Alex's hand on my back sends a strange shiver through me."We go first," he says quietly into my ear, and his commanding rumble of a voice sends a strange shiver through me. "Tillman will be up a few minutes later with our luggage."I don't know why my cheeks are burning. Maybe it's because I've just made it even more obvious that I don't belong here. Or because of the way Alex is leaning close to me - the way his hand is placed against the small of my back - makes me look even more like one of his women.I quickly step into the elevator, hoping to avoid drawing any more attention to myself. It's immediately apparent why we are riding up first - the elevator is far too small for three of us and a luggage cart. The close quarters also mean I'm still standing very close to Alex. Any other time, I might not have noticed it, but after what just happened in the lobby - and after the events of the Night That Shall Never Be Mentioned - I'm all too aware of his nearness. I can feel the heat

When Alex is looking at me like that, there's only one thing I can think of to say."Thank you," I tell him softly. "For everything." Suddenly, I need him to hear it again. To know how grateful I am for all of this - and for him."I've told you before, Mae," he replies. "You don't need to keep thanking me.""Yes, I do." I twist my hair in my hand. "And I'm sorry for all the times I've teased you about your suits or your cars or about how different your life is now.""Mae," he says, "I've known you a long time. I know when you're actually upset about something and when you're just playing around with me. If I didn't enjoy it, we never would have been friends in the first place.""You're far too understanding.""No, I just need someone to keep me grounded. You were right before - I've come a long way from that Haverton kid.""That's not a bad thing.""It is if the people back home don't recognize me anymore.""They recognize you," I insist. "We recognize you. You don't need to f

Alex looks at me expectantly. I feel like I need to say something."It's too late for me," I tell him. My hand stills on the guitar strings. "I mean...well, I've made my decision, and I'm fine with it now. I don't think I would have been suited to that sort of life anyway." My eyes drift around the room. "I'm not sure I could have done this.""This?"I gesture at the room around us. "Come to a big city all by myself. Lived in a place like this. Faced the great unknown. I mean, I went to college thirty miles from the town where I grew up. And moved back within a mile of my parents the moment I graduated. I can't imagine myself doing what you did. Not everyone is that brave."His eyes search mine, but I can't tell what he's thinking. I used to always know what he was thinking, but not anymore."You're brave too, Mae," he says finally.I snort a laugh. "Not this kind of brave." I mean, the main reason I'm even here right now is that I'm not brave enough to face the people back home.

For a moment, neither Alex nor I move. I think we're both too stunned - and I'm still gasping for breath. When I begin to feel the pain in my side, though, I twist, and that only makes things worse. I end up on my back, with him still on top of me.Instantly, thoughts of the Night That Shall Never Be Mentioned - which, I suppose, should now be called the Night We Had to Talk About but I'd Like to Forget Now - come rushing back. He was on top of me just like this. His muscles were pressed against me just like this. His breath washed across my cheek just like this.On that night, though, at least he was wearing boxers and an undershirt. Now he's only wearing a towel, a fact that I'm all too aware of. My hands are braced against his damp chest, his skin smooth over the hardness of his muscles. I can feel his heart thumping madly beneath my fingertips.He's staring at me, still looking a little shocked and confused by my appearance outside of his bathroom door, and I realize that I owe

That night, unsurprisingly, I find it impossible to sleep. I finally drift off just as the sun is rising, and I don't wake up again until sometime late in the afternoon.Way to waste your first day in New York, I think. I quickly get dressed and head out into the living room, only to find myself alone in the apartment.There's a note from Alex on the fridge:I have a full schedule today, so I probably won't be home until late. Feel free to help yourself to anything in the fridge. If you want to explore, Victor can provide you with some maps and suggestions.Best,AlexGreat - I slept the whole first day away and Alex is avoiding me. My big New York adventure is off to a great start.I heat up some leftover pizza and try to figure out a game plan - anything to take my mind off of what a mess I've made of things. I do end up going downstairs to talk to Victor, but in the end, I decide to save my explorations of the city until tomorrow so I can make a fresh start of things. I use o