Lost in You (#Book 2)

Chapter 7

I’m struggling to open my eyes, and I notice that Austin is no longer with me in bed. The room is filled with silence. All I hear is the muffled sound of the ventilation. I put an arm on my forehead and stare at the ceiling, sighing. I gave in! my body was still shuddering from his touch.

I can still feel his caresses on each inch of my skin. Not to mention the sheets that still bear the smell and the memory of his body and his touch… I let my arm drop behind my head and turn to face the morning sky. Everything must be so hectic outside. A day like any other! And I just gave myself entirely to Austin William in a hotel room, when I have no idea where our relationship stands.

I have to talk to him seriously. On neutral ground, in public, where there’ll be no risk of ending up in bed! I push up on my elbow to look into the next room. Strands of hair fall over my shoulder. There’s no sign of Austin there either. Has he gone? I can’t hear a sound coming from the bathroom.

I grab my phone from the nightstand. It’s already nine ‘o’ clock in the morning. I frown. I can’t remember what time I got to sleep. The only thing I can recall is Austin on me, under me, in me… STOP!!!

The memories of last night make me feel giddy, I lean up, wrap myself in an ecru silk bathrobe and head into the living room. If Austin is still here, I’ll be able to get things straight, once and for all! I breathe in slowly and psych myself up, just like every time before seeing him.

I tiptoe quietly up to the living room. A gargantuan breakfast is arranged on the table. I roll my eyes, a smile on my lips. Austin had a huge meal delivered for me! But I don’t need all this to feel good with Austin. All I need is him. But where is he?

I rub a lock of hair between my fingers and lean back against the wall. Fresh fruit and scrambled eggs are served in silver goblets. Tasty looking pastries are laid out on a cake dish next to a pile of pancakes. As for the orange juice, it’s in a crystal carafe…

And as if that weren’t enough, a bouquet of fresh roses gives the table its finishing touch. Austin does not do things by half. Yet I wish that with me he could drop the mask. I don’t need all this…

I’d have much preferred waking up by his side. I dread our discussion, but the idea of eating alone in this big hotel suite scares me more. I decided to turn back and go to the bathroom. I need to wash, cleanse my body and spirit and perhaps get Austin off my mind.

As the stream of water flows, I look at my reflection in the mirror. I see a young accomplished and free woman. Who says what she thinks but who also knows how to listen to her needs. Okay! Giving myself to Austin was easy. But I had a wonderful night, and nothing can take that away, no matter what.

I sigh and draw a smiley that represents my mood on the steamy mirror. I take off bathrobe and get in the shower. I close my eyes and focus only on the feeling of the hot water sliding over my skin. I adjust the water’s temperature and stay there, immobile for an instant, my mind on standby.

I rub a hand over my face and lean my head back. I like these brief moments when I’m nowhere else but here and now. Whenever I’m with Austin, I’m always on the alert. It’s as if my relationship with him was a blazing but elusive, changing and fleeting thing.

That’s not what real life’s about. And I honestly wonder if Austin even lives in the real world. He’s a man of adventure, passion. How can I even think things could be different concerning his love life? He asked me marry him but is that really what he wants? If it’s only for fear of losing me, then it’s already lost. And if it’s keep me in glided cage, then it’s pointless too.

I step back and lean against the cold tiled shower wall. Where is this all taking me? Austin’s in a constant forward flight, thanks to which he’s accomplished great things, but that also prevents him from settling down. Moreover, he’s so used to making decisions alone that he deprives me of my free will, whether for my professional future or for my role as his girlfriend.

At best, I’m like a counselor, noting things down for the record, but he’s the one who decides in the end, and it’s like that every time. I feel he doesn’t understand me anymore…

A lump forms in my throat. I thought I’d managed to change him, but Andrea was probably right. Others tried before me and hit a brick wall! I turn the water off and dry quickly. I’d better stop brooding over everything and take things in hand. Before a new vision of Austin’s gorgeous body pops into my mind, I start gathering my clothes that are scattered all over the room.

Once dressed and ready, I head to the living room to the plentiful breakfast. Unfortunately, it’s getting late, and I won’t be able to hang around. My phone vibrates in my pocket. Gina’s just sent me a message.

Hi sweetie! You haven’t come in yet. Is everything okay?

I smile tenderly. My friend’s been mothering me ever since I told her about Austin and me. I take the time to answer her then rest my arm on the table, not really knowing where to start. I don’t usually have a heavy breakfast in the morning, but this is too tempting! As I reach for the fruit bowl, I notice a message written on a sheet of beautiful satin paper.

I’m at the office. Enjoy the suite and the spa, see you tonight. Austin

I read the words over, not really sure I understand. Does he really believe that I’m going to sit and wait here quietly for him to come back? Who does he think he is? Without a second thought, I call for a cab. My place is at the office, whether he likes it or not! If he wants to fire me, he’ll have to do it officially.

Angry, I grab my bag and rush out of the suite. I’m so upset that my muscles are tense and my fists shut tight. No way am I letting him off this lightly. I’m going to William Enterprises and straight to his office. Who cares if he’s the CEO, he is not going to decide my life!