Chapter 13
ALEX
Humidity clings to the air, and it’s only mid-morning. After one last stretch, I step off the curb and ease into a steady jog. A good run should help shake out my thoughts.
It’s been a week since our dinner at Seven’s Bistro in uptown Manhattan—and I’ve been avoiding Elijah.
Not because I didn’t enjoy myself. I did. I had a great time. I actually managed to relax, being wined and dined by a man who basically took my hand and walked me straight through the gates of gay heaven. I wanted to stay… continue enjoying all of its perks.
But instead, I panicked. All because I dared to look truth in the eye and expose my heart.
Expose other parts too.
Ugh.
Why am I feeling this way? I should feel relieved.
Especially after talking with Emilee. She was totally fine with the idea of Elijah and me dating.
And yet, here I am… nerves all tangled and tied in knots.
Probably because I like him so much. Of course, there’s also the fact that he’s a man, and I never expected to have a boyfriend.
Got to say, I didn’t see that one coming.
When Meera left, I’d pretty much written off dating altogether. I had zero interest in finding someone new. I figured that chapter of my life was closed—and I was fine with it.
So it goes without saying that this attraction between Elijah and me has taken me by total surprise. And if that wasn’t jarring enough, I’d gone home with him and spent the entire night in his arms—naked.
Groaning, I push my legs harder, falling into a steady rhythm. Running has always been an outlet for me. Silencing my mind, loosening the knots in my chest.
But not today.
Today, my mind just won’t shut up.
I round the corner, weave around a pack of dogs on tangled leashes, and glance down at my watch, debating whether I should call Elijah. I’d like to see him again. Plus, I owe him an apology for going dark on him all week.
Eleven miles later, after zig-zagging through the narrow streets of NYC—my mind taking its own tour through a maze of complicated thoughts—I find myself standing at the corner of Bourbon Bar with a mass of humid air clinging to my body.
I gulp down the rest of my water and unclip my cell from my waist. Eleven thirty-seven a.m. He’s probably not even here yet.
Maybe that’s a sign, and I should just go home.
I’m not even sure how he’ll feel about this impromptu visit anyway.
Plus, I’m a sweaty mess. Hair plastered to my forehead, sweat dripping off my chin. Definitely not my best look.
Using the bottom of my shirt, I wipe the sweat off my face and flip my ballcap around while enjoying the hotchpotch of noises funneling around me.
It’s what I’ve always loved about the city. Busy streets are the norm. Chaos is part of its charm. I wouldn’t want to live any place else in the world. There’s so much life here. Noise and distractions. You can basically hide in plain sight—if so desired.
Like I’m doing now.
Lowering my head, I walk over to the lamp post and dial Elijah.
“Hello?” He answers on the first ring, not giving me a chance to second-guess myself.
“Elijah.” Now, I’m tongue-tied.
“Alex…” he gushes, sounding more relieved than mad. I’m almost positive I hear a smile enter his voice. “Hold on a second while I walk outside.”
Oh shoot! Shoot, shoot, shoot.
I plaster my back against the slim post, hoping to blend in with the pole. Please don’t be at the bar. I stand up straighter just as the side door opens, and Elijah strides out onto the busy sidewalk with the phone to his ear.
Thankfully, he looks the other way and doesn’t notice me standing like a creep on the corner.
The foot traffic is heavy, nothing out of the ordinary for the streets of New York.
I crouch tighter against the lamp post, flipping my hat back around and pulling the brim down over my face, effectively looking even more like a creep.
“How are you, Alex? I’m so happy you called.”
I spy him from my post on the sidewalk. Someone walks by, thumbs bouncing across their screen in the midst of a text.
They see Elijah, greet him with a quick fist bump, and continue walking, never once slowing their stride or missing a beat with their texting.
Gotta hand it to these New Yorkers, they’re pros at multitasking.
Keeping my voice low, I begin speaking. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t ignoring you. I was just… well, I kind of… just…”
“Alex…”
Mmm… the way he says my name. I wish I could record it. His voice is deep and disarming. It relaxes me better than any anti-anxiety drug on the market.
“It’s alright,” he coos, making me instantly regret ignoring him this whole week.
With the phone to his ear, he leans against the black bricks of his building, kicking a foot back to rest against the solid surface, and stares out at the street, watching traffic zip by.
My words move just as fast as the traffic. “I have a modeling shoot tomorrow morning in Danbury, Connecticut. I should be finished by one o’clock. There’s an Italian eatery nearby, bordering the New York State line. Julio’s Pub. Excellent food. Can I take you to lunch?”
I inhale, as he exhales, nervously awaiting his answer. His foot slides down from the bricks, and he shuffles around some pebbles. For fuck’s sake, it’s making me more nervous.
“That depends,” he finally speaks, and I deflate, wincing at his words. Horns scream in the background in typical NYC fashion, but I couldn’t care less.
“On what?” I bite down on my lip, preparing to walk my sorry ass home.
“On you coming over here and kissing me.”
A giant smile spreads across his handsome face as he pockets his phone and turns his head in my direction. Heat soars across my already flushed cheeks as I step away from the lamp post and out from the crowd.
I’m officially a stalker.
“How the fuck did you see me?” I laugh, walking over to him, embarrassed by my Sherlock Holmes stunt—and not-so-glamorous appearance.
“Well, I happen to have an eye for fashion.” He’s flirting with me, pulling my sweaty body closer to him. “In particular, this certain sexy high-fashion model.” He drags his thumb across my blushing cheek. “He’s hard to miss.”
And then he leans in and kisses me, brushing those fabulous full lips across mine.
“I’ve missed you.” He breathes the words across my mouth. “And yes, I would love to have lunch with you at Julio’s Pub tomorrow at one o’clock.”
I let out the biggest sigh of relief. And then, to my utter surprise, I reach for his hand.