14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Mia
Mia: I’m screwed
Ava: Wasn’t that the point of the night?
Bella: That’s what I thought she was going over there for
Harper: Girls, let’s be nice
Mia: You’re all turning into me
Harper: I said be nice, that’s not nice, Mia
Bella: Lol!
Ava: What happened, babe?
Mia: He was amazing. I didn’t want to leave
Bella: Don’t tell me he kicked you out?!
Mia: No. I may have snuck out when he was in the shower
Bella: I know it’s Friday but I’m working from home. Who can get here for coffee?
Mia: I’m on your road, it’s where he lives. I’ll be there in five
Ava: On route. I was meeting with the contractor for the house, so on the road, too
Harper: Give me thirty. I don’t have a rich man on that road, yet
***
“Reed’s in his office; he said he won’t disturb us unless we need him.” Bella places a coffee in front of where I’m sat on a stool at their breakfast bar.
“Thanks,” I mumble.
“I’m not going to ask any questions until everyone gets here, just tell me you’re okay.”
I smile, so glad I have her and the girls. “I’m okay, babe. Just hurts more than I thought it would.”
She squeezes my hand as she takes the seat next to me. The front door opens and Ava appears from around the corner a few seconds later.
“You’ve not started yet, have you?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, we’ll wait for Harper.”
“Perfect, let me make myself a coffee.”
“You said he lives on this road?” Bella queries as Ava crashes and bashes about at the machine. If I didn’t know that she was obsessed with the stuff and no doubt knows what she’s doing with that contraption, I’d worry she was going to break the thing.
“Yeah, you know the house about ten houses down. The huge cream and glass one?”
“Yes,” Ava gasps as she comes and joins us, a large mug of black liquid in her hands.
“That’s his and let me tell you, it’s fucking stunning.”
“Reed!” Bella shrieks without warning and I swear I damn near have a heart attack.
Ava curses as she spills some of her coffee. “What the fuck, Bella? Warn a girl next time.”
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” he calls as he comes running into the kitchen. This man is absolutely besotted with her.
“Do you know Hudson Davenport? He lives a few houses down.”
Seriously? That’s what the drama was for?
He breathes out a sigh of relief as he answers her. What exactly did he think he needed to worry about when she’s literally a couple rooms over from him?
“Yeah, I do. We’ve attended a few events together over the years. Wait — is that your Hudson?” He turns to me.
“He’s not my anything, but yes, he’s who I spent last night with.”
“Is he a good man?” He turns back to his fiancée at her question.
“I think so, yeah; I’ve always got on well with him. I think he’d be good for you,” he murmurs as he aims the last part at me.
“He’s the Dean at my college and my interim professor. Last night was a one-time thing.”
“Mia, sweetheart, nothing with you girls is ever a one-time thing. Believe me, he’s regretting letting you walk out of his door right about now. Every single one of you is a catch us guys are lucky enough to have.”
“Reed?” I say as he turns to leave us alone.
“Yeah, Mia?”
“I’m so glad I sent that text.” His eyes widen as my meaning becomes clear. I’m sure he must have been as confused as fuck about who sent that message to him that night.
“You little brat.” He shakes his head at me, a huge smile taking over his face. “So am I, by the way. So am I.”
“What text?” Bella queries next to me.
“Don’t worry, babe. Just say thank you.” I pat her thigh and Reed laughs.
“Yeah, a big fucking thank you.”
***
“I need one of you to take my cell.” I hold it up and wave it out to them. We’ve moved to Reed’s deck and are all sitting on the outdoor couches. “I’m going to end up messaging him over the weekend otherwise.”
“We can’t leave you without a cell phone!” Ava mutters.
“You’ll have to stay with one of us.” Bella nods like the decision is made.
“I’m not staying at your fuck pads.”
“Yep, I don’t blame you. You can stay with me.” Harper reaches over and snatches my cell from my hands and slips it inside her bag. “There, problem solved.”
“Would messaging him really be that bad?”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Maybe.”
I definitely said ‘yes’ to Bella’s question, but apparently the girls aren’t fully on board with it.
“He’s my professor, he’s the Dean of the college, he’s twenty-four years older than me. Yes, it would be bad. We said one night, we’ve had that, and I need to move on.”
“Yeah, but what a night. The things he said? The things he did? Phew.” Harper fans her hand in front of her face.
“And that’s exactly why I need you to keep my cell. I won’t be able to stop myself from messaging him, otherwise.”
“I still think you should,” Bella mumbles as she takes another swig of her coffee.