04- One-night stand, nothing more

ELISSA’S POV

•••

As the morning sun streams into the room, I open my eyes slowly. The thoughts of last night immediately flood my brain, causing me to bite my lower lip.

Last night was everything a fantasy would be. And the best part? It has not been a dream. Even my mask is still attached to my face.

Soft snores disturb my thoughts, and my gaze moves, taking notice of the man sleeping beside me.

It’s Thane, and he looks even more gorgeous when he sleeps. He looks like an angel with dark brown tousled curls spilling across his forehead and the hint of stubble on his cheeks.

I can’t resist. I reach out a finger and run it along his jawline, caressing the edge of his mouth, and it takes every ounce of my self control to not press a kiss against him.

Almost immediately, something vibrates. I tilt my head, spotting my phone at the foot of the bed. I pick it up quietly, not wanting to wake Thane up and find out a message from Ava.

[Ava]: Hey, babe. I feel so guilty for not returning to the party as promised. I got so drunk after our steamy session and slept off in his arms. I'm such a bad friend. I promise to treat you to dinner soon.

I roll my eyes with a chuckle as I read the message. Ava never fails to disappoint. And thankfully, I happened to ditch the party also, but I guess I will tell her that story later.

My gaze notices the time on my screen, and a gasp falls from my lips. Shit. It’s seven in the morning, and I have to be at work by eight.

This makes me jump out of the bed, grabbing my dress from the floor. Quickly pulling it on, I hurry over to my shoes on the ground, putting on my high heeled boots and grabbing my purse.

I am close to the door, but then I pause. Slowly, I look over my shoulder to find Thane still sleeping soundly and peacefully.

As I watch him, a wave of sadness hits me. This is where it stops. Everything that has happened here between us has come to an end. He has turned my fantasy into reality, and now I have to return to reality. One which where I am a waitress at HappyBite, a life that is greatly different his glamorous one.

I have no idea what to do. Do I walk out the door silently or should I say goodbye for good?

Sighing, I return my gaze to the door. There is no point in thinking things over. I need to get out of here. Fast.

The door pulls open. But before I can step out, I hear a voice coming from my right. “Where are you going, sunshine?”

My heart skips a beat, and I turn around to see Thane sitting upright with his eyes half-lidded, watching me with his brows slightly furrowed.

I drop my hands from the knob at this point and turn fully at him. “I have to go to work.” I reply, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil growing inside me.

His eyebrows squeeze even more. “Just like that?” He looks surprised. “Without saying a word?”

He stands up at this point, and I swallow at his approaching proximity. He comes in front of me, standing tall, and the effect is not lost on me.

“Yes.” Then I reply, trying my hardest to act nonchalant. He blinks once, and I see his surprise growing. But before he can speak, I add, “Or am I not allowed to? Last night… it was amazing. But it’s over now, and we are back to strangers.”

I try my hardest to avoid looking into those mesmerizing blue orbs of his. I am not prepared to witness the disappointment flash across his features.

However, he chuckles, a dry humorless laugh that causes me to look at him again. “Strangers, huh?” He steps closer and my breath hitches. “So that's what it means to you?” His expression grows serious.

I hold his stare for a moment, before I manage to mutter out a response. “Is there a need to make a big deal out of it?” I attempt nonchalance. “It's nothing but a one-night stand.”

He stares down at me. His expression changes even more. “Just one-night?”

I nod, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Yes.”

Thane takes another step closer, closing the gap between us. Just with that, a wave of growing arousal crashes over me and I suddenly feel very hot underneath his gaze.

“But not for me, little sun.” He whisphers, and his words cause my breath to catch in my throat. He lifts his hand and slowly brushes the hair out of my face.

Our lips almost touch as he speaks, but I take a deep breath, deciding to not succumb to temptation anymore. “Because it's easy for you to say.”

My words make him pause, and his gaze leaves my lips to meet mine. “What do you mean--?”

“It's obvious we live in two different worlds. You were the host of such a big party where the richest people came together. I'm just a girl who works at HappyBite. It would be bold of me to wish for something more between us.” I explain, my voice cracking from the pain of admitting those painful facts out loud. “So, yes, that's all it means to me because we are not exactly compatible.”

Thane grows silent, his stare lingers on me with an emotion I can not decipher. Not wanting to melt into his blue eyes, I decide to escape his charm.

“Now that you understand, I'll be leaving.” I turn, reaching for the door handle once again, only for his hand to grip my arm. “Please, let me go.” I immediately say without looking back.

However, he holds me even more tightly. “I will.” He says in a calm tone. “If you at least tell me your name. Or show me your face.”

At this, I finally turn back, my resolve crumbling as soon as our gazes lock. For a moment, I am tempted to reveal myself.

But I know that it will only lead to a mess.

I will just be getting myself deeper into the abyss called Thane.

He stares down at me, searching my eyes, as if attempting to figure out my mind.

“Forget about me.” Is all I manage to whisper eventually.

Then without another word, I slip through the door, closing it behind me before his fingers leave their grasp on it. After walking and stepping out of the building, I pause, closing my eyes as I suppress my tears, feeling completely shattered.

I can’t believe how hard I have fallen for a total stranger...

Then, I remember something. I have forgotten something important back at his place.

***