Page 86 of Moonstruck at Midnight
I hated it when I saw him parading himself through the lobby with other girls, which was more often than I would prefer. I needed to sit down. I was drained—physically and emotionally. It’d been the longest day.
“I told you I’m not a liar. And no, I don’t bring girlshere. It’s too far away.” He teased, which meant he was telling the truth, but it was still aninfuriatinganswer.
I grabbed one of the throw pillows and did justice to their name, but he caught it mid-air. “Today was convenient, though, since you brought yourself here.” He stretched the joke. The second pillow I threw at him connected perfectly on his forehead.
I wanted to change the subject. No more talking about girls or having him come at me. It was complicated, and I felt like the worst person as I remembered I had just broken up with Thomas a few hours ago.
I was pretty sure Thomas wanted to talk to me again. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I knew him too well to know that. Although I found it hard to believe I could get back together with him. It was too complicated. Too exhausting.
“So, why do you get the coolest room in the house? Are you like the favorite son or something?” I asked humorously.
“Um—this is actuallymyhouse,” he replied coyly. It was the first time I’ve ever seen this type of reaction coming out of him. Almost humble.
“What do you mean? Your house as in—yours?” He found my query amusing.
“Yeah, I mean, Iboughtit, but it’s for the family to use, of course.”
What!
WILLIAMWASBEING MODEST.
“Aren’t you like 26 years old? You must be one hell of a chef.” Maybe he was afamouschef. Like a TV chef, or something. I wouldn’t be surprised by my unawareness.
“Well, that’s because I’mnota chef, and that’s strike one. You get two more strikes, and when you fail, which you will, I’m taking you out on a proper date.”
A bet. A date. I tried swallowing, but my throat had gone dry. I gawked at him instead, playing along to the game he proposed. “How are you so sure I won’t get it right? What do I get ifIwin?”
“I’ll give you the keys to my car,” he said, almost celebrating his imminent victory.
“So cocky,” I replied, squinting my eyes at him. “No guy would give up his car. You really don’t think I can win this.” I didn’t know what else to guess. I’d been one-hundred percent positive he was a chef. But now, he could be anything!
I knew I was probably losing, but I wanted to win. Not to win his car, of course, I would never accept it. But to have the satisfaction of proving him wrong. “I barely use the car anyway.”
Perhaps if I was more observant, I could have a fighting chance at winning. But William didn’t think so. “You’ll end up going on this date with me. Just let that sink in for a minute. And no cheating,” he added, pinching my waist. I let out a small cry. “No googling. No Facebooking. Let’s keep this clean—no asking around my brothers or Lily, either.”
“I don’t have Facebook.” I shrugged. I wasn’t allowed to, not that it sparked much interest, anyway. I’d probably have like five friends in there. I don’t think that would classify as abookwith the required amount offaces.
“This is going to be fun,” he replied excitedly, jumping back into the big gray puff, rubbing his palms against each other. “This is my happy place.” He placed both hands behind his neck and shut his eyes for a few seconds, allowing himself to relax.
“Do you come here often?” I asked.
“Yeah, but not as much as I’d like to. I wish I had more time. There are moments when I’m traveling too much. It’s exhausting. I don’t know how to stop.”
“Hmm … So, where do you usually travel to?” I asked, trying to sound naive.
“I see what you’re trying to do. Stop digging for clues.” He laughed. “Let’s change the subject. I was thinking if … you’d like to sleep here tonight.”
I froze.
“Um—what do you mean like …”
He flashed a flirty smile at me, enjoying the sight of me thinking about what to say to his proposal. “What I meant wasyoushould sleephere, and I’ll sleep downstairs in the guest room. I want you to wake up and see the view. You’ll love it. Plus, this bed is just the best bed ever.”
“Oh. I can’t. I mean, this is your—”
“I insist.”
I pressed my lips together and took a deep breath through my nose. How could I refuse that face? I accepted his offer under one condition: that he let me borrow his phone. I needed to call Aaron immediately to let him know what happened to my cell phone. If I called Caleb, I knew I would get scolded, and I didn’t know his number by memory. Aaron’s number was easier. He was easier.
