Page 80 of You're The One
He’s right. And I hate that he understands her well enough to see all of that. Did she open up to him the same way she did with me? I might know if I’d managed a rational conversation at the airport like I planned, instead of turning into a jealous asshole.
But then again, no regrets. Becausethatkiss…fuck.
I check the time on my watch and decide to cut my losses. He’s not going to fold. With a sigh, I hold out my hand, and he slaps the keycard into my palm.
“What floor is she on?” I call over my shoulder, heading for the elevators.
“Nope. Go to bed, Dominic.”
I don’t go to bed. Not really.
Instead, I toss and turn. I stare at the ceiling and try to make sense of a situation that no longer feels like the whirlwind romance I thought I’d signed up for or the game it has turned into.
The reality is somehow worseandbetter. Worse, because I’m supposed to be dating multiple women and only want one. Better, because I’ve foundthe oneI actually want more with. And maybe for the first time, I have someone I’m terrified to lose. Ican’tlose her.
The sun’s barely risen, and I’ve slept for what feels like forty-five minutes, when Bodhi wakes me up with the upcoming schedule.
“Emma is your first of the family dates. You guys are getting brunch in the hotel’s private garden space. Ten a.m. sharp.”
He flips the page on his clipboard. “Tomorrow, you’ll volunteer at the Lincoln Park Farmers Market for Hannah’s rescue event with Summer. Then dinner at Oriole. Thursday, you’ve got a river cruise with Victoria, and Friday, a private chef’s cooking dinner for your date with Mia at your place.” Bodhi finally stops, sounding winded.
Friday night’s the only date I care about.
The one I’ll be counting down to.
Mia.
Just like I guessed, they’ve scheduled her last. Which means nearly a week until I see her again.
It’s been less than twenty-four hours and… I miss her. I miss that raspy voice chirping at me first thing in the morning. I miss our beach walks, the little smile she tries to hide when I tease her.
“Sound good?” Bodhi’s voice cuts back in.
I nod and sip my Gatorade, already exhausted thinking about the next few days.
The knots in my stomach only tighten as the morning drags on. By the time I’m walking down to meet Emma for our date, they’re so tangled I’m worried about my ability to eat. That is, if they let us.
This feelswrong.
Emma is waiting in the lobby. She looks pretty. She always does. Tall, poised, that shy smile lifting her face the second I come into view.
“Morning.” She loops her arm through mine. “I’m so nervous to meet your family. I feel like this is where things get real.”
“Real” is the right word, though I’m pretty sure we mean twoverydifferent things.
Realannoying.
Realunnecessary.
Realfar from who I want.
There’s no doubt in my mind after yesterday’s kiss and last night’s restless sleep.
“Yeah.” I force a smile. “Don’t worry. It’s just my dad; he’s a big teddy bear. And my friend, Ryan, with his girlfriend, Hannah. They’re my family.”
“Oh.” Her brows pull together as she looks up at me. “Your mom won’t be joining us?”
“No.” I keep it short, not wanting to share the same details I shared with Mia. Emma must sense that and doesn’t push. I’m grateful. The last thing I need is to dredge up more emotional shit when I’m already sorting through enough as it is.
