Page 61 of Honey Bun
Maddie
Arman had to think I was hysterical and crazy. Blubbering and running away weren’t how I intended to end our amazing night. I needed to switch this around fast.
First, I changed out of the ball gown. I wasn’t comfortable in it. I found linen pants and a simple T-shirt in my size because, of course, the Norouzi family remembered small details. At least, Roxanne did.
He was from the best family. I rubbed my face. If I didn’t act fast, I would lose my opportunity to fix everything with the only man who’d made my heart stir.
I popped my head out to the living area, but the lights were out.Damn.He’d left. I tensed and grabbed my phone. Hopefully, his was on. I typed,Arman, can you meet me in the living room?
Then I closed my eyes and prayed. In meditation class, and every night when I closed my eyes, I wished he was near me.
When he walked toward me, my entire body lit up. I’d never been like this with anyone else. Fear held me back. I knew it, but I wasn’t sure what to do about it.
My phone beeped, and I opened my eyes. My heart leapt in my chest as I read,Let me get dressed.
My eyes misted, but I wouldn’t cry again. Maybe I wasn’t good enough for him, but that didn’t mean I should ruin our date. I rolled my shoulders back and rushed out of the bedroom.
Arman tugged a T-shirt over his body. “What’s going on?”
I wanted to wake up next to him. No, I wanted his arms holding me tight. I couldn’t say either without starting a fight. So I said, “I’m sorry. I’m know I’m acting like a crazy person.”
“It’s okay. I think you’ve been through a lot in your life. I know you need time.”
He had a sad smile. My heart hammered, but I lifted my chin. “I saw the spa menu and how we have a couples massage booked.”
He crossed his arms. “We don’t have to go.”
I fought the urge to tremble and instead stepped closer. “But I want to. I… I want to apologize for throwing a wet blanket on our date. I’m good now and hope the night’s not over.”
For a moment, I wasn’t sure what he would do. Then he nodded and lowered his arms. “Let me get my shoes.”
I tapped my hands together and headed to the door. He followed right behind, and I decided that night I wouldn’t think about the future or the past, and hopefully, we would live in the moment.
As we walked to the door, I said, “Well, the massage probably means you won’t need them.”
He stared at me like I was the confused one. “Only you get to see my heels.”
I let out a giggle as we headed down the hall. “I had no idea the soles of your feet were that private to you.”
His shoulders slumped, and he smiled. “You’re in a better mood.”
I swallowed. It was time to explain, so I stopped and faced him. “I needed to splash some water on my face, but I’m better now and looking forward to a spa.”
We walked down the stairs together. He placed his hand on my lower back, and we entered the spa. I glanced around the room and stared at the bubbling fountain. After we checked in, we were shown around. The spa had blue decor with a hot tub and a cool pool on either side.
Arman asked me, “Have you ever had a massage?”
My cheeks felt hot, and I and said in a low voice, “No.”
We were left in a changing room that had two separate doors. He lifted off his T-shirt, revealing his hard muscles. I wanted to press against him and hold him tight.
I licked my lips. “I’m glad we are doing this together.” I checked that the door to our suite was closed and then lifted my shirt.
“Me too.” He tossed me a white towel and pointed to our pants, and I untied the strings. “Did you think I’d go without you?”
A full-blown laugh escaped me. I hung my clothes up and then winked at him. “Maybe, and since you are the hottest guy I’ve ever seen, I can’t have you going alone. I figured I’d have to protect you.”
He came up behind me and kissed my shoulder. “It’s more my job to protect you from danger.”