I was tired, sore, and so very confused about Alec and our night together. Part of me wanted to rush back to him, but a larger part of me wanted to run away forever. I decided I’d set an alarm for six o’clock and figure it out then; it was already almost noon. I set my phone down and reached for the old-school alarm clock I used because I liked to turn off technology and shut out the world.
As soon as it was set, I passed out. I didn’t wake up until there was a knock on my door.
“We ordered Chinese,” Avery said softly while opening the door to my little nook.
“Huh?” I rolled over and barely peeled open my eyes.
“Maddy and I thought you might be hungry. It’s like nine.” She was sweet and quiet. “You must have had some night last night.”
I was sore and ached all over. Shit, then I remembered Alec. He must have been trying to call. Well, I had an excuse, he wrecked me.
“I think I’m too tired to eat.” I closed my eyes again.
“Okay, we got you some hot green beans and kung pao chicken. I’ll just leave it in the fridge, and you can nuke it when you wake up in the middle of the night rarin’ to go.”
I tried to look at her, but everything hurt.
“I love you,” I sang in a sleepy tone.
“You better,” was all she said as she shut the door.
The next time I woke up, it was another knock, but this one was more distant and a lot less sweet.
“Is Kylie here?” I heard faintly in the distance.
“She’s asleep.” Madison was in bulldog mode. “She’ll call you later, Alec.”
Somehow, I knew he would find my address and come over, but I trusted my girls to keep him away. Though I was worried he’d barge in on me, I knew Avery and Madison would call the cops if he set one foot inside our loft.
“I’ve been calling all day. She missed our date. I need to talk to her.” He seemed extremely irritated but still polite.
“Whatever you did to her last night was enough. I’m sure she’ll call you later. Have a good night.” The creaking door was about to close when I heard Alec again.
“I’ll come in and wait for her …” His dominant voice sent chills down my spine.
“No, she’ll call you when she wakes up.” Madison then slammed the door.
My heart fell a little, but it was for the best. Getting involved with Alec was too dangerous. I couldn’t sleep anymore, but I didn’t want to get out of bed. Instead, I fired up my phone to face the horror that must have unfolded over the course of the day.
12 text messages and 41 missed calls. Alec
I hope you are able to get some rest – Alec
I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re driving me nuts. Call me.
Chez Blanc is ready. Where are you?
Are you okay?
I’m getting worried.
I hope you’re either still at your shoot or asleep.
I called your modeling agency; you didn’t have a photoshoot today.
We need to talk
Kylie Morgan Konslavsky, I have your address
I’m coming over
I’m at your door
Your roommate just kicked me out, so I’m leaving. Call me if you’re interested in more of what we shared last night. I know I said I only want one night, but I haven’t had enough of you.
Text me anytime tonight. If I don’t hear from you … I won’t be texting again.
It took every ounce of my willpower not to call him. I read and reread his texts over and over again. I wanted to just call back and tell him he’d wrung me out, but I was ready for more of his crazy intensity. Already after one night, I was hooked. I decided the best plan of action would be to just not respond and let it all drift away. Sad and disappointed with life, I crawled into the shower on the second floor and tried to revive myself. It was ten, and I could hear the TV downstairs; the girls were binge-watching The Office.
All I wanted to do was join them, scarf my Chinese food, and forget Alec Blair. I crawled into the shower, and the hot water felt good on my tired ravaged body. I stayed there until the water went cold. Of course, our ancient upstairs shower was nothing like the bathroom at Alec’s place, but I didn’t care. I was so happy to be in my own space, safe from the chaotic feelings Alec created in me. As I stepped out of the shower, dried off, and put on cozy clothes, I saw it. Next to my toothbrush holder and a full glass of water was a birth control pill. I remembered it was Valentine’s Day. I was going to take myself out that day. I had a casting call and a meeting with my manager, and I had to pretend I was going to the party—somewhere in all of that running around I had forgotten to take my pill, which made the third time that week.