Behind the Scenes(95)

I get dressed and run my hands through my hair. They snag painfully on the tangles there. My eyes are starting to adjust to the dark room and I see the second open doorway I didn’t before. Going into the master bathroom, I flick the switch and squint as light erupts all around me.

The bathroom is impeccably clean, without so much as toiletries out on the counter. I splash some water on my face, trying to wake myself up, then finger comb out my hair.

Deeming the job good enough, I slip into the hallway. The light is coming from a little lamp near the banister. Clanking sounds travel up the stairs.

Taking my time, I walk down the steps, following not only the noises but the smells of something cooking.

Simon is in the kitchen washing lettuce at the island’s sink. Behind him, the oven is on, a pan of food resting on one of its shelves.

The oval table in front of him is set with places for two. He smiles when he sees me, his hands never pausing in the task at the sink.

“How long did I sleep?” I ask, leaning in the doorway.

“It’s only about nine.”

“Mm.” I rub my face, trying to dispel the last bit of sleep trapped behind my eyes. The floor creaks as he steps forward. His arms slide around me in the way they always do, holding me close and safe. I drop my face against his chest, savoring his scent. He’s had a shower and is wearing fresh clothes. In contrast to him, I feel incredibly filthy.

“I should go home,” I murmur into his shirt. “And change.”

“Stay,” he softly says. “Wear my clothes.”

I laugh. “Your clothes?”

He draws back slightly and looks down at me. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere all weekend. You’d look good in my boxers… or nothing at all.”

His hand trails across my shoulder and my heartbeat immediately picks up.

“That sounds good,” I rasp, holding him even tighter.

I lift my face and he kisses me, the taste of mint swirling around on his tongue. He breaks off and goes to step away, but then changes his mind and kisses me hard one more time before turning back towards the sink.

“I’m making dinner.”

“I see that.” I can’t help but smile at the image of this mogul being so domestic.

“Did you hear from Crystal or Eryk?”

“No.” I stand up straighter, slightly embarrassed that I didn’t think of it on my own. “I need to call them. I’ll be right back.”

“I hung your bag in the hallway.”

“Thanks.”

I spin out of the room and collect my phone. Stepping out the back door, I settle into a sitting position on the grass. The view of the city is even more noticeable now that the sun has set. The buildings sparkle brighter than the stars above them, reflecting a small amount of the life throbbing all around.

There are no messages on my phone, so that must be a good sign that everything is good back at the apartment. I call Crystal and cross my ankles, waiting while it rings.

“Hellooo,” comes her slow and seductive answer.

I laugh. “Hello?”

“Hello.”

“Hello.”

She snorts. “I want to ask where you are, but I can take a guess.”

I bite my bottom lip, unable to stop the grin. “You’d guess right.”

She squeals. “So you guys are together now?”

I sneak a glance over my shoulder. Light spills from the side of the house, but other than that, there are no signs of life, and I can only assume Simon is still busy in the kitchen.

“I think so,” I say, lowering my voice. “We told each other that we love each other.”

She gasps. “Oh my God, I am seriously swooning right now.”

“How’s Eryk?” I quickly ask before we detour too far from my reason for calling.

“He’s fine. He’s lying on the couch staring at me, watching me talk to you.”

I chuckle. “So he’s feeling okay?”

“He’s feeling good. He’s also giving me the thumbs up. I think it’s for you.”

Eryk’s distorted voice comes over the line. “It’s for you!”

I draw my knees up and take in a long breath, savoring the feeling of it filling my body. “Good. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

“Thanks for checking in.”

“We thought you’d been fucked to death!” Eryk yells.

“Can it,” Crystal snaps at him. “You need to be resting. Jeez… Sydney, are you coming home tonight?”

“I don’t think Simon wants me to leave quite yet. He said he wants to stay around here all weekend.”

“With you?”

“Yeah.”

Eryk yells again. “He wants to fuck you to death!”