Page 100 of Tell Me Something

“I think my secret would be lame.”

“So you had one you were going to tell me, but now you aren’t sure?”

He nodded and then relented when I gave him a pointed look. “Okay, my secret is that I didn’t deal well with you traveling here without me. It put me in a weird place, and I couldn’t get on the plane fast enough to join you again.”

“Weird like how?” I wished he’d express some of his feelings.

“Just like I was being left out. I was worried about you being here by yourself, and I didn’t like it.”

I wanted to press him on that thought, but noticed he was already half asleep. “I’m glad you came out here,” I whispered.

I AWOKE to hear Josh’s voice in the other room talking to someone. Listening closer, I realized he was on the phone. I looked at the nightstand and saw a glass of water and Motrin, which made me smile. He was so thoughtful sometimes.

I quickly took the pills and slipped into the shower, happy that I’d brought a change of clothes since it would make it easier to go back to my own hotel room this morning.

“Good morning,” he greeted, kissing me as I came into the living room where he was working.

“Good morning. Do you need any help?”

“If you don’t mind. I know it’s Saturday morning.”

“Of course I don’t mind. You’re in luck that I have my laptop. I used its bag to bring some things.” I took the computer out after putting away my dress and other things. “You know, I saw cinnamon rolls downstairs in a Starbucks. I think I’ll skip down first and get a chai tea and a cinnamon roll. Do you want one?”

“Cinnamon roll yes, but make mine a large coffee, please.” He kissed me again.

“I’ll be back.” I smiled all the way downstairs.

There was quite a line at Starbucks, but I didn’t mind. I took myself upstairs, drinks and cinnamon rolls in hand. I had to knock on the door because I’d left my keycard and phone in the room. I was shocked to see a man other than Josh answer.

“Um, hello.” I looked back at the room number to confirm I hadn’t made a mistake, but he ushered me in with a large smile which looked familiar. This had to be Josh’s younger brother, Colby.

“Hello to you.” He took the tray of drinks and box of cinnamon rolls out of my hands, setting them on the table.

“Ah, Haylee, this is my brother, Colby. Colby, this is Haylee.”

“Well, hello, Haylee.” Before I knew it, Colby was on me, his lips descending to kiss me soundly while his hands gripped my ass.

I was in such shock that it took a full second to register what he was doing. Meanwhile, I heard Josh curse and then felt him pull his brother off of me. I could still taste the alcohol on Colby’s breath.

“Dammit, Colby. Haylee is my assistant.”

“Oh, shit. Wait. What?” Colby sputtered. He looked toward me as if he couldn’t believe it. “Sorry about that. I thought you were the stripper for the evening. My birthday present. I had a few on the plane and just wasn’t thinking.”

I looked at Josh’s face, which was a mixture of angry and apologetic. Then I glanced toward Colby, who shrugged it off. Before I could control it, my hand flew. Right. Across. His. Face. I don’t know who was more stunned: Colby, Josh, or me.

“What in the hell was that for?” Colby asked, holding his cheek.

“For accosting me.”

He looked contrite. “But I told you, I thought you were the stripper.”

“I don’t care who you thought I was, or if I was in fact the stripper. You don’t just go up to any woman and shove your tongue down her throat and grab her ass. You don’t know me, you’ve never met me, and my profession should have no bearing on how you treat me. Jesus.” I held my hand as it began to throb.

“Holy shit, I think I’m in love.” Colby looked at Josh, who was now shaking his head at his younger brother and eyeing me warily.

“Your brother needs therapy,” I quipped.

“Not going to argue with you,” Josh replied dryly.