18. fallon
EIGHTEEN
fallon
W e fell asleep on the couch until he woke up at two in the morning. He kissed me on the temple before leaving, taking his warmth with him. I fell asleep until my alarm went off at seven, and my body screamed through a shower. Every muscle is sore. I don’t even feel like I did much last night, but I long to lie down and sleep some more with each movement. But the pain is worth every orgasm he gave me last night. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a very long time, though if he walked through my door right now and demanded we go again, I’d probably cry.
But fuck, he felt good. It’s unfair that a man who looks like him is also some kind of sex wizard, but I’ll reap the benefits. As long as no one else is. No, we’re not going there. He doesn’t owe me anything. We never drew lines. I should’ve. My behavior lately is very unlike me. I always plan and plot, know what to expect, and rarely deviate. His ability to turn my mind off is both disarming and scary.
And poor Thomas gets to hear all about it today.
I settled on one of my many bookish spirit jerseys and jeans. My legs are stiff, but I haven’t had time to do laundry, so I don’t have a pair of clean leggings. If I made enough time to shop for necessities, as I have been spending time with Fitz lately, I might have more to eat and wear.
‘ It’s a race, not a marathon ,’ my father used to tell me when I’d take life a little too seriously. But how can I do anything but that when trying to build something lasting and not focus so much on my past life before coming here? If I’m constantly running, I’ll never have to stop for a breath.
I arrive later at the store than usual. Thomas’ car is already in the lot, and I doubt I’ll be questioned on how he arrived earlier than me. I don’t think that’s ever happened. But when I try to open the front door, I can’t. We rarely have anyone trying to enter the store before we open, so keeping the door locked is unusual for him.
I search for my keys in my bag, only to be greeted a moment later by Thomas… blocking my way in.
“Move, clown.” I try to shove past him unsuccessfully.
“Good morning, sunshine.” He holds the door semi-closed, so I can’t sneak by. “You’re off today. You have a massage in an hour, so you better scurry along.”
My brow wrinkles in confusion. “Did you hit your head on something this morning? I don’t have a massage.”
“Oh, you do.” He shows me his calendar on his phone — Fallon, 9:30AM — Massage with Brandy . “I booked it last night.” He produces his car keys from his pocket. “Shoo.”
I shove his hand away. “You’re cracked. I can’t leave you here by yourself all day, Thomas.”
Thomas grins. “You’re not. I told you she’d need convincing.” He steps aside, but not enough for me to rush in.
Instead, Fitz takes his place. He props his arm up on the doorframe and hovers above me like a fucking god . “Good morning, little tragedy. How was your night?”
I lick my lips as the events from last night replay in my mind for the hundredth time this morning. “Eventful.” I want to kiss him, but would that be weird? We’re not dating. I mean, the man had his face in my pussy last night, but heaven forbid I greet him with a kiss because that would be too much. “Have you started conspiring with Thomas now?”
Fitz shrugs too nonchalantly for my taste. “He texted me last night. I didn’t see it until I left your place this morning.”
“Until you left where?!” Thomas shouts from behind him.
I close my eyes with a sigh. “Well, you set yourself up for a day of questioning, and he’s great at wearing people down.”
Thomas reappears behind Fitz. “I’m reconsidering everything. I need the details. I don’t think President Grant is the best candidate for oversharing.”
I bounce on my toes excitedly. “Good. Let me in.”
With an eye roll, Thomas shakes his head. “I was lying. Fallon, you haven’t had a day off since your last trip to California almost a year ago. We’ve got this. I’m tired of seeing you in the same outfits every week. Relax. Shop.”
I should be excited and grateful that they’re both willing to handle the store so that I can have a day to myself. But I also don’t want to spend the day alone with just me and my thoughts. What a terrifying idea.
“He’s right,” Fitz says softly. “You’ve earned this, Fallon.”
I can find enough things to do to not allow time for too much thinking. I could even nap. “Okay,” I say meekly.
Thomas practically hurls his car keys at me. “We’ll allow you back this evening if it’s just eating at you that much.” He winks at me. “You’ve got this, Fallon.” Then he disappears to hopefully finish opening the registers.
Fitz taps his finger under my chin. “It’ll be okay, Fallon. You need to trust us. The store will still be standing tonight.”
I don’t like when someone guarantees something they can’t control. I could think of a hundred scenarios that would result in the store falling apart while I’m gone. But the idea of a massage and nap sounds better by the second.
Fitz steps outside and closes the door behind him. “Come on, I’ll walk you to the car.” He holds out his arm for me to grab. “I can’t allow you to linger on the sidewalk all day.”
I snort as he leads me away from the store. “Surely you’d eventually take pity on me and let me inside.”
He shakes his head. “Nope. You need to learn boundaries, Fallon, and that includes with yourself. I understand your need to be involved every moment, but you will eventually burn out if you keep going like this.”
“I’m trying to build something?—”
“You’ve built something,” he interrupts. “You’re one of the most influential small businesses in Sanderling. That won’t change because you take a day to yourself sometimes. Even CEOs of major corporations need a day off.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have access to that kind of funds to guarantee longevity like a major corp.” I release him as I become defensive. “I have to work for everything this store is.”
I get two steps ahead of him before I’m pulled back and spun around to walk backward. He keeps his arms locked around me. “I realize that, but you must also look at everything you have accomplished instead of constantly chasing the next step. Sometimes, there isn’t one yet.”
“I have a next step,” I argue, trying to free myself. “I’m just waiting to hear back from someone.”
He pins me against the car and cups my chin to hold my gaze. “Breathe. I’m not your enemy, Fallon.” He gently presses his lips against mine. “The massage is only an hour. I’m going to call and have it extended. Once you’re relaxed and have forgiven me, text me.”
He releases me all at once and starts walking away, and stubbornly, I want to get in the car and leave. I don’t know what his father does or Fitz’s work background, but he doesn’t know the challenges I’ve faced in getting to where I am. Countless nights of no sleep and worry, multiple trips to book conventions, having to flirt with people I don’t want to flirt with to build relationships.
But then, I realize I’m right. He doesn’t know what I’ve faced. And taking that out on him isn’t fair.
“Fitz,” I say.
He stops and turns.
“That kiss was too short.”
He returns instantly and kisses me deeply, our tongues entwining and moving together so familiarly. He balances his hands on my waist, my arms wrap around his neck, and we stay locked in a passionate embrace as moments pass. Neither of us moves to part from the other, even as my lips swell from the kiss.
I jolt when my phone buzzes in my back pocket and pulls me from my euphoria. Fitz is the one to slip it out of my jeans, looking over his shoulder once he sees the name on the screen. Thomas is standing in the doorway with his arms thrown up. “Let’s go!” he shouts from across the street.
I can’t help but laugh, dipping my head to press my forehead against Fitz’s chest while he chuckles. But he lifts my chin and kisses me again, softer and quicker this time. “I meant what I said, Fallon. Text me when you’re done.”
I drag my knuckles down his jawline. “I will.”
As I watch him cross the lot back toward the store, I take three deep breaths and repeat Thomas’ words aloud.
“I’ve got this.”