“I saw him with lots of women.” I try and keep the jealousy out of my voice.
“Yeah, but I’ve never heard of him dating someone.” Kim tries to grab one of the mini cupcakes off Amelia’s plate but she smacks her hand. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from saying maybe he doesn't date women because he only sleeps with them.
That is definitely not something I am cut out for. I am already half in love with the man and I’ve only spent the night with him. I know if I sleep with him that there would be no going back. I have to protect myself. Running is starting to feel like my best option. For all I know this could be about the chase to Sean. I’m sure most, if not all the women throw themselves at him or are more than willing to do whatever he wants. Maybe he’s so interested in me because I’m not that way. Yet, his actions last night say differently. He could have had me. I was more than willing to sleep with him yesterday but he wanted to wait.
“Stay out of it, Kim. Let them figure it out.” Amelia looks to me. “She is always trying to hook people up.”
“What? I was only trying to help. Don’t act like you didn't come over here trying to meddle, too.”
“She’s a baker. Of course I’m going to sit next to her.”
“I can’t date anyone even if I wanted to. I just opened a new business. I don’t have time for dating.” I’m not sure if that’s a lie or not. I should focus on work. We were doing so well already that our accountant was telling us we should look into opening another location. I wasn’t so sure that was something Neily or I wanted to do.
“Trust me, you can do it all. I own a business, have two boys and a husband that can’t keep his hands off me. With a good partner in life you can do anything.”
“So true,” Amelia agrees with Kim. After looking into Sean I think the man has his hands full already.
“I think I’m going to head out.” I stand. Kim reaches down, picking up my goodie bag and handing it to me.
“Sneak out the back.” Amelia points toward the kitchen. “If you’re trying to get out without Sean knowing.”
“I thought you were trying to sell me on the Sean idea?” I take the bag from Kim. “Thanks.”
“I am, but that man gave my husband a hard time about him chasing after me. I think it will do him good to get a taste of it.”
“Thanks again for everything. If you ever need desserts again, give me a call.” I give her my card, saying my goodbyes before taking her advice and slipping out the back door. I know if I stayed and Sean got me alone, he could talk me into anything.
The best plan of action is avoiding him. Soon he’ll lose interest and then I can get on with my life. One that includes trying not to steal peeks at him in the morning. And not being jealous if I ever see him taking some other girl home. I sigh, knowing that I’ll never be able to handle that.
The thought makes my stomach turn. I know he told me he doesn't do that. I want to believe him so badly, but I have to be smart. Don’t men say all kinds of things to get what they want? My feet start to hurt as I make my way down the street. Snow starts to fall. I don’t see a taxi in sight, so it looks as though I’ll have to walk for a while.
I text Neily that I’m heading home. She sends me back a thumbs-up. Which is odd because she hates when people send her that emoji. She always says it’s rude. That causes me to wonder what the heck she’s up to. She’s acted so strange since that night we went to the club. I bet Sean knows what went down. I could ask him, if I wasn’t trying to sneak away from him.
“I’m not asking him,” I mumble to myself. That is the complete opposite of avoiding him. I stop looking down the street both ways. Still no taxis. I notice a black SUV slowly inching toward me. I turn and keep walking. I peek over my shoulder to see it is getting closer to me. I turn at the next street, the SUV doing the same. What the heck? I walk faster in these shoes that are killing my feet. If it wasn't snowing, I’d take them off and walk barefoot.
“Are you done trying to get away?” That deep familiar voice sends goosebumps over my skin. I turn to see Sean running toward me. “It’s freezing out here.” He takes his coat off and puts it around me.