretched my arm across her shoulders and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
“Are you saying that you won’t miss me?’
“No.” She tried to scowl but couldn’t hide the twitch of her lips. “Not even a little.”
“That’s a shame, Bri. Because I already miss the shit out of you.” I cupped her neck and pressed my lips against hers. “You’re right. This does blow.” I unlocked the doors and trudged to the back to fish her suitcase out of the cargo area. I lifted it onto the sidewalk and strode up to my girl for the quick goodbye the traffic cop was about to make me give her.
Her eyes glossed over as she slid her arms around my neck. “I’m going to miss you so much. I love you.” She cupped my cheek and rested her forehead against mine. “You know that, right?”
I nodded, wincing at the memory of my stupid ass proposing marriage while I was pounding her against her shower wall. We’d only been together for a few months, but we had more than just a childhood history. If Brianna would have said yes, I would’ve married her on the spot. That’s how sure I was. Maybe she wasn’t, but I’d wait.
“I know, Cupcake. I love you, too. More than you could ever possibly know.” I backed her against the door of my truck with a scorching kiss. I’d gotten too used to her being part of every day—the best part, exactly as when we were kids. Two weeks without her would be fucking torture. I threaded my hands into her golden hair, smiling at the whimpers escaping her throat, when a loud traffic whistle blistered my ears.
“Keep moving, sir.” His white gloved hands motioned to the exit.
I nodded and pecked Brianna’s lips twice before running back to the driver’s side. I shot one last glance her way as she stood on the sidewalk. She gave me a little wave before she rolled her suitcase inside.
I stepped back into my truck, laughing at how pathetic we were. That hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach was all I needed to know about our future. Without Brianna, that’s exactly what I was—empty.
I kept myself busy at the shop after I dropped Brianna off and had drinks with Lou before heading home. I traipsed into my barren apartment and opened the fridge. Since I was never here, there was nothing other than a pack of Corona. I reached for one and popped the top off, missing her even more as I took my first swig. Reid was spot on when he said I was a sad sack when it came to that girl.
I tore my shirt over my head and was about to climb into bed when an idea came to me. I grabbed my phone and took a selfie of my hand resting on top of my chest and shot it off to Brianna. Sometimes I’d catch her staring at my hands during dinner and crack up. I didn’t have a ‘favorite’ for Brianna. I loved all of her, although her tits and long toned legs were pretty damn spectacular.
I turned on the TV and waited for her return text that never came.
ME:Still working?
BRIANNA:No.
ME:Did you get the picture I sent?
BRIANNA:Yes.
Brianna never gave a short answer on anything, even texts. Something was off.
ME:I took that especially for you. All you can say is yes?
