Page 78 of Never Till Now

“Don’t get me turned on before work, Blondie.” He makes a tsking sound and shakes his head. “Are you staying here?”

“No!” I don’t mean to shout, but I want to be clear that we aren’t on the level of staying at each other’s places while the other is gone.

“Okay.” Adam backs off, holding his hands up as if he were surrendering.

“I want to make a few more duffel bags this morning.” I switch my tone to my normal self.

“I’d be fine if you wanted to stay and wait for me too.” He shoots me his charming grin, which instantly triggers a heartbeat in my pussy. “I’m not opposed to you surprising me in the shower when I come home from work.”

“That seems too traditional for us.” I fight the temptation.

“Blondie, nothing about our arrangement is traditional.” He picks up my ice cream bowl on the nightstand.

“I’ll wash that.”

“Good girl.” His voice holds grit as he winks, and I instantly want to make him late for work.

“I’m getting myself off before I leave your place though.” I tease and before I can finish a breath, he’s hovering over me.

“You better hold off until tonight.” His minty breath halts mine. “If my meeting wasn’t one of the most important ones this year, I’d be late.”

***

The hum of this city vibrates through me, bringing me back to life. Today’s session was heavy as I explained Ava’s situation and my breakdown at the gym. The heavy weight I put on myself for not catching Ava’s troubles sooner has been eating away at me since I confronted her. A large part of me wants to blame Adam for the possibility I had been too distracted with thoughts of joining him after work. My therapist confirmed I had done the best I could have. I filed the report prior to Ava’s last visit. Learning to accept fates is still something I need to work on.

The sun beats down, leaving me breathless in front of Adam’s hotel. His offer to stay at his place without him there feels more inviting than walking the extra three blocks uphill to my place. I head into the lobby and type in his code to the private floor. I can easily entertain myself in the penthouse for an hour until he returns.

I take the longest shower of my life under his gigantic raining showerhead, then head to the large windows to enjoy the view. Life has taken me by surprise the past couple of months. I pull out my phone and, for once, make the first call.

“Lauren, sweetheart.” Lloyd’s voice smiles through the phone screen. “It’s nice to see you.”

“I always forget these phones have a video option.” I laugh, putting off what I actually called about.

“I hope the city is being kind to you.”

“I met someone.” My words rush out and I fight the urge to cover my mouth.

“I knew you would.” He nods as his creased eyes light up. “When did you two meet?”

I pause for a moment reflecting on how much truth I want to share. “We met the night I flew in for my interview, actually.” I smile as I’m taken back to the lobby and the high-maintenance woman slapping his cheek in front of everyone. “We aren’t extremely serious yet, but I thought I would keep you informed.”

“I’m happy for you, sweetheart.” Lloyd takes a bite of pizza, and my stomach craves a slice. “I bet you’ll have that moment soon enough.” I smile and bite my tongue. Adam and I have had many, but I still can’t fully commit to each moment.

“Your apartment looks like they gave you quite the raise.” He leans closer, taking in the leather furniture and chandelier.

“I’m at his place. He makes a bit more than I do.” I clear my throat and hear the door open. “I should get going. I will call again soon.”

“Okay, take care, sweetheart.” Lloyd ends the call as Adam closes the door with a happy, puzzled look.

“Um, hey.” I stand and zone in on a box of pizza he’s holding. “Is that the place we went to after I fainted in the gym?”

“It is.” He sets the box on the counter. “I thought I was picking you up at your place later on.”

“I hope you don’t mind that I’m here. I know we are heading out tonight and figured, why not wait here?” My nerves spike as my rib cage tightens with unease. Maybe I have overstepped a boundary.

“I like coming home and seeing you.” His smile warms me as he walks forward to give me a kiss. “Who was on the phone?” Not that it’s his business to ask, but I was in his house.

“My previous foster guardian, actually.” It’s odd to admit it out loud. “I stayed with him and his wife through high school and they let me stay through university.” I smile, appreciating how lucky I was in that aspect. “That is a rarity once you age out of the system.”