“This is beautiful,” I trace the large pink butterfly that is tattooed over his heart.
He removes my hand and then pulls the blanket over us. “Thanks.” He kisses my forehead, his lips lingering a few seconds while wrapping his arms around me. “Goodnight, beautiful Juliette.”
Goodnight.
Harrison stands at the end of the bed, buttoning up his shirt, his face void of emotion.
“What’s wrong?” I croak, sitting up to drink my water.
He jumps, startled. “I didn’t know you were up. It’s later than I expected. I need to leave.”
My stomach sinks to the ground. There’s something in his tone I don’t like. This is Mr. CEO, who was at the club last night, not my Harrison.
He passes me my dress. “Oh, okay.” I scamper out of bed.
“You can stay if you want, but I figured you’d want to leave too.”
Suddenly feeling awkward, I run into the attached bathroom to change and quickly splash my face with water to wipe off any mascara residue. I’d rather not look at myself in the mirror, but I also don’t want to look like a ho walking out in broad daylight in an itty bitty dress and mascara down my face.
I open the door, and without looking at Harrison, I reluctantly put my shoes on my swollen feet. You’d think this would be the easy part since my feet are no stranger to pain and misery after years of pointe shoes.
Harrison stands there with his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth, impatiently waiting for me.
“Ready,” I whisper.
Wordlessly, he escorts us to the elevator, where it’s there waiting for us.
Same elevator, same feeling of nerves.
“If I could stay, I would,” he murmurs, staring straight, not making a move to look at me. For some reason, I feel as though it’s deliberate. Afraid I might see a sliver of emotion.
The doors open, and I step out. “It’s fine, Harrison. I know what I signed up for. One night, right?”
He flinches at my words, but it’s the truth, isn’t it?
Even if I hate the stupid truth.
I feel myself getting emotional, so I quickly walk out to the curb and throw my hand up with gusto.
Where are all the freaking cabs today?
“Jules,” Harrison places a hand on my back, and I freeze, causing him to step back. “Let me take you home, please.” I don’t respond. “Juliette,” he says my name more firmly, so I look into his eyes and clench my jaw.
You. Will. Not. Cry.
He looks me over, and something passes over his face that I don’t understand. Not regret…maybe sorrow? I haven’t known him long enough to decipher.
A cab turns the corner, and I quickly shoot my hand up again to extract myself from this situation. In no world do I want to leave this man, but if I stay for even a second longer, I’m going to be a blubbering mess.
Harrison stands silently, and since he’s not making demands, I know he’s as uncomfortable as I am.
The cab pulls up, and he opens the door for me.
And with my heart in my throat, I place my hand on top of his, then stand on my toes to kiss his cheek.
His hand shoots out, and he smashes me to his body, holding me in a tight embrace, letting down his steely armor. “I wish things could be different,” he mumbles, and I take a step back.
“Me too,” I gulp. “Thank you for the best night, Harrison.” I give him one last peck, get in the cab, and once the door shuts, and we veer into traffic, I finally let the tears go.
