Chapter 7
Charlie
Reaching into the cabinet, I shook two aspirins in my hand and chased them down with a bottle of water. I hadn’t been this hungover in a long time. Climbing into the hot shower, I let the soothing water beat down me as I thought about Marley. Last night was great—at least, the parts I could remember.
After showering and dressing, I made the bed. Grabbing the used condom from my nightstand, I threw it in the trash can and looked on the floor around the bed for the others. Shit. Getting down on my knees, I looked under the bed and didn’t see any. I knew for a fact we had sex three times last night. How was there only one condom? Walking back into the bathroom, I picked up the trashcan and looked in it, noting the one condom I’d just thrown in there. Shit.
I heard the elevator ding, and my cleaners stepped into the foyer with their cleaning supplies.
“Good morning, Mr. Stone.” Greta smiled.
“Good morning, Greta. Good morning, Sylvia.”
“Morning.” Sylvia scanned the mess.
“I’m heading to the office. I’ll be gone for a few hours. I left an envelope on the island with your money, plus a bonus for the extra mess.”
“Always appreciated, Mr. Stone,” Greta spoke.
When I arrived at the office, I sat behind my desk, turned on my computer, and turned my chair around to stare out at the busy city.
“Knock. Knock,” I heard Chase’s voice.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, turning my chair around.
“I forgot the Bradshaw file on my desk. I want to review it again before our meeting on Monday.”
“Ah, good idea,” I said.
“Don’t forget about that birthday party tomorrow we have to go to,” Chase said, sitting across from my desk.
“What birthday party?” My brows furrowed.
“For Derek Lake’s five-year-old daughter. For fuck’s sake, Charlie. Don’t tell me you forgot.”
“Shit.” I ran my hand down my face. “Why do we have to go? The last way I want to spend my Sunday is at a birthday party with God knows how many children running around screaming.”
“You know why.” He pointed at me. “He invited us, and we need to close this deal.”
“Do I have to bring a gift?” I asked.
“Really, Charlie?” He cocked his head. “I’m sure Julia already bought it. Text her.”
Grabbing my phone, I sent my assistant a text message.
“Did you buy a gift for Derek Lake’s little girl’s birthday party?”
“Yes. I told you I did two weeks ago. It’s in your office closet, all wrapped and ready to go.”
“Thank you, Julia.”
“No problem, Charlie.”
I stood up from my desk, opened the closet door, and pulled out the large pink bag with little ballerinas all over it. Shaking my head, I set it on the floor next to my desk.
“Do we really have to?—”
“Yes!” Chase chuckled. “Now, tell me about last night after Lila and I left.”
“What do you think happened?” I smirked.
“And?”
“I’m concerned about something,” I sighed.
“What?”
“From what I can remember, we had sex three times before we passed out. When I got up this morning, I could only find one used condom.”
“Shit, Charlie. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I looked everywhere.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m positive that a girl like Marley is on birth control.”
“What do you mean by ‘a girl like Marley?’”
“Well, I think she probably sleeps around. You said she slept with that guy in Chicago. She’s definitely on birth control. But don’t be so stupid next time, my friend. So, when she left this morning, how did the two of you leave things?”
“She flew out of bed because she was late for something. Then she told me I was making things weird.”
Chase laughed.
“I don’t think she remembers us having sex.”
“Why do you think that?” His brows furrowed.
“Because when she woke up in a panic, she asked if we did. That last shot of tequila we did after you left did us in.”
“Ah, the tequila shame.” He grinned. “Do you like her?”
“I don’t even know her.”
“Did you get her phone number?” he asked.
“No. She flew into the elevator like a madwoman.”
“Do you want to see her again?” His brow arched.
“I don’t know. I got what I wanted last night. I think it’s best we leave it at that.”
“I like her.” He smiled. “And so does Lila.”
“Okay? Then you and Lila date her.” I smirked.
“Will you ever grow up and get serious with someone?” Chase stood up from his seat.
“Nope.” I smiled. “My life is as good as it gets. Besides, emotions aren’t my thing. I’ve been on my own for a very long time, and that’s how I like it. I don’t need women drama in my life. Look at Christine.”
“And Kara, Claire, Suzanne, Scarlet, Jenny—need I go on?” His brow arched.
“No. You can stop.” I stood up from my desk.
“You’re a manwhore, Charlie Stone.” Chase grinned. “I’ll see you tomorrow at Derek’s house. Don’t be late.”
After I left the office, I took a cab and had the driver drop me off across the street from Love At First Sip. Why? I hadn’t a clue. I stood with my hands tucked into my pants pockets and stared from the street at the patrons walking into the shop. I could see two baristas behind the counter through the large window. Neither was Marley.
“What the hell am I doing?” I whispered to myself.
I hailed a cab and headed home. When I stepped off the elevator, a fresh, clean scent radiated throughout the spotless space. After changing my clothes, I headed to Club Luxe to meet my friend Brian for a few drinks.