The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) (6 page)

“That’s one downside to growing up with three sisters.  They like to read into things that aren’t there and they never forget the past.”

I inched next to him, closing the gap I’d just created, reaching for him, undoing the knot he’d made with his arms.  I linked my fingers with his and stroked the back with my thumb.

“I hope you know you can talk to me.  I want you to talk to me…if something’s ever too much…if you need someone to listen…if there are things I need to know.  You don’t always have to be the strong one, Drew.”

His brow continued to furrow for a moment, but then it softened.

“Having you is all the strength I need and all you need to know,” he said, his voice a longing growl as he pulled me to him so my chest smashed against his and our lips were nearly touching, “is that I love you and I’d do anything to make you happy.”

I couldn’t respond before his lips were on mine again, biting and tugging with surprising force that I had trouble keeping up with.  He suddenly sat up, bringing me with him, our lips never parting, until he was pushing me down into the softness of the mattress again.  I couldn’t fight him.  I didn’t want to fight him and as the weight of him consumed me, my worries about Drew were gone.  He was the man I’d fallen in love with.  A man in complete control and at that moment, that was everything I needed from him.

Seven

It had been a week since our weekend in Connecticut.  Drew and I hadn’t spoken much about it since we’d gotten back.  We’d returned to our bubble and that was the way I liked it. 

The week back at work had been a long one. Although I’d passed my probation, I was still nervous about making mistakes and I’d been even more meticulous when going through stories. I’d just finished one about a new tax the mayor was introducing on the city when Ava approached my desk.

“It’s been a long week. Kara and I are heading out for a drink. Wanna join us?” she asked, referring to a field reporter she often worked with.

If I was being truthful with myself, I really just wanted to go curl up on the couch with Drew, order some take out and do nothing, but I accepted anyway.  Ava was nice enough to try and include me and I didn’t want to appear rude. 

“Yeah. Sounds good,” I told her.

“We’re heading out in ten,” she said and then turned to head back to her office.

I picked up the phone and called Drew to tell him where I was going and while he seemed disappointed I wouldn’t be coming home right away, he didn’t give me a hard time.  He said he’d stay late at work to catch up on some things he’d fallen behind on and then made a throaty remark about what he planned to do to me when I got home.  When he was done, my face was flush and all I could think about was his hands on me.  I hoped these girls were quick drinkers.

I met Ava and Kara in the lobby and we made small talk as we walked to the subway and towards the bar in Midtown Ava had insisted on. 

“They make the best martinis here,” she said as we found three seats at the bar.

“She should know, she’s intoxicated about seventy-five percent of the time,” Kara laughed and Ava swatted her on the arm.

“I’m not.  Really, I’m not,” Ava insisted as she whipped her blonde hair and waved to the bartender.  He gestured that he’d be right over and she brought her attention back to us.  “I do like my drinks, but I swear I’m sober at work.”

The bartender came over then and I watched as Ava spoke to him.  She batted her big blue eyes and twirled her blonde hair that looked entirely too well styled for this late in the day.  At work she seemed the total opposite of what she was exuding here.  I decided I’d go on Ava’s recommendation and get the martini just as she was.  A few minutes later the drinks were in front of us and Ava and Kara turned their attention to me.

“So,” Ava began. “You’ve been at the station for a while now, but we know hardly anything about you. What’s your story, Natalie?  How’d you end up at Channel 5?”

“Dumb luck,” I said and we all laughed a little. “I actually applied for every job I was remotely qualified for and somehow landed this.”

“You’re very good at it so far,” Ava said.

“Thank you. I never expected to be doing something like this, but I think I like it.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re part of the team.”

“Where’re you from originally?” Kara asked.

“Iowa,” I answered and I saw the surprise on both of their faces.

“You’re a long way from home,” Ava remarked. “How’d you end up here?”

“Long story.”

“And we’ve got time,” she said eagerly.

I didn’t want to tell them everything.  I’d only known these women a short time and it’d only been in a professional setting.  I decided the Cliff’s Notes version of my sordid tale was the best bet.

“I moved here after college with my former boyfriend, but we broke up a few months ago.”

“And you decided to stay here anyway.  You’re a brave girl,” Ava said, taking a sip of her martini.

“I wouldn’t call it bravery,” I replied, also taking a sip of mine. “I like it here and I met someone else, so I’m staying for the foreseeable future.” I decided it was best they not know how Drew and I had ended up together.  No matter how much I loved him, I’d never feel okay about what I’d done to Ethan.  It was something I chose to ignore.  It was easier that way. “What about you guys?” I asked, wanting the subject diverted from me. “What’s your status?”

“I’m engaged,” Kara said, holding up her left hand and flashing a diamond in my direction.

“Congratulations,” I said, holding up my glass to her and we all toasted.

“And I’m perpetually single,” Ava laughed, but I could tell it was forced by the way she took a large gulp of her martini and set it down with a big sigh. I found the fact that Ava had anything to complain about in regards to men surprising.  With her long blonde hair, blue eyes and her figure, romance did not seem to be something she would struggle with. “I’ve come to the conclusion there are no guys left in the city worth anything.  All they want is one thing…”

“Which you’re all too willing to give,” Kara interrupted with a boisterous laugh.  Ava glared and then turned to me.

“Don’t listen to a word she says.  By the end of the evening she’ll have you convinced I’m some alcoholic sex fiend.”

Ava took another swig of her drink and then I watched as her eyes drifted behind me, curiosity in her gaze and a smile spreading on her face.

I turned around and knew instantly what had caused the sudden change in mood: the man in the charcoal gray suit.  Drew.  Our eyes met and he smiled at me as he continued his confident walk towards us.  I sometimes forgot how striking he was, because I’d gotten to know the real person underneath the impressive physique, but then there’d be times like this, when I’d look up and a million reminders would come showering down on me.

“Hello ladies,” Drew said, stopping at the bar. 

“Hey,” I said, standing up, ready to greet him with a kiss on the cheek, but just as I leaned in, he turned his head and our lips met head on, which wasn’t necessarily a good thing because kissing Drew always made me want to do other things with him, none of which could be done currently in the bar. “What are you doing here?” I asked when he’d pulled away.

“I was on my way home and thought I’d swing by.”

He looked away, focusing his attention on my co-workers.  I was used to the looks on their faces.  It was the same look most women got when meeting Drew for the first time, the same look I know I’d given him.

“This is my boyfriend, Drew Saben,” I said and Ava and Kara both smiled at him, doing their best not to look flustered, when I knew they probably were. “Drew, this is Ava and Kara.”

“It’s nice to meet you ladies,” he said, extending a hand to both of them.

“Likewise,” Ava answered and Kara nodded, a shy grin on her face.

“I won’t keep you from your evening,” he said, turning back to me. “I was just passing by and wanted to say hi, but I’ll see you at home.” He leaned in, kissing me again. “I’ve taken care of everything at the bar.  Order whatever you’d like.” Ava and Kara both said thank you and then he looked once more at me. “Have fun.  I’ll see you at home.”

And with that, he was gone.

“What.  The.  Hell.” Ava was staring at me, mouth nearly gaping as the words came out forcefully from her mouth. “That is your boyfriend?” I nodded, feeling a little childish at the excitement I got from admitting that, like I was in high school dating the quarterback. “Then why are you here with us and not home getting a piece of that?”

Kara started cracking up and I couldn’t stifle my laughter either.

“I’ve got plenty of time for that later,” I said, raising a suggestive eyebrow, thinking about what I knew lay in store for me when I got home.

“I know I’m engaged, but holy crap,” Kara said, finishing off her drink and not hesitating to order another one now that Drew was picking up the tab.

“Where did you find him?” Ava prodded.

“He’s a partner in an architectural firm downtown.  I worked there when I first moved here.”

“And you quit when you started sleeping with him?” Ava concluded with a grin.

“It was a little more complicated than that, but yes, once we made it official, we both decided it’d be better if I worked somewhere else.”

“But you’re living together,” Kara stated.

“For the time being.  I’m going to start looking for my own place.”

“Hold up,” Ava interrupted. “You’re moving out of that man’s house?” I nodded and she openly flinched. “Can I ask why the hell you’re doing that?”

I sighed, taking another drink.

“I’ve got my reasons.”

“And what reason would be good enough to justify moving out of his place?  Does he want you to move out?” Ava continued.

“Just the opposite.  He wants me to stay.”

“Then why the hell are you leaving?”

Ava was obviously not going to drop this.

“Let’s just say that Drew is comfortable and I don’t want people thinking that’s the only reason I’m with him.”

“You are too good, Natalie,” Ava said, reaching across the table and grabbing my arm. “That man could be homeless for all I care, but I admire your integrity and if you’re seriously going to move out of Shangri-La, my sister’s roommate just moved out. She’s looking for a replacement. You’re more than welcome to come check out the apartment. She’s got a nice place.”

“She wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all.  She can’t afford the place on her own and it sure beats the hell out of putting an ad out on Craigslist. I’d much rather she not get murdered while interviewing new roommates.”

“Okay…” I said, pausing for a moment, wondering if I was actually going to do this. “Yeah. I’ll check it out.”

“Great!  Are you free tomorrow?”

“I am.”

“She and I were going to grab lunch, but you can come over before then. And feel free to bring your boyfriend along,” she winked and I nodded, thinking about how I was going to break the news to Drew.

~~~

I could feel the nerves when the elevator opened and I saw the apartment door before me.  I opened it and any chance I’d hoped to collect myself before talking to him was crushed when I saw him sitting on the couch watching TV.  He looked relaxed in a pair of flannel pants and a white t-shirt, a far cry from the serious suit he’d been sporting at the bar.  I hadn’t yet decided which way I liked him best.  He was equally enticing ready for a board meeting or for a night of Netflix binging. 

“Welcome home,” he said, turning off the TV, standing up and coming over to me, relieving me of my bag and then sliding my coat off. “I was beginning to think you weren’t ever coming home.”

“It’s not that late,” I said as we walked into the living room. 

“It was too late the moment I walked in and you weren’t here.”

He set my bag down and then kissed me just slow enough to make me forget for a moment what I needed to talk to him about.

“The girls were appreciative of you picking up the tab tonight,” I told him as we sat down side by side on the couch, sinking into the smooth leather as he put his arm around me. 

“Did you have a good time?”

“I did.”

“That’s great, but I’m glad you’re home now.”

He pulled me closer, kissing the top of my head and then threaded our fingers together.  He began tracing the back of my hand with his thumb and we were quiet. I didn’t want to ruin the moment, but I needed to tell him about Ava’s offer.  He knew the time would eventually come and that time was now, even though I wondered again why I was doing this when sitting with him after a long day at work felt perfect.

“Ava told me tonight that her sister’s roommate just moved out.  She’s looking for a replacement.” I could feel his body stiffen as he realized what I was implying. “She said I should come by and check out the place to see if I might be interested in moving in.”

“I take it since you’re telling me about it that you plan on going.” I couldn’t tell how to read his voice. 

“I am.  I’d like you to come with me if you can.”

“Of course,” he said and the speed in which he agreed surprised me.  Part of me expected him to protest, but deep down I knew he wouldn’t.  I’d said my piece, even if I doubted it myself sometimes, not wanting to leave the comfort of what Drew and I had built. 

“I’ll let Ava know I’m coming for sure then,” I said, pulling myself up from the couch, our arms still linked as he eyed me from where he still sat.  I loved when his eyes trailed over my body the way they were now. 

“Whatever makes you happy, Natalie,” he replied as our hands finally separated.  I knew those words were the closest he’d come to expressing his disappointment anymore.

“I’ll be right back,” I said and he nodded as I went down the hall and into our bedroom to change out of my work clothes.  “Hey!” I called out as I slid my sweater off, projecting my voice loud enough so he’d hear me down the hallway. “You wanna pop some popcorn and we can watch a movie or something?”

I expected a response right away, but it didn’t come and as I turned around, I saw Drew standing in the doorway, arms folded, staring at me standing in only my bra and skirt.  His eyes traveled my body again and the side of his mouth curled up as he watched me.

“A movie?” he said, stepping into the room, but keeping a safe distance from me. “Do you not recall our phone conversation in which I told you what I had planned for you when you got home from your little girl’s night out tonight?”