An American Cinderella

Andre made no move to step out of the doorway as Henry moved to shut it.

“I promise I’ll be good,” Henry said, holding up his hands. Andre shook his head. “Fine. Foot in door, then.”

Andre slid one foot into the door frame and Henry pushed the door closed as much as possible with a foot still in the way. It gave me a modicum of privacy, especially since I could see Andre intentionally looking in the opposite direction of the door crack.

“What’s going on?” I asked. I had a feeling we weren’t going to go back to kissing.

“I have to go,” he said, picking up his shirt from the floor. He handed me my shirt in the process.

“Oh.” My heart dropped. Even though I suspected it, hearing it made it true. “Why?”

The question came out more pathetic sounding than I meant.

Henry pulled the dark blue fabric of his shirt over his head. It was on inside out. He growled and pulled it off again, straightening it out and trying again.

“My brother needs me,” he replied. “I have to go.”

I pouted. “It can’t wait?”

Henry tugged the fabric down, hiding his perfect body from me. He put his knee on the couch, coming in close to me.

“I don’t want to go, but duty comes first,” he said, his accent thicker than usual. He swallowed hard. “I want to stay with you, but I don’t have a choice.” I frowned and his face fell. “Please don’t be mad.”

“Don’t be mad that your friend is stealing you away?” I grumbled, looking pointedly at the door.

“No, that my brother is an arsehole with terrible timing. Andre’s just the unfortunate soul that had to deliver the message.” He put his hand to my cheek, pulling me into a gentle kiss. “I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”

“You better,” I replied.

A hint of a smile pulled at his lips.

“Henry,” Andre called from outside the door. “We need to go.”

We both sighed. Henry kissed me once more. It was full of promise and regret. My body ached to wrap around him again. I wanted to slam the door shut and steal him away for myself.

But Andre was a lot bigger than I was.

“You have some serious explaining and sucking up to do,” I told him as he went to pick up his shoes.

He grinned at me as he slid on his hat. “Sucking up? I can do that.”

My core heated at the idea of him sucking on me again, even though I wasn’t happy that he was leaving.

“Bye, Andre,” I called as Henry opened the door. Henry gave me one last glance before leaving. “Bye, Henry.” His name was softer.

I hated the way the door clicked shut and the silence that followed it. I hated the fact that I was suddenly horny and alone.

I repeated Henry’s curse.

At least that made me feel a little bit better.

Chapter 9

I woke up the next morning grumpy and needing a cold shower. The only thing I had dreamed of all night was Henry and those scorching kisses.

But, even in my dreams we never got where I wanted to go. He always got pulled away at the last second.

I showered quickly, finding I had run out of conditioner and shaving cream, but still had a decent amount of shampoo left. I nicked my left ankle with my razor, probably because I didn’t have enough shaving cream, and I got soap in my eyes as I rinsed.

It was starting out as an awesome day.

I dressed in comfortable slacks and a dark blue button up blouse. At least I hadn’t managed to screw up my clothing selection, even if my shirt was a little more low-cut than usual.

My milk was sour and my coffee stale. I was running late and I was out of eggs for breakfast.

I sighed and looked over at my little love-seat. I could still feel Henry’s kisses and the way his hand slid along my bare back. I shivered, the cold shower not doing anything for me now. I checked my phone, but there were no new messages.

I grumbled and picked up my bag. Big fat raindrops splattered against my window and I sighed. I’d need to bring a jacket and an umbrella. And change my shoes.

I sighed and gathered my things. I couldn’t find my umbrella, despite the fact that I knew I had it the week before. I would just have to deal with a raincoat, I decided. I was already late as it was.