Chapter Eleven – I don’t understand. -1

Wyatt woke after a couple of hours of interrupted sleep. He didn’t understand why, but something about Alys being next to him seemed to have helped; he hadn’t had another nightmare. She was probably the first one not to run or make a snide remark after witnessing his nightmare. This was why he didn’t allow anyone to stay over when he was hooking up; he either went to their place or booked a hotel so he could leave. His other relationships with past submissives were different; they stayed over two nights a week, but he didn’t sleep when they were there. No one needed to see him like that.

He sighed and carefully climbed out of bed. He would leave Alyssa to sleep; it was only six o’clock. She could have another hour. It gave him time to wash and dry her clothes and make her a decent breakfast to keep her going until lunch. He lifted her clothes on his way out, glancing over at her before exiting the room. Why had he noticed how beautiful she was, even without makeup? She looked prettier without it. He gave himself a shake and closed the door.

He couldn’t believe he’d told her he was adopted and some other personal information—things he’d never told anyone. Unlike the others, he guessed it was because she’d stuck around long enough to make sure he was okay. He hated showing his vulnerable side. He hoped she wouldn’t bring it up or ask any more questions; he didn’t want to discuss it again. He shouldn’t have told her. She better keep her promise and not tell anyone about it; if she did, she would no longer have a job.

He pushed it to the back of his mind and strolled to the kitchen. He considered what to make and decided on a cheese, red pepper, and spinach omelet alongside a banana and coconut smoothie and, of course, coffee. He put her clothes in the washer before starting breakfast for them. He took a mug of coffee to drink while he cooked. Coffee fueled him since he didn’t sleep much; he needed something to keep him going, and it had worked thus far.

In the middle of cooking, he heard her come downstairs and approach the kitchen.

“Um, where are my clothes?” she asked.

He turned to face her and took her in. Damn, she looked good in his clothes. He licked his lips as his eyes admired her. She tugged at his tee. He should stop staring.

“They’re in the washer. I’ll dry them too, and you can put them back on before I take you home,” he replied.

She nodded. “Can I help with anything?”

He shook his head. “No, get a coffee and take a seat. I can manage.”

Alyssa poured herself a coffee and took a seat at the breakfast bar.

“Did you manage to fall back asleep?” she asked softly.

“Yes, for a couple of hours. How did you sleep?”

She didn’t need to be told that those couple of hours were the best he’d had.

“I slept okay,” she replied.

He plated up their breakfast and joined her at the breakfast bar.

“Tuck in. After breakfast, once I shower, I’ll take you home to change, and then we can go to the office.”

“We can’t show up at the office together, Wyatt. People will think something is going on between us, and there isn’t,” she protested.

She had a point. It would start rumors.

“Okay, we don’t need to go in together.”

She smiled and started on her breakfast, groaning with enjoyment. He was happy to see her enjoying his food. She didn’t speak a single word to him as she ate. At least he knew she’d had a proper meal to start the day; he would make sure she did the same at lunchtime. She would be eating three meals today because she would be coming back here to stay since they left tomorrow. She still didn’t know yet that she would be spending the night here.

Chapter Eleven – I don’t understand. -2

He pulled up outside Alyssa’s apartment building.

“I’ll see you at the office,” she said.

“I’m coming in.”

“What, why? You don’t need to, I’m going to shower and get ready for work.”

“Before you do that, you’re going to pack your case for the weekend. Including swimwear, since there are pools there. And you can give it to me. That way, you don’t need to come back home tonight. You can come straight to mine.” He smiled.

“I am not staying with you again tonight. I stayed last night, I will also be staying with you tomorrow night and Sunday. Why two nights if the wedding isn’t until Sunday?” she asked.

“Because I want to get settled in and relax. Also, there’s a dinner and drinks tomorrow night. And yes, you are coming to stay with me. I am not getting up earlier to come and get you. It will be quicker leaving from mine than yours,” he stated firmly.

She groaned, tossing her hands in the air. “You are impossible.”

She climbed out of the car and rushed inside. He chuckled and followed her. It would make things easier if she stopped being stubborn. She ignored him on the walk up to her place.

He found it all amusing. She let herself into her apartment and didn’t bother to hold the door for him. He stopped it with his foot before it closed and walked in.

“You can pack your case first. You don’t need much because this afternoon, we will get you the other things we didn’t get yesterday. You will need a dress for dinner tomorrow night, too,” he said.

“More shopping? Why can’t I take what I already own?” she whined.

“Fine, no more shopping for you. I will talk to my friend who owns a clothing store and order some things for you to be dropped off at the office later.”

“How much is that going to cost you? You’ve spent enough,” she sighed.

“Don’t worry about the cost. I will get what you need. All you need to pack is underwear, sleepwear, toiletries, and any comfortable clothes you want to wear while we are in the hotel room. I will get everything else, including swimwear.” He smiled.

She didn’t try arguing with him. She nodded and disappeared to her bedroom. He would stay out here; he was sure she needed a minute to herself. It shouldn’t take long for her to sort things out. He sat down on her sofa and waited. She appeared in front of him not even ten minutes later with her case.

“Are you sure you have everything?” he asked.

“Yes. I double-checked.”

“Okay. I will take it with me and leave you to prepare for work.”

“Thank you. Do you want me to bring you a coffee?”

“No, it’s okay. I will pick one up on the way. I will see you soon.”

“Yes, see you soon.”

He grabbed her case and headed out. It could stay in his trunk until later. It was light, which meant there should be room left for the clothing he would buy for her later. They would arrive at the hotel at a decent time, which meant they could do their own thing for a while; he’d told his family he wouldn’t be arriving until six o’clock in the evening. He would try his best to avoid them until then.