After meeting more of Adalynn’s friends, I walked to the corner of the property, where it was quiet. I felt so out of place with all these rich people, even though some of the ones I met were nice. I walked over to a beautifully lit gazebo that sat in the middle of a large flower garden. I could hear the soft music that was playing throughout the entire property. I sat down on the bench and took off my shoes. My feet were already killing me in those heels. As I admired the flowers that surrounded me, the mixture of colors and the beauty of them made me feel both happy and sad.
“You look beautiful,” a familiar voice spoke softly from behind.
My heart started racing and my belly did flips. I closed my eyes for a moment before I turned around and looked at the sexy man standing in my presence.
“Thank you, Ian.”
“Do you mind if I sit down?”
“No. Have a seat.”
This was awkward and uncomfortable. Why would he talk to me now? He had his opportunity and I didn’t know if I had it in me to struggle to be nice to him.
“I like your hair curly like that. It’s very pretty.”
“Thanks.” I smiled as I looked down.
“How are you, Rory?”
Stay calm. Don’t give him attitude. Breathe. Be nice. “I’m fine, Ian. How are you?”
I really wanted to ask him why the f**k he cared how I was now and not a week ago when he chose to ignore me and my text messages.
“I’m okay. How’s your new place working out?”
“It’s great,” I lied as I looked at him.
“Are you still having the nightmares?”
“Yeah, every night.”
He folded his hands while he looked straight ahead. “I think you need to talk to someone about what happened to you. I know someone who may be able to help you. She’s a good friend of mine.”
I bet she is. “Thanks. But I don’t think so. I couldn’t afford it anyway.”
“You wouldn’t have to worry about that,” he sighed as he rested his elbows on his thighs and cupped his face in his hands. “I’m sorry, Rory. I’m sorry for ignoring you.”
Suddenly, my heart started to slow down and beat at its normal pace. It took a lot for him to come over to me and apologize. I put my hand on his and he turned his head and looked at me.
“I’m sorry too.”
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers began playing. “Would you care to dance?” he asked with a slight smile.
“I would, but I don’t know how,” I replied as I looked down.
“Then I’ll teach you.”
Ian took my hand and helped me up. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. He then wrapped his hand around mine as we swayed back and forth.
“Just follow my lead.” He smiled.
I was nervous as all hell. I’d never danced with anyone before. I started to ache down below for him. His strong hand wrapped around mine, and when our bare flesh touched, it sent shivers throughout my entire body. I slowly closed my eyes and concentrated on not stepping on his feet.
“For someone who doesn’t know how to dance, you’re doing very well.”
“Thanks. I’m trying really hard not to step on your feet.”
“Ah, well, I wouldn’t mind if you did.”
I looked up at him and smiled. The song had ended and so did our dance. He let go of me and my hand and I walked down the steps of the gazebo and stood in front of all the big and beautiful flowers. I ran my finger along the petals of hydrangeas and then bent down to smell them.
“I take it you love flowers,” Ian said.
“I do. They represent life and growth. As long as you give them tender loving care and everything they need, they’ll thrive. Like people do in life. Even if the flower starts to wilt, it can so easily be brought back to life.”
“I never looked at flowers that way,” he said. Ian put his hand on the small of my back as he stood next to me and looked at the array of flowers.
He put his hands in his pocket, turned around, and started to walk away. When he was a few feet away, he stopped in the middle of the grass and stood there. “I miss you, Rory,” he said as he continued to walk away. His words stabbed through me much like the knife had.
I blurted out, “Tomorrow morning, six a.m., I’m going running if you would like to join me.”
He stopped again and stood there. “We’ll see.”
And just like that, he left. I walked back up to the house and, when I stepped inside, I saw Ian kiss Adalynn on the cheek and walk out the front door.
“Why did Ian leave?” I asked.
“He got a call and said there was something he had to do,” she replied as she shrugged her shoulders.
I stayed long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” and have a piece of cake. It was getting late and I wanted to get home, so I called a cab, said my goodbyes, and left.
****
As my alarm went off, I rolled over, fumbled to find my phone, and turned it off. I noticed I had a text message from Jordyn.
“I had to switch your day off from Tuesday to Monday because one of the girls quit last night. I hope you don’t mind. Enjoy the next two days.”
I smiled as I got out of bed, went into the bathroom, and stared at the bags under my eyes from another nightmare and sleepless night. Maybe I should take Ian up on his offer to see a therapist. I changed into my running clothes, threw my hair up in a ponytail, and looked at the clock. It was six a.m. I guessed Ian wasn’t coming or he would’ve been here by now. I should’ve known better than to get my hopes up where he was concerned. I sighed with disappointment and opened the door. I gasped when I saw Ian sitting down on the steps.
“It’s about time,” he said with his back turned.
“It’s six o’clock right on the dot and why are you sitting on the steps? You could’ve knocked,” I said as I walked down and stood in front of him.
He got up from the step and stared at me. He took his thumb and lightly swiped it under my eye. “Another nightmare last night?” he asked.
I nodded my head as I stared into his eyes. “Come on; let’s get going. You lead,” he said.
I ran my usual course. The only difference today was I had a hot and sexy millionaire by my side. “I was thinking that maybe you could give me the phone number of that therapist you know.”
Ian smiled as he looked over at me. “Of course. I’ll give you Dr. Neil’s number when we get back to your place.”