Page 55 of Owned
“I actually have no words for you.”
“That’s been said before but how did you leave it?”
“I ran away.” My feet become restless as the images of what happened flash through my mind.
“You ran away?”
“Yep, bolted.” My chest tightens and I rub at it, trying desperately to ease the ache. “Left the office early and have been an actual mess ever since. I bought this on my way back here.” Reaching over to the kitchen island, I pick up the bonsai tree that I saw in the window of the cute boutique flower shop on the corner outside the office. I thrust it at him, and he is caught off guard and almost drops it. “No idea why except I know Ria loves plants and trees, and this is a tiny tree she can have in her house or on her desk.” Snatching the tree from him, I place it back down on the island and pull on the ends of my hair, my mind working at a hundred miles an hour. “I ran back from the office since apparently a three-mile run in a custom-made Brioni suit is what I wear to do my cardio now, along with a tiny fucking tree under my arm. Have cleaned her kitchen from top to bottom,”—I wave dramatically at the gleaming kitchen—“still in my suit which I wouldn't recommend. Very restrictive.” Twisting my body, I stretch my arms to emphasize. “But her fridge is now organized and all her cabinets have the cans and boxes pointing in the right direction. Oh, and then I—”
“Mate, can you take a breath?” Kai cuts me off.
“Oh, thank God. I wondered when you’d stop me.” I flop down on the barstool and rest my head against the cool marble countertop.
“So it’s safe to say you’re spiraling.”
“It would appear so.” Lifting my head slightly, I peer at Kai who is grinning widely.
“You good now?”
“Define good.”
“Not going to organize Ria’s closet by designer and color?”
“Don’t need to. It already is.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Why are you surprised?” I sit up straight now, my heart rate slowly returning to normal.
“I suppose I’m not.” He shrugs before continuing. “So you haven’t spoken to her since?”
“Nope.”
“Has she tried to speak with you?”
“Only to say she will be late tonight.”
“Okay, we need to move the plan on a few steps.”
“Huh?”
“Yep. We move straight onto step three.”
“What were steps one and two?”
“Were you not listening when we outlined the plan? Have you not read your email?”
“Briefly.”
“Well, read it thoroughly. Do that instead of turning cans around in the cupboards.” He sighs. “I’m working with amateurs. Step three is allowing her to make the first move.”
“And how will I do that?”
“You ramp up the touching, and you slip into conversation that you need to show more physical affection. Haven’t you got a gala next weekend?” His eyes are alight with mischief as he practically bounces in his seat.
“Yeah?”
“Then you use that as your test. You show her what it’s like to be on your arm, what it’s like to be your woman, your everything. And I can guarantee that is the night she kisses you, my friend.”
