Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 15283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 76(@200wpm)___ 61(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 76(@200wpm)___ 61(@250wpm)___ 51(@300wpm)
“I think a lot of people settle because they want to be in love, so they convince themselves they are,” he says. “They think of love as some badge of honor, or maybe an excuse to get married, or even live with someone when all they really want is not to be alone. That’s when love doesn’t work because that’s not true love at all.
“I know you’re kicking yourself because you thought you loved Dylan, and now you’re realizing you never did, but a lot of people go through that. You’re young. Maybe I should have just let you get hurt when you realized who Dylan really is, but you’re my daughter. I wouldn’t knowingly let you run headfirst into a wall; I couldn’t sit back and watch you run into a wall with him, either.
“Love is what you want it to be. It’s very personal,” he says. “I know this all sounds confusing, and I’m sorry about that. I guess what I’m trying to say is that no one can really tell you what love is, but when you feel it, you’ll know.”
“Then how do you know if someone loves you?” I ask.
“That one is much easier to answer. If someone loves you, they don’t need to say it; you’ll see it, feel it, and know it. Their actions will always speak that love loudly. You’ll never question the love of someone who truly loves you; you’ll just know.”
Waiting for Alex to come back from his business trip felt like forever. I needed to see him, talk to him, and apologize for being a jerk. I did that the first chance I got.
Having his arms around me, comforting me, and finally spending time with him felt perfect. Being with him felt like I was home. The time flew by too quickly, though, and he wanted to get to bed—his bed—even though I really wanted him to share mine.
“Why can’t you sleep here tonight?” I ask. I thought of those movies where the girl grabs the man by the tie and pulls him down to kiss her. I reach for his tie, but I lose my nerve, so I only loosen it. “You need to relax more. Not everything needs to be about business. Come on, stay with me tonight. We can make up for lost time and keep talking.”
“I need to shower and get the travel funk off of me. We can talk more in the morning. Good night, Emilee.”
“Alright,” I sigh, giving up. “Good night, Alex.”
Any other man would have taken me up on my offer. That says so much about him.
I sit back on my bed and stare blankly at the television for a minute. Then I realize while he said he didn’t want to stay in my bed, he said nothing about his.
After putting on my fuzzy slippers, I went down the hall past the foyer and stood outside his bedroom. I put my ear up to his door but couldn’t hear anything. I raise my hand to knock on his door, but stop myself and take a few steps back.
“Come on, Emilee,” I whisper. “You can do this. Just knock. It’s no big deal. After all, he is your husband.”
I put my hand up and quickly knock before I convince myself not to.
And then I wait.
And wait a little longer.
But nothing. So I check the doorknob, and it turns. I let myself in.
Alex’s bedroom is a stylish, modern male sanctuary. The king-sized bed takes center stage but doesn’t stand out. The room is a mix of navy paint on the walls and warm hardwood flooring, with grey and brown accents. I make a mental note to ask Alex for his interior designer so I can recommend them to my dad.
From the bedroom, I can hear the shower running. I make my way to the doorway and peek in. The shower is oversized, with stone and glass surrounding it. I turn away from the shower, wanting to give him his privacy, but then I realize I can see him through the mirror. I put my hands over my eyes and take a few steps into the bathroom, making enough noise that Alex hears me.
“Emilee? What are you doing here?”
“Umm I thought I’d join you?” I bite my lip, surprised the words were able to come out of my mouth.
“How are you joining me if you won’t even look?”
Slowly, I lower my hands. When I open my eyes, I’m in front of the shower, staring into it.
Alex’s body is toned and muscular. The water is running down his body and I can’t help but follow the beads of water with my eyes.
“Feeling dirty?” he asks, his voice almost growling. “You can join me.”
He pushes the heavy glass door open and holds out his hand. My breath catches in my throat. I think to kick off my slippers, but nothing else. I take his hand and step into the shower fully dressed.