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As I read, I wondered if these stories she made up in her head were what she longed for in her own life. I didn’t let myself believe they were inspired by her own relationships because my jealousy would get the best of me. Especially in the parts she wrote about sex. I was surprised and completely sucked in by a few raunchy scenes in her novel. I didn’t know reading could get me aroused, but I was turned on knowing her mind worked that way. I imagined it was us as I read her filthy words on the page.
There were certainly a few scenes that I would like to reenact with her. I paid particular attention to how she portrayed the male seducing the female lead. I wondered if that was what she wanted. If that was how she wanted to be seduced. I reread those pages several times, making a few mental notes.
By Sunday evening, I had finished her novel. I had never read a book that fast, but it was so enjoyable, I could hardly put it down. The only thing that threw me off was the ending. The couple didn’t end up together. I figured most romance novels had happy endings, but I liked the unexpectedness of it. It was different. Though it wasn’t the ending I wanted for us.
Despite the novel not having a happy ending, I was determined to have mine. Ours. A plan began to form in my head. I just hoped it would work.
Chapter 39
Monica
“Ican’t believe that awful woman was at his place,” said Heart as she sipped on her vanilla latte and bounced Bridgette on her knee.
We were at the coffee shop where I usually picked up Troy’s coffee each morning. She had met me early before work on Monday to catch up. I needed it after a weekend of being in emotional turmoil over my feelings for Troy. Maybe I should have just quit when I had intended to. Then the touch at the conference would have never happened and my feelings wouldn’t have gotten even more jumbled.
“I’m still trying to forget it…” I muttered as a flash of Veronica’s perfect body popped into my brain.
“Do you believe him? About her being…you know…” Heart twirled her finger by her ear.
I hesitated before letting out a long sigh. I somehow did believe him when he said that Veronica was borderline stalking him. That something was off with her. I knew I probably looked stupid for it. Desperate. But I couldn’t help it. He seemed so worked up about it.
Still, I couldn’t come up with an explanation as to why she was at his apartment in the first place. It seemed like there was unfinished business there. I just hated that he had brought me into his life when she was still in the picture.
“I don’t know. I probably shouldn’t, but after what I’ve been through with my own stalker…”
Heart nodded understandingly. “You know how it is. If he is telling the truth, I feel bad for the guy.”
“That’s a bigif,” I said softly.
“Poor Troy. Poor you.”
“I tried to quit, you know.”
“Really?” asked Heart in surprise.
“Mhmm. Friday morning. I had my resignation letter and everything.”
“What happened?”
“I couldn’t go through with it.” I sighed. “You should have seen him. He was desperate for me to stay. Said he couldn’t do any of this without me.”
“Work or life?” Heart raised a questioning brow.
“I don’t know…both maybe. He just looked so sad, I couldn’t go through with it.” My face dropped at the memory of his green eyes pleading with me. “I don’t think I’m ready to let him go yet either.”
Heart leaned back in the booth and looked at me.
“Phew. Girl. I do not envy you. When Daniel referred you for this job, I had no idea it would turn into all this.” She waved her hand in a circular motion, while Bridgette giggled trying to catch it. I smiled warmly at her. Only she could cheer me up.
“Don’t ever date a billionaire, okay?” I leaned into Bridgette, nuzzling her rosy cheek.
“Bi-lli,” she babbled. “Bi-lli.”
“Hey, Dada’s not so bad,” said Heart with a laugh.
I smiled. Daniel had really turned everything around, after his and Heart’s own rocky start. It was hard not to be hopeful for Troy and me, even though I doubted lightning would strike twice. They were a rare exception. Thank God though, because then I wouldn’t have Bridgette in my life. I gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek before checking the time.
“I should probably get going,” I said regretfully, knowing what I soon had to face. Another day with Troy, pretending he wasn’t all I ever thought about.