By the timethe sun peaked over the mountain tops they’d managed to use the condoms on the nightstand– more than one, in fact. And in between they’d eaten his perfect little snacks and finished off the bottles of Perrier.
And cuddled.
She’d told him how she liked to take little hikes on her days off, sometimes with her sister, but usually alone. He’d told her about some of what he did for work. And they’d both admitted to wishing they had a dog.
Noel wished the sun would never rise. She wanted the night to go on forever.
But it did. And it didn’t.
She needed to rouse herself and get over to the condos. She couldn’t miss two days in a row.
Real life wouldn’t hold off for long. And already she was behind this month.
This time, when she woke though, she lay in bed and watched him sleep. She needed to memorize his face, his scent, the feel of his skin.
She was an interlude for him. Fun, and she knew he liked her.
They were good together.
But he had this big, important, highfalutin life back in Manhattan. He’d told her he did trading. Not like how they showed it in movies. Most of what he did was done online. He said he researched companies for potential investment.
His job, as she understood it, was managing his family’s wealth.
But he wasn’t a snob. God, no, he wasn’t a snob.
He was worried about his sister. He was afraid she was killing herself and the rest of his family had washed their hands of her.
Noel leaned forward and touched her lips to his.
When his eyes fluttered open, she savored that look. This man was unforgettable. “Hey,” she whispered.
He touched her hair, and then drew his fingers along her face. “Take the day off,” he whispered. “Show me one of your hiking trails.” She nearly cried at his words.
“I can’t.” Oh, god, she wanted to. If she’d only herself to think about, she would. But there was Carley… “I didn’t clean yesterday. I can’t lose my job.” She sounded like such a loser. “I would. I want to.”
He sort of half smiled and then pressed his lips against hers.
“When do you go back?” She’d been afraid to ask. Afraid to hear his answer.
He glanced at the clock and then winced a little. “Tonight.”
Her heart stopped. It literally stopped.
This must be what if felt like when a part of you dies.
“Ellen wants to return to the rehab facility she stayed at before. I promised her…”
“Oh, well,” She swallowed, trying to get her emotions under control. “I hope she finds what she needs. Don’t give up on her.” She forced her lips into a smile. She couldn’t help it that she was regretful. “I had a really good time.”
But he looked serious. Like he couldn’t make up his mind about something. It was probably time for her to get dressed and leave. She wished he’d get up and go to the bathroom or something so that she could pull her clothes on and get out.
He was touching the side of her face again. “You’re amazing, you know?”
Yeah, really amazing. So amazing that she’d dropped out of college and now lived in perpetual debt. So amazing that she was willing to sacrifice her heart for, basically, a one night stand.
But he was kissing her again, and his kiss didn’t make her feel like a one night stand.
Because it wasn’t.
