out of me. "The distance just didn't work. I guess we weren't MTB after all."
"MTB?"
"Oh, that's right! You were never a sixth-grade girl,” she giggles. “MTB stands for Meant To Be."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
That’s a lie. I'm not sorry to hear it. Not one damn bit, but with everything warring in my head right now, I need to get out of here. Knowing she is single, vulnerable, and looking like she does, has me entering a danger zone, and I know if I don't leave right now, I may lose all of the trust I have somehow earned from her.
I lamely look at my watch and say, "Olivia, I can't thank you enough for trusting me with your story and for sharing a glass of wine with me, but it is getting late, and we have to be up early to head down the coast so I'm going to turn in."
I make it to the door, and I don't look back when I open it and say goodnight over my shoulder, because if I see her standing there in those damn boxers and with those glasses on, I may not leave, and she may file a sexual harassment lawsuit with Rose in HR.
I hear her confused goodnight as the door closes behind me, and I feel like such a dick. She shares her story with me, and minutes later I bail. Who does that? Who leaves someone alone after that?
I never thought I’d be the type of guy to do something like that, but I had to get out of there. And quite frankly, I need a smoke. I'll beat myself up the rest of the night for not being stronger. For not being as strong as the woman on the other side of that door.
God, what a woman she is.
11
Olivia
Today has been perfect.
After he left my room so quickly last night, I wasn't sure what to think. Had I shared too much? Had I become a charity case to him now? I was playing out every scenario in my head and had myself all spun up.
I couldn't sleep, so I went to the hotel gym and ran a few miles. Exercise has always been my escape. I can turn off the outside world and be in my own head for an hour or two every day. When I feel strong, I feel like I can do anything. I need all the strength I can muster working for him.
Last night running and a hot shower were what it took to clear my head and for sleep to find me. I told myself when I woke up this morning if he was awkward after my little bit of share and tell last night, that was just fine with me. It meant things would stay professional and make it easier to avoid crossing any lines.
Much to my relief, he has been his usual charming self today. I still refuse to call him by his first name, and it still gets under his skin. It feels great. Yes, it frustrates him, but it also brings a sparkle to his steely blue eyes. He hates the game I'm playing, but I think he loves it all the same. There have been a couple of times when my stubbornness has almost backfired on me. All it takes is one of his adorable little head tilts, and I'm nearly brought to my knees.
During his presentation to the Historical Preservation Committee, he was nothing but serious and professional. Watching him work is like watching a flock of birds moving in time with each other. He's passionate about the project and knows it inside and out. This means he can swerve and adjust to any roadblock thrown in front of him. He has an answer to every question and his intelligence is undeniable.
There is something about this man when he has on a suit and tie. His demeanor changes. He doesn't smile as much; his posture is tighter and his words come out formal. From the outside looking in, you would think he was your typical uptight rich guy, but once that tie comes off or it's just the two of us in his office at work, he becomes the man I find myself becoming more and more attracted to. Here in this luxurious convertible, we've been cruising the coast in all day, and he couldn't be more casual and relaxed. He couldn't be more perfect.
After the breakfast meeting that he kicked much butt at, we spent