Once Upon A Time(44)

I finally came to realize I was now in a battle between everything I ever wanted and everything I craved.

Fucking romance.

What a damn mess.





“RISE AND SHINE, BABY CAKES!”

I groaned and rolled over. Kylie just had to be a freaking morning person.

“Go away,” I mumbled, pulling the pillow over my head, trying to block out her chipper voice.

“No way,” she said, jumping on my bed and squashing my damn leg.

“Ouch. Get off, you lump!” I shrieked, pushing her off my now numb leg and hiding back beneath the comfort of my pillow.

“One, you’re going to be late for work and two, you need to fill me in on what happened last night!”

I needed coffee for this and maybe an Advil… or a shotgun.

Pulling my head from under the pillow, I rested my head on my arms and turned to her. She cringed and poked beneath my eyes.

“Damnnnn, you need some sleep. Maybe some Botox.” She chuckled, poking my eye again, only this time she nearly freaking blinded me.

“Jesus,” I hissed out, cupping my eye as I sat up. “I take it that’s your way of saying I look like shit?”

“Pretty much.” She grinned, standing from the bed and pulling me with her before diving into my closet and throwing a mass of clothes at me. “Get dressed. We’re going to be late so you'll have to fill me in on the way to work.”

Grumbling a few choice words, I all but dragged myself into the bathroom and stared at my reflection. Wow. Kylie was right; I looked like I could win an award for world’s Worst Dark Circles and the nomination for Best Bags. I hadn’t really slept that much. My mind was constantly on him. It was ridiculous. Why the hell did my thoughts always drift to him? I was like a lovesick puppy begging to be petted.

Shaking my head, I decided today was going to be the day I dove into my work and blocked him out. I was slacking and it was showing. I had Kate on my case daily, wanting updates on everything she could possibly think of. I was becoming flustered in a job I’d wanted for so long, if I wasn't careful I’d lose it, even without Gabriel being directly involved.

Managing to finally hide the ridiculous bags under my eyes with an obscene amount of concealer, I was finally ready for work, minus coffee.

“Ah, the walking dead has arrived!” Kylie announced as I stepped into the kitchen and turned on the coffee machine.

“You,” I pointed, “are hilarious.”

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest as I pulled out my travel mug. Pressing the button for brew, I felt eyes burning into the back of my head. I sighed.

“Yes?”

“Don’t make me beg. What happened last night?” Kylie smiled as I turned to her.

“Dinner.” I shrugged. “Like I said, it was a business dinner. Although, we didn't really talk much about work. Actually, work didn't even pop up.” She nodded enthusiastically, as if waiting for more. “There’s nothing to tell.”

She sighed dramatically.

“So you’re telling me he didn't even try to cop a feel under the table? You wore Vera Wang, for Christ’s sake, it was a sure thing!”

“Wait, did you loan me the dress for that reason?” She smirked. The little witch! “Kylie! Seriously, nothing happened. He’s confusing as hell.”

“What’s to be confused about?” she asked as I turned back to fix my coffee, placing the lid on the cup.

“Nothing.” I sighed. “Everything when it comes to him. He did exactly what I told him to. He backed off. Everything is so damn confusing. I can’t go near him physically because of my job, yet I only have to sit in the back of a car with him and all I want to do is beg him to at least let me dry hump his leg.”

Kylie threw her head back, a rumble of laughter leaving her lips.

“Sweetie, Victoria’s Secret was invented for that kind of problem.” She smirked, wiggling her eyebrows, and I slapped her arm playfully as we grabbed our purses and moved into the living room.

“Kylie, you know my stance on him, on relationships, romance and that vile word that starts with L.” I cringed; referring to love always made me feel a little nauseous but it could have been the amount of wine from the night before… not likely.

“Labia? Yeah. Yuck.” She shuddered.

“Oh my lord. It’s too early for your warped mind.” I laughed softly, glancing at my sofa, as I noticed a passed out Quinn. He pretty much spent most of his time here and today wasn't any different. Quinn’s defined chest peeked out from under the blanket I’d thrown on him and Kylie last night and I couldn't help but sigh. “Such a waste.”

“Tell me about it.” She smirked, finding one of the scattered cushions on the floor and threw it at sleeping Quinn’s head. He snorted, rolling onto his side before snoring softly. “If he wasn't into men and I didn't see him as the brother I never had, I’d totally be all over that.”