CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SIX

LILY

Avoiding someone who really wants to talk to you is harder than it seems. I don’t have anywhere else to go.

We don’t answer the door when he knocks. Jenny threatens to call the cops if he doesn’t leave. I tried to return the red roses he had delivered, but they won’t take them back. So, we gave them to Jenny’s next-door neighbor. She is an older woman; we made her day.

I have one guy who I wish would lose my number, and another one who I wish would call me. I can’t stop thinking about Blake. I had hoped he might show up at the apartment the next day. He knew where I was staying, but no such luck.

I had Ted calling and texting me throughout the day. At least he stopped knocking on the door, trying to see me.

I did end up calling my parents and letting them know I was okay. I don’t understand why they keep talking about me sorting things out and coming to my senses. Dad took it better than Mom.

It took me a little while to understand after talking with my parents that neither Violet nor Ted came clean about their relationship. They’re both cowards. Guess I’ll have to do it at some point.

"Let’s go out tonight," Jenny suggests while we’re watching TV. I feel bad, but that’s the last thing I want to do.

"Ugh, I don’t want to." I know I sound whiny, but hitting the bars and having guys hit on me doesn’t sound appealing.

A knock on the door interrupts us. I look over at her. Please don’t be Ted. I don’t need another repeat of his groveling at the door again. I nudge her with my foot. She needs to answer, just in case.

She gives me a dirty look before yelling from the couch. She doesn’t even bother to get up. "Who is it?"

"Blake Dalton. Is Lily around?"

I bolt upright. It’s Blake. He’s asking for me.

I jump over the couch and throw the door open. I don’t want him to leave.

I look him over. He hasn’t changed. Still beautiful. He’s in a dark blue suit with a light blue shirt. His outfit is smart. He looks good, I mean fantastic. I hope there isn’t any drool escaping my mouth. I must look frightening. I’m in an old pair of sweats and an Avenger T-shirt that has seen better days. I didn’t bother brushing my hair, just pulled it up in a ponytail. There wasn’t anybody who I planned to impress.

Neither one of us says anything because we are too busy checking the other out.

"Blake, would you like to come in?" Jenny asks.

I jump because I didn’t hear her get up. She’s standing behind me.

"Yes, please come in," I say.

I move out of the doorway so he can step inside.

I tilt my head to the hall while staring at Jenny. I want to be alone with him. I know she can see me; in fact, she’s looking right at me, but she completely ignores me and sits back down to watch us. I give her another little head nod to leave the room. Still nothing. I’m going to kill her later.

He strides into our apartment, and I close the door as he takes the place in. It’s nothing like his. This place is a dump compared to his penthouse.

"What are you doing here?" I feel awkward waiting for his answer. I don’t know what to do with my hands.

"I want to ask you out on a date. I would have called, but I don’t have your phone number."

He sounds a little upset. I did sneak out of his place before he woke up.

"A date?" I squeak. Even though I hoped for more, I had concluded that it might have been a one-and-done type of thing.

"Yeah. So, will you go out with me tonight?" He looks sincere. I can’t say no to him, but I don’t plan on having sex again. It would only complicate things, especially with my ex still hanging around.

My phone rings. I have two guesses on who it is—either my parents or Ted. I don’t want to look, so I ignore it. It will stop ringing eventually. Thankfully, I have the volume turned down.

"Lily?" he asks.

I have a hard time suppressing a shiver when he says my name. It brings me back to when we were in bed together.

"A date sounds good," I tell him.

"I’ll pick you up at seven thirty." He places a soft kiss on my lips, then gives me a smile that makes me melt.

Then, without another word, he leaves. Damn, what have I gotten myself into?

Jenny is squealing with laughter.

"Your face when he kissed you. That was hot."

I have to sit down. I don’t think my legs can keep me standing upright. That kiss was swoon worthy. I look over at Jenny. She’s got a smile on her face like the Cheshire Cat.

"Am I making a mistake?"

She jumps up off her chair and plops down next to me.

"No, you are finally doing something for you. Don’t ruin this by over-thinking. Just enjoy it."

Okay.