Capitulo 34
SHANE
-Damn it, let’s go upstairs! -Liam exclaims, letting out a burst of impulse. I see him stretch his hand toward the elevator button, but before he can touch it, I leap into adventure and dash out of the lobby.
-Wolfie! -he shouts after me, his voice ringing with a mix of amusement and surprise.
-I have to go to work -I reply, turning to look at him while I take steps backward, maintaining steadiness in each of my movements.
-Little one, I’ll let you go only because I’m nice.
-Uh-huh, sure -I retort with a cheeky smile. When he finally steps out of the elevator and approaches, he wraps his arm around me, cradling me against his side as we cross the lobby, where we find the concierge and send him a greeting.
-You know? -he begins to say as we head toward the exit-, we could make the most of the time before you get to the office.
-Where are we going? I need to stop by my apartment to change -I ask, intrigued by his proposal.
-to a clothing store -he replies confidently-. There won’t be time for you to cross the city and arrive at your office in what you’re wearing.
His tone has a hint of mischief but also a trace of seriousness that I can’t ignore.
-Oh no, Liam.
-it’ll only be a few minutes. I promise you’ll be the most dazzling at work -he adds, and the spark in his eyes makes me laugh. Although I’d like to protest, I can’t help but feel excited about his attention.
So, in a brief trip, we arrive at a store that seems tailor-made for both of us.
Amid laughter and almost palpable tension, we leave with a couple of outfits that make me feel renewed, ready to shine.
When we get to the company, he drops me off a few blocks away, and my heart starts beating fast.
-Remember what we talked about. Be careful. -His tone has turned serious, but there’s a confidence in his gaze that calms me.
-I will. Thanks for the clothes -I tell him, feeling a mix of gratitude and excitement.
-Anytime, wolfie. Now go make magic -he replies, winking at me before walking away.
As I watch him leave, a whirlwind of emotions overwhelms me. I feel like a teenage girl in love, with a shining smile on my face and my heart full of hope.
Upon arriving at the office, Vicky is as always behind her desk, but her look upon seeing me is strange. I decide to ignore it: I don’t have time for drama.
-Good morning, babe -she says to me.
-Good morning -I reply, almost in a whisper as I head to my office and dive into work. But soon enough, the sound of the phone resonates on my desk.
-Good morning, this is Miss Murphy from Renova Interiors, how can I help you?
-CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE THE HELL YOU’VE BEEN?! -Marc yells, his voice cutting through the receiver like lightning-. Damn, I swear I’ve aged 50 years.
-Shit… -my heart sinks as I remember that I forgot to let him know I was okay.
-Yes, shit. Jesus, what’s up with my Shane?! Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been? I’ve called you a bunch of times!
-I’m really sorry -I whisper, rummaging through my bag for my phone. As I pull it out, I see that it’s dead-. My cell ran out of battery, that’s why I didn’t hear you… -a nervous laugh escapes my lips, but I can’t forget the reason behind his worry, the secret I still keep about the night I spent at Liam’s apartment. How am I going to tell him that, yes, I like him too much to keep denying it?
-you can’t do this to me, Shane. Who was your date last night?
His voice is a balm and, at the same time, a reminder of the reality waiting for me.
-I’m fine. With… Liam.
-Why am I not surprised by that? You never have dates, and since this hottie entered your life, you’re changing.
-I hope that doesn’t mean something bad.
-it all depends on you.
-I know.
-Now I need us to meet.
-I’ll go home this afternoon; we can talk when you get there.
-No, we’ll see each other at lunch -he says firmly-, you owe me that.
-Okay. I’ll be there -I reply, feeling the weight of guilt in my chest.
-Perfect. Just make sure you don’t disappear again, okay?
-I promise.
As I hang up, a wave of guilt washes over me. Marc has always been there.
The day goes on with emails and calls, but my mind is absorbed in thoughts of Liam and how that time together has changed something in me. The idea of opening up to Marc, confessing that there’s someone I really like, is terrifying. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Admitting that I’m crazy about Liam will be a big step.
When lunchtime arrives, I gather my things and leave the office, greeting Sara as I pass her desk.
-Wow, Shane, you look radiant. Is there something different? -she tells me. I shrug, smiling.
-Maybe. Thanks.
-Are we going out this Saturday?
-It’s barely Wednesday and you’re already making plans. -I smile, shaking my head.
-What can I say? -she lifts her shoulders.
-Okay, count me in. Invite the others -I suggest.
-Of course.
I say goodbye to Sara and continue on my way. When I pass through the lobby, I don’t see Vicky, which seems very strange since she is always the last to leave for lunch.
-Sara, have you seen Vicky?
-She went to lunch, and Mr. Rocco did too.
-Oh, okay.
I exit the company and head to the restaurant where I’ve arranged to meet Marc for lunch.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, I spot Marc sitting at an outdoor table, gazing thoughtfully at the street. I approach with a smile, and he looks up, his eyes brightening upon seeing me.
-Shane, you finally decide to show up -he jokes, but his tone is warm and full of affection.
-I’m sorry, Marc. I’ve had quite a busy day -I reply sincerely as I sit down across from him.
-Don’t worry, babe. How are you? How was your date with Liam? -he asks curiously, and I can see the playful spark in his eyes.
I tell him about the fun night I had with Liam, omitting the details of our sexual encounter; I say that our date was at the penthouse I decorated and which I never thought I would return to. I tell him about the impromptu breakfast at his apartment and the craziness of shopping before getting to the office. Marc listens attentively, laughing at the funny moments and frowning at the more serious ones.
-it sounds like you’re really having fun, Shane. What do you feel for him? -he asks directly, his gaze searching mine.
-I don’t know, Marc. It’s different, it’s special. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. I’m confused, but also excited -I confess, feeling a knot in my throat.
-it’s great to see you like this, Shane. You deserve to be happy, you deserve to find someone who makes you feel alive. Just follow your heart, babe. And remember that I will always be here for you, no matter what -he tells me with a comforting smile.
I thank him with an emotional gesture, knowing that I have in him my best friend, my confidant, my unwavering support. Together we enjoy a delicious lunch.
-I’ll see you tonight. -I say goodbye to Marc and head back to work.