Page 37 of With Wine Comes War

“Do you need to go to the gym? It’s a little late, at this point, for you I’m guessing.” I asked as I plated up the pancakes trying to be as normal as possible in this very delicate situation. I figured that was her real love language right now.

“I may go later to swim or just sit in the sauna.” She was still talking to the kitchen island instead of me.

“Do you want to stay here? The hot tub would work wonders for your muscles.” She scrunched up her face. I know I was pushing it with her, but I didn’t care. I put the plate down in front of her andturned back around to refill my coffee and put some pancakes on my plate.

“I don’t have any clothes. I’d at least need to go home and change.”

This is both good and surprising. I wish I didn’t have to work today but I could come up for lunch. Maybe she can stay another night. I don’t want to push my luck any further, but, fuck, who am I kidding? I wanted to go to sleep and wake up next to this woman every day.I’m going to fuck this up.

After breakfast I got dressed for work and drove her to her place to get some clothes. I felt victorious -- almost.

***

ALEX

Sexy as hell and he can cook, I thought as I peered up to watch him. I feel so dumb not wanting to be with this guy but that’s not really the issue. The thought that things have just shifted back to normal are my real issue. I had a good dream last night. I should take that as a small win but what if it changes again tomorrow? Agreeing to stay here again is probably a bad decision– why am I screwing with both our heads like this?

One more day won’t hurt, right? It can only help make my decision about us clearer, right?This is helping.Isn’t it?

Well, tomorrow is another MMA training then a fun night out with the work crew. I don’t know if I’m ready for the club scene, but I really need to hang out with my friends. I need to get back to a normal routine and Roman won’t be around to distract me. Just Shay and the boys. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the place we’re going. Mainly because my ex likes to hang out there and since Matt and Jackno longer speak to him, I wouldn’t know if he were going to be there or not and running into him unexpectedly would not be something I’m interested in and that puts my nerves on edge a bit also.

As soon as Roman went to shower and get dressed, I used his absence to clean the kitchen to take my mind off my ex.

Are you fucking kidding me?I almost dropped my phone as I checked my messages. Don’t tell me that asshole ex and I are now connected mentally too? Delete, Delete, Delete…Ugh,

LUKE: “Hey gorgeous. How are you? Your family wouldn’t let me see you at the hospital.”

ME: “Can you blame them?”

LUKE: “I was hoping we could talk.”

Oh no! No more talking, not to Roman and not to him.

ME: “Nope, not a good idea. Doubt there will ever be enough time behind me to talk to you again.”

LUKE: “Alex, that’s not very nice. It sounds like you could use someone to take care of you. Heard you quit your job. You’re not homeless or anything are you? I’d hate to see you living on the street because you lost your mind over this.”

ME: “Bye Luke.”

I threw my phone at my purse with a muted grunt and closed my eyes clenching my fists. I opened them slowly as Roman was walking towards me from the hallway. Damn he’s gorgeous, I smiled automatically as feelings of warmth and familiarity started to take over. I take him all in from head to toe. That five o’clock shadow along with his tall lean muscular body covered in a perfectly tailored suit. My head tilts to the side as my tongue swipes my top lip and I realize I’m staring when he cleared his throat, snapping me out of my daze.

“What’s wrong, why did you just throw your phone?” His dazzling smile was now holding me captive, and I lost my train of thought.

“I’m sorry, what?” This is going to be a long day.

“Just wondering if your phone had done something.” He pointed to my phone sitting on my purse and I remembered Luke’s texts.

“It was my ex.” I let out an exasperated sigh.

“What was your ex?” For once I couldn’t tell if he was being coy or if he was being genuine with that question.

“My ex texted. He wants to talk.” He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, tipping his head as if to nod but I could tell he wasn’t too happy about that.

“Oh.” Was all he said. I was surprised he didn’t ask for more information.

“Okay, well I guess I’m ready. It’ll only take me a minute to get some things. Are you sure I can’t just get an Uber and drive myself back?” I hated not having my car. I liked having the escape plan.

“I actually like this little bit of control you’re allowing me to have. It makes me feel good to take care of you. Trust me I know you can take care of yourself, it’s just a guy thing, or my thing.” He said control, now I’m starting to get nervous. and Luke used to say the same thing.

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