He hadn’t even tried to be good to Mia. Oh well. Some friend I am. If he’d told me he was fucking Ashley, I would’ve told Mia. Period.
When I’d heard Tyson moved in with Mia, I’d come close to punching my fist through a wall. The twins had blurted it out and had been shocked by my reaction. I might’ve barked my annoyance and stomped off. The twins never let that moment go—always hinting that I might have a crush on Mia and asking about it.
Now Tyson’s fucked up.
Mia would be mine, and I would break Tyson’s nose. No one would get in my way with either situation.
I arrived at the hotel thirty minutes later.
Damn. I’m sorry, Vicky. You’re a good woman.
This couldn’t be helped. I knew who I wanted to be with. I felt it deep in my bones, flowing through my heart and warming my soul. Mia was the one for me. And now that I could finally tell her how much she meant to me, I wasn’t going to waste any more time with any other women.
I parked the car in my usual spot.
When I entered the hotel, the front desk receptionist recognized my face and gave me a key. The woman was used to me coming and picking up a key every other night. I kept a few women on call, but there were usually three that I kept in rotation.
“It’s room 420 this time,” she said.
“Thank you.” I grabbed the key card.
Vicky would have to be the first of the three that I let go.
Sorry, Vicky.
Vicky had been what I needed at the time. Sexy and discreet. A fun fuck in bed and easy-going when we hung out. A woman who held no expectations, had no agenda, and no interest in getting involved. But most important of all, she was a woman who wasn't Mia.
First Vicky, then Natalie, and Julia will be last. She’s out of town anyway.
It could’ve been premature of me to end all my fuck friends, but I had to focus on taking this chance with Mia. I wouldn’t drop the ball like Tyson and chase meaningless sex. That sort of thing was a dime a dozen.
I’m focused. Mia is mine.
I took the elevator and pulled my phone out, texting and checking up on Mia.
Me: Has he grabbed his stuff yet?
Mia: No.
Me: How do you feel?
Mia: Stupid, but I’ll live.
Me: Do you want me to kill him?
Mia: It would be nice, but no.
Me: Maybe a punch in the face or broken arm?
Mia: hmmm...no, don’t tempt me.
Me: Do you want me to come over?
Mia: No, you have a date tonight.
Me: It’s not a date, Mia. And you’re always more important.
Mia: No. Have fun. I am getting drunk. My brother is almost here. He’ll be in the living room studying.
I ran my fingers through my hair and stepped off the elevator.
Mia wanted to handle this by herself, but I didn’t like her sitting in her place drunk and alone.
Fuck it. I’m taking a chance.
I texted her back.
Me: I’m coming. I don’t care. I’ll be there with more wine and food. Just give me twenty minutes.
Mia : Are you sure?
Me: I’ll always be there for you. We’re...
My fingers hovered over the phone for a few seconds. Things were changing. I wanted to explore the idea of more than a friendship with her, but knew the timing was off. Inside of me beat an urge to take her into my arms and whisper everything I’d always wanted to say.
We must take our time on this.
I finished the text.
Me: We’re friends. I’ll always have your back.
I knocked and then opened the hotel door, dreading what I had to do.
Vicky stood in the center, dressed in fantasy garb.
Shocked, I drank her all in—sea green scales covered her breasts. She wore a tiny gold skirt made of gold skulls that barely covered her bare ass.
I smiled. “You’re Princess Era.”
“Surprise. I know you like that Kingmaker show and was all excited about the release.”
I stepped inside and closed the door. “This was so sweet.”
“Now, we can do some fantasy role-playing.” She clapped and rushed over to the bed. “I’ve got swords and chains and—”
“Oh wow. Chains?”
“I even have an outfit for you.” She grabbed two tiny patches of cloth off the night stand. “See. You’re Mulligan.”
I chuckled. “He tends to wear more than that, but I love the idea.”
Vicky blushed. “You do?”
“Yes.”
We stared at each other for several quiet seconds. Anticipation ran in her eyes while I felt nothing but guilt.
“Vicky, I’m sorry but—”
“What?”
My phone buzzed.
“Hold on.” I checked the screen.
Mia had texted back.
Mia: Thanks, Logan. I’m lucky to have you.
I looked up.
Vicky rolled her eyes. “Let me guess. Does this have something to do with Mia?”
“Well.” I put the phone up. “It actually does.”
Vicky let out an exasperated breath and sat on the bed.