Page 5 of The Weight Of Falling
But what sticks like cement in my memory is Bobby’s offhand comment that I was too boring for him and he wanted more excitement out of our relationship.
Although he hadn’t meant to be cruel, the words had hurt. They still hurt. But the way Bobby’s currently looking at me, he seems to have forgotten his previous verdict of me as boring.
I’m suddenly overwhelmed by a raw need for connection. Even if it’s with an old boyfriend. Actually, it’s probably better that it’s Bobby. I’ve kissed him before. Many times. We can indulge in a nostalgic kissing session that I know won’t lead anywhere, but that will help me feel desired, if only for a little while.
“Where?” I ask in a whisper.
His brown eyes light up in approval. “How about the storeroom?” he proposes.
I know the storeroom he’s referring to. I’ve attended a few conferences at Brown Oaks Hotel and every resident knows that the small storeroom—which also doubles as a luggage room—is never locked. I’d snuck in there a couple of times with Sofia and Tess when a presentation went on too long and we needed an escape.
What Bobby’s proposing sounds clandestine and adventurous. The champagne fizzing through my veins likes it.In all honesty, this is as daring as it’s going to get for me. Shy, insecure, good girl Kenzie is now off duty.
“The storeroom sounds good,” I tell him.
“We probably shouldn’t go in there together,” Bobby says. “How about you go first? I’ll head to the restroom, wait a couple of minutes, and then meet you there.”
“Okay.”
With nervous anticipation winding through me, I find myself walking down the long, empty hallway, turning the corner, and then slipping into the storeroom.
2
I close the door behind me and switch on the light. It’s a small storeroom, but not tiny. Cleaning supplies fill the shelves. There’s no window. Nerves invade my stomach. I lean my back against the door and close my eyes for a second. Am I making a mistake? What if I feel worse afterward?
But I don’t want to worry about afterward. Not when I’m feeling lonelynow.
The room sways a little. Maybe I’m tipsier than I thought.
In an effort to dislodge the sliver of doubt that’s crept in, I take a deep, calming breath and remind myself that Bobby is attractive and fun and we like each other. I’ve stayed on friendly terms with all my old boyfriends. A few of them have even asked me for dating advice and I’m happy to help.
Anyway, it’s not as if Bobby and I haven’t kissed before. Admittedly, those kisses were nice, but they didn’t set me on fire. Maybe we’ve both learned a thing or two in the two months we’ve been apart.
Wait. What if someone walks in? I straighten, nervously chewing my lip. Perhaps I should turn the light off. That way, if someone does open the door, the darkness might give Bobby and me a couple of seconds to compose ourselves. Excitement filters through my veins. I’m proud of myself for embracing the whole cloak-and-dagger aspect of this encounter.
It’s also easier to be brave in the dark since a part of me is afraid I’ll chicken out.
I switch off the light and take a step back.
Inky blackness engulfs me.
Wow, it’s dark. Like really, really dark. I can barely see my hand in front of my face.
Suddenly, this feels like a bad idea. I’m about to flip the light back on when the door abruptly opens and a tall form slips inside. The door is quickly closed.
Well, Bobby didn’t waste any time.
Taking it as a sign not to switch the light on, I square my shoulders. This is the moment for New Adventurous Kenzie to shine.
“Hey, you,” I murmur.
I hear a sharp intake of breath. “What—” His voice sounds deeper than usual.
I don’t allow Bobby to finish. Instead, like I’m metaphorically seizing the moment, I reach out to where I think he’s standing and grab his shirt. I curl my fingers into the soft fabric and pull him closer.
“Uh...”
The surprise in his voice has satisfaction ghosting through me. Bobby hasn’t seen this side of me before. Come to think of it,Ihaven’t either. My only wish is that he’d stop trying to start a conversation. We have limited time here.
