Marrying Mr. Wrong (Dirty Martini Running Club #3) - Claire Kingsley Page 0,59
had.
But he’d been one room away, and I hadn’t been able to resist.
I knew one thing for sure. We definitely hadn’t slept together in Vegas. I would have felt him in the morning, like I still felt him now. The pleasantly warm ache between my legs was a visceral memory of all things Cox. And I certainly hadn’t felt this way when I’d woken up at the Bellagio.
It was a relief to finally be sure.
The shower turned off. I poured hot water over a tea bag, wondering what happened now. I had so many feelings about going back to my apartment. I didn’t feel safe there anymore. But would Cox mind if I stayed? And if I did, where would I sleep? Would last night happen again?
This whole temporary marriage thing had gotten complicated.
Cox came out, his hair still damp from the shower, a towel wrapped low around his hips. The little smile on his lips made my heart skip.
“Finding everything you need?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m just making some tea.”
“I’ve got plenty of that. Oliver keeps buying more so he can see his tea shop girl.”
I laughed softly, dunking my tea bag a few times. “That’s so cute.”
“You’re cute, sugar bug.” He moved in closer and fingered one of my curls while his other hand slid around my waist. “I have a standing golf date with my mom today, then I have a flight to catch. I have to be in Houston all week. But first, we should run to your apartment and pick up a few things. As much as I like the way you look in my t-shirt, you probably want some clothes.”
“So you’re not planning to just drop me off at home?” I was half-teasing, but my heart did a hopeful little dance. Please say you want me to stay.
“You’re not staying in that apartment if I have anything to say about it.” He let go of one of my curls and it bounced against my neck. “My offer of a hotel room stands if that’s what you want. But I’d rather have you here.”
I smiled. “Then I’d love to stay. But are you sure you don’t mind me being here while you’re gone?”
“Of course not. Make yourself at home. I’ll be back Friday, and if you need anything in the meantime, just give Oliver a call. He’ll fix you right up.”
“Thanks. I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m having brunch with my friend Nora today, so I’ll probably go straight there from my apartment.”
He leaned in and planted a few kisses around my ear and down my neck. “Sounds good, sugar. I’ll get dressed and we can head over.”
“Thank you. Really. For everything.”
He met my eyes and the corner of his mouth lifted. “It’s my pleasure.”
We both got dressed, then drove over to my apartment. The mess wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. The worst was the overturned bookshelf, and I tried not to think about how antique music box repair wasn’t exactly in my budget right now. A lamp in the bedroom was broken, but it was a cheap one I’d bought at a yard sale—easy enough to replace. Nothing else was damaged, just messy.
Cox helped me pick up and I packed some things to take to his place. I wasn’t sure how long I’d stay, so I stuffed a bit of everything into my bags. Work outfits, casual clothes, my running shoes. He insisted on taking it with him so he could bring it in the house for me, since he had to leave on a business trip in the afternoon. I gratefully accepted his help.
Since I was meeting Nora soon, I put on clean clothes and left straight from my apartment. I got to the restaurant and found parking not just on time, but early, thank you very much. Pausing, I gave my reflection in the window of the shop next door an air high five. A second too late, I realized there was a woman standing in the shop, just on the other side of the glass. She looked confused but raised her hand in a little wave, like she thought I’d waved at her but wasn’t sure why.
With a wince, I wiggled my fingers at her and moved on. Oops. That was awkward.
My phone buzzed with a text, so I got it out to check.
Cox: I have regrets.
I drew in a quick breath, my heart suddenly racing. He had regrets? About last night? About me staying with him?