The Exception(8)

“Thank you, Miss Bell. Enjoy your stay with us. If you need anything at all, please let us know.”

I grabbed my phone from my purse and looked at the time. It was almost eleven. I promised my best friend, Kellan, that I would call him as soon as I got settled. It was two a.m. in Seattle, and I took my chances that he was still up.

“Hello,” he answered.

“Hey. It’s so good to hear a familiar voice.”

“I’ve been waiting for your call. How are you? I’ve been worried sick.”

“I’m okay. So what happened?”

“Oh, Jillian. I don’t even know where to start. Your mom and dad are pissed as hell, and Grant, I just think that little douchebag was more embarrassed than anything. Your mom came to me and asked me if I knew about the little stunt you pulled.”

“Were those her exact words?”

“Yes. I’d never seen her so angry. Her face was so red that I was sure she was going to drop dead of a heart attack right there in the church. Grant made an announcement and told all the guests that this was just a misunderstanding and he’d get it sorted out. I’ll be honest with you, Jill, I don’t think you’ll ever be able to come back here.”

“I don’t ever plan on it. You know that and I know that. Listen, I’m exhausted and I just want to go to sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay, baby girl. Sweet dreams and I’m proud of you. I love you.”

“I love you too, Kellan, and thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

After ending the call, I unzipped my suitcase and pulled out my nightgown. Once I changed, I pulled back the covers, climbed into the luxurious king-sized bed, and pulled the sheets up over me, holding the edges with a tight grip. A million different emotions were going through my head and I just needed to turn my brain off. Easier said than done as I tossed and turned all night.

****

Drew

She’s very pretty,” Jess spoke as the elevator doors shut.

“I didn’t notice,” I lied.

“Oh, come on, Drew. Who the hell wouldn’t notice a girl like her?”

Jess was raring to start a fight. I could tell and I was in no mood. I was tired and I didn’t plan to be up all night arguing with her.

“Jess, I’m warning you. We aren’t going to go through this again. For f*ck sakes,” I spoke as I opened the door to the Imperial Suite, “I couldn’t help that her seat was next to mine.”

“Did you talk to her?” she asked as she headed towards the bathroom.

“Of course I did. We were on a six-hour flight.” I didn’t dare tell her that we also sat next to each other on the plane from Seattle.

“Did she come here alone?” she asked as she stood in front of the mirror and took off her makeup.

“Yes. She was supposed to get married today but couldn’t go through with it.”

“Wow. It seems like you got her life story.”

Slowly closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath.

“Not really.”

“Why would she tell you that? A total stranger? Who does that shit?”

“Apparently, a woman who needed to talk to someone.”

“Did she hit on you?” she asked as she turned the light off and climbed into bed.

“No. She didn’t hit on me and you’re being ridiculous right now. Listen, you need to stop being so jealous of every woman who looks my way. Have I ever given you a reason to mistrust me?”

“No.”

“Exactly.” I reached down and kissed her lips. “Now get some sleep. I’m exhausted and had a really long day. I didn’t plan to get in this late.”

“But I’ve been looking forward to having sex with you all day.” Her hand reached down and rubbed my cock.

“Not tonight, Jess. I’m way too tired.”

“What a great start to this vacation.” She huffed.

“Can you please for once in your life think about somebody besides yourself?”

She turned the other way and I didn’t care. I sighed as I placed my hands behind my head and stared up at the ceiling. The only woman on my mind at the moment was Jillian.





Chapter Six


Jillian



The sun peered through the window as I opened the curtains and greeted the warm beautiful day. Staring at the full ocean view from my window, I smiled at the peace and serenity I felt at that moment. Sitting down on the bed, I opened up my laptop; there was someone I needed to check in on and talk to.

“Hey, you. I’ve been waiting for you to skype.” Kristen smiled.

“I’m sorry. By time I got to the hotel last night, it was late, and you’re six hours ahead, so I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I can’t believe you did it.”

“Me either. How are you feeling?”

“Same. I have chemo tomorrow and then another scan next week. But don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You need to focus on you and you only.”

“You know I’m always worried about you.” I pouted.

“Well, don’t be. I want you to have fun in Hawaii and focus on you. I’ll be here when you come to New York.”

“Is Noah taking good care of you?”