The One of Many by M. Jane Early

Author:M. Jane Early [Early, M. Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-13T22:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

I walked out of the elevator with David at my heels. We hadn’t said two words to each other since we’d left the restaurant. He was with me physically, but mentally, he was with his father.

When we reached my door, I turned to him. He searched my face, but I didn’t know what for. His eyes, usually so striking and vibrant, became hurt and confused. I moved towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him close. After a few moments, he embraced me too and squeezed. The rigidness in his body was disturbing. The pain and panic radiated off him. I wanted to take it away. I leaned my head against his neck and closed my eyes. His scent was all over me again, and for the first time, it didn’t make me dizzy with desire—I felt sadness. Whatever David was going through was too much for him to share with me—with anyone.

I pulled away. “You should go.”

He nodded. “I’ll email you the agenda for the rest of the weekend. Are you sure you’re okay with running the meetings?” His hands were on my hips.

I smiled. “I think I can handle it.”

The corners of his mouth barely turned up. “Farren—”

“No apologies,” I whispered.

“How’d you know I was going to apologize?” He ran his finger against my cheek.

“Because you do it a lot. I can read it all over your face now.”

He pulled me closer. His eyes sparkled like rain in headlights. His lips parted as he bent. Meeting him the rest of the way, I curled my fingers around his neck.

Our mouths barely touched when the elevator down the hall announced its arrival. We moved away from each other without direction—like it had become second nature. He put his hands in his pockets, watching me walk backwards towards my door.

I heard Gwen’s voice before I saw her. She, Julie, and a few other people came towards us. I leaned against my room’s door and silently groaned. David was directly across the hall, his eyes still on me while I avoided his gaze.

When Gwen reached us, she stopped in front of David while everyone else passed. She was close enough to touch him but didn’t cross that line.

“Are you done with your meetings? We were about to go to the club,” she said, then peered over her shoulder at me.

I gave her a half-hearted smile.

“No, Gwen. Actually, I have to get on a plane to go home.”

“You’re leaving?” she said, the disappointment apparent.

“Yeah, family emergency.” He glanced at me.

She nodded. “I could ride with you. Make sure you get everything you need.”

“I’m okay. Thanks.” He glanced at me again.

She made a hard line with her mouth and nodded again. She looked up at him for a moment, then walked away to join the rest of the group ahead of her. Gwen eyed me before walking down the hall. I looked down and turned, bringing my plastic key out of my purse to slip into the slot.

The sound of the door unlocking was loud in the empty hallway.

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