The Randy Romance Novelist(53)

“Don’t say that, gross.” Virginia was holding up fine, except for the possibility that I still felt she was allergic to Henry’s penis, Poseidon.

“Okay, so what’s a long time for you two? Ten hours?”

I wished it was ten hours. I was ashamed to say because it was not like us to go so long . . . ever.

“Four days,” I said sheepishly.

Delaney was silent. Seconds ticked by as I waited with bated breath for her response. Was she thinking what I was thinking? Was Henry cheating on me?

“Say something!” I cried, not able to take the silence.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so confused. Four days is like four months for you guys. Have you been initiating and he turning you down or vice versa?”

“I’ve been initiating. He is always so busy or tired from work. That’s all he’s been doing—working.” I took a deep breath before saying what had been on my mind. “Do you think he’s cheating on me, Delaney?”

“Never,” Delaney answered immediately, putting my mind at ease. “Henry loves you way too damn much. He would never cheat on you. Is something going on at work? Do you think he’s going to lose his job?”

“I don’t know. He did bring home an invitation the other day to a party for his work. It’s their annual third quarter party. Henry mumbled something about taking me and having to wear something nice. I wonder if he’s worried about that.”

“About what, the party?”

“No, about taking me to it. I have gained some weight . . .”

“You’re insane!” Delaney shouted into the phone. “That boy is so beyond infatuated with you it’s ridiculous. There is no way in hell he would be ashamed of taking you to that party.” She pondered for a second. “Let me talk to Derk and see if I can dig anything up. Maybe Henry told him something when they were drinking beers the other night.”

Just as I was thanking her, Henry came through the front door.

“Hey, I have to go,” I said quickly. “See what you can find out. Talk to you later.”

I hung up quickly and turned to see Henry taking off his tie, exposing a patch of his tanned and toned chest. Just like that, I was ready to have him. His sleeves were rolled up and his jacket thrown over one shoulder. He looked sexy as sin.

“Hey, love. Sorry I’m late. Rough day at work.”

Instead of coming over to me to give me a kiss, he went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. He popped the top off and tossed the cap to Sir Licks-a-Lot, who liked chasing them around the apartment. Lately, those two had started to get along. I didn’t like it . . . at all.

I hated that he wasn’t giving me the attention I craved and remembered all the unanswered phone calls and text messages I sent him. Rage started to boil over, and I warned whoever could read my mind that I wasn’t responsible for what I was about to say.

“Why didn’t you text or call me? It would be nice to know that you’re alive and not run over by some drunk fruitcake in a taxi.”

“I was just trying to get done as quickly as possible; I’m sorry.”

“It takes two seconds to let me know you’re alive, Henry.”

“I’ll do better next time.” He walked by me to the couch, where he sat down and put his feet up on the coffee table. My world tilted on its axis as Sir Licks-a-Lot jumped on Henry’s lap and laid down. It wasn’t until Henry started petting his head that I lost it.

“What is going on?” I shouted. “Why don’t you want to have sex with me?”

Henry was about to turn the TV on when he stopped himself and looked at me. “What are you talking about, love?”

“Henry, we haven’t had sex in four days. Four days! Do you not find me attractive anymore? Is it because you saw the skinny jeans struggle? I will tell you right now, every woman has to do those kind of moves to put skinny jeans on. It’s not an easy thing.”

Henry set his beer on the coffee table and shook Sir Licks-a-Lot away. Walking up to me, he grabbed my hips and pulled me into him. His green-blue eyes sparkled as they took me in and his side smirk made me all gooey inside.

“I liked watching you put on skinny jeans.”

“Then, what is it? Do I smell? I take a shower every day. Douching isn’t good for you.”

“Stop,” Henry chuckled. “I’ve been busy, Rosie. Busy and I’m tired. I just needed a break.”

“A break from me?” I gasped, horrified.

He clung onto me tighter. “No, I just needed time to collect my head. I’m going through some things at work right now. I’m afraid . . .” He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to figure out his words. “I’m afraid I will disappoint you, okay? So just give me some time to figure things out.”

I’ve known Henry for a long time, and I could pretty much understand anything he tried to tell me, but right about now, I’ve never felt so confused in my life.

“I don’t understand. What are you figuring out? What’s going on at work? Is this about the party?”

“No,” he shook his head. “Give me a week, okay?”

“A week of what? No sex?”

“Just give me a week.” With that, he kissed my forehead and went into the bathroom, where he started the shower.