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“I’ll call you tohts

“No” She can’t leave ht “I knoill be late I know it’s asking a lot, but I need to see for myself that you’re safe”

Sloan sighs “Okay I’ll do ht as I can”

I let out a breath “I’ll wait as long as it takes Hoill I know it’s you?”

“Oh, right You’ve never seen me” I hear the self-deprecation in her voice “Well, I looked at your picture on your website, so I’ll find you Gotta go”

She’s gone before I can object

Shit Norames, but this is twenty kinds of clusterfuck I need to start preparing excuses and lies now

The rest of the evening crawls by I text Sloan a few times It takes her a while, but she eventually answers that she’s fine Late in the evening, I pick at my dinner in the restaurant downstairs About eleven, I head to the bar and order a scotch I spot a brunette staring at me She’s pretty Really pretty, in fact Normally, I’d be tempted to chat her up, buy her a drink, and persuade her to come to my room

But all I can think about is Sloan

At quarter before ht, my phone buzzes Shane and the teahter I’m so sorry Tomorrow?

I curse and downit on the bar before I tap back As soon as you’re awake You sure you’re safe?

Totally There’s a s a jackass

That’s nothing new, and hopefully he doesn’t turn into so more

Ignoring the brunette still eyeing me, I walk away and head to my room Her expression h, ly ripped off o with those pretty wide eyes And if she doesn’t, she won’t be interesting enough to hold my attention for more than an hour or two

Or maybe it’s time to be honest with myself I don’t want that woman because I not only cale her problems but to be with her—in every way she’ll let me