I turn away from him in hopes that he won't see the desperation on my face. One thing I hadn't considered is how the space might change the way I look at the man. Sure, he's always been commanding and sexy, but now he fits in this space and there’s something so incredibly sexy about him I’m not sure how to contain myself. So I stare at the double doors that I had commissioned specifically for this space and walk over to close them. I want him to see the art that I'd hung. I want him to see the lighting. I want him to see every little detail that I've added to this space. The lights, the brightness, the touch of dark, the shadows, everything that makes the area come alive perfectly in a way that's reminiscent of Club Red without being obviously derivative. I worked really hard on this room, and I'm absolutely proud of how the space turned out. Hard work, lots of money, seemingly endless sleepless nights... all seem like they've completely paid off. I turn to face him, waiting to se
Bella I’d be lying if I tried to say that this specific project completion didn't leave me with a hole in my heart. I've never been so sad to complete a job. Usually, the thought of moving on to the next big project has me excited, but this time... I’m mostly sad. I'm also excited because I'm curious what he'll think now that the finishing touches are finally in place. I put a hand on Troy 's shoulder to steady myself in the chair as I tie a blindfold around his eyes. I don't want to think about the fact that our time together is coming to an end. All I want to think about is how I'm about to surprise him with his brand-new office. Because the thought that now we're going to part ways and potentially never see each other again, or only cross paths once in a while at the club or when I'm hanging out with my friends who happen to be married to his friends, leaves me aching inside. Maybe my feelings for him are stronger than I thought. Not that that matters. “Are you sure this is
As I get the espresso maker out, I glance at the box of cookies on the counter, smiling to myself. I can’t help but remember how bad the cookies had been, and how she'd laughed at herself. I love that she was able to poke fun at her terrible cookies and that she hadn’t demonized me for telling her the truth. I don't think I've ever met anyone who preferred to know the truth, even at the expense of their feelings. I guess I could bake her some equally terrible cookies, although I'm not sure I can meet that bar. No, the gesture needs to be something big. Something I can't take back, something that proves to her that she is very important in my life. Just making bad cookies for her probably won't prove that point, but I'm absolutely putting that idea in my back pocket for a rainy day. Frustrated and out of ideas, I push the espresso maker back and decide I need something stronger. I grab my keys and head for the door. Ten minutes later I'm sitting at Club Red, my hands flexing aroun
Troy I pick up the phone, surprised to see that she's calling. The second I do, I know I've made a mistake. “You did this. You ruined my life.” Lyla sounds almost unhinged. “You're going to have to slow down and start at the beginning because I have no idea how I play into any of this.” I thought I was done with her breakdowns and outbursts, but I guess some things can't be escaped. “Your bet with Arson is what ruined my relationship with him. Now he won't even talk to me.” I can hear her sobbing on the other end of the line, but I don’t feel an ounce of pity for her. “He broke up with you back when we made the bet?” I have a feeling I know what the truth is, and I'm going to make her admit it, if possible. “No, he just broke up with me when this whole mess came out.” On the other end of the line, she blows her nose in the most unladylike way. I lean back in my office chair in the living room and put my feet up on the desk I’d brought out until the project is complete. “So wha
“Now that James is locked up, what's your plan moving forward with your newfound freedom?” Troy's question is lighthearted, but I sense a deeper undercurrent. “Well, I've been asked out by both Konan and Hunter, so it's not like I don't have options.” I grin, but my heart sinks as his expression tightens. And I suddenly know the truth for sure. “They were in on the bet, weren't they?” He nods his head. “But for the sake of transparency, I've talked with Konan.” I can see how hard the words are for him to get out as he continues speaking. “Konan regrets the bet. He really likes you. He thinks you're an amazing woman, that you’re interesting to talk to, that you’re witty and smart, and a good match.” “Why would you tell me this?” If Troy is trying to win me over, why would he tell me about another guy that would be a good match for me potentially? Troy’s eyebrows and shoulders lift a fraction of an inch. “Because I want you to have the opportunity to be happy, even if being happy m
Bella I'm humming as I dance around my dirty kitchen. There's flour dusting multiple surfaces and chocolate chips strewn about, and a bit of egg white that I spilled on the countertop. But I'm making cookies and I’m happier than I can remember being in a long time. Pressing charges against James was probably the best idea I've ever had and having Troy’s backup absolutely helped me have the courage to do so. Between the home video that I had taken on my security cameras and the extra cell phone video that Troy had taken in secret, the cops had assured me that James was behind bars. While I know it might not make a big difference because James doesn't see the error of his ways, nor does he think he's done anything wrong, at least he's being held accountable for what he’s done, whether he accepts the truth or not. And now I'm here baking cookies for Troy as a way of saying thanks. I keep humming along with the music that's playing from my phone on the counter, and I realize there's