Page 263 of The Perfect Spiral
“Alright, alright!” I cut him off, laughing at his rambling.
“You had everyone’s attention in that church when you walked down the aisle today. Would you maybe want to go to dinner sometime? Like when I’m in Cali or when you’re in New York?”
“Could we keep things casual? I know you’ve mentioned you’re not ready for anything serious,” I hear him say, as Astrid S’s latest track, ‘Does She Know,’ fills the room. We’re all slow dancing, swaying to the rhythm of the music.
“Sure, sounds like fun,” I respond, resting my chin on my hand that’s draped over Caleb’s shoulder as we dance.
My gaze drifts across the room, landing on Knox, who’s been saddled with the task of dancing with Lauren. Our eyes meet, and the lyrics of the song seem to echo around us, as if we’re the only ones in the room.
“I’d love to, but I’d be tempted to do something with you, Alex. So, I’m going to kiss you goodnight, if that’s okay with you?” I lean against the door, inviting him to lean in and brush his lips against mine.
“Baby doll, you forgot your purse,” Knox interrupts, and I can’t help but groan. Why does he always have to interrupt us when we’re kissing? Caleb’s a good kisser. As Knox approaches, he hands over my clutch, which I accept.
“Goodnight, Alex! See you tomorrow.” Caleb kisses me once more before leaving me alone in the corridor with Knox. He stands there, watching Caleb’s retreating figure with a look of annoyance.
I notice the tension in his neck, the clenched jaw, and the furrowed brow he’s wearing.
“What did I tell you about Caleb?” He snaps his head back to me, and I can’t help but laugh, swaying backward and holding onto the door to steady myself. I find it amusing that he’s pretending to care. He doesn’t.
“Why are you laughing?” he asks, his tone laced with anger.
I don’t respond, just stare at him. His eyes scan my face, searching for some hint of emotion.
“Stop pretending like you care, Carter. Go back to your old ways; sleeping with girls and then dumping them. It’s what you’re good at. Just leave me out of it.”
I slip into the penthouse, letting the weight of the door close it behind me.
After removing my makeup and the pins from my hair, I slide into the cold sheets of the freshly made bed. I find a comfortable spot and plug in my phone. Just as I’m about to lay down, my phone buzzes in my hand.
I roll my eyes and turn away from my phone. I try to fall asleep, but I keep turning back to read the texts he’s sent me in the past.I feel pathetic, but I can’t help but read through them from time to time.
I imagine his voice saying the messages to me. Sometimes, I do it with new messages too. I think it’s a comforting thing. I’m lonely, I know. I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.
Chapter 95
“Sweetheart!... Sweetheart! Wake up!... Alex!”
Am I dreaming about him again? I open my eyes to find him standing at the foot of the bed, tapping my foot. He’s wearing a black t-shirt and red shorts, topped off with a matching red baseball cap.
I rub my eyes, making sure this isn’t a dream. I roll over and check the time—4:22 am—and see a string of messages from Knox asking if I’m awake.
I blink rapidly, trying to adjust my eyes to the light. The darkness of the room is a stark contrast to the brightly lit screen, making it difficult to adjust.
“Sweetheart, get up. Get dressed,” he whispers again, trying to get my attention.
So, this is real? What is he doing here? Why is he here? Why is he so annoying?
“Who the hell let you in?” I grumble, prying my eyes open with my fingers to send him a much-needed glare. I’m so tired right now, I don’t need this.
He needs to leave me and my beauty sleep alone. If not, I’ll look like a demon. And nobody wants that. I push myself up off the bed, looking over at his tall, well-built frame.
“Your mom kindly did. Come on, get dressed,” he says, pulling the covers off me to expose my bare legs, now prickled with goosebumps. He’s getting on my last nerve.
“Knox, what the hell? It’s 4:22 am! Fuck off and let me sleep! My mom shouldn’t have let your ass in, especially not in the room where I sleep! Get out and let me continue to sleep. You know the way out.”
I point to the door and let my eyes drift closed. I slam my body back onto the mattress and cuddle back up, pulling the covers up to regain some warmth.
After a few silent moments, I feel two arms pick me up and hoist me over a solid shoulder. He walks me over to my suitcase and picks out clothes for me.
