I ask him back to my room and he has a look of shock on his face and not saying anything. Great, that kissing and attacking I did just now ruined everything.
“I’m sorry that was too forward. I’m going to go now, thank you so much for dinner and your company. It was great to catch up with you again. Take care Maysen.” And I turn to walk away. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m the world’s biggest moron. Amazing man and I ruin it by being too eager and crazed. Karlie and Leah are too deep in my head.
As I’m turning to walk away in shame, I feel his hand wrap around my arm and pull me back his way. I look at him in confusion. He’s scowling, that can’t be a good sign.
“I would like NOTHING more than to go back to your room for a drink Audrey. Never doubt how I feel about you.” And he walks quickly back towards my hotel dragging me behind. Okay maybe not dragging me but he is in a fast walk which makes me feel dragged behind because his long legs take much bigger strides than mine.
I’m out of breath before we reach the entrance to the hotel. I stop and lean against the wall right inside the front doors and pull my hand out of his. He realizes what I’m doing and does the only thing that could have surprised me tonight. He picks me up in his arms and runs up the stairs to my room.
“Which room?”
“212. You don’t have to carry me, I can walk. I just needed a breather.” I try to wiggle out of his hold but he tightens the hold diminishing any chance of my escape.
“Key? Where is it?”
“Right here in my purse.” I start to fumble with my purse and feel my pulse quicken as I touch the slick plastic key card. I take it out and as I do he leans forward to allow me access to the door. Swiping the card with shaking hands, I get it done and the light turns green. Before I know it, the door is ripped open and we’re inside. Maysen lets go of my legs and swings me so that my body is horizontal against his but my legs are wrapped around his midsection. He presses me against the now closed door and kisses my lips so fast and hard that I feel as if the breath has been sucked out of me. But once his heat reaches through my clothes, other feelings and an entirely different reaction comes flooding in.
“Are you sure about this Audrey? I won’t be able to stop if we go any further. If you’re not, please tell me now. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.” He looks straight into my eyes.
I knew in that moment that I didn’t need to think about this. For the first time in my life I know exactly what I want and I’m not holding back. I pull him closer and kiss him like there’s no tomorrow. That should get my answer across.
7
I awake with the sun streaming in a crack in the curtains. I must not have gotten them shut last night before dinner. I’m sure regretting that now. It’s going right across my eyes and nowhere else of course. I was in too big of a hurry to get downstairs to meet Maysen. A slow smile goes across my lips as I remember how handsome he looked in his suit. And the look on his face when he saw me it made me feel so beautiful. And last night after our walk…
OH MY GOSH MAYSEN! I slowly move my head to the left and see his handsome face and oh so hot body lying next to mine. His arm lying across my stomach. In my bed. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. He’s still here. In my bed. Oh my gosh.
I turn my head back away from him and panic. Full on panic. I have to look dreadful! Dreadful morning breath!! Oh my gosh. He will run for the hills if he sees what I look like in the morning! I cup my hand around my mouth and blow trying to smell my breath and oh my goodness. That’s atrocious! My hair has to be a mess and my makeup! I didn’t wash my face last night. I jump out of bed and reach for my robe. Throwing it on I rush to the bathroom in dire need of some fixing.
As I reach the bathroom and shut the door I get the first glimpse of my horrendous appearance. Holy crap! I look as if I had quite the wild night and got hit by a bus while at it! I can’t let Maysen see me like this! He’ll chew his own arm off to get away from me. I splash water on my face, lather up the soap and scrub like there’s no tomorrow. A clean face looks 100% better than the one I had before. I comb my hair until it’s manageable and doesn’t look too terrible. Teeth. Gotta brush my teeth. Crap! My toothbrush is in my bag. But my bag is out there on the chair. On the chair by the bed. The bed with Maysen in it. Oh my goodness hot Maysen that’s naked. Well I imagine he’s naked. I was when I woke up so he has to be right? Men don’t get up and get dressed if they stay all night do they? Oh my goodness I am so naïve I have no idea. But I need my toothbrush. I’ll just hurry, get it and be back to brush my teeth. Then I’ll crawl back into that bed with him and see where the day goes! Sounds easy right?
I open the bathroom door a crack and sneak a quick peek to make sure Maysen is still asleep. But as I do I hear a door shut. The door to the room. I look at the bed again and see that there’s nothing there but the mangled sheets from a wild night between two people that threw caution to the wind. And no Maysen.
He left. My world starts to swirl around me as I realize that he must have been so ashamed of what we did that he snuck out the second he was free to do so. He didn’t even say goodbye. Oh gosh was I that terrible?
How could I have done this? This is why I never veer off the straight and narrow. It’s just not for me. What have I done? I thought we had such a strong connection! Why did I listen to Karlie and Leah? Why did I let them doubt who I am or who I’m supposed to be? Great. Just great.
*************
As I wake I can feel Audrey’s silky warm skin underneath my arm. I open my eyes and see her beautiful face right there next to me. I could get used to seeing that face and feeling her lying by my side. After last night there’s nowhere else I would rather be than here with this woman. It’s never felt so right being with someone or touching someone like that before.
I can feel Audrey stir and I close my eyes so that she doesn’t catch me staring at her. I feel her lift my arm off of her and she gets out of bed. I open my eyes and see her sit up searching for clothing. What I wouldn’t give to hook my arm around her waist and bring her back against me to have a recap of what we did last night. Her body is so perfect and her creamy skin just makes my mouth water.
She gets a robe on and makes a bee line for the bathroom. She practically ran as fast as she could. Ran away from me. That makes my heart hurt. She ran away from me and what we did. She is ashamed of us and what happened between us. My heart just dropped into my stomach. I never thought she didn’t want that. I thought we were on the same page and had that connection that everyone talks about. I guess I was wrong. She couldn’t get away from me fast enough!
I can’t be laying here when she comes back out of the bathroom. I can’t see the look of shame and disappointment on her face. I should have known a good girl like her couldn’t do what we did and be ok with herself in the morning. But I don’t want to leave her. I might never see her again and that breaks my heart.
I climb out of the disaster that are the sheets and covers and dress as quickly as I can. The whole time my heart is heavy and I’m confused as to what I should do. Do I wait and see if she’s ok or just leave and save her the act of rejecting me? I can’t handle the rejection. I’ll just leave before she comes out and no harm with be done. Right? So why is this killing me?
I put on my last boot and head for the door. I pause at the bathroom door wanting to say goodbye to Audrey but I hear water running. She must be washing away the memories from what we did together. I open the room door and walk out. Walk out leaving the most beautiful and wonderful woman I have ever met behind. Behind and may never see again.
*************
“Karlie, you two were wrong. I did what you said and now he’s left disgusted with me.”
“What do you mean disgusted? Did he tell you that?”
“No, I went to the bathroom before he woke up to brush my teeth and wash my face and when I came back out he was gone. Without a word.”
“Audrey, I’m so sorry! I never thought he would be one
to do that to you. I just knew you two had that special connection. I’m so sorry honey.”
“I thought we did too, that’s why I threw caution to the wind and slept with him. Look where that got me!”
“Audrey, you need to take a hot shower, pack and head home. Your flight leaves this morning right?”
“Yes, it leaves at eleven. I’m going to shower and I’ll let you know when I’m home. I just can’t believe this is happening. I was honestly thinking of extending my trip a few days so I could stay with Maysen a little longer. Clearly I was delusional about what we had. He wanted me for a bed partner but nothing else. Good grief Karlie I must have been horrible last night. What have I done?”
“Audrey, everyone makes mistakes. You followed your heart instead of your head. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You have been walking the straight and narrow with no look outside the box until now. This is just a set back today. Tomorrow you’ll be just fine and everything will be better once you get home. Put Omaha behind you.”
“And Tulsa. What are the odds that I run into him here too? Twice Karlie. Twice. How was this not our second chance? Karlie I just can’t believe things went so badly this morning.”
“Honey, I wish I were there to hug you right now. Just take a deep breath and take a long hot shower. You’ll feel better. I promise. Get on that plane and come home. We’ll be waiting for you.”
“Thanks Karlie. And please don’t say anything to my brothers about this? That would be terrible. They would want to hunt him down and commit murder. Even though he hurt me he doesn’t deserve the wrath of the Blake brothers. See you when I get home.”
I hang up the phone and take that suggested deep breath. I fight back the tears and head for the shower. A long hot one should help ease my tense muscles for sure. But can it wash away this pain?
**************
I’ve been sitting here across the street from the hotel since I walked out this morning. I just can’t leave here knowing Audrey is in there feeling like she does. I had intended on inviting her to spend the morning with me until it was time for her to fly home. I’ve seen couples go in and out of those front doors but no Audrey. And definitely not me with her as one of those happy couples. She said her flight leaves at eleven so she should be about ready to hail a cab and head out of my life for good. That just makes me sick to think about. Never seeing her again? Why did this happen this way? What went wrong? I’ll never know.
“Hey Carter, I need your advice. I messed up and I’m not sure what I did or what to do.”
“What’s up man? How was the big date? I see you didn’t come home last night so it must have gone well?”
“It was amazing. The night was too. But this morning is when it all fell apart.”
“What happened dude? Did she laugh at your ugly mug this morning?”
“I really don’t know what happened. I was looking at her while she was sleeping and then she stirred and practically ran to the bathroom. When I realized she was ashamed of what we did, I got dressed and left before she could come out.”
“Dude, you just left? Didn’t even say goodbye? You are a moron.”
“I didn’t want her to have to deal with seeing me if she was so ashamed and stuff. Carter, you’re supposed to be helping me feel better, not worse.”
“Look man, I know you really like this girl, but maybe it’s best. You said she wasn’t from here so it’s not like you’re going to see her again. Right? Or did you exchange info this time?”
“Crap! No, I didn’t get her number. Again. I can’t believe I didn’t get it this time either.”
“You were a little preoccupied, if you know what I mean.”
“I can see that annoying eye brow thing you’re doing from here. Don’t talk about her like that. Or I’ll kick your butt to next week.”
“Whoa dude, you’re grumpy this morning. Just come home and get some rest. Obviously you didn’t get much last night and now you’re ready to kill anyone who looks at you wrong.”
“Funny. I actually slept better with her in my arms than I think I ever have. Until she ran away horrified. This sucks dude!!”
“Go back in there and talk to the girl or like I said, come home.”
“Why did I call you again?” I hang up the phone, throw it across the car and look towards the hotel entrance again.
And as I do the person who has been occupying the majority of my thoughts since yesterday comes walking out looking gorgeous. I watch her get into a cab and then escape out of my life. For good this time. Wish my heart didn’t break at that thought.
8
Six months later
“Audrey, open up!” I hear them yelling from the front door. I knew locking it when I got in last night was a good idea. If I ignore them long enough they’ll go away. I hope. It’s been about four and a half months since I got back from Omaha and the hurt’s only beginning to ease up. I dream about Maysen almost every night but he’s never here with me when I wake up breaking my heart all over again.
“Audrey Lucille Blake, open this damned door before I break it down!” Oh my gosh they sent my brothers. What were they thinking? I climb out of bed and groan just to feel that yucky feeling again. I must have the flu. It’s only getting worse. I’m going to have to go to the doctor soon and I know my brothers and their wives are going to make the appointment for me if I don’t.
“Alright alright. You can stop shouting before dad comes out with the gun.”
“Dad knows we’re here. They haven’t seen much of you either so we’re all worried about you.” I hear Aiden say as I open the door with a very scary look on my face. But instantly laugh when I see the even scarier looks on my brothers’ faces. Little Audrey’s brothers are coming to the rescue again. Like always.
“What do you guys want? I was sleeping. Quite soundly if you need to know.” I put my hands on my hips and look at each of them before they answer.
“It’s three o’clock in the afternoon Audrey. Why in the world are you still sleeping? Are you sick or what? Ever since we all got home from New York you’ve been a hermit crab.”
“So what? I’m an adult and if I want to sleep all day I can. Last I knew you weren’t my boss or my parent. Now, go away.”
“You look terrible Audrey. You have bags the size of Texas under your eyes and you’re looking almost green. Are you sick?”
“Yes, I’ve been a little sick the past couple of days if you must know. Now if you’ll excuse me, I would like to go back to my bed.”
“We’re making you an appointment for the doctor and you’re going. No excuses.” Austin says and pushes through my door and straight to the kitchen.
“When’s the last time you’ve eaten young lady?”
“Austin, I can take care of myself. You have a fiancé to take care of and Aiden you have a wife and baby to take care of. Go do that and leave me alone. I don’t need my big brothers to take care of me anymore. Go away!”
“We are not leaving you to mope or whatever you’re doing any longer.”
“They didn’t. They told you? They weren’t supposed to do that! Dammit those two are dead when I see them again!”
“Calm down, they didn’t give us details. Just that things didn’t go your way in Omaha and you came back unhappy. What did happen Audrey? Do we need to go kick someone’s ass?”
“Shut up Aiden. I told you two to leave me alone. I don’t need nor want you here right now. I’m going to go throw up and then go back to bed. Leave me alone and tell the others to do the same. I’ll come out of hiding when I’m ready. Got it?”
“Geez Audrey, we just love you. I’ll make you an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. You are going to work aren’t you? It’s Monday”
“I know what day tomorrow is you idiot. I haven’t missed a day of work since I started. Just go away! I can make my own appointment. I’m not a child! Get out!” I scream and once they’ve stepped out the door I slam it and turn the lock once again.
Aaaaahhhhhhh! Wh
y can’t everyone just leave me alone?
I really feel like I could throw up again so I walk to the bathroom. Once I see myself in the mirror I can clearly see why they’re concerned. I look like death. Probably worse. Oh well, I feel like that so why wouldn’t I look the part?
*************
“Maysen, are you going to go see your Mom today? This bar is such a dive. It smells and I always smell like a bar itself when I get home. Today I work the late shift. Sure you don’t want me to get you a job too?” He says as he picks up his clothes and throws them into the washing machine. We have a small two bedroom apartment in Tulsa as close to the hospital as we could find. It’s tiny to say the least but we can easily afford it and we’re guys, we don’t care what it looks like.
“Yeah, I’m gonna go see her right now. I doubt I’ll like this new job any better than the last one we had but it’s not Omaha. And Mom’s here so it’s worth the move. Right? Hey Carter?”
“What? You gonna confess your undying love for me now or what?”
“Oh shut it you moron. I was only going to say thanks for moving to Tulsa with me. I’m sorry you have to work at that dive bar. You’ll find something better soon.”
“Dude, I hated Omaha as much as you. I’ll find something else, but for right now I don’t mind doing something different. And the ladies I see every night. Whoa. That’s the perk of the job!”
“You’re such a pig. Glad to see you haven’t changed.” Shaking my head I walk out the door towards my car. Tomorrow I’ll be on my way to the new job at the car dealership around the corner from the hospital. It’s not my own garage, but it’s not Red’s either. It’s going to be bearable and keep me by Mom.
Things have been strange being back in Tulsa where I met Audrey. I look for her everywhere but I never see her. Every blond woman looks like her until I get closer and it’s never her face I see. Only women giving me the stink eye for walking up to them and stopping when I see they aren’t who I thought they were. No girl likes to be told they aren’t who you’re looking for. That I have found out. Been slapped a few times too. Carter finds that the silver lining. Of course he would, he’s the one that has women falling at his feet while I don’t want anyone but Audrey and know I can’t have her.
Third Time's a Charm- Book 3 of the Colvin Series Page 4