Shacking Up(7)

I don't feel like dealing with this. I could manage when she was being flirty and alluding to things she wanted to do later. Now she's being an overdramatic princess, and I don't do overdramatic princesses. Although, I can understand her current discontent even if the hissy fit seems unnecessary. Mistake or not, I did stick my tongue in someone else's mouth when I'm supposed to be her date.

I lean against the opposite wall as the elevator descends. "I'm sorry about that other girl. I thought it was you."

"I'm not going home with you tonight," she huffs.

I shove my hands in my pockets. If she still wanted to come back to my place, I'd have more concerns than I already do about her. There's no fucking way I'd sleep with her anyway, because I like my balls where they are and I'm not interested in losing them to her father if he found out I screwed his daughter the first time I took her out. "That's probably a good idea. I'm still not feeling a hundred percent."

I have a business trip coming up in a few days and a meeting tomorrow morning. I don't have time for this. I'm still in recovery mode from this cold and flu double slam I've been hit with and I can't afford to feel like this when I'm getting on a plane in the near future.

"I can't believe you thought she was me. I'm prettier than her, aren't I?" She lifts her chin and sniffs, her offense clear.

That other woman is ten times hotter, but telling Brittany that would be me digging myself a deeper hole. Honesty isn't always the best choice. I'm in such a bad mood now. "I didn't get a good look at her." It's lame, but I've written off any more fun for tonight. In my head, I'm already in the shower, rubbing one out to the image of the woman I did kiss, not the one pouting in the corner.

Besides, Brittany really isn't my type. She's pretty, but she wears far too much makeup. In the few seconds I had to get a good look at the woman I made out with in the hall-and recognized the very serious error I'd made-I noticed she's definitely gorgeous. Dark hair and green eyes, not too petite with curves in all the right places and a natural beauty that makes my nuts ache. And that's saying something with all the medication I'm on. I've only had to rub one out twice this week. I'm that sick.

"Why're you looking at me like that? I already told you, I'm not coming home with you." Brittany huffs and glances at her reflection in the mirror, fixing out of place hairs.

I shake my head, coming out of my haze. I must've spaced out while she was talking. God, I feel like garbage. "I'm still going to make sure you get home safely." Despite my frustration over the situation, I'm not going to leave her to find her own ride.

"I know how to hail a cab."

I give up on talking and mentally review my checklist for the next few days. My suit is already laid out for my morning meeting-this Monday night engagement party isn't helping me get the sleep I need. I have to be out of the house first thing, and then I need to get on organizing paperwork for my trip. Five weeks overseas is a long time, and I can't afford to forget essential files. This trip is important. It's my test to see if I can manage things without my father breathing down my neck.

The elevator dings and Brittany struts past me, flipping her hair over her shoulder, smacking me in the face. I let her walk on ahead. I've forgotten to call my driver, so I have to spend a few extra, awkward minutes with a pouting Brittany.



       
         
       
        

Finally the car comes and Ralph, my driver, exits the vehicle, apologizing for the delay. I'm sure he can tell by the look on my face, and Brittany's sour expression, that neither of us is excited about having to wait.

I open the door for her and extend a hand, which she ignores.

"We'll just head to Ms. Thorton's, 'kay Ralph?" I pat him on the shoulder and he lifts a brow, but remains silent as I slide in beside my annoyed date.

She shifts away from me until she's in the corner. I lean my head against the backrest and wait, because this can't be the end of her words. I'm so tired. And then I remember that my mother made me agree to two dates. I'm beginning to wonder if the bachelor auction would have been better than this. My mother will make sure I follow through on my promise. She's determined to have me settled down since my older brother, Lexington, whose former girlfriend ended things several months ago, has shown no interest in returning to the dating pool, unless it's for a hookup.

Seven years of being on the road, of constant travel, has made any kind of lasting relationship impossible. I've learned that long-distance relationships rarely ever work. When I agreed to come work with my father I assumed I'd finally be able to put down some roots. And with that, I might actually be able to find someone I could have a relationship with. It's been a long time since I've had something stable, or significant. Except now he's making me travel again and the distance thing just isn't something I want to contend with.