I Can Explain (Awkward Love 2)

And just when I thought I couldn’t embarrass myself any harder in front of Chase.Chapter Six

ChaseI sit back in my chair and sigh as I rub my forehead. It’s so late that it’s almost daylight outside and my head is aching from spending way too much time staring at the same page of numbers. I’ve got to get some sleep, or I’m going to drive myself insane.

The problem is, I know the moment I close my eyes, all I’m going to be able to think about is my brother and my ex-wife.

I’ve been sitting here working since I got home last night. I use the term “work” loosely because I’ve barely made a dent in the report that I need to be finished for tomorrow’s meeting. I haven’t even finished balancing the expense sheets for last month, which should’ve been done yesterday.

Spending the afternoon being fitted for a suit for a wedding I never wanted to be a part of in the first place is what’s put me in this bad mood. What I thought was going to take an hour at most, ended up eating into three hours of my time. It was late by the time I got back, and, because I was already behind after spending the day in a meeting I really didn’t need to be at, meaning that an all-nighter was necessary. But it turns out even that wasn’t going to help get this done.

Yep, I’m pretty much fucked.

Standing up, I stalk across the room to the bar and pour myself a drink and gulp it down. I don’t like mixing alcohol with work because it dulls my senses, but let’s face it, a drink isn’t going to make the slightest bit of difference at this point. Fuck it. I’ll have another. Maybe then, I can forget for five minutes that Josh is marrying Casey.

I told him I was okay with it, but I’m not. I’m hurt, annoyed, and I’m frustrated as fuck. The worst thing is that I have to suck all that up and plaster a smile on my face. I have to pretend I’m good with this because I know venting that to Josh will only strain our relationship even more.

The truth is, I miss my brother. I miss the way we used to be. But I’d be stupid to think after everything that’s happened, we could ever go back to the way we were.

Loosening my shirt, I set my drink down and then unbutton my cuffs and my shirt. I shrug it off and then pick up my drink, wandering back over to the couch to sit down. I lean back and close my eyes, rubbing the back of my neck. I could really go for a massage right now. Especially one with a happy ending.

What the fuck was that?

My head whips sideways to the balcony. I frown because I’m sure I heard something. It could just be my mind playing tricks on me. I’ve been up all night, after all, and I had one hell of a day yesterday. I shake my head. That must be it. But then I hear it again. Okay, that definitely wasn’t my imagination. Someone is trying to break in.

I snap into action mode and hurl myself off the couch, ready to take down whoever the hell has decided to mess with me while I’m in this foul mood. I thrust back the curtains and brace myself for confrontation. My eyes widen. Okay, now I’m sure that I’m imagining things. Alana Morrison, on my balcony at six in the morning, in her underwear?

I’m pretty sure I had this fantasy last night

Quickly recovering from my shock, I unlock the door and slide it open, a smirk spreading across my lips. I rest my hand casually against the wall as I stare at her. Maybe she’s the perfect distraction. God knows she keeps throwing herself at me. Who am I to stand in the way of her dreams?

“When I told you to focus more on your work, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind,” I say, not bothering to hide the amusement in my voice.

She flushes and looks down, her arms wrapping tightly around her chest.

I snort because it does nothing to cover the way she’s bursting out of that bra. My cock twitches, making it clear what he’s hoping for. She glares at me, obviously not enjoying that I’m finding this so funny.

Maybe she heard my prayers for a happy ending and came running?

“Can I come in?” she asks stiffly.

“Sure,” I say.

Stepping back, I make sure that I’m close enough so that she has to slide her body against mine to get in. I chuckle and shake my head because this is just too fucking perfect not to make the most of it.

“Congratulations, by the way,” I add.