[chapter thirteen]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of
them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please.
;-)
**
Mia tried to calm her rapidly beating heart, but to no avail. It had been running on overdrive ever since she had tumbled into bed with Chad.
Chad, who was sleeping beside her, his even breath ruffling her hair as he lay spooned behind her, one hand clasped around her breast, the other cupped possessively between her thighs.
Mia sighed as she stared at the wall in the darkness. 'This can only end badly', her brain told her.
She couldn't deny that the last few hours with Chad had made her feel more alive, more like a woman than she had in…hell, years. But she knew what this was about - it had happened before.
Guys bet themselves they can't get close to the frumpy technogeek, and then, when they did, they kicked her to the curb as soon as they could.
It had happened before. Not often, but enough for her to be on her guard with every single guy she met.
And she wasn't going to let it happen with Chad. She…she liked him too much for that. The thought of him doing that, of not seeing her again after he got what he wanted…
It made her heart hurt.
There was really only one way to avoid that. She had to go on the offensive - she had to get away from him before he could leave her with a broken heart and a bruised ego.
Resolved, Mia closed her eyes and vowed to leave just as soon as Chad shifted in his sleep. But for now, she sighed again and snuggled back against his chest, not wanting the feel of warmth, of possession, of love to let go just yet.
**
"Hey." Chad said, kneeling beside the bed so they were face to face. Mia's eyes opened slowly, blinking in the sunlight coming in through the window shade. "I didn't want to wake you, but I have to go to work. I didn't want you to think I'd disappeared." He said softly.
Mia, snapped her eyes shut and burrowed into the sheets, trying to hide her naked body from his gaze. "S'okay." She said harshly. "I know you have to go." She cursed herself for falling asleep in his arms, for not leaving when she had the chance.
"I'm sorry. But hey, I was thinking…maybe you could come over for lunch today? I should be here around noon. I'll bring the grub." He said with an easy smile, watching for her eyes to open again. "See you then."
Mia gave a noncommittal nod, her eyes still shut, unable to watch him walk away from her.
"Sleep as long as you want." Chad murmured, pressing his lips to her temple and then gently to her lips. "I'll see you later."
Mia heard him collect his keys and coat then close the front door slowly.
A tear slid down her cheek as she
heard Chad's car start and drive down the street.