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They all make me feel so guilty. It’s like I’m taking these gifts, knowing I’ll be leaving at some point. The cost of the wedding has gotten so out of control, I just can’t take the amount of money being wasted.
“What’s this?”
“Don’t just look at it, open it,” he says through a sexy grin.
“Clay,” I warn.
“Open it, precious. I went through hell getting this ready for you,” he says like an excited child.
His behavior piques my interest. I pluck the box from his hand and open it. Inside the velvet box rests the most beautiful diamond and blue sapphire earrings I’ve ever seen. Simply breathtaking.
“These are gorgeous,” I gasp.
“Not as gorgeous as you are. I wanted you to have them. They—” His words are cut off by his phone chiming.
He takes his phone out, a scowl taking over his handsome face. I watch a storm enter his eyes. I’ve seen him pissed off before, but never like this. The rage that consumes his face has me wanting to take a step back.
Instead, I move closer to him, placing a hand on his cheek. His eyes lift to mine, clearing just a bit. He clasps my hand in his, holding it as he turns his face to kiss my palm. My heart skips a beat, and butterflies take flight in my belly.
“Wear the earrings tonight. Go, Ashley is waiting, we leave in an hour,” he says, using that tone that I’ve grown to know means no questions are to be asked.
I sigh, not knowing when I became so compliant. I turn to save my work and shut down my laptop. Clayton crooks his finger for me to come to him before I leave out of the room.
I stand before him again, looking up into those intense eyes. He wraps my waist with one arm, making sure to kiss me thoroughly. One hand cupping my backside as he deepens the kiss.
There’s something possessive and urgent in his kiss. My brows knit as the desire to understand him takes over. Something has shifted and I think that text has something to do with it.
When he breaks the kiss and nods for me to leave, I hesitate for the briefest moment, ready to pry. Only, I hold my tongue. This isn’t a real relationship. I’ve been trying more and more to remind myself of that.
I leave the room, clutching the jewelry box in my hand. My mind races. What would make him give me such an expensive and gorgeous gift? What was he about to say before that text?
Again, I ask myself, when did I become so obedient? I’ve fallen into this routine with Clayton. I never have to worry about a thing. With most of the wedding planning out of the way, all I’ve had to focus on has been my blog and book.
Clayton allows me to get lost in my head for hours. His hiring of Nikki has been just what I needed. I get so much done and don’t have to worry about losing a thought to send emails or fix website issues.
I hate having to stop in the middle of developing a scene to focus on non-writing things. Sometimes, I have no idea how I made it so far in the financial district. My ability to multitask has fallen off.
I’m spoiled in this safe nest Clayton has created for me. Even the time we spent in Georgia in the last month was like being on a writing vacation. While there, I was able to finish my book and send it off to the editor.
With Clayton making all of that happen, I haven’t thought much about the reason I agreed to be in this relationship or the fact that he hasn’t updated me on what’s going on. I believe that’s where my problems lie. I’ve fallen into a relationship.
As much as I try to tell myself this isn’t one, it looks, smells, and breathes like one. Actually, I’ve fallen into more than just a relationship. My mind keeps tripping over my thoughts as I get ready for the evening.
“I have some new looks for you,” Ashley says, bringing me out of my thoughts. She hands me a binder as I sit at the vanity in my robe. I take it from her and start to flip through. “Here, I made a book for you to look through. You can pick which you want to try first. It’s mostly hair and makeup for now. I was thinking I can come in during the week to get pictures of your wardrobe, that way you can mix and match to your liking, and I’ll know what you want to do when I arrive.”
“This is a great idea,” I reply. “I like this one for tonight.”
I hand the book back as she continues to go on and on about different looks she wants to try with me, but I’m stuck in my head. I get ready on autopilot and remain that way well into the evening.
