Chapter 15
LAYNE
Iwake up in a daze. There are a few aches and twinges that remind me of everything that happened last night and make me feel that I've started a new phase of my life.
Then I sit bolt upright. Mack isn't here.
I check my phone, which is totally dead.
I take it to the bathroom with me and plug it in to charge while I brush my teeth and brush out my hair. There's just enough juice to check my texts before I jump into the shower.
Then my entire body sags. It's not the most abrupt work text he's ever sent me, and there was a second one right after. But still, it makes me feel I should put on the brakes.
I jump in the shower, hoping the hot water will soothe my muscles and relax my mind. It doesn't, not even when I think how unbelievably hot it was when Mack and I were in here together. Everything he’s said and done suggests that he wants our relationship to continue past Monday.
And yet…
I have to take care of myself. There's no way to tell what might happen, so I need to prepare myself for the worst, just in case. I’m all I’ve got.
Mack is surprised that I'm all packed and ready to go when he returns. "In a hurry?" he asks.
"I just thought it might be awkward making small talk with these people now that the job is over."
He nods. "Whatever you like." He quickly throws his things together, then stops, looking me up and down. "I've liked all of your outfits this weekend, but that blue makes you look the most relaxed."
"Thank you, I guess?"
Relaxed. He didn't call me beautiful like he did yesterday. Either that's just for the floral patterns, or we’re going back to real life again already.
"Was Ron happy?" I ask.
"Very. He was impressed that we kept things quiet and didn't cause a scene. He'll be coming on Tuesday to go through the details of what he needs from us and sign some contracts."
I sigh with relief. "So we got the business?"
"Yes." Mack sets his suitcase beside the door, then stands in front of me. His hand slides slowly down my spine, gently caressing as his other fingers tangle in the back of my hair. “We have a lot to figure out about our personal business, baby. But we can talk about that on the drive…right?”
"Sure."
The way he holds me takes my breath away. Every caress, every seductive glance makes my heart flutter. My arms ache to fling themselves around his shoulders.
So why am I so scared?
I think it’s because Mack is overwhelming. He's larger than life. If I let myself get lost in him and things don't work out, I'll be left with nothing. Not just without a job. I'll feel even emptier than I did before.
I know that a romantic relationship is not a security assignment, but I can’t help but wish I had a brief of what was expected, and had everything outlined.
Maybe Mack was right when he sent texts that were just the facts.
Right now I need to know whether my feelings for him are a fact, or if I'm so wrapped up in the afterglow of my first ever sexual encounter that I'm not thinking clearly.