Echoes-of-Affection

er expression was unreadable. Then

ng forward. "Alexander, the ridiculously rich,

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

shaking her head. "Wow." And here I thought y

ging a pillow to my ches

inst her knee, eyes fixed on

hen nodded. "I

eyebrow. "Di

"Why does

guy. This is Alexander, a billionaire, art collector who probably has a yacht somewhere just because he can." Sh

at's that supp

was done with the conversation. "Guys like him don't just d

"You don't ev

her shoulder. "

omething to defend Alexander, but she wa

he kitchen. "Just be careful, okay? I would h

mething about the way she said it... like she already ex

re something else behind it? I let

the number yet, but I knew it was him. I picked it up without thinking. "Good evening, Rose," his voi

oice low and groggy, caught

ng. "Did I wake you?" he asked,

ly had. I glanced at Alice beside me, still loung

c." I walked into my room, closed

ttitude you left with," he said, the amusement in his voic

and it would be unprofessional not to pick up." I crossed my arms and t

hrough, softer but still confident. "I promise

calling during normal hours. I need to sleep, so I can work on the contract

oing to respond. "You sure?" His voice was quiet, almost too

firmly, knowing I needed

almost reluctant. "But I'll still che

h. "I won't. Good

ight,

hy did this feel more complicated than it should? Was I being too hars

otions creeping in. "Tomorrow will be another da

d. Alice was standing right outside my door, arms crosse

said quietly, eyes searching

quickly, trying not to let

hand. "You know you can talk to me

terly warmth. Part of me wanted to just say it. Everything. The kiss, the confus

questioned me earlier or the strange look she gave me aft

ezed her hand lightly. "I know,

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

us than I intended. "It's just stress. T

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.

ed with me. She said she wouldn't judge me. She said I could op

ike I couldn't trust