Authors: Diane Mannino
I squint at her. “First of all, I’m
not
sleeping with Tyler and second of all Logan is
not
going to find out. Seriously, no one can find out. I’m already getting weird stares from total strangers.”
“Oh, relax. People are only staring because no girl has ever captured the attention of Logan Prescott.”
“Puh-lease. I captured it for all of two minutes. I was far from his mind when he was getting a lap dance.”
“Believe me, I get it. But to everyone else…they see you as the one who bewitched him. So you have that going for you.” She winks at me.
“Bewitched? I don’t think so.”
“And, Tyler is certainly no slouch in the looks department. You’ve witnessed it and said it yourself: he has quite the fan club. So, now do you get it? Emilia, everyone is staring in awe of you.”
I roll my eyes at her. “Now, I’m sure you’ve been poking your nose in my romances. You’re too much.”
“Hey, I know this is hard for you, but just try and enjoy it. It’ll all work out…these things always do.”
“Okay, Dr. Love.”
“That’s it, then?” Bryn asks, ignoring my little joke.
I look at her confused.
“Did he say anything else?”
“Um. Did I mention he wants me to move in with him?” I say, casually, knowing this will really get her in a huff.
“You’re kidding, right?”
“He kicked Sebastian out, got a new place and more or less said he wanted me to be his roommate.”
Her mouth drops open and it’s the first time I’ve seen Bryn speechless in a very long time.
After a couple minutes, she finally speaks. “Wow.” I wait for her to say more but she doesn’t.
“That’s all you can say.” We’re almost to the house.
“I knew he would do everything to get you back, but he’s taking extreme measures. He means business.” She pauses and adds. “Serious business.”
WHEN TYLER COMES through the door to his bedroom, I’ve already changed into sweatpants and a slouchy t-shirt. The Victoria’s Secret short gown from Bryn is definitely not an option. This already feels way too weird and uncomfortable.
“So, I’ll just sleep on the couch in the living room.” Tyler says as he waits, gauging my reaction.
I sit down on the edge of his bed. I’m exhausted. I can’t remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep. I think hard, trying to remember. The night Sam and Rosemary were in the car accident…that was before Thanksgiving Break. It’s no wonder I feel so sleep-deprived.
“It’s fine.” I say and then yawn.
“What’s fine?”
“You can sleep here…it’s your bed. If anyone should go on the sofa it’s me.” I stifle another yawn.
“Emilia, you’re exhausted. Just sleep here.”
“Only if you’ll sleep here. I don’t feel right kicking you out of your own bed. Besides there’s plenty of room and I’m sure as soon as my head hits the pillow I’ll be down for the count.” I know the latter is far from reality, but I don’t want him thinking he has a chance to get lucky.
“Okay, then.” He says, pulling the comforter back. “As long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.” I scoot under the covers.
He pulls his white t-shirt off and stands in only his flannel pajama bottoms. I catch a glimpse of his impressive abs and quickly look away, not wanting him to see my face. I’m certain it’s the color of a ripened tomato. Why did I let Bryn convince me this was a good idea?
Switching the light off, I feel the bed sink as he climbs into it.
“Do you work tomorrow?” He asks.
“Hm-hmm.” I pretend to be near sleep.
“I play tomorrow night. Will you come?”
“Sure.”
“Good night, Emilia.” He moves closer to me. I turn my head and we are nose to nose.
“Good night.”
He kisses me softly on the lips just as I attempt to push Logan from my mind. I have no idea what I’m doing. Here Tyler is…this good-looking, kind guy and all I can think about is Logan. Maybe, I am playing games. How could I be here in bed with Tyler, but thinking about Logan if this isn’t the truth?
Pulling back from Tyler, I roll onto my back and stare up at the ceiling. I can feel his eyes on me as my heart pounds, an uneasiness returning to my stomach. Desperately trying to drown at the muffled sex sounds of Bryn and Josh, I envelope my ears between the pillow. Suddenly, my phone buzzes from my bag on the floor.
“Do you need to get that?” He asks.
“No.” I swallow. I already know who it is.
“Well, good night.”
“’Night.” I murmur as I roll onto my side, my back to him.
A little over a month ago, I was lying in bed with Logan. As much as I tried to drag my feet, Logan swept me off them. Now, I can barely see straight, I’m so confused. Thankfully, I work tomorrow and classes start on Monday. There’s no doubt I will welcome these much-needed distractions.
CHAPTER FIVE
I KNOW I SET THE WORLD RECORD for the quickest out of bed and out the door routine if I had been timed. Saying, I could not escape the house fast enough is an understatement. It had been weird enough, sharing Tyler’s bed but then add that to the painfully loud moans and groans coming from down the hall, and awkward takes on an entirely new meaning.
So…dressed in my running clothes, I leave a note and quietly sneak out the front door. I think about the previous night and wonder if Logan really meant what he said about only wanting one roommate. He could easily get any girl he wanted, even Bryn has stated this numerous times. Why me? And, then once he got me, why did he have to go and screw things up?
Plugging in my earphones, I focus on tuning out my thoughts as I turn up the music. I laugh out loud when the song queued up is seemingly perfect: Pink’s “Blow Me (One Last Kiss). I’m certain Bryn has something to do with the song selection. I sing to the music and stretch at the front of the house. In the next moment, I turn to start my run and crash head first into…
Oh, shit!
He catches me by my elbows and the first thing I notice are his worn, low-slung sweatpants. I swallow at the sight of the way they hang on his hips. My eyes move upward, admiring his solid abs and chest leaving not much to the imagination in a fitted white t-shirt. Clearly, he’s not shy about flaunting his impeccable assets. When I finally look at him, I could swear I could see steam coming out of his ears.
“Um. Good morning.” I murmur as I quickly turn away from him.
He carefully grabs my arm. “I thought you weren’t with
anyone
.” I don’t think I have ever seen him so mad.
I’m completely caught off guard so all I can say is: “I’m not.”
“Instead of asking if you were with
him
, I suppose I should have asked if you were sleeping with
him
.” His eyes flare.
Immediately, his accusatory words wake me up. “Fuck off, Logan. How is it possible for someone to be so nice…actually sweet one minute and then a complete and total dick the next?”
His crossed arms at his chest fall to his sides as he lets out a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Besides, who are you to be mad at me? We broke-up, remember? And do I also need to remind you that it was entirely your fault?” I put my hands on my hips as further proof of my annoyance.
His expression changes from anger to something else.
“Damn, why do I find you so arousing right now?” He shakes his head in bewilderment.
“Ugh. You’re pissed. Then I’m pissed and that’s turning you on? I think you need some serious therapy, Mr. Prescott.”
“I don’t doubt that, Miss King.” His mouth curls up into a slight smile. “Look, I get it. I fucked up and I hurt you. I probably deserve this.” He waves his hand behind me, in the direction of Tyler’s house.
I decide to keep quiet and see where he’s going with this…let him sweat a little. Before I tell him the truth about why I spent the night with Tyler.
“Go on.” I say.
“I shouldn’t have accused you of sleeping with
him
.” He says “him” with disgust. “But honestly, I can’t think clearly when you’re around. It pains me to see you with someone else.”
“Yes. Well, that’s an all too familiar emotion.” I sigh.
“I miss you, Emilia.” He gently strokes my cheek. “I miss everything about you.”
“I miss you, too.” I say because it’s the truth. “But…” I hesitate to continue.
“But, what?” His eyes are full of trepidation as he looks into mine.
“But, I already took a chance with you. Getting involved with you was a giant leap of faith. I told you that probably a hundred times and you promised me over and over how you had changed. I finally believed you when it was all thrown back in my face.”
“I made a huge mistake. You can call me any name in the book and I know it is well warranted. I know I caused you pain and I wish there was some way I could erase that night.”
I glance at my watch. “I have to go, Logan. I need to run and I work today.”
“Sure. Can I cook you dinner tonight so we can continue this conversation? Incidentally
, what are you doing
leaving his house this early in the morning?”
“Oh. Our place was broken into. We need to get a window fixed and the police recommended we install an alarm.” I say, rushed. I really do need to get going or I’ll be late for work.
“What? Why didn’t you call me? Please stay with me until everything is safe.”
I give him a don’t-be-ridiculous look. “Look, just a couple days ago I didn’t want to speak to you…ever. Then you show up in my bed. I’m at least speaking to you, but I’m certainly not moving in with you.”
“Okay. I see your point…for now.” He smiles, slightly.
“As cocky as ever…I see that hasn’t changed.” I say.
“I have changed…when you left that night…you made me realize just how much I need you. Don’t you see? I
have
to get you back and I won’t stop until I do.”
“Why are you so sure you’ve changed and I will take you back?” I shake my head.
“Only time will tell.” He pauses a beat. “So, dinner tonight?”
“Um. No. I told Tyler I’d watch his band play tonight.” I say because it’s the truth not because I’m trying to rile him up. Although I know it more than likely will.
He lets out a breath and says nothing.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper because as much as he hurt me I don’t want either of us to suffer.
“Sorry? I’m the one who is sorry.” He says, quietly. Looking like I just seriously wounded him, I turn away and run.
I AM EXCITED AND RELIEVED to be back at work. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, I mean Sam and Rosemary…I still have difficulty calling them by their first names…are equally excited to see me.
“Sales are way down since you haven’t been here, Emilia.” Sam says after we discuss the holidays and he catches me up on all the important details like the surfing conditions, size of the waves, and anything else that pops into his mind that’s surf-related.
I roll my eyes. “And you think I really have something to do with sales being down.”
“Absolutely. You’re the dude magnet…no doubt. When you’re working, there are more customers and more sales. It’s those pherone-things. I even have a name for it now…came up with it over the break.”
“Oh?” I giggle at his ridiculousness and look to Rosemary for some support.
“Hey, don’t look at me, sweetie…as crazy as it sounds…it’s true. And, it’s pheromones, Sam.” She grins back at me.
“Eau de Emilia.” Sam continues.
“Maybe you’re just running low on the sex wax…that stuff smells good.” I say.
“It’s you, honey and we’re glad you’re back.” Sam pauses and adds. “By the way, is Logan out surfing?”
“Um. Dunno.” I murmur. Then I quickly get busy straightening and re-stocking the store.
“Well, I see my work is done here.” He dramatically brushes his hands off as if he’s been hard at work for hours. “Emilia’s back and the waves are a-calling.”
“Sure. Just be back by five since Emilia leaves then.” Rosemary moves towards me and helps me with the shelves.
“Al-righty. Later.” He says as he heads out the door.
“Sooo…what’s going on?” Rosemary asks. When Sam leaves we are left in the store alone.
“Not much. How about you?” I smile at her.
“Hmm. Did something happen with Logan? When Sam mentioned him…you seemed …sort of…distant.” She smiles, reassuringly.
“It’s nothing…well, we broke-up.” I say, quietly.
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a busy body but maybe I can help. What happened?”
“He screwed up…made a big mistake. It’s awful… because I was just starting to trust him. Thank you for your concern. I really appreciate it, but there’s really nothing you can do…it’s in the past and you can’t undo the past.” Something I know all too well.
“But you two are so perfect together.” She sighs. “I know I always pester you about Laird. You know how much I adore you…and, of course Sam does too. We would love for Laird to be with someone like you. But you have that special connection with Logan and he with you. It’s so obvious when you’re together.”
“Well, not anymore.”
She ignores my words and continues. “That night when you two visited Sam and I in the hospital…I watched the way he was with you. It was as if he was completely lost in
you
. Every thought and action was about
you
. And, there’s only one thing that means…He’s deeply and madly in love with
you
.”
“I don’t know…if that’s the case…he wouldn’t have done what he did. He hurt me…how can someone that loves you hurt you?”
“Unfortunately, it happens all the time. I’m not defending Logan. I’m just saying someone that loves you can definitely hurt you.” Rosemary continues and the way she says it I wonder if she’s speaking from experience.
“Well, that sucks.” I say and smile, slightly.
“It sure does, but that’s life. He hurt you, but isn’t it possible that you still care about him?”
“I suppose.” I say, reflecting on her words. I’m sure she’s right otherwise I wouldn’t care about him catching me leaving Tyler’s place this morning.
“Listen, sweetie, love isn’t easy. Love is an endless act of forgiving each other…it truly is. It’s not always a fairy tale but when you find that you want to be with that person…despite
everything
…that’s when it is…without question…true love.”
“And they live happily ever after.” I wink at her.
She laughs. “Sure…but in my case it helps if the surf is up on a daily basis.”
“Spoken like a true surf widow.”
“Amen.” Then we both burst into a fit of laughter.
MY MORNING RUN and my day at Spyder prove to be just what I need. Now if I can only manage to get through the rest of the weekend. Why did I tell Tyler I would watch him play tonight? I was just an emotional wreck a few weeks ago over losing Logan and now I’m jumping back into the dating game almost without hesitation. Bryn is certain this is what I need…a distraction…a rebound…whatever you want to call it, but I don’t know. I think what I need is space.
The short walk back to our house feels ridiculously long because of all the thoughts bouncing around in my head. I know Bryn will be upset with me that I didn’t call her to pick me up. Rosemary insisted on driving me but the distance from the store to our place is so short is seems silly for everyone to always chauffeur me. As I near our house, my overanalyzing thoughts are abruptly interrupted when I hear someone call my name.
“Emilia.” I hear a man’s voice in the distance behind me.
I turn to look, but I don’t see anyone. Wow, I think I’m losing my mind. Now, I’m hearing voices. I shrug it off and head up the path to our front door.
The front door’s window is repaired and a sense of relief washes over me. Bryn is in the kitchen, cleaning the counter and moving to the music that’s playing from her iPod docket when I walk in the house.
“Hi, there.” She turns and smiles when she sees me. “How was work?”
“Good.” I turn and notice the new alarm system in the wall by the front door. “Awesome work, Bryn. You were able to get the glass fixed and an alarm system installed…now you’re cleaning…quite the productive day for you. I think drinks are on me tonight. Just to show you my appreciation.”
“You will actually have to thank your overbearing ex, but you can still buy me some drinks.” She laughs.
“What do you mean? Logan did this?” I wave my hand in the direction of the alarm and the door.
“Uh-huh. Well, he didn’t do it himself. I got back here this morning to make some calls and get the window repaired and when I got here the repair guy and alarm guy were already standing outside…waiting for me.”
“Seriously?”
“They said a Mr. Prescott set it up. I’m sure he must have paid a pretty penny to get them out here that quickly. I thought
maybe
the window would be repaired but getting someone out to install an alarm usually takes a day or two. I thought at the earliest we would have it put in by Monday.”
“Oh, um, I guess it’s our lucky day.”
“Lucky? There’s no luck involved. Several other words come to mind: controlling, domineering, overbearing, dictatorial, bossy, tyrannical. Incidentally, how or I should say when did he find out about the burglary?”
“I ran into him…literally…when I was leaving Josh and Tyler’s this morning.” I say as I move towards the refrigerator and then grab a bottle of water from it.
Her mouth drops open and then she bursts into laughter.
“Glad you find it so amusing because honestly, it was far from funny.” I say with annoyance and take a swig of water.
She attempts to stifle her laugh. “You ran into him? Leaving Tyler’s just as the sun was coming up?” She can’t control her laughter and I join her in it.
“Okay, okay.” I say and playfully poke her.
“Oh, God. That image just made my day! Maybe my year! Come on, you have to tell me all the dirty details…he must have thought you slept with Tyler…and did you sleep with Tyler? Oh, this is too good. Talk about revenge! Nice work, Em!”
“Shut up! It was all an accident…are you saying I planned this to get back at Logan?”
“No! Of course not…that’s what makes it all the more perfect.”
“Oh, sure. It was all so perfect while you were screwing…very loudly I might add…and I’m trying to sleep…and that’s a whole other story because I was in Tyler’s bed.”
“Awkward, was it?” She smiles, slightly.
“A bit.”
“Sorry. So you
did
sleep with Tyler?” She says in a teasing, accusatory way. “I thought he was going to sleep on the couch?”
“I felt bad. It is
his
bed.”
“Uh-huh.” She smirks. “You know what this means?”
I shake my head at her. “I’m a nice person?”
She shakes her head back at me. “Is it possible that you are actually falling for Tyler?”
“Oh, Bryn. You and your dreams of love triangles and what did you call it?”
“Shades of Shakespeare.” She smiles, proudly.
“Yes, well, it’s not happening. I like Tyler but I can’t just jump into bed with someone right after Logan.”