“Absolutely.”
The days pass quickly. A well-organized routine makes me forget I’m on the other side of the world, and I immerse myself in work.
Jeremy never touches me again except to hug me or hold my hand.
We take a few trips out of town to enjoy a bit of this magnificent city.
Unfortunately, the bruise on my neck heals slowly. I hide it with a scarf or cover it with foundation, which only accentuates it more.
I also avoid Facetime with Danny. If he saw the bruise, he would go mad with rage.
We’re going back to Los Angeles tomorrow, and I haven’t told Danny yet.
Danny
Hailey has been weird for a few days.
I’m dying to see her again.
She is avoiding Facetime, and on the phone, we speak very little.
I miss her.
I saw the photos from the gala, and she was stunning.
Seeing her with him makes me so bloody jealous. I know I have no right to be. He arrived before I did.
Dammit!
I go to the beach to play with Zoë. After a few jogs, I sit in front of the sea, lost in my thoughts. I hear Zoë get up and run.
After a while, someone covers my eyes. I can’t help but smile as I’d recognize Hailey’s’ scent anywhere. I let my head go back. When she uncovers my eyes, I find myself a few inches from her lips.
How much I’d like to taste them.
“I knew I’d find you here,” she whispers, smiling. I rose up a little and brush her lips with mine—a light touch, almost imperceptible.
I catch her off guard, and a slight moan escapes her. I kiss her intensely. I can’t help myself.
God, how much I’ve dreamed of this moment.
Zoë is literally jumping on me, forcing me to leave that paradise that I finally touched.
“Hello, baby. When did you come back?”
“Four hours ago. I wanted to surprise you.”
I make her sit on my lap, and Zoë sits at our feet.
“It’s a fantastic surprise,” I tell her as she rests her head on my chest. We watch the wave’s crash on the beach in silence. It feels so good, her in my arms. Mine, even if only for a moment.
“I’m happy,” she says. I feel her relax, and I kiss her head.
“Hmmm, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, everything is okay.”
I turn her over to me. “Hailey, you know I’m here for you. Tell me.”
