Page 44 of Off Script
The next morning, as the first rays of sunshine begin to peer through my windows, I awaken gradually. It takes a few moments to remember the events of the previous evening, but it all comes back to me when I feel Carlisle’s lithe body fitted against mine. Her back is nestled firmly against my chest while my arm is draped over her hip.
I want to stay in bed all day with her, warm and happy in this little cocoon.
But I can’t. Her body pressed against mine has me thinking dirty thoughts and my dick begins twitching… directly against the curve of her ass.That’s not awkward. Groaning softly, I roll away from her, trying my best not to disturb her.
I knew it would be difficult to take it slowly between us, but I didn’t think it would be this hard.Literally, I think, as I look down at the impressive tent in my pajama pants.
Instead of acting on the fantasies filling my head, I get out of bed and head downstairs.
As I’m sautéing spinach, onions, and mushrooms for egg white omelets, Jo waltzes into the kitchen holding a drink carrier full of coffees.
“Morning, boss. Since you’re whistling, and you don’t whistle, and you had me buy a ton of different types of coffees, I’m going to assumeyou have a girl upstairs.” She rolls her eyes at me. “And that you don’t know how she likes her coffee.”
“Gold star for you, JoJo. Want an omelet?” I offer as a reward for picking up the coffees for me.
Walking to the stove, Jo peers over my shoulder at the contents of the sauté pan and scrunches up her nose in distaste. “Can you make me one that’s laden with cheese and bacon? Otherwise, I’ll pass.”
I turn my focus back to the pan. “Your loss.”
“Can we skip to the good part? Who’s the girl? Is it the one you had me run a background check on?” she yelps gleefully.
“Yeah, it’s Carlisle.”
“Good,” she nods. “I approve.”
“Wait, you do?”
Not that I’ve dated since Kelsey, but the few girls I have brought home for one-night stands never met with Jo’s approval. No real surprise there though, I guess.
"I do. Her background check came back this morning and it was clean. It'll take a little longer to get the more in-depth report from the private investigator. But so far, so good.”
A movement just outside the kitchen catches my eye.
“Shit,” I mutter. Tossing down the spatula, I stride into the hallway to catch up with Carlisle. I don’t know how much she heard of my conversation with Jo, but she obviously heard enough to be upset.
From the kitchen, I hear Jo holler, “Is now a good time to ask her to sign a nondisclosure agreement?”
“Not funny, Jo!” I mutter through clenched teeth. Carlisle’s back is to me, but I grab her arm and spin her towards me. “Wait. Carlisle, it’s not what you think.”
“I didn’t just hear that you had a private investigator run a background check on me? And there’s not another woman standing in your kitchen right now?”
Trying to make light of the situation, I remark with a nonchalant shrug and easy grin, “Okay, so it’s exactly what you think, but–”
“It’s not funny, Ben.” Her cutting glare burns me, and my smile slips from my lips. “Do you know how insulting and offensive that is? You had the gall to ask me to be patient getting to know you. To be satisfied with the little morsels of yourself that you would throw my way, but all the while, you knew everything about me?”
15
Carlisle
I’m embarrassed that Ben witnessed the aftermath of my breakdown yesterday. Ben swooped into my life last night to rescue me—when I was looking my worst and feeling my lowest. Then, when I thought it was impossible to feel any more vulnerable, I find out that Ben had a private investigator conduct a background check on me.
He’s been privy to the personal details of my life this whole time.
Heat floods my cheeks as my vulnerability gives way to rage.
I can’t believe Ben would do something so invasive. I can’t believe I made the mistake of trusting him.
When will I ever stop putting my trust in the wrong men?
