Echoes-Of-Affection

her expression unreadable. Then

ing forward. "Alexander-the ridiculously rich

the couch. "Yes, he did, I didn't

shaking her head. "Wow. And here I thoug

hugging a pillow. "

g her fingers against her k

hen nodded. "I

eyebrow. "Di

"Why does

y guy. This is Alexander-billionaire, art collector, probably has a yacht somewhere just because he can." She tu

at's that supp

kitchen. "Guys like him don't just date people

"You don't ev

houlder, giving me a

o argue, to defend Alexander, but the t

osely. "Just be careful, okay? I'd hate t

ut something about the way she said it, like she exp

out for me? Or was ther

nore it and jus

, my phone rang, jolting me awake. I hadn't saved the n

It was thick and deep, and the instant I heard it, the

e more subtle and low than I intended, like

anything?" His tone was smooth, and the sincerity in his vo

indifferent, but Alice was sitting right besi

movement. "Hold on a minute," I muttered

again, mocking but still amused. "I thought you weren't g

erves. "We have a business relationship, and it'd be wro

gainst the door. "It's late. So, I'd like to

it still held that steady, confident tone. "I promised you

a call now. I need to get some rest so I can work on the contract yo

ce, and I almost thought

most too casual, but there was some

firmly, knowing I needed

g almost reluctant. "But I'll still c

h. "I won't. Good

ight,

y did this feel more complicated than it should? Was I being too harsh

emotions creeping in. Tomorrow will be another

k into my room, movement in

ic

arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

sted. Had she

rving into something that wa

nything happen? She asked wit

said trying to ma

to me, I would never judge you,

a moment, I considered telling her everything-the kiss, the way Ale

hing held

er, or the strange look she gave me after my cal

ezed her hand lightly. "I know,

quickly, she let out a soft chuckle. "Good. Because you've been acting all weird since you came back from that

s than I intended. "It's just the stress.

letely convinced. "Well, don't let it consume

kipped a b

"Alexander,

y face neutral. "It's

er fingers still loosely wrap

and stretched dramatically. "Anyway, I'm starv

the change of subject.

followed, but a lingeri

id I could open up. But why did it fee

ike I couldn't trust