Rock Bottom

by Emily Goodwin

  Then it’s back to business, and by the time the day is winding down, I’m tired and having a hard time staying awake. I text Dean on my way up to my room, needing to get a new dress. My makeup bag is still in Dean’s room, but my curling iron is here.

  I get my hair all curled before hearing back from Dean.

  Dean: Sorry, I was on the beach and get shitty cell service.

  Me: That’s okay. I’m almost ready, but I need to get something I left in your room.

  Dean: I’m headed up there now. I need to shower before we go out.

  Me: Okay. I’ll head up there now.

  Dean: You can stay again if you want.

  I bite my lip. I don’t want to say yes, but I don’t want to say no either. I really don’t want to sleep next to a stranger again, though I did spend the day with JoAnn. I don’t think she’s a psycho murderer anymore.

  Me: Let’s see how dinner goes.

  I send the text before I realize how it sounds. Whatever. I put everything back in my suitcase and debate just taking it up with me. Deciding to leave it, I grab clothes for the morning along with my toiletry bag and go up to the third floor.

  Dean answers on the first knock.

  “You look beautiful,” he says, eyeing me up and down. My heart flutters. There’s something about being told you look beautiful as opposed to hot or sexy.

  “Thank you.” I step in and he shuts the door behind me. I pause, eyes meeting his, and I’m pretty sure the same thoughts are racing through his brain. We could go out to dinner and actually see where this leads.

  Or we could rip each other’s clothing off and know we’ll have a good time.

  “I still have to shower,” he says apologetically. “I didn’t want to get in and have you come to the door and then me not answer.”

  “That’s fine. I’m going to go through your bags and look for incriminating evidence while you’re in the shower. And then I’ll probably sneak in, take some nudes, and blackmail you for a lot of money so I don’t post them on the internet.”

  “There are already nudes of me on the internet. For free.”

  “Dammit.”

  He chuckles and runs his hand through his hair, looking over my body as if I’m already naked. And now I know he’s most certainly thinking about ripping my clothes off. We’re going about this backwards, having started with primal sex and now trying the whole dating thing.

  “Go shower,” I say. “I’m hungry.”

  “Me too. I made us reservations.”

  “Where?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He grabs the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head as he walks way, fulling knowing what the sight of his half-naked body will do to me.

  Wrong felt right the first time around, but the second time…though I’m willing to test that whole two wrongs don’t make a right thing.

  Chapter 26

  Rory

  “This view is amazing,” I say, setting my fork down. Dean and I just finished a shared appetizer. We’re on a rooftop balcony in downtown Miami, and I’m pretty sure I’m never leaving.

  “Someone canceled their reservation seconds before I called,” he says. I can feel his eyes on me as I look out at the city, and my heart skips a beat—again. This feels like an epic first date, but then again, so did the first night we spent together.

  There’s a good chance Dean is just trying to wine and dine his way into my pants.

  “Oh, wow.” I turn back, meeting his gaze. “It’s like fate.”

  His lips curve into a smile. “I think so too.”

  The table is cleared, our wine is refilled, and we’re told the main course will be out shortly.

  “Is that your phone?” Dean asks, eyes going to my purse. “I hear something buzzing.”

  “You have good hearing.” I get my purse out. “It’s your sister.”

  “What does she want?”

  I unlock my phone and show Dean a picture of a litter of kittens. “She thinks I should take one.”

  “You’re not a crazy cat lady, are you?”

  “I crazy in general and I like all animals. Does that count?”

  Dean laughs. “I suppose. Quinn has a million cats.”

  “She told me. I just have one. He keeps me company. It can get a little lonely living on my own.”

  “Yeah,” he agrees and gets a distant look in his eye that he blinks away in just a few seconds. “I’ve considered getting a cat. I’m not home enough for a dog. I’d feel bad leaving it alone all day.”

  “Same here. Either a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd.”

  “Logan, one of my brothers who owns the bar, has a German Shepherd. He’s a nice dog.”

  “We always had pets growing up.”

  “Us too, and as crazy as Quinn is about cats, our mom is about dogs. She has four right now.”

  We talk about our past childhood pets until our food comes, and there isn’t a lull in our conversation until we stop to look over the dessert menu. We decide to split a big piece of chocolate cake.

  “Okay,” I start, drinking the rest of my wine. “What about the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?”

  Dean thinks for a moment. “Ask for forgiveness, not permission.”

  “I said best,” I laugh and he nudges my foot with his under the table.

  “Fine, I’m kidding. The best advice came recently, actually. Someone told me not to settle out of fear of failure.”

  “I like that.” I smile, feeling my heart do that stupid fluttery thing for the million time this evening.

  “What about you? Best advice you’ve been given?”

  “Don’t be afraid to be myself.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “And I’ll admit I’ve struggled with that.”

  “Why?” Dean asks sounding genuinely curious. “You seem pretty damn amazing.”

  “Like I said yesterday, I’m not conventional.”

  “That’s not a bad thing.”

  My cheeks flush and I wish I had more wine to distract myself with.

  “What’s your dream job?” Dean asks, continuing my little question game. “You get paid a million dollars a year to do this.”

  “That’s easy. I’d feed baby manatees. You?”

  “Jellybean taste tester.”

  “Ohh, good one. Unless it’s the gross Harry Potter flavored beans.”

  “I expect to have some gross ones thrown in there. Gotta keep my day interesting.”

  “If you could have any animal for a pet, what would you have?” I fire off another question.

  “A wolverine. You?”

  “Sloth, and he’d just hang around my neck all day.”

  “Don’t they stink?”

  “I’ve never been privileged enough to smell a sloth.”

  “I’ll see what I can do about that. Maybe I can make some calls.”

  “Don’t get my hopes up, Dean Dawson.”

  “I’d never. Not on purpose at least.”

  The cake comes, along with more wine, and we eat every last bite of what has to be the best chocolate cake in the world, while continue the little Twenty Questions game. The waiter comes over, asking if we’re ready for the check now. It’s only then we realize we’re the last ones on the restaurant. We’ve been talking and laughing and time just slipped right by. I only took one drink of my second glass of wine, and I pick up the glass as Dean hands the waiter his credit card.

  “I’ll leave a big tip,” he says. “I didn’t notice anyone leaving. Or being here, for that matter.”

  “I’m good company to keep.” I take a gulp of the sweet red wine.

  “You are.” The waiter brings Dean’s credit card back, and I catch a glimpse of the tip he leaves, following through with his word of tipping much more than necessary. Having waited tables in college, I definitely appreciate thoughtful customers like this.

  Dean takes my hand as we leave the restaurant, and we slowly walk down the street in the direction of our hotel. We took an Uber over here, and it’
s quite a walk to get back.

  It might take us an hour at this leisurely pace. Yet I have the feeling Dean doesn’t mind one bit, and I know I don’t at all.

  “Do you have a full day of panels again tomorrow?” he asks after we go a few blocks in silence, enjoying each other’s company.

  “I do.” I wrinkle my nose. “I wish I could skip. I probably could and no one would notice, but I’m getting paid to go learn, so I’d feel bad if I didn’t go.”

  “Yeah, you probably shouldn’t skip. Aren’t other people from the hospital here too?”

  “Yeah. I saw them yesterday, but we don’t work together so we didn’t hang out. My roommate kind of adopted me.”

  Dean laughs. “You had no idea you were going to have a roommate?”

  “Nope. She seems nice and all. It’s just weird sleeping in the same room with someone I don’t know.”

  “Stay with me again,” he says with no hesitation. “Same arrangement.”

  “I can take the pullout. That bed is comfy. You should have it.”

  “The pullout couch isn’t bad, and I can nap during the day. Take the comfy bed.”

  I give his hand a squeeze. “Thanks.” We pause at a crosswalk and I look up at him, admiring his sky blue eyes. A large group comes up behind us, and Dean steps closer. I can feel his body heat coming off in waves, and I have to turn and look away, reminding myself to stay strong.

  “Can I take you out again tomorrow?” he asks.

  “Let me check my schedule, but I should be able to pencil something in. Dinner again?”

  “I do plan to eat,” he says and my mind immediately goes to the gutter. Yes, I’d love for you to eat again too. “Though, correct me if I’m wrong, but I have a feeling you’d like the zoo. I don’t think the Miami Zoo has manatees though.”

  “I’d love that! I haven’t been to a zoo in so long.”

  “I took Jackson, my oldest nephew last summer. It was the first time I’d been in a while and I’ll admit it was fun.”

  “That’s sweet of you to take him.”

  “He’s a good kid.”

  Dean tighten’s his hold on my hand and we cross the street, falling in step with another large group.

  “Do you need to get anything from your room?” Dean asks when we get back to the hotel lobby.

  “I already grabbed what I need.”

  He raises his eyebrows. “Really?”

  “I like to be prepared.”

  He just pulls me close, fingers dancing along the curve of my hip. There’s no way I’m going to resist him tonight. I don’t want to, and caving into my physical desires sounds so fucking good.

  “It’s late. You should get to bed. You got up at what, seven yesterday?”

  “Yeah, and I barely made it down for breakfast. Whoever thought starting at eight was a good idea must love cruel and unusual punishment.”

  Dean laughs and pushes the button to the elevator. It’s late, and there aren’t too many people in the lobby at this hour. We’re the only ones in the elevator, and I’m all too aware of, well, everything about Dean right now.

  He smells good and already has a light tan from just one day out in the sun, which is totally unfair but looks good on him. He makes me laugh. I can carry on a deep conversation with him. He’s close with his siblings and seems to really value family. And I can see myself becoming good friends with his sister.

  If only he wanted something more serious, I’d be at risk for falling. Though who am I kidding? I’m already walking a dangerous path.

  I drop my purse and take off my shoes as soon as we’re in the room, and turn toward Dean.

  “Want to look out at the ocean with me?” I ask. “It looks even bigger at night, which sounds silly, I know.”

  “I know what you mean. It does.” Dean takes my hand again and we walk to the balcony. “Like it’s holding back secrets.”

  I rest my hands on the balcony railing and Dean steps up behind me, hand landing on my waist. A breeze comes in from over the water, blowing my hair back. Inhaling, I turn, coming face to face with Dean. Our eyes lock and my heart is about ready to jump out of my chest.

  Everything in me wants him, and this time, I don’t hesitate. I stand on my toes and kiss him. Dean wraps his arms around me, crushing me to his chest, and kisses me back with fervor. His tongue pushes into my mouth and we stumble back into the hotel room, clumsily moving to the bedroom.

  As soon as we get to the threshold, Dean breaks away. His eyes are wide, and I can tell it’s taking everything he has to stop kissing me.

  “What are you doing?” I pant.

  “I said I wanted a chance to prove you’re more than just a hookup.” He grabs the door and starts to close it. “Good night, Rory.”

  Chapter 27

  Rory

  Mom: I haven’t heard from you in over a day. Did you get kidnapped? I saw on Dateline human trafficking is bad in Miami.

  Mason: Leave the crime stats to me. (But it is bad.)

  Jacob: Rory can take care of herself. Calm down.

  Sam: I knew I should have gone to that convention. It’s cold as tits up here.

  Mason: What kind of cold tits have you been feeling?

  Mom: UGH. But Rory, please let us know you’re okay.

  I laugh, reading through the conversation I missed while sitting through the last panel. Dean is waiting for me in the hotel lobby, and we’re going to dinner again tonight.

  We spent yesterday evening at the zoo and Dean cut me off mid makeout session again. I slept alone on that kingsized bed, and this morning I brought my suitcase into his room. JoAnn teased me the whole time, laughing hysterically at me still insisting Dean was a friend.

  I’m starting to trust his intentions more and more, but I still need to be careful. Because I’m fairly certain I’m starting to fall for him

  “Can you pick me up and act like you’re kidnapping me?” I ask Dean. We’re walking along a wooden path in the sand. “And I’ll find someone to take our picture.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “What are you planning on doing with that picture?”

  “Send it to my mom because she’s been convinced I’m going to get sold into human trafficking.”

  Dean’s blank stare makes me laugh.

  “As a joke, of course.”

  Dean shrugs. “Sure.” He dives forward and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder with ease. I laugh and push my hair out of my face.

  “I didn’t find anyone to take my picture yet.”

  He turns fast, spinning me around. “Excuse me sir,” he calls, going up to an older man. “Could you take our photo?” He turns around so I’m facing the old man.

  I’m laughing to hard I can hardly get the words out. But the guy takes the phone, giving us a weird look as he snaps photos. I really ham it up, reaching and doing my best to look terrified.

  Dean sets me down, hands lingering on my waist, and we lock eyes. Everything fades away and I have to shake myself back to reality.

  “Thank you,” I tell the confused old man. Dean puts his arm around me and looks through the pictures with me.

  “That one,” he laughs.

  “I like it too. I’m impressed with my acting skills.” I send the picture in the group text, snickering.

  “Is that a chat with your mom and brothers?” Dean asks.

  “Yeah. It’s kinda lame, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t think so. I’m in an ongoing chat with my brothers, Quinn and our mom too.”

  “We’re cool kids,” I laugh. Only a few seconds later Mom replies.

  Mom: Not funny, Rory.

  Sam: Good one, sis.

  Mason: What’s concerning is how no one around you seems to notice

  “You should probably send another. You know, prove I’m not actually kidnapping you.”

  I bump my elbow into Dean’s side. “You afraid you’re going to get arrested or something?”

  “Your brother is an FBI agent.”

  “Fine.�
� I put my head next to Dean’s and snap a picture.

  Me: I’m willingly going with this guy. He said he has kittens and ice cream in his van.

  Dean laughs and slips his arm from my shoulder to my waist. I put my phone back in my purse before I see anyone’s responses to the photo I sent. Sam probably recognizes Dean and will wonder why he’s in Miami with me.

  “I never asked you,” I start. “How were you able to get off work on such a short notice?”

  “Everyone was rather eager to get rid of me,” he laughs. “I usually take a vacation in January and hadn’t since the divorce.”

  “So it sounds like they knew how much you needed a break because your family cares about you.”

  “Fine, if you want to get all sappy.” We get to the end of the path and stop. “What time is your flight?”

  “Eight-thirty.”

  “That’s early. Mine’s not until noon.” He flashes a smug smile. “And it’s first class.”

  “Ohhh, nice. I’ve never flown first class.”

  “I hadn’t either until this trip. Too bad I didn’t know you were going. I probably could have gotten Archer to transfer Quinn’s ticket into your name too.”

  “I couldn’t accept that.”

  “You could. First class is fucking sweet.”

  I laugh. “I’m not fancy enough for first class. I feel like someone would call me out and tell me to go back where I belong.”

  “I kind of felt that way too, standing in line behind some lady dressed in head to toe designer clothes. Or at least I think it was designer.” He shrugs. “I don’t really know.” We sidestep away from the path, moving out of the way of the other tourists. I tip my head up to the sun and groan.

  “I’m not ready to leave this. Have you looked at the weather at home yet?”

  “No. How bad is it.”