Running Game(47)

“Look at you,” I said, standing over him. “Weak as a kitten. I could really take advantage of you right now if I wanted to.”

“Does that mean we’re finished with all this?” he said.

“Yes,” I replied. “For today. But tomorrow will be just as intense, if not more.”

“Can’t wait,” he said sarcastically. He stood up and stared at me in silence for a moment, until it was so uncomfortable I couldn’t stand it.

“Why are you staring at me? Stop,” I said.

“I can’t. You’re so fucking gorgeous, Maisey. You’ve turned into such a woman, a real woman, you know? I love it. I never thought you’d be…” he gestured to my body, his hands flying up and down to include every curve, “…so voluptuous.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is curvy,” I said.

“Nope, you’re voluptuous. Luscious. You’re like a succulent peach, all juicy and sweet.”

“Did you take extra pain meds today? I think you’re high,” I replied.

His laughter made me laugh, and before long we were belly laughing like a couple of crazy people, our voices echoing through his cavernous penthouse.

He reached over, sliding his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him.

“Let’s go to bed,” he said.

“I can’t,” I replied. “Sorry, I lied earlier to get you to do your exercises.”

“Why not?” he answered, clear disappointment falling on his face.

“Because I have to pick up my daughter from school,” I said, pulling away from him.

“Oh!” he replied. “Okay, I see.” He bit his lip, lost in concentration before speaking again a moment later. “Can I come?”

“What?” I asked, blood draining from my face. “I - um - well - I —,” I stuttered.

“— sorry, too soon,” he said. I looked over at him, and felt like a total bitch when I saw the look on his face.

“No, that’s not it, it’s just that I - well, I was intending to keep this between us.”

“Is that so?” he asked.

“I mean - it’s not - well I just want to keep my personal and business lives separated.”

“I might be a part of your business life, Maisey, but this is hardly strictly business.”

“I know, that’s not what I meant,” I replied, flustered. “It’s just…I don’t bring men around my daughter. I just don’t think you’d be good for her.”

“You don’t think I’d be good for her?” he repeated.

“No, wait! That’s not what I —,” I began. I was a total ass and that wasn’t how I meant for that to come out. But it was too late. The damage was done.

“It’s fine,” he interrupted, turning away, but not before I saw the hurt in his eyes. “Look, she’s part of your life, and I want to be part of your life. I’m not trying to be her father. I just thought I could…”

There it was… He wasn’t trying to be her father.

“Jesse, stop… I meant to say this - not you. This wouldn’t be good for her. All of this… She’s never seen me in a relationship. I’m not sure I’m ready to take that step.”

“From the sounds of it, you’re not,” he replied, spinning around, the pain in his eyes replaced by anger. Or maybe it was a mask. Either way, his words stung. Hard.

“Maybe I’m not,” I replied, my voice rising as I turned towards the door. “I’ve gotta go.”

“Go,” he said, his words simple but full of anger.

Shit, I thought. I really fucked up now. I hurt him. I should have chosen better words, or just figured out some other reason why he couldn’t come with me. Instead, I’d hurt him and he lashed out, wanting to hurt me too.

But his words had a different effect. Instead of hurting me, they woke me up.

It was time to end this. It had gone too far. I was flying too close to the sun and my wings were melting. This was the first time he’d asked to meet Maddy, but it wouldn’t be the last. Did I really think I could continue this way without the two parts of my life overlapping or worse - colliding? Did I really think I could keep everything a secret?

I’d been a fool.

I walked towards his door, the heat of his gaze burning right into the back of my head. I wanted to turn around so badly, every fiber in my being told me to run back into his arms and apologize. I wanted to tell him everything.

But I didn’t. My pride got in the way. Or, maybe it was just my good sense had finally surfaced. Either way, it hurt like hell as my fingers wrapped around his door knob and I opened his door and walked away from the only man I’d ever loved and went back home to the girl I’d pledged my life to.