Mag-log inAnne-Marie’s P.O.VPanic washes over me. My eyes are locked with the middle-aged man behind the wheel. His mouth opens as if he’s about to speak, but he simply stares at me, confusion and surprise brimming in his eyes.So, I start to repeat myself, “I don’t want to stay here–”My door is pulled open suddenly. I gasp, snapping my head right to see it’s only hotel staff. I can tell from his uniform and that of the other person behind him. They’re both smiling at me, uttering polite and friendly greetings. My hands are shaking, my heart racing unguardedly, but even in the chaos, my eyes travel to those two—all chummy and close—leaving the hotel, catching a glance at them as they enter a Sports car. Only when the car speeds off do I start breathing again.My trembling hands palm my face.“Ms. Potter, are you okay?”I lift my eyes to the man behind the wheel, concern etched in his gaze. “I’ll contact Mr. McCarthy if you have a problem with staying here. We can always make another arrange
Anne-Marie’s P.O.VI’m going home. New Jersey is home, even if I have nowhere to call mine there. It’s Sunday noon, two days after my emotional meltdown with Marcus. I spent Saturday working at Jeffrey’s and got an advance pay to afford at least a two-way train ticket and a place to stay for one night for my baby and me. Jeffrey was kind enough to accommodate my request after I told him I needed to visit a loved one who had passed away. He thankfully didn’t probe much. I also used my ‘Doctor’s note’. So, I’m taking time off work and school. But Marcus called in the evening to check on me, and somehow I told him I was making the trip. He was silent for a while. I didn’t need a seer to know that I’d upset him by not telling him I’d made a decision.When he finally spoke again, he said, “You were going to leave without telling me, right?”I couldn’t deny it.He hung up with a deep sigh, leaving me worried and panicking, only to call back an hour later to tell me someone would come pick
Marcus’s P.O.VMy head tilts back against the headrest, my eyes closed as my assistant drives in silence. Exhaustion grinds my body. I recline my seat, stretch my legs out to take up all the legroom, and fold my arms, sighing deeply. Anne-Marie… Her gorgeous face lingers in my mind. It got puffed up after she cried so much, yet she was still every bit beautiful. I keep coming back here. Even after telling myself I’d stay away. Once I realized that she’d blocked me, probably because I kissed her, I thought it was for the best. But my assistant returned home from our trip to Germany a few days ago and found out she’d collected my corporate ID badge from the hospital and had been trying to reach me on the other phone I leave at home whenever I go on work trips. Coming back here was inevitable.I’ve never had a woman block me, but she did without a second thought.I’ve never been involved with a woman I knew nothing about, unless I had zero interest in her. Running a background check is
Anne-Marie’s P.O.VMy mind wars with his words, but my heart wants to believe that he’s not lying. He doesn’t look like he is. Holding my gaze with every bit of sincerity and warmth, he slowly reaches for my right hand. “Okay?” He nods, blinking once, as if wanting me to see into his head. Somehow, I do. He doesn’t seem to be lying. He doesn’t seem like any of those awful guys or Mr. Dawson. He has never seemed like them.My gaze flickers; I lower it and give him a slow nod.He huffs softly and pulls me close, the bags for Maryanne dangling from his grip and bumping against both our legs. When I lift my eyes, his face is right in mine. An amused smile curves his mouth. “You make me so curious about you…” His voice is hoarse, his eyes roaming my face.I’m not breathing.“Will you help with the other bags, so you and I can get some rest for tonight? It’s been a long, emotional night for the two of us. Hasn’t it?”I press my lips together, nod slightly, and slip my hand out of his. Then
Anne-Marie’s P.O.VHe moves his lips against mine, gently pushing my mouth open. With a soft sigh, I lift my hand to him and grip the rich fabric of his suit. His hand shifts from my chin to cup my face. Our lips glide unhurriedly as if he’s taking his time to memorize the feel of my lips on his. My mind is empty of thoughts. But when his left hand goes behind me, my chest flutters. I’m lifted slightly out of my seat as he pulls me closer, still kissing me with a softness that makes my head spin. My hands slide to his arms and rest on them. They’re solid, and I resist the urge to curve my arms around his neck.A phone vibrates between us.I break free of his hold and turn my face away, breathing fast. His presence is overwhelming, wrapping around me like a cloud; I still feel his lips on mine. I feel his eyes on me, and I know he’s very close.The vibration continues.Embarrassment warms my cheeks. I clench my fists in my lap and just stare out the window. I should be with my baby, n
Anne-Marie’s P.O.VI sit in the silence of Marcus’ car, depleted from crying so hard for too long. My eyes are closed. My head rests against the headrest, turned to the other side. He’s right beside me in the driver’s seat. I don’t know how long we’ve been sitting here, but my mind is foggy, and I’m choosing not to think about anything.His car smells really good; he smells even better, making his presence hard to ignore. I’m just grateful he hasn’t said anything since he led me into his car after that embarrassing episode. The last time I cried like that was the night I lost Mary and my Mom. “My mom was a workaholic.” Marcus’ voice cracks, breaking the perfect stillness.I lift my eyelids; they’re heavy from all the crying. And slowly, I turn to him. His head is tipped back against the headrest, his jaw taut, his eyes fixed ahead.He scoffs a laugh that almost sounds melancholic. “She– She spent most of her time working… My dad loved that about her. He told me after she’d passed awa







