Chapter 15
Date Night
Hillary Beck
My phone pinged.
I am sorry for shouting at you,the text read.
Come by my place for dinner? I will make something special.
I read the message one more time, before typing a ‘Yes’ and sent it. I smiled and put my phone away. I was rather upset by the way he treated me. Especially considering that we had slept together just the night before. But I could understand it. I knew how upset he was because of the case. The loss of the files had resulted in him losing the clients they took their business elsewhere. After all, they had paid the company an exuberant amount of money for the past few months, and now they had nothing to show for it.
“Someone is looking really excited,” I heard Erica say behind me and I turned around.
“I have a date,” I said, grinning.
“Oh, tell me it’s that handsome boss of yours!” Erica said, excitedly.
“You mean the one I threw up on?” I asked.
“Exactly!” she said.
I laughed and said, “Yes, that’s the one. Who knew the way to man’s heart is to throw upon him?”
“I gotta try it,” Erica said. “Maybe on that cute boy that lives across from our building.”
“Let me know how it goes,” I said, laughing.
“Hillary,” she said softly. “I want you to know that I don’t believe all of the things the press is saying about you. I know you aren’t like that. I know you aren’t going after his money. I am sorry that this happened to you and I am with you, every step of the way.”
Erica hugged me, and I smiled, glad that I had such a good friend with me.
“Tell you what,” I said, “let’s arrange a night out with the rest of the girls. I think it’s about time we have one! Don’t you agree?”
Erica laughed and we hugged again. I thought about Gale and how I was going to be in his arms in a few hours. I was still scared about how strongly he made me feel, but I was slowly starting to overcome it. Or at least, I was willing to give it a try and open up my heart to him.
“I have to get dressed,” I said excitedly.
The next few hours passed in a blur as Erica helped me dress up for my date. She lent me one of her short black dresses and did my hair in a messy bun. After spending over an hour on my makeup, I left for his house, already late for our date.
I walked down the streets, a stupid grin on my face as I thought about him. I remembered our night together and my toes curled in anticipation. I wanted him and I shivered a little as I remembered how his body felt next to mine. I couldn’t wait to feel his lips on mine, his hands tracing my skin, and his eyes gazing into mine.
I was so lost in my own thoughts, that I didn’t even hear the footsteps behind me. I only became aware when I felt a hand wrap around my mouth and another hand grabbed me.
“I got you, bitch!” a rough voice snarled in my ear.
My eyes widened and I tried to scream, but it came out muffled. I tried to struggle and fight, but he was too strong for me.
“I told you,” he said. “You can’t run from me.”
I knew that voice. I would recognize that voice anywhere. It was Joe.
∞∞∞
Gale Fears
I arranged the flowers on the table, making sure they were perfect. After all, it was for Hillary. I felt rather guilty about shouting at her when I knew it wasn’t her fault. Daniel was already on it. He had his best man tracking down leads and soon enough I should have a good enough idea of who was behind this. It might seem a bit of an overreaction, but I hadn’t made it this far in life without being overly cautious. Plus, I had always relied on my instincts, and right now they were screaming that something was going on.
