I had wanted to find Adder but Ron caught up to me. Of course, he was worried about his position, given what I said about reviewing everyone in the company. I was polite because that’s what is expected. Also because the last thing I need is to cause a scene and have everyone looking at us. I’d never get to Adder then.
So I carried on the conversation. I was happy that Adder interrupted. Having her at my side felt right. It made me relax. Relaxed so much, I called her pet in front of Ron and shared her drink. But all those happy and content feelings went out the window when she said Ollie asked to drive her home.
I looked at Ollie. I know him. I’ve known him for years. So why didn’t I see this coming? She’s beautiful and amazing. Even if he doesn’t see her more than a handful of times a year, he realized it too. This was
New chapters are posted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Follow me on Instagram @authorbryant for updates on this and other stories.
The fact he didn’t try to stop hurt. But I shoved the pain down before I reached Ollie. “Alright, Mason didn’t plan to leave till near dark. So where ya thinking for dinner?” I asked as I reached Ollie. Oliver smiled. “Well, on the way back, we go past my hometown of Nottingham, and there's this great place called The Bells Inn. Known for good ales, food, and live music. Their beef and ale pie is the best I’ve ever had.” he explained, putting an arm lightly around my shoulders.I reminded myself that Ollie is a good bloke, and he obviously likes me. Unlike Mason. But I couldn’t shake that. It just felt wrong having Ollie’s arm around me like this. As we headed for his car, I glanced over my shoulder, hoping to see Mason. I don’t know why I held out hope he’d come rushing after us and say he’d rather drive me.
The next morning I wasn’t sure if I should tell Mason about having dinner with Ollie or that he kissed me. I do know I need to tell him about the crazy bird Elizabeth. He wasn’t up yet. I guess it makes sense. He would have gotten home much later than me. I was half dreading and half eager to see him. I don’t know why I’m holding out hope he’ll react to what happened with Ollie. But I am.I was brewing coffee when I heard Mason’s door open. Turning as I poured my coffee, I internalized a sigh. This was a sight I’ve seen hundreds of times living here, Mason with his hair a mess from sleeping, wearing just a pair of shorts and stretching as he yawned. I nearly overfilled my cup, staring at him. Damn, he’s too sexy. This isn’t fair.I managed to stop pouring just as some splashed on me, warning me I was a
Keeping a calm unbothered exterior as she talked about Ollie kissing her last night and asking her on a date was nearly impossible. Fighting back the urge to find Ollie and beat the crap out of him. But I can’t. It's not Ollie’s fault. Adder is amazing. Eventually, someone else would realize it too. I’m the idiot who hasn’t told her how I feel. It’s my fault.I ought to be telling her how I feel. Talk her out of that stupid date with Ollie. Maybe talk her into showering together. I groaned as the mental image of her naked in a shower crept into my brain. I sighed, glancing down at the growing problem in my shorts. “Down, boy.” I ordered, turning and putting my coffee cup into the sink.I need to settle things with Elizabeth before even attempting to move forward with what I desire with Adder. I was in my roo
I nodded a little, slipping off my sneakers and socks. I stretched my arms as I turned to stretch out on the sofa, letting my legs stretch over his lap. This is normal. I’ve done this so many times over the years. It’s just how we sit on the sofa. And I like it. “So what happened?” I asked, looking at him. Mason glanced down at my legs over his lap.Am I about to get a reaction? I was wearing shorts that were a bit short, hitting my mid-thigh. So I had a lot of my long-toned legs on display. I know, Mason. And I know he’s a sucker for blondes with long legs. But no reaction came. His gaze came back to my face, and we carried on like he hadn’t just spent the last minute eyeing my legs.“I walked up, and she’s sitting there...with those darn long legs visible and well got a tad distracted, I suppose. She
I have never been the sort to hit a woman. And I certainly never thought to hit a nun. But when that nun called Adder a serpent like that, with the disdain in her voice. And looked at her like she was some vile unholy thing. It pissed me off. It took all self-control to not lash out, either physically or with my powers.I want to get this done. I can tell how much this place is affecting Adder. She’s not comfortable being here. So I start sifting through the folder. It was mostly just documents about her fights with other children and the nuns. “Well, I see why the nun was scared of you when you walked in. You bit at least five nuns, sending them to the hospital for treatment in your short time.” I sighed, shaking my head a little.Not that I blame her. I glanced over and saw her watching me, leaning against a filing cabinet. &ldqu
Since leaving the abbey, I had a lot on my mind. Old memories I’ve thought I long forgot had bubbled up, giving me nightmares. I didn’t want to remember the pain those people put me through. But I’d rather focus on those painful memories than the thought, no the fact, that Mason slept with my younger… I repeat my YOUNGER sister! He doesn’t even like her, but he’s shagged her! Yet we obviously get along perfectly, and he won’t even touch me that way.And I can’t even go off on him about it. Because if I do, I’m going to slip, and he’s going to know that it’s him I want. That it’s always been and always will be him. Even though he’s been with my sister, I still want him. Why did I have to fall for him? If I didn’t love him, if I never was attracted to him, if I’d managed to think of him like I do Ashton, my life
When I gave her the go-ahead without knowing her plan, I knew that I was in for some trouble. I just wasn’t prepared for it to be this kind of trouble. I caught on quickly enough what she was doing. She was playing girlfriend. A role that she fit into rather easily. I wish this were real.This whole flat hunting like a real couple. I want it to be real. And I want that future moment we imagined in the living room of us cuddled up on the sofa in front of the fire. It was a picturesque dream. One I wish could happen. Maybe if I hadn’t slept with Elizabeth, it could, someday. But now? Why would she want me?It did catch my real estate agent off guard. And she seemed to be falling more into line. Though her comment about how the second bedroom would be perfect for a kid. That threw me. Still, I continued to play her game.
I don’t know who I’m angrier at right now. The old bird that interrupted the best kiss of my life. Mason for his indecision right now as I’m confronting him. Or myself for even thinking that kiss was real. That he could really want me. Why would he? Even my own parents didn’t want me. And he could have my sister. The one which our parents kept because she looks normal. Because she fits into their silver-spoon world of titles and money.Yep, I’m angrier with myself. I was stupid to think we could be something that his kiss meant something that it wasn’t all just a way to mess with his real estate agent. That there was more to our little game of playing boyfriend and girlfriend back in the flat. I’m so fucking stupid.And no