Chapter 54
Melody
Melody woke up with a smile on her lips and a lightness in her heart. She felt enrobed in a sense of contentment so deep and perfect that she was almost afraid to blink for fear it might blow away on the most gentle of breezes.
After finishing dinner and treating her to another round of dessert featuring his supremely kissable lips, Ben had given her a tour of his house, which turned out to be just as gorgeous as she suspected it would be.
The tour had concluded in his bedroom where she was still acquainting herself with his glorious king-sized bed and sumptuous silk linens.
Melody snuggled into her pillow and breathed deeply, enjoying the way Ben’s scent seemed to engulf her. She’d heard of women enjoying their partner’s scent, but she never could have imagined that someone else’s smell could appeal to her so completely.
Her lips relaxed into what she imagined must look like a dreamy grin. Somehow, she just knew the clean, woodsy aroma would forever evoke intimate thoughts about Ben. His scent was a blend, but she could pull out the sweet, earthy notes of sandalwood.
She might have to see about borrowing one of his sweaters. She wondered whether his long stretches of away games might be at least a little more bearable if she could literally wrap herself up in his arms—well, his shirt sleeves—and breathe in his scent.
Melody drew her hand up to capture a yawn before giving in to a big stretch. One of her hands encountered paper. A gentle rustling sound was audible as she reached for the note.
If such a thing were even possible, Melody felt convinced her smile grew even bigger and brighter. She’d led a good and happy life before meeting Ben, but there was something about him that elevated her joy to the next level.
Melody propped herself up onto her elbow and leaned over to look more closely at the area where the note had laid. Her hair spilled over her shoulder, forcing her to brush it back.
She spotted both the promised items easily.
Her lips pulled up into a smile at the familiar chocolate wrapper, but it was the key chain that really captured her attention.
She couldn’t help but laugh as she picked up the small metal ornament and smoothed her thumb over the embossed surface.
It was a Hershey’s Kiss. That made the alarm code he’d assigned her all the more perfect.
Melody shook her head and bit down on her bottom lip as she put the key chain back where she’d found it. What on earth was she going to do with this man?
Love him, a voice inside her whispered.
Shaking off her fanciful thoughts, she picked up the chocolate bar, ripped it open, and popped a square into her mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed as she enjoyed the bittersweet explosion of flavor against her tongue.
Melody twisted around until she was able to pluck her cellphone off the bedside table. She popped another square of chocolate into her mouth before unlocking her phone.
Good grief. She had over ten new messages from Nolan.
Nolan: Hi, Melody. I just wanted to touch base now that my new schedule is up and I know when I’m free. I’d love see you again.
Nolan: I’ve been driving my friends nuts with how often I’ve talked about you.
Nolan: If this was Neverland, I’d only need to think of you to fly. And people would be like, “Man, he flies a lot.”
Nolan: Luckily, you’re not a drug because I don’t make enough money to pay for all the rehab I’d need.
Nolan: Are you a beaver? Because DAM!
Nolan: Ydsfhhcsgd
Nolan: Oh my God. Please ignore all but the first text. Emery stole my phone.
Nolan: Video attachment
Curious, Melody opened the video clip. It showed Emery standing in what Melody would guess was a hospital hallway wearing a dark purple power suit. In the video, Emery crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows before speaking. “I stand by what I said.”
Nolan: There you go. Proof that I’m surrounded by well-intentioned pains in the butt.
Nolan: But anyway, I really would love to see you again. Let me know when you’re free and we’ll see what we can tee up.
Unknown Number: Hey. This is Emery. I sent myself your number from Nolan’s phone. Here’s a screenshot of Nolan’s schedule. If he isn’t working, assume he’s free. The poor boy has been so eager to see you again that he’s made sure to keep as much of his schedule open as possible.
Melody’s smile had been growing wider as she read through the increasingly ridiculous texts, but her lips reversed course to settle into a frown.
She’d had a great time with Nolan and his friends at Snakes & Lattes.
If they’d met a few months ago, she suspected she would have been positively giddy over the idea of a second date.
What girl wouldn’t be? He was kind, thoughtful, funny, and a great communicator.
They had similar interests, as well as similar values.
He was also incredibly attractive. The problem?
She and Ben had crossed into relationship territory.
Melody let out a prolonged sigh. She hadn’t been kidding weeks ago when she said she’d love to see Nolan again. She still would. Only now, friendship was all she had to offer.
Popping another square of chocolate into her mouth, Melody let the piece melt while she mulled things over.
She and Nolan would obviously have to have a conversation, but maybe friendship wasn’t out of the question.
Men and women really could just be friends, couldn’t they?
It’s not like they had even kissed. If there was such a thing as a point of no return, hopefully, they were safe and hadn’t passed it.
Melody looked down at her cellphone and contemplated her response. Surely, there was a way to be friends while respecting both Nolan’s feelings and her new relationship with Ben. She just had to find the words.