Impacted (Conflicted Encounters #2) (6 page)

"I'm going to get dress," I told him.
 

He nodded and left my room, closing my door behind him. I tested out my ankle before standing up and limping over to my closet. It stung a little, but I could hobble around now. I grabbed a pair of yoga pants and white shirt that fell off one shoulder. I wanted to be comfortable for the long drive home. I limped back out to the living room. The room was shockingly bare.
 

"You didn't have to clean up," I scolded him.

"I didn't want you to cut yourself," he shrugged while he rummaged through my fridge. "Do you even eat here?"

"Rarely," I admitted while I took in the bare walls. The place felt even more empty and lifeless.
 

"Well, we have to grab something to eat on the way then," he grumbled. He gets crabby when he's hungry.
 

"Okay, I'll get packing," I said and scampered back to my bedroom.
 

I pulled my suitcases down from the top shelf of the walk-in closet and started tossing clothes in. I stuffed anything casual I could fit, leaving my work clothes behind. There wouldn't be a reason for a three-piece suit anymore. I needed another bag for shoes. I threw a few dresses in and packed a smaller bag with bras and panties.
 

Our store was right next to a Victoria's Secret. I don’t know why, but every lunch break, I stopped inside and bought something for myself. I had a weakness for the pretty lace and sexy lingerie. I never had anyone to see me in it, but I couldn't stop myself from buying some any chance I got. I always felt sexy, even though no one else would agree.
 

I threw everything in my bathroom into a toiletry bag. I knew I was over packing, but I hated my last trip when I felt so helpless without even the basics. I wanted to bring everything, but I didn't have enough luggage. At least I was prepared for any occasion. Feeling proud and satisfied that I had everything I could possibly need, I rolled the biggest suitcase down the hall.

"Holy shit," Ryder gasped. "You have enough stuff there?"

"There's three more in the bedroom," I said shyly.

"Seriously?"

I nodded and he walked past me to my room. He came back grumbling and carrying my bags. We stacked them by the door while I grabbed my laptop, stuffing it into the computer bag with my phone chargers. I called the doorman to let him know that I would be out of town for an unknown amount of time. He would make sure my mail was collected and watch over the empty place.

"Ready?" I asked Ryder when I was sure I had everything.
 

"Been ready," he laughed.
 

Ryder loaded the elevator and we rode down in silence. He loaded the car and I gave him directions out of the city. After stopping to get him something to eat, we started the long trip back home. The sky was gray and it sprinkled light rain on us. The dreary day wasn't going to ruin my mood, though. I was excited to get out of this city and get away from work.
 

"You think she will be happy with Adam?" I finally asked him.
 

"I don't know," he said, looking thoughtful. "Probably. She wouldn't settle down for just anyone. I figure he must be special."

"I see. I don't know, I guess he just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't really like him."

He laughed at me. "Why? Because he checked you out?"

"Well, yeah." Was that crazy?

"In case you haven't noticed, it's kind of hard not to," he flirted.
 

"Right," I said slowly. He just laughed and shook his head at me.
 

We continued to drive with Ryder driving faster than necessary when the roads were empty. After a couple hours, the sky cleared and we rolled the windows all the way down. I hung my arm out the window, letting it cut through the wind. My hair blew around my face and was probably becoming a huge knot, but I didn't care. I really didn't have a care in the world at the moment.
 

"Can we stop at my hotel and drop off my stuff first?" I asked when we got closer.
 

"You're really staying at a hotel?" he asked, looking over at me.

"Eyes on the road," I scolded. Accidents happen. "Yes, I am."

"You can stay with us," he sighed.

"It's already booked, Ryder," I told him. "Plus, staying with you isn't the best idea."

He didn't argue and took the exit into town. The hotel was about a block away from where Scarlett worked. I figured I would be close enough to her and really not all that far from her apartment. If it got too hard to be around Ryder, we could meet out in town when she got off work. We pulled up front and a doorman took my suitcases up to my room.

The room was huge; I got the king suite since I would be staying for a while. It had a small fridge, coffeemaker, and a sink by the door. There was a flat screen TV mounted on the wall with a sectional couch and some chairs. I set my bags near the couch and walked out the sliding glass door to the balcony.

The view wasn't impressive. Parking lots, shopping centers, and long winding roads. I slightly wished I found a cabin on the river instead. I came back in and went into the attached bedroom. The king sized bed took up most of the room and a bathroom came off the room. A whirlpool tub sat in the corner of the room. I couldn't wait to sink into it later tonight.
 

"This is nice," Ryder commented from behind me. I turned around to find his eyes glued to the bed.
 

My stomach clenched, and I felt warm all over. I held my breath, hoping the want would pass. I ached to run to him and beg for him to take me. Knowing the indifference from him after would hurt, I bit my lip to keep myself from slipping into a lust-fueled manic.

"Don't look at me like that," he warned in a low voice.

"Don't make me think about it," I threw back at him without thought.

"You drive me crazy, Princess."

"I know," I nodded. "Likewise."

We stood there, staring at each other. Both of us were challenging the other. To bring it on, or back off, I wasn't sure which. Ryder's phone finally broke the tense moment, and he slipped out of the room to take the call. I took a deep breath, trying to call my breathing. I hated wanting to be with him when I knew it didn't mean the same to him as it did for me. I still loved him and he was holding back.

"Scar wants to know if you want to come to dinner at our place tonight?" Ryder asked from the living room.

"Sure," I called back. I couldn't forget I was here for her. I needed to get my head in the game.
 

After I changed and freshened up my makeup and hair, we headed back down to my car. My ankle was still sore, but much better than the day before. I let Ryder drive back anyway. I didn't mind getting to sit back and watch the countryside pass by. The further away from home I was, the more content I felt.

We pulled up to the apartment and Ryder helped me up the steps. A spicy smell assaulted me as soon as the door opened. Scarlett stood over the stove working a sizzling skillet.
 

"What you cooking?" I asked her.

"Fajitas," she sang as she came over and wrapped me up in a hug. "How's the ankle?"

"Better." I took a seat at the bar and watched her cook while she rattled off about her day at work.
 

"Margaritas?" she asked, pulling glasses down from the cabinet.
 

"God yes," I breathed out. I could use a drink after the last few days I had.
 

"Ry, can you grab the blender?" she asked, quickly gathering the makings.

"I don't think that's the best idea," he said with a worried look.

"What? Worried I'm gonna throw myself at you?" I joked, although I was sure that's what he was thinking.
 

"Kinda," he admitted.
 

"Please," I pleaded as sweetly as I could, complete with the puppy-dog eyes. "I'll be good."

He closed his eyes and looked away from me. "How will you get back to your hotel?"

"Oh," I sighed. It was half an hour drive to my hotel and I wasn't stupid enough to drive after even a sip.

He mumbled under his breath and sulked over the fridge. "I will drive you back," he grumbled while he got the blender from the cupboard above the fridge.
 

Scarlett and I exchanged excited looks, going serious as soon as he turned back to face us. He roughly put it on the counter and started mixing the ingredients for us. I stifled a laugh from his pouty attitude. He could be pissy if he wanted. His attitude wasn’t my responsibility anymore. He didn’t want it to be, and I needed to focus on not letting myself care anymore.
 

When dinner was ready, we gathered around the bar and made up huge fajitas. Scarlett teased me that I would never be able to fit mine in my mouth as I struggled to wrap the tortilla. We were already two drinks in when the giggles set in. Ryder's attitude improved a little, and he poked fun at us as we tried not to get sour cream everywhere.
 

"That was really good," I said after we were done eating.

"Thanks," she shrugged. "It's really a bribe."

"Uh oh. It's that grin again."

"I seriously need your help planning the wedding. Please. Tell me you will stay and help me,” she pleaded. "You’re girly and all that. I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Oh," I said relieved. "Of course. I thought you had another one of your bad ideas."

"Thank you. Thank you," she said hopping up and down. "Now, can you two get along until then? I don't want a whole wedding party. Just you as the maid of honor, and Ry as the best man." I turned and gave him a questioning look.
 

"Of course we can." He nodded, although he looked a little unsure. I was in doubt, too.
 

"Great. Can you come over tomorrow?" she asked. "I'm off."

"I'll have your car," Ryder reminded me. "And I'm working."

"That's fine. Scarlett can just take my car and come get me," I told Scarlett.

We made plans for the morning over another margarita. My head was feeling light and my cheeks were burning. I was smiling more than I should. I took that as my cue for enough was enough, and I said my goodbyes. Ryder helped me down to the car, as now I was a little wobbly and still a bit sore.
 

"We can do this, right?" I asked on the dark ride back to my hotel.

"Pretty sure," he shrugged.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.
 

"I know." It just didn't make a difference.
 

When we arrived at the hotel, he insisted on walking me up to my room. I rather he stayed in the car. I was all too aware of him, and the alcohol was making my mind think about last night. I played with my bracelets in the elevator ride up. I was repeatedly telling myself that I wasn't going to kiss him goodbye at the door.
 

"Stop," he said, putting his hand on mine. He always hated that. "You have no reason to be nervous."

I nodded and was saved by the doors sliding open. I quickly escaped the small elevator and limped down to my door, sliding my card and opening it up.

"Thank you for the ride," I told him, and then giggled when I realized that could be taken in more ways than one.

He chuckled and shook his head at me. "Goodnight Kallie," he said in a low voice that made my insides warm. I tore my eyes away from his full lips and back up to his dark eyes.
 

I nodded in a daze and he backed away slowly. When I stepped into the room, he turned around and got back in the elevator. I closed my door and pressed my back against it, sliding down to the floor. I let out a huge sigh and put my head on my knees. Would he always turn me into a pile of goo?
 

How would I cope with not being with him again? Last night was a mistake, only because it reminded me of something I wanted and couldn't have. His hands on my body, his lips on mine, it all felt right. I couldn't just forget all that. I never would be able to. I wasn't convinced that I could act like we were just friends.

I desperately needed girl talk. I considered calling Scarlett, but changed my mind. She had something good going for her and listening to me whine about my issues with her twin would probably sour her mood. Scarlett was loving and loyal and would die for anyone lucky enough to get into her heart. Ryder and I both were in that category. I didn't want her in the middle.

I stared at my phone and wondered why I was so clueless when it came to boys when I was in my twenties. I never dated and never had a breakup before. While girls were going through their first love and heartbreaks, I was with Carter. I was blissfully in love, paying no mind to the hard parts that other couples went through.

Scrolling through my phone, I spotted Chloe's name. She texted occasionally to check in from time to time. She was my best friend back at Georgetown. We were totally different, but we were always close. I hit the call button and listened to the ringing.
 

"Hello? Kallie?" she answered after two rings. Her voice was surprised but also laced with a hint of worry.