Page 28 of Deeper

“Why?”

“My best friend was the reason I came out. She’d hate me forever if she knew.”

“I’m not looking to broadcast Sunday evening or tonight. Nobody has to know.” It was in this statement that made me question the status of his feelings for Jolene Jones. If he were using this,me, to get back at her.

But then I told myself this was for his privacy, and my own good, because the media would be relentless.

“Zander…” Why was I hesitating? It should’ve been an easy no, but mistake or not, I couldn’t deny how much I liked it, how much I enjoyed sleeping with him. How much a major part of me wanted to do it again.

“Are you going to make me beg you to come fuck me, Bianka?”

“Wouldn’t hurt for you to try.”

“Ineedyou and I can’t stand it.” His tone was soft, low, vulnerable, all the things causing me to throb with want.

Maybe it was the fact that I was fresh and raw from a visit with my father, or maybe it was the fact that I, too, was alone that night, because for some reason, I caved. I’d like to think it was his accent, the needy, husky sound of his voice, and the fact I knew being in bed with him would make me feel good, better.

“I’m on my way, but first I gotta make a pit stop,” I said.

“The code for the elevator is4443. Will you be taking an Uber?”

“Yes, and I’ll pay my own way.”

Zander sighed. “You’re killin’ me.”

“That’s the plan.”

“What?”

My response was a laugh before I hung up.

This was wild. But for the first time in a long time, I felt excited. No one had to know, and unlike those clout-chasing individuals online, I had no desire to acquire fame or money from Zander.

After running a quick errand, I came home to shower. At least I was about to. Upon pulling back the gray and blue shower curtain, I found pieces of plaster in the tub. A look up saw that the aging brown spot on my ceiling was now a tiny hole where bits of the ceiling fell.

“You gotta be fucking kidding me.” If it wasn’t one thing, it was another.

I cleaned the ceiling pieces and carefully took a shower. As soon as I was out, I grabbed my phone and put in a maintenance request, reluctantly checking the box that allowed them to enter my apartment with their key since I’d be out.

It was yet another sign to leave, to go out and do something to make me feel good. After my shitty week, I deserved it.

And so, I did it. I caught an Uber to The Residence Hotel. The scene of the crime.

Inside, I walked with my head held high over to the private array of elevators. There was no lingering about in the lobby second-guessing this whole thing. There was no questioning it. I was on a mission.

When I reached the top floor, I felt butterflies in my belly as I climbed off the lift. Each step towards Zander’s room felt heavier than the first. This was what one would call a liaison. An illicit affair. And I was appropriately dressed for the part.

I took a deep breath and released it before knocking on the door and sending anI’m heretext.

Zander was eager to see me, because he was quick to answer the door.

Oh wow.

He was standing there in front of me sporting a dark green sweatshirt and black track pants. What caught my eye were the silver frames on his face. It was too much. He was already fine, but the spectacles took it to another level. He was on some otherworldly shit now.

Zander examined my attire. “What have we here?”

I twirled the belt to my trench coat. “Figured I’d stop and get something for your eyes only.”

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