Chasing Him (Dark Love 4)

“So, it’s settled, I’m going to Sydney,” I say loudly.

Charlie smiles back at me while Eric smirks.

“Watch out, Australia, Adriana’s coming Down Under!” Eric roars.

Charlie bursts out laughing, but I know the meaning behind Eric’s comment. Muthafucking little shit.

The truth? I’m nervous as hell.

You see, I’ve only ever been with one man. I was never the type to sleep around like everyone else I knew in high school. And to add, the man I had been with had only ever been with me.

Now, I’m kind of seeing—if you want to call it that—a man who has not only been with several, probably hundreds, of women, but has slept with my best friend numerous times and even proposed marriage to her.

Maybe this isn’t the best idea.

But I miss him.

We haven’t seen each other in four months. Will he expect me to jump in bed with him if I fly over to see him? Suddenly, the bile rises in my throat, and I quickly reach for the iced water to calm myself down.

Perhaps I didn’t think this through properly.

Julian is a man, after all, and men have needs.

Needs I may not be able to meet.

And just like always, guilt rears its ugly head when I find a morsel of confidence. I’m sick of this carousel of emotions, desperate to get off this ride and wish the spinning to simply stop.

The furthest I have ever been from the States is Geneva a few years ago when Elijah was receiving chemotherapy.

I remember how draining the flight was, and on top of that, my emotions were a train wreck with the uncertainty of what was to be expected of me.

Australia is a ridiculous long haul.

A delayed flight and fourteen fucking hours airtime were exhausting, and thankfully, I brought my Kindle, immersing myself in reading some steamy smut. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, then I remembered who I was meeting, and sexually riling myself up, perhaps isn’t the brightest idea I’ve ever had.

Six hours into the flight, the reality of how far I am from Andy has really sunk in, resulting in a quick dash to the restroom to sob in private.

I am drained.

Hitting the tarmac makes it official. I’ve landed, and now I have the task of getting myself to the hotel with little time to spare and glam my

self up, getting ready to find Julian.

The hotel is located in the heart of the city, and I know Julian is staying at the same one. As soon as I check-in, I run up to the room, throwing my suitcase into the corner and hopping into the shower to wash off with a hope of waking myself up. I lost the concept of time, the change in time zones completely throwing me off, and my body desperate for sleep.

From the bits and pieces Julian has mentioned, the party is semi-formal. I settle on one of my new designs—a burgundy-colored floor-length dress with a split, made with chiffon fabric and a low-plunging V-neck. Despite my chest being small, the dress fits perfectly, and the design accentuates the curves of my breasts. I place a white-gold chain around my neck with a cross which hangs low, sitting right between my cleavage. To complement my dress, I slip into my silver Louboutin pumps.

Examining myself in the mirror, I don’t look too bad considering I’ve barely slept, and the air inside the plane left my skin dry and tired-looking. I’m not a huge makeup wearer, usually applying only eye shadow and mascara but decide to add a bit of foundation with a touch of lipstick.

My hair has grown slightly longer, sitting just above my shoulders since the last time Julian saw me. The color is a mixture between cherry red and auburn. With not much time to spare, I run some hair product through my hands and smooth it in, choosing to leave it out instead of my usual messy bun.

I’m ready to go.

Breathe, one… two… three…

I grab my hotel key and head out the door.

***