Chapter 29
Eliza
Istare at the bedroom door after Mac leaves before letting out a breath and rolling onto my back. In a strange city and all by myself. My only saving grace is that at least I speak the language, I don’t even want to think about what this situation would be like in a non-English speaking country.
Knowing I won’t be falling back asleep right now, I throw the blankets off and head to the window to check the weather.
Seeing it looks like what it would be like at home, I slip into a pair of skinny jeans, a long-sleeve shirt, and a warm cardigan before grabbing my favourite pair of knee-high boots.
I almost didn’t pack them, but Hannah said I had to especially because, in her words, they make my ass look like fire.
I grab my purse and pull up maps on my phone and put in the name of the café Mac texted me after he left. It’s close by, and I take my time getting there. The streets are busy, familes walking together and people popping in and out of shops.
When I arrive at the café I find a table and stare at the menu. I choose to indulge and order the Nutella and strawberry pancakes with a mocha. When my coffee is dropped off, I snap a picture and send it to the girls to let them know I’m alive.
Hannah
Reacted to your photo
Bailey
Please tell me you’re also getting food with that coffee
Eliza
I am, although I’m not sure it’s much better.
What are you guys doing up? It’s like 1 am.
Hannah
The guys played tonight and Grayson can’t sleep right after a game.
I shake my head, knowing exactly what she’s implying.
Hannah
What are you and Mac doing today?
I let out a breath as I lean back in my chair.
I knew this question would be coming, it’s only logical, but I also don’t want to tell her, oh, my boyfriend ditched me in his apartment because his father called and he went running.
I know that he’s not my boyfriend and therefore owes me nothing, but she doesn’t know that.
Eliza
Just going to hit the store for some food, I think. He’s with his dad right now.
Hannah
You didn’t go with him?
Eliza
He left before I was out of bed.
It’s not entirely a lie. I was awake when he left, but I was still curled up in bed. I can feel Hannah’s curious eyes staring at her phone even halfway across the world.
Eliza
Food just got here. I’ll update you guys later. Get some sleep.
I lock my phone and put it face down on the table, guilt eating at me.
I want to be able to tell my friends about all of this.
I know the fact that Mac left me this morning has a negative image starting to form in at least Hannah’s head about him, and I don’t want that.
I know what I signed on for when I agreed to all of this.
I’m under no disillusion about what’s happening. I just wish she could see that too.
I read as I eat, enjoying every bite of my breakfast. When I finish, I leave some cash on the table with the bill and gather my stuff.
I take my time wandering the streets, popping into little stores and browsing.
I buy a little gift for Hannah and pop it into my purse before continuing my walk.
I’m looking at a summer dress when my phone rings and I see Mac’s name.
“Hello.”
“Hey. Where are you?”
I look around for some sort of sign and don’t see one. “I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been popping into store while walking.”
“Share your location with me, and I’ll come find you.”
I pull my phone away from my face and send him my current location.
“I’m ten minutes away,” he says.
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”
I hang up the phone and take the dress along with a couple more items I found and head for a dressing room. I’m trying on the last item when Mac texts me.
Mac
I’m outside.
Eliza
In the dressing room.
A few moments later, I hear his voice as he says my name. I pop my head out and wave at him.
“I’m just trying one thing on and then I’ll be good to go.”
“No rush, love. Why don’t you show me.”
I blush slightly before pulling my head back into the dressing room and finish pulling the strings at the back of the dress and tying them.
I step out ,and Mac’s jaw drops slightly.
His eyes widen as they slowly drag the length of my body.
I look at myself in the mirror and find I like the dress more than I thought I would.
I’m not usually one to go for dresses that accentuate my chest, but I like the way this one fits my upper body like a glove and flares at my hips.
The blue and white work perfectly with my skin tone.
I feel Mac’s presence behind me before I catch him the mirror. His hands find my hips, and my teeth press into my bottom lip.
“Please tell me you’re taking this home,” he says, his voice low.
I nod, and he leans down until his lips graze my ear.
“Good, because I look forward to helping you out of it.”
My entire chest is turning pink now. This is the most direct he’s ever been in public, and I like how wanted it makes me feel. It’s not in a sleazy way that has me wanting to crawl out of my skin, but rather has me wanting to crawl into his lap.
Feeling brazen, I say, “Really? What else are you looking forward to?”
His finger trails over the strap of the dress and my bra, his warm breath still fanning over my ear. “I’m eager to see what you’ve got underneath it. Is it the same lacy pair you wore the last time I got to see you, or do you have something new to tantalize me with?”
“New,” I practically pant.
His teeth graze my earlobe. “I can’t wait for your show and tell later.”
I lean into his chest, my breathing now shallow and my skin hot, but the man fucking takes a step back, putting space between us, and I havve to work to steady myself.
“You look gorgeous, Eliza.”
I don’t know what has me blushing more, the simple compliment or his blatant sexual interest in me. I scurry into the dressing room, hoping to gather myself before having to face the public again.