Page 166 of EX

So, what, I now live my life based on hope?

Fuck hope, I want to be tied to a bed and fucked mercifully by Corbin.

Saturday

I can’t stand being alone anymore.

I don’t want to be near anyone either.

I end going to a bar and sitting alone.

The chatter of others gives me a sense of peace and belonging.

I use a bar napkin to sketch some ideas for a bakery logo.

Corbin’s lawyer showed up to the hotel with a huge bag full of cash for me.

I didn’t ask questions and I’m pretty sure even if I did, Corbin’s lawyer wouldn’t have had answers.

I have the chance now to start a bakery and start a life for me.

For myself.

An opportunity that just seems so—

“I know you probably want to be alone for the night,” a voice says from next to me, “but I cannot let the night go by without at least talking to you.”

I turn my head and lock eyes with bright, blue eyes.

A subtle smirk. Flirty smile.

“Tell me to walk away and I’m gone,” he says. “If not, I’m going to park myself right here for the rest of the night. Get to know you. Buy you a drink or two. I’ll have to make sure you get home safely too. That okay with you?”

Without thinking, I kick the barstool next to me.

His name is Steven. He owns a construction business.

We drink, laugh, and at the end of the night he slips me his number and a kiss on the cheek.

The gentleman he is, he makes sure I get back to my hotel.

He doesn’t try to work his way into the room or into my panties either.

I end up collapsing to my bed and sleeping with my clothes on in a weird position and angle.

The best night of sleep I’ve had in a while.

Sunday

I situp in my bed and stare at my phone.

I have Steven’s number programmed in with a text message ready to send.

I know how this is going to go.

What one text does.

He’ll respond fast and want to see me again.