“Okay, we’re alone and you’ve been quiet. What’s wrong?” Bradley questions.
I grip the handle of my suitcase tighter. My palms sweaty and my heart racing, afraid of how he’s going to react.
“Somehow, the reservation got fucked, or I screwed up.”
“And?” He waves his hand, ushering me to get to the point. I’m normally direct, and I don’t know why he flusters me so.
“There’s only one bed,” I rush out.
Bradley just stands there staring at me, no expression on his face. The elevator comes to an abrupt stop and dings just before the door opens. We both stand there a second, frozen, before he steps off the elevator, placing his hand over the metal, keeping the doors open. “That’s what has you worried? Who cares?”
I don’t say anything more, just step off beside him as the door closes behind me. We’re in room ten twenty-three. Taking a glance at the directions on the wall, I turn to the right, Bradley in step beside me as we head to the room.
While Bradley’s dressing in the bathroom, I sit down on the edge of the bed and check my phone again. When I see no reply from Jefferson, my hope that he just needed more time dispels. Just his tiny face at the bottom showing that he’s read the message.
Fuck me, am I really about to go out with Bradley and act like a couple who’s dating for everyone to see and judge?
“Stop it,” he blurts, rushing across the room and sitting down on the bed beside me. I go to open my mouth, but he isn’t having it. “Don’t even try to spin some lie. You’re getting into your head and freaking yourself out.”
“How did you know?” I whisper.
“Psychic,” he laughs. “No, I can see it on your face. Not to mention, I know you’ve been stressing about it.” He reaches over, taking my hand in his, angling his body toward me as he places his other hand over our clasped ones.
I can’t deny it because it’s true. My stomach is tangled up in knots, and I feel like I’m about to throw up. All I can think is, I can’t do this. Jefferson would be better off with someone else who can be the man he needs and wants.
“Everything is going to be fine. We’re far from home and no one knows us here. The likelihood of us running into someone you know is few and far between.” He squeezes my hand and I shift my head so I can look at him. “Nothing is going to happen. No one is going to care that you’re out on a date with a man. You’re building this up to more than it is.”
“I know and I get that, but the fear of running into someone before I even have a chance to tell my family is what really bothers me.”
“Then if it happens, fate is telling you something.”
“What's that?” I ask.
He gives me a stern look. “That you’re procrastinating. Now it’s supposed to be you giving me comfort and guidance, being the more mature man.” Bradley winks. “But you’re getting all thepep talk from the young stud. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
“Thank you.” I tell him. “So the restaurant is about two blocks from here and around the corner from it is a park. I was thinking we could walk there and then maybe check out the park after.”
“I love that idea.”
He lets go of my hand and stands up, stepping over to the dresser, picking up his phone and slipping it into his pocket.
“Ready?” he asks, turning back to me.
I take one final look at my phone. Okay Jefferson, this is for you. For us. Just please don’t give up on me yet.
Chapter 21
Bradley
Malcolmissodamnsweet. He’s the perfect cinnamon roll, and I do love a sweet treat. But he’s not mine, and I’m here to strictly do a job. I don’t know his ex, but I sure as hell hope he gives him a second chance.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and my fingers itch to pull it out. The attorney had messaged me earlier and wanted to know how it was coming with the money owed. I was getting close, but I still wasn’t there yet and I only had but maybe a week to go. He wasn’t sure if they would give me another extension even if I had the majority of the money.
I quickly checked out my calendar and opened more time, sending a message to the Foxy’s to let them know.
We walk along the sidewalk, taking a moment to stop and look in the window of an antique shop. It's closed now, but it’ll be open tomorrow.
“We should come back here in the morning,” I state when I catch Malcolm’s gaze locked on an old radio player.
