Page 23 of The Prince and the Double Shot
Loving and then losing love was what was horrible. Love was complicated, and even though I had eschewed the hope of ever finding it, or, to be in a position where I could ever accept it, I knew that it could be worth it if I could just… If I would let my freedom go.
I tried to put thoughts of Phil aside. Maybe I would see him today, and that alone scared me as much as it excited me. I had to be careful, didn’t I? Not just with my own heart, but also with his. The one thing he didn’t need was to fall in love with a commoner, once again. He wanted his future, or at least appeared to. At least, he had a future, and I would not stand in his way.
But the pull towards him was… epic. In all these years, I had never found someone who made me want more than what I had. I was a barista at a hotel, and I liked my job. I liked the people who worked there and even most of the patrons. But a prince and a barista falling in love and having a happy ending was only a fantasy, wasn’t it? Reality was harsher than a Hallmark film.
I glanced out my window and double-checked that no one suspicious might be waiting outside my house. It was empty, just as it always was. I still walked quickly to my car.
My mind went through all the various scenarios of getting him naked as I drove. My cock pulsed as I imagined him lying naked in my bed as my fingers traced over his skin. If I held out my hand to him, I was sure that he would come, then cum, if that’s what I wanted.
I wanted. Why did I want it so badly? I could have almost anyone I wanted – when I wanted, so why him and why now? Fuck…
I parked my car and headed around to the back of the hotel.
Yes, I was looking for him, and I knew it was foolish.
I was a fool.
What was I risking in seeing him again? Everything. Yet gravity wanted me to stay in his orbit, and I didn’t have the strength to pull myself away.
I saw Layla sitting on a bench underneath a tree. I waved, and she called me over with her usual motherly smile. The way she treated her staff made us all feel like we belonged. Our past belonged to us, and neither she nor Sheena dug too deep. As long as we did our job and weren’t too much of an asshole, they took care of us.
Layla stood up and opened her arms. “Good morning, sleepyhead. I was just thinking about you.”
“Why?” I chuckled as she gave me a hug. It felt nice and warm in her arms. Safe.
She let me go and sat back down. She patted the space beside her.
“I don’t know. I was looking over the list of staff that responded and didn’t see your name.”
“I was supposed to respond? What… uh… are you talking about?”
“The ball. The renovation of the wing is being completed. I know it’s a little ways away, but we’re really trying to get a head count, and…”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I chuckled. “I missed something, I guess.”
“Always, Zane. You really should read your emails or look at the stuff we post by the time clock. I mean, there are postersup in the lobby. Your head is always in the clouds, even if it’s actually in the sand.”
“A ball? I mean… That sounds like something that I might skip.” I frowned.
“What if I don’t let you? Come on, honey, this is a family event. I know you don’t… I want you there, ok? It wouldn’t be right if everyone came but you. Should I put you down with a plus one?”
“Ah… I see where this is going. You and Sheena sure do like to meddle.”
“When you see someone struggling to not get pulled into theground, you throw them a rope.”
“Uh-huh… Can I think about it?”
“You are in charge of your own destiny, kiddo. But I do want you there. Do it for me, even if you don’t want to do it for yourself.”
“I promise to look at the… whatever is posted. Ok?”
“I guess that’s all I can ask. Are you looking for Phil?” Her wry smile made me glance down at the ground to hide my own. Layla always knew the truth, even when you thought she didn’t.
“I mean, I was going to work and decided to walk through the grounds today.”
“You are a terrible liar, kiddo. He’s on break, I think.”
“I guess I'd better get in there before Mateo kills me for being late.”
