Free Closely Guarded Secret by Natalie Money Page A

I’ve taken many of them.
     
    “I know it’s short notice, but I want to see you. How about tonight?” It’s obvious he didn’t hear one word I said. I think I’m trying his patience. He’s determined to get what he wants.
     
    “I’m already in for the night and don’t feel like going out. Look, why don’t you call one of your many companions because I’m sure they’d be more than willing to drop what they’re doing and run to you, just to stroke your ego. Which by the way, doesn’t seem like it needs much help.” I clasp my hand over my mouth. I can’t believe I said that.
     
    “You’re right, I could call any number of women and they’d all be more than willing to come over right now, but that’s not what I want.”
     
    “I’d say at least thirty-one,” I mumble out loud, not meaning to. Damn. I’m not about to reveal that my secret nickname for him is Thirty-one, and all his women are Flavors.
     
    “What does that mean?” His words are clipped and I can tell he’s irritated.
     
    “Nothing,” I say, cursing myself again. I take another big gulp of wine. “Plus, I don’t think going out with you is a good idea.”
     
    “How can you say that if you don’t give me a chance?” He mumbles something under his breath and I swear it sounded like ‘stubborn woman.’ He continues on like I haven’t turned him down at all. “We can go out tomorrow night then. You name the place.”
     
    “Bryce, look…” I let out an exasperated breath.
     
    Dr. Hunter’s words chose this time to ring back to me. Maybe Steven and my mother also are right. I do need to put myself out there, but should I let a playboy like Bryce be the one I take chance on? How can I? Arguing back and forth with myself about this is getting me nowhere. I’m feeling emboldened, or maybe it’s the wine. “Let me think about it. Can I call you tomorrow?”
     
    “Yes, I’ll accept that. At least you didn’t say no.”
     
    “True, I didn’t, but that’s not to say I still won’t,” I quip.
     
    “That's a start. I look forward to hearing from you.”
     
    “Goodnight, Mr. Steede.”
     
    “Please call me Bryce.
     
    “Okay,” my voice softens, “goodnight, Bryce.”
     
    My head is swimming. All I want to do is sleep. My whole body is tingling and I know it’s because I’m thinking about saying yes, and the thought scares and exhilarates me at the same time.

CHAPTER 9
     
     
    I sit at my desk going through my emails and surfing the web. My legs are numb and when I look at the clock I know why. It’s only eight in the morning but I’ve already been sitting here for three hours already. I thought I had a peaceful sleep, but I woke up at five this morning, so it’s pretty obvious I didn’t. I’m sure the conversation with Bryce had a lot to do with it. While talking to him, I felt a tremor in the wall I’ve built around myself.
     
    Plopping back on my bed, I think maybe I’ll lie here all day and nap intermittently. As good as that idea sounds, I should get up since I know Steven will be making breakfast by now. I wonder how last night went? I hope for his sake it worked out and he and Sampson are back where they both belong, with each other.
     
    Last night’s conversation with Bryce comes creeping into my mind. I groan, pulling the pillow over my face. Letting out a primal scream and kicking my feet, I have a full-blown tantrum. There’s no way I can go out with him, is there? Maybe I won’t call him back. I don’t know what to do. Right now, I need coffee and food.
     
    I expect to find Steven cooking breakfast but he’s not in the kitchen. Where is he? “Steven? Where are you? I’m hungry.” That usually makes him come bounding from wherever he is.
     
    “Steven, come on.” I look in the living room then go toward his closed bedroom door. I knock and wait. Nothing. I open the door, but he’s not there. His bed is made up. “Oh. I guess you stayed with Sampson last night,” I say