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If all of that wasn’t enough to piss me off, now I have my woman trying to freeze me out. I’ve been taking my time to build a relationship with Sidney. She hasn’t even realized how much she’s opened up to me in the last four weeks. It’s been so natural.
We’ve fallen into a routine. Sid has fit into my life so effortlessly. I enjoy our weekends the most. The hours when she sits between my legs as she clicks away on her laptop, while I make calls and hammer away at my own business.
That was the first clue that something was wrong this afternoon. When I went to climb behind her on the chaise lounge and she got up and sat across the room on the floor. At first, I let it slide, thinking maybe she was in the middle of a scene and didn’t want the distraction.
I try to respect her creativity. Already frustrated with the delivery that should have arrived today, I let it go. I spent most of the afternoon barking orders anyway.
It was when Ashley arrived to get Sid ready for dinner that I was no longer able to ignore her change in temperament. I’d forgotten to tell her we were going out for a dinner date. I’ve been so busy this week, I wanted to spend a little time with her.
One of my restaurants just received an amazing review. I thought I’d bring her here to celebrate. I also wanted to inform her that we’ll be traveling to Georgia for a bit in the coming months.
I’ve been here in New York longer than I planned. It’s time for me to start making my rounds. Gregor still isn’t back, he has his own shit to deal with, which has left me with more on my plate than I expected.
What I also wasn’t expecting was to have Sidney decline dinner, repeatedly. We damn near had a fight just for her to get ready. The woman is lucky she’s the only person in the world I have patience for at the moment. Although, I feel like we’ve somehow taken ten steps back.
“You haven’t said two words to me since we got in the car,” I retort.
“I’m not in a talkative mood.” She shrugs.
“Would you like to tell me why?”
With a sigh, she places her fork beside her plate. Her pretty eyes lift to mine, and they’re guarded. I don’t like it, so much so, my jaw tightens, and I sit back in my seat.
“Clayton, this is an arrangement. We don’t have to pretend it’s more than that. All the talking and getting to know each other can stop. When this is over, we’re going to go our separate ways and you will be free to talk to whoever you like, whenever you like,” she says coolly.
I snap my head back. I didn’t see that coming. We were getting along fine. I narrow my eyes on her. I don’t know what’s been going on in her head, but I’m about to fix it for her right now.
I tilt my head, still studying her as her words roll through my mind. I lock in on the words that stick out to me most. Clearly, Sidney is missing some of the larger pieces here, but I’ll be glad to point them out.
“I’m not sure who’s pretending. I’m a grown-ass man, Sweetheart. I don’t have time for games, nor do I play them. What need do I have to talk to anyone else when I have the most beautiful woman in the world already?” I lift a brow.
“Furthermore, this”—I wave between us—“won’t be over for a very, very, very long time. Maybe you should spend more time getting to know me. That way, you can save us these little talks.”
She rolls her eyes and works her jaw. Her eyes ignite with anger. I’m ready to match her energy. Enough is enough.
“Someone has your attention, because I sure as hell can’t get it and since when can’t you talk on the phone in front of me?
“Obviously, you have someone that’s keeping your interest. I’m a grown-ass woman. I don’t beg anyone to want me,” she snaps in a hushed tone, clamping her mouth shut at the end as if she’s said too much.
Ah, we’ve gotten to the root of all of this. The corners of my lips lift into a smile. My little kitten wants to be stroked. As exhausted as I was last night, I was more than tempted before that call came in. I only left the room because it concerned a surprise for her.
Catching her eyes, I lean forward so that she hears every word that’s about to come out of my mouth. I want there to be no misunderstandings from this point on. I let all the feelings I’ve been concealing show in my eyes.
