The next day he was hungover, and that’s not a conversation for someone who’s battling a headache and a queasy stomach. I didn’t want to talk about it any day after work either. I just feel like we’re going to want some time. In my mind, I tell him how I feel, and he kisses the breath from my lungs, and we make love for hours. I need my confession to come on a day when we have hours for that to happen.
Then there’s the possibility that he’s not feeling the way that I am, and I’ll need some time to get my emotions in order before going back to work the following week. I know I’m overthinking this, and when he hears about why I waited, he’ll tell me so, but that’s how I see it playing out. It’s the plan that’s been in my head for a couple of weeks now, and it’s stuck. So, yeah, I’m avoiding him today because of my interview, and I want more time when we finally sit down and talk. I can’t hold it in any longer.
The next time I see him when it’s just us, I’m going to spill my guts, so it’s a busy schedule of avoidance until then. Even as I think it, I know it’s silly, but I’m rolling with it.
“We’ll see how late it is.”
“Alyssa.” There’s a warning in his tone. Not a mean warning, but a “don’t be stubborn” warning.
“Sterling.” I toss his tone right back at him.
“I miss you.”
His words hit me in the chest. “I miss you too. I’ll for sure be there for Sunday dinner at your parents’ place.”
“Fine,” he grumbles.
“I need to go so I can finish getting ready.”
“What time are you leaving?”
“In about twenty minutes.”
“All right. Text me when you get there.”
“Will do.” I end the call and head back to the bathroom to finish getting ready. I barely make it ten steps before there’s a knock at the door. “Coming,” I call out. I have no idea who it could be, but I don’t have time for this. I need to get dressed. I’m in pajama shorts and a tank. I didn’t want to get makeup on my clothes. When I open the door, my mouth hangs open when I see Sterling standing there. “What are you doing here?”
“I was already in the truck on my way to pick up Blake for our breakfast date when you told me I wasn’t going to get to see you.”
I shake my head at this man. I love him with all that I am. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Keep me?” he asks, and there’s so much hope in his voice that I almost cave and tell him that’s exactly my plan. “Come here.” He hauls me into a hug.
“I’ll get makeup on you.” I try to push him away, but his strength outpowers me.
“Don’t give a fuck, baby.”
Baby.
His arms wrap around me, and I melt into his embrace. I part my lips to tell him everything when he pulls back. He leans down and kisses my cheek. “Be safe, and don’t forget to text me when you get there and when you’re on your way home.” He steps back. “You’re beautiful, Alyssa.”
I smile. “Thank you. Have fun with Blakely.”
He nods. “Have fun with your mom.” Guilt presses on my chest, but I maintain my smile and wave as if it’s not crushing me. Once he’s in his truck, I close the door and lock it. Why, I don’t know as he has a key, but I do it anyway.
Once I hear him pull out of the driveway, I rush to finish getting ready. On my way out the door, I call Kristy.
“Some of us get to sleep in on Saturdays,” she grumps.
“It’s eight thirty. That is sleeping in.”
“Ugh,” she groans, and I laugh. “Are you there yet?”
“No. I just left the house. But Sterling stopped by.”
“Did your man give you a quickie before your big interview to take care of your nerves?” She giggles.
“No. I almost caved and told him.”