Gentleman Nine(45)

“It’s okay,” Channing said. “I never knew what it was like to have him around after like the age of six, so there was never a huge feeling of loss. Emptiness, maybe, but I’ve gotten by just fine without him.”

I wasn’t sure that I believed he really felt that way.

I chimed in, feeling sad that he had to think about his father and wanting to change the subject. “I’m an only child, as you know. I had two happily married parents, the perfect upbringing. But I was bored a lot. I much preferred the chaos of Lainey and Channing’s house.”

“Anarchy.” Channing chuckled. “And all the candy you could eat.”

“That’s true.” I laughed.

I prayed that Annabelle didn’t bring up Lainey’s death. Thankfully, she seemed to remember me telling her that it was difficult for Channing to talk about.

We stayed talking at the table for about an hour. It made me really happy that Annabelle and Channing got along so well. He ended up calling an Uber for her and insisted on paying for it.

After she left, he and I were by ourselves in the kitchen cleaning up. For some reason, I had a hard time looking at him when we were alone. Without the buffer of another person, I was afraid he would be able to sense the want in my eyes, afraid it would make me look weak.

His voice was low—sexy—when he said, “You can look at me, you know.”

My back was to him when I said, “I can’t ever look at you the same again.”

He inched a little closer so that I could feel his breath. “Well, I sure as fuck hope not.”

Clearing my throat, I said, “I’m really happy that you and Annabelle got along so well.”

“You weren’t planning on bringing her around me, were you?”

I shrugged, unable to properly explain why I was hesitant for him to meet her. “Just so you know, I don’t talk about the specifics of what we do or anything. Some things are nobody’s business. She just knows in general that we agreed to…you know…” I hesitated.

“Fuck like animals on Saturdays...”

I could feel my face heating up. “Yes.”

“I’m fine with whatever you tell her. Like I said, it’s important to me that you have someone like her you can depend on and confide in. Clearly, I’m not that friend for you, since I can’t be trusted not to fuck the friendship part up in the name of physical pleasure.”

We were just staring at each other for a bit, and I was secretly wishing he would break the rules. I wasn’t going to be the first to do it. My weakness was eye-opening, a clear indication that I was definitely not going to be able to quit him very easily. Not to mention, losing him altogether was becoming a greater fear by the day.

“I hope that no matter what happens that we’ll always be friends, Channing.”

“Me, too, Amber. I really mean that.”

“We’re breaking the rules even talking about this, huh?”

“I’ll let it slide this one time.” He winked and leaned in closer, the heat of his body palpable. “For the record, I can’t wait until Saturday.” He was so close yet so far away. My body was in complete agony.

***

I went to bed that night fully aroused. It was close to midnight, and I was unable to sleep, so I decided to grab a glass of water.

I could hear that Channing was talking to someone on the phone in his room.

Who was he talking to so late?

His voice was muffled, but I struggled to hear what he was saying.

“I’ve got just under two months left, then I’m back to Chicago for good. I know it feels like forever that I’ve been gone. But you won’t have to wait much longer. I just need this time. Then, I’m yours, alright?”

Returning to my room, I couldn’t help the unsettled feeling in my stomach. But I had to remind myself that this situation was temporary. I knew that. So, nothing he said in that phone conversation should have mattered.

I was really good at kidding myself.





CHAPTER FIFTEEN




* * *



CHANNING




It had only been a week, but it felt like years. As I sat alone in our hotel room thumbing through a brochure on local attractions, I couldn’t wait for her to get here.

Having to look at her all week and not touch her was absolute hell. It had seriously been the longest week of my life. But I made that rule, and I was determined not to break it.

The knock finally came. When I opened the door, I had to stop myself from immediately mauling her as she entered.

She looked good enough to eat in an off the shoulder, flowery top. My mouth watered with the need to devour her neck. It wasn’t until I looked up at her face again that I realized something was off.

“What’s wrong, Amber?”

Her eyes were brimming with sadness. “I got my period.”

Shit.

My balls were aching. The thought of not being able to satisfy the need that had been building all week was unbearable.

“Come here,” I said, taking her into my arms and burying my nose in her hair. I then led her to the bed and pulled her close. “It’s okay. Don’t stress out.” I kissed her on the forehead. “How are you feeling otherwise?”

“I’m good. It was a long week getting here.”