#Delete

NewYorkTimes,USAToday&WallStreetJournalBestsellingAuthor

SandiLynn

#Delete

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributed,or

transmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,includingphotocopying,recording,orother

electronicormechanicalmethodswithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsaretheproductsofthe

authorsimaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,or

persons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

Photo&CoverDesignby:SaraEirew@SaraEirewPhotography

EditingbyB.Z.Hercules

Eloise

Men. They all come from the big genetic whirlpool of douchebag central and their

brainsareallwiredthesamewhenitcomestowomen.Morethanhalfofthemdon’teven

havelifefiguredout,andtheonesthatdocarryaroundbaggagethatissoover-packedthe

airlineswouldmakeafortuneoffthem.DoIsoundbitter?MaybeIam.No,IknowIam

because growing up, the only thing I ever wanted was a relationship like the one my

parentshad.They’dbeenmarriedtwenty-sevenyearsandwereasinlovewitheachother

asthefirstdaytheymet.Theywereamirrorforwhatarelationshipshouldbe.ButasI

foundout,startinginmyteenageyearsthroughmyyoungadultlife,myfatherwasarare

find.One,whobysomefate,escapedfromthewhirlpoolofdouchebagcentral.

Jerry and Anna’s relationship wasn’t perfect by any means. I mean, come on, is any

relationship ever perfect? Is perfect or perfection even real? No, of course not, but their

relationship was as close to perfect as it could be. To this day, my father still buys my

momflowerseveryFridayandtellsherhowmuchhelovesher.

So there you have it. That was what I grew up seeing and believing. I believed that

everymanwaslikehimandI’dmeettheonewhowouldsweepmeoffmyfeetandtreat

melikeaqueen,thewaymyfathertreatedmymother.Growingup,Itookprideinthefact

that my parents were happy and stayed together when all my friends’ parents were

divorcing.

Ihonestlydidn’tthinkorexpectmentobesofuckingcomplicated.They’relikeabig

rubberband,stretchingouttowardswhattheythinktheywant,thensnappingbackwhen

thingsstarttogettoocomfortable.Ihadatalkwithmymomaboutthisverythingandshe

couldn’t relate because she’d never experienced it. Lucky her. It was all I seemed to

experienceoverthelast,ohIdon’tknow,tenyearsofdating.

Ihadmyfirstboyfriendattheageoffifteen.Didhereallycount?Afterall,hisbrain

wasn’t anywhere near mature enough to comprehend relationships with girls. The only

thing they focused on that young was how quickly they could get into our pants. They

woulddoorsayanythingtomakeusswoonandeventuallywe’dgiveinandhavesex.But

thatwasn’tme.Iwasnowherenearreadyforsexatthatage.

IwaiteduntilIwassixteenwhenImet“theone”andhisnamewasKyleStone.We’d

datedforacoupleofmonths,hadsex,andthenhesuddenlybrokeitoffwithmewhenthe

new girl, Taylor Bradford, transferred to our school. The devastation he left behind was

unbearable. My first heartbreak, and we all know first heartbreaks are the hardest. We

can’t even begin to comprehend what the hell happened, let alone question ourselves at

what we did wrong. It took me over six months to get over Kyle and that kind of

heartbreakwassomethingI’dneverforget.

Afterspendingthenextcoupleofyearsdatingdifferentguysandfailingatanytypeof

relationship,Igaveupandwentofftocollege,focusingonmypassion:photographyand

writing. I was a natural. My father told me I was born with a camera in my hand. Silly

man.IknewIwasn’t,buthesaidIhadagiftatcapturingpeople’srealemotions.People

maylieabouthowtheyfeel,butthecameraneverdid.Icouldphotographthehappiestof

couples,butsometimes,theirpicturestoldadifferentstory.WhenItookcountlesspictures

ofmyparentsovertheyears,theystilllookedthesameineveryoneofthem,areflection

of their happiness and love. Okay, you get the point about my parents and how I was

raised.Myexpectationswerehigh,maybetoohighandunrealistic.

While I was in college, I took on a job as an assistant to Gerard Truman, one of the

greatestphotographersinNewYork.Hewasedgy,cool,andhadagreateye.HetoldmeI

had a promising future and he could see magazine shoots such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan,

andevenTime.Idatedhereandthereincollegebutneverwouldcommittoanytypeof

relationship.Ha,whowasIkidding?Itwasn’tmewhocouldn’tcommit,itwasthevariety

ofboys—andyes,Isaidboys—Idated.Afternumerousrejectionsandtotallyfeelinglike

a failure in the dating world, I decided to take a good look at myself. Maybe I was too

needy.I didn’t thinkI was, andI certainly didn’t actlike it. Iwas a strong, independent

person,andneedinesswasn’tatraitofmine.But,afterthecountlessrejections,Ibeganto

thinktherewassomethingwrongwithmeandthatIwastheproblem,acyclethatwenton

throughoutmycollegeyearsbeforeIdiscoveredIknewbetter.

AfterIgraduated,Igotajobataphotographystudio.But,workingforsomeoneelse

didn’t sit well with me, plus a studio setting wasn’t my thing. I felt trapped and my

creativeabilitiesfeltstifled,soIdecidedtostartmyownfreelancephotographybusiness.

IupdatedmyportfolioandpoundedthestreetsofNewYork,showingoffmyworkwith

thehopesitwouldcatchtheattentionofsomeone,anyonewhowouldhireme.Icreateda

website and advertised on every social media platform I could find. Slowly, business

startedtotricklein,andwiththehelpofmyeventplannerfriend,Natalie,Iphotographed

birthday parties, anniversary parties, weddings, and any other event she was hired for.

Word about my work spread, a couple small magazine companies hired me, and after a

yearofgettingmybusinessoffthegroundandmakingdecentmoney,Iwasabletomove

outofmyparents’homeandintoanapartmentofmyown.Inotonlyhadtheincomefrom

my photography business, but I also earned money monthly from my blog: “The Dating

AdventuresofEloise.”Itwasfun,sassy,andallme.Womenlovedtohearaboutmyfailed

relationshipafterrelationshipbecausetheycouldrelateandsomehowitdidn’tmakethem

feelsoalone.

I was twenty-three years old, an entrepreneur, and I lived on my own. My life was

great, but I still felt like something was missing. And that something was a

man/relationship.Ihadalottoofferandwhywouldn’tIwanttosharethatwithsomeone

special?Iwasindependent,hadmyownbusinessandmyownmoney.Aftertakingabrief

hiatusfromthedatingworld,Iwasreadytodiveintoitagain.Howbadcoulditbe?Iwas

oldernowandthemenIwoulddatehadtobemoremature.Shit,wasIwrong.

Twoyearslater,stilltreadingthedatingworldandwithnoluckatfindingMr.Right,it

had become apparent to me that all men were assholes and all built from the same

geneticallydefecteddouchebagcloth.Myphotographybusinesswasontop,myblogwas

evenbigger,butthemenIdatedallsucked.

Myself-esteemovertheyearswenttoshitfromtheseexperiences,asdidalltheother

women’sthatwerepartofmyblog.Oneday,Iwokeupandfinallyrealizedithadnothing

todowithme.ThemomentIdecidedtotakeabreakandfocusonself-love,Imetaman

namedLuke.Hewasolder,divorced,andhadtwokids.Theolderpartdidn’tbotherme

becauseolderguysgenerallyhadtheirshittogether.Right?Heapproachedme,introduced

himself,andwegottotalking.Besidesbeingsupercuteandadorable,hehadagreatand

fun personality. We clicked right on the spot, but there was something about him that

wasn’tsittingrightwithme.MyintuitionwastellingmethingsIdidn’twanttohearandI

wasinnowaylistening.WehadaconnectionandthatwasallIcaredabout.

Weexchangednumbersandhadsomedeepconversations.Thentheflirtingstartedand

itwasexciting.Wewentonafewdateswhenhedidn’thavethekidsandIwasn’tbusy,

and generally texted each other every day. Sometimes all day long. The more I got to

knowhim,themoreIfoundhowbrokenhereallywas.Myintuitionwasstillonpoint,but

thatdidn’tbotherme.Wehadaconnection.

He had just started a new job he didn’t feel was up to his potential, his financial

situation was in the toilet, and his ex-wife was a total bitch. Did I mention he drank? It

seemedtobeadailythingwithhim.Sothefactthathemightpotentiallybeanalcoholic

crept inside me. Here I was this confident, independent, and financially stable woman,

datinganoldermanwhohadwaytoomuchbaggage.AskmewhyIdidn’trunasfastasI

could. Again, I was blinded by the fact that we had this weird type of connection thing

betweenusandthatmaybeIcouldsavehim.Isawaglimmerofhopebecauseitwaswhat

Idid.Iattractedthetypeofmenwhoneededtobesaved.

Thenoneday,outoftheclearblue,thetextmessagesbecamescarce.Hewasn’ttexting

asmuchashedidandIfeltlikeIwasdoingallthetalkingwhenwedidtext.Becausemy

intuitionwasstillkickingmeintheass,Idecidedtocallhimonedaytofindoutwhatwas

goingon.Itwasthenhetoldmehefeltweweregettingtoocloseandheneededtofigure

outhislifeandfocussolelyonthatandhiskids.Needlesstosay,Iwasblindsidedbythat

one. I had fallen for a man who had made mistake after mistake in life, was seemingly

depressed, and drank himself to sleep every night. He told me that he wasn’t in any

positiontodateatthatmoment.Thenwhythehelldidhepursuemethewayhedid?He

evenwentsofarastosaythatmaybeheshouldn’thaveaskedmeoutthefewtimeswe

saweachother.Whothehellsaysthatafterthefact?

Therealkickerwasthedaybeforeourenlightenedconversation,hetoldmehowmuch

hereallylikedmeandevencalledmehisangel.Icouldn’tunderstandforthelifeofme

whyIcouldhavemylifefiguredoutattheageoftwenty-five,yetIcouldn’tfigureouta

man and why he behaved the way he did. After pulling back for a couple of weeks, he

wormedhiswaybackintomylifeandIlethim.Mistakenumbertwo.Theflirtingbecame

heavyonceagainandthenhedidtheunthinkableact:theplungeandlunge.Hekissedme,

notonce,buttwice,thendisappeared.

ChapterTwo

Eloise

Iwaslyinginbedlookingthroughourtextmessages,tryingtofigureoutwherethings

went wrong. I couldn’t find anything, but I needed to try and move on. But what was I

movingonfrom?Abrokenalcoholicmanwhodidn’thavehislifetogether?Hewasevery

kind of wrong, and I knew it from the first time I met him, but I didn’t want to see it

because I was lonely and he walked into my life when I was most vulnerable. That was

whatIdid.Ioveranalyzedthesesituationsandspenttoomuchtimethinkingaboutthem.

But now, I was taking my power back. I would no longer fall victim to these idiots we

called men and let them have control over my emotional state. I did something I hadn’t

donebefore.Ideletedhisnumber.

Ihadneverdeletedaguy’snumber.MycontactlistwasfilledwithguysI’ddatedover

the years. I suppose I kept them because somewhere in the back of my mind, I had this

littlebitofhopethey’dcallorsendatextandthenIwouldknowwhoitwas,evenifit

was a couple of years later. I held on to this notion that maybe they would miss me.

Stupidityonmypart,Iknow.IwasfullyawareofhowpatheticIsounded.Butnow,things

weregoingtochange.Withoneswipe,Iwentthroughmyphoneanddeletedthenumber

ofeveryguyIhaddated.Itfeltgoodandempowering.

“I’msoproudofyou,”myfriendNataliespoke.

“Metoo.”Clairesmiled.

“Thanks.” I took a sip of my coffee. “Things are going to be different now. “By the

way,where’sScarlett?Ithoughtshewasmeetingushere.”

“Shewasgoingto,butHannahwokeupwithafeverthismorningandJeffhadtogo

outoftownonabusinesstrip,”Nataliespoke.

“Withyournewempowerment,I’massumingyou’reoverLukenow?”Claireasked.

IsighedasIsetdownmycoffeecup.

“Istillhavesomeunfinishedbusinesswithhim.ThethingIdon’tunderstandiswhyhe

pursuedmeinthefirstplace,knowingfullwellhislifewasshitandhedidn’twanttodate

anyone.”

“Maybe he just wanted sex,” Claire spoke. “That’s all most guys want anyway. They

aren’tlookingforanythinglongtermanymore.Theywanttheircakeandeatittoo.”She

smiled.

“Don’t even question it. He’s not worth it. Plus, did you really want to play step-

mommytohismonsterchildren?”Natalieasked.“You’reonlytwenty-five.Fartooyoung

totakeonanysortofkidresponsibility.Nottomentionhisexcessivedrinkinghabit.”

“IknowandIthoughtofthat.”IlookeddownatmycoffeecupasItracedtherimwith

myfinger.“Imean,Iknowhewasn’tgoodformeandhe’deventuallydragmedownthe

samedrainhislifewasstuckin,buthewasfun,andIlikedourconversationsandourtime

together.”

“You haven’t even slept with him,” Claire spoke as she reached across the table and

placedherhandonmyarm.“Nottomentionhedidtheplungeandlunge.”

“ThankGodwedidn’tsleeptogether.Butit’snotlikehedidn’twantto,”Ispoke.

“Here’swhatIthink,”Nataliechimedin.“Ithinkit’sthewholerejectionpartofit.He

wasthestrawthatbrokethecamel’sbackforyoubecauseyouexpectedmorefromhim

sincehewasolder.Weallknowyoudon’thandlerejectionverywell.”Shesmirked.

“All that’s changing now.” I smiled. “My problem is I always get too emotionally

attached right out of the gate and I’m not doing that anymore. I flipped the switch and

turnedoffallmyemotions.”

“Youcan’tdothat,”Clairespoke.

“IcanandIhave.”Ismiled.“Plus,Iknowmyself-worthandIhavestandards.”

Bothgirlsrolledtheireyesatthesametime.

“Sonowwhat?Areyoujustgoingtoswearoffmen?”Natalieasked.

“No.”Ismirked.“I’mgoingtogetinsidethemindsofthem.”

“Really?”Nataliesighed.“Andhowareyougoingtodothat?”

“Bygoingoutwithabunchofdifferentguysandinterviewingthem.”Itookasipof

mycoffee.

“Youcan’tbeserious!”Clairelaughed.

“Iam.You’llsee.Ihaveaplan.”Iarchedmybrow.“Bytheway,Claire,how’sthenew

jobworkingout?”

“Great.Ilovemyboss.He’ssoniceandI’mreallylikingitthere.Kennyjustmethim

theotherdayandtoldmethatIneededtoquit.”

“Why?”Iasked.

“Becausehe’syoung,super-hot,andrich.”Shesmirked.

Irolledmyeyes.

“Iwouldneverbeinterestedinhimanyway,he’saserialdater.Everynight,hehasa

newwomanhegoesoutwith.Ithinkhehasarelationshipphobia.”

“See!”Ipointedather.“Ifguyscandoit,socanI!”IsmiledasIheldupmycoffee

cup.

I met Claire, Natalie, and Scarlett my freshman year of college. We formed a little

posseandhavebeeninseparableeversince.Natalieisaneventplanner,Claireisagraphic

designer,andScarlettisastay-at-homemom.SheandJeffwerehighschoolsweethearts.

Hewasanotherrarefind,likemydad.Hewasagoodguy,andwhenshegotpregnanta

yearandahalfago,heaskedhertomarryhimandnowthey’reahappylittlefamily.He

works on Wall Street and has a fantastic job, one that allows Scarlett to stay home with

Hannah. I wasn’t sure how long her stay-at-home mommy status was going to last,

though.Icouldtellshewasstartingtoloseherself.Wealltriedtoconvincehertogeta

part time job, but Jeff wouldn’t hear of it. He wanted her home raising their daughter. I

couldpotentiallyseesometroubleintheirfutureifshedidn’tstandupforherself.

****

After my photo shoot, I grabbed some dinner and headed home. Sitting on the couch

with my knees up, I stabbed a piece of sweet and sour chicken from the carton and

broughtittomymouth.TheGilmoreGirlsplayedinthebackground,butIwasn’tpaying

attention. My mind was too busy thinking about the plan I was putting together for my

blog.Ifinishedmysweetandsourchicken,setthecontaineronthecoffeetable,grabbed

mylaptop,andsignedintomyMatchaccount,weedingthroughtheseventy-fivemessages

Ireceivedinthelasttwodays.IpickedtheseventhatIthoughtwerethebestandsetupa

date for every night of the week with a different guy. Now I know you might think this

was nothing but pure desperation on my part, but I can assure you it wasn’t. I was no

longerlookingforarelationshiportheperfectman.Ihadaplantoputintoactionformy

blog. The women who followed it depended on me to give them answers and guidance.

Butfirst,IneededtogiveLukeapieceofmymindandputclosureonhim.

I pulled up my text messages. Shit. I forgot I had deleted his number. My mind

pondered. I knew the area code and the first two numbers and the last four. It was that

third number that I couldn’t quite think of. Ah, I remembered it and my fingers went to

work.

“You’re an asshole. Plain and simple. I can’t believe I wasted my time with someone

likeyou.Youareapatheticalcoholicwhowillneveramounttoanything.Sokeeptryingto

figureyourlifeoutandgoodluck.Someonelikeyouwillalwaysbedestinedtostayatthe

bottom.Peaceout,motherfucker!BTW,don’tevertextmeagain!”

IletoutadeepbreathasIhitthesendbutton.Withasmileonmyface,Isignedinto

myblogandchangedthenamefromTheDatingAdventuresofEloisetoTheChroniclesof

#Delete.Myfingerstypedawayatthevictorythatwasmine.Hewasgone,done,anda

memory that was now forgotten. As I finished, my phone dinged with a text message.

Lookingover,Inarrowedmyeyeathisnumber.Ididn’tcarewhathehadtosay,butIhad

to check anyway and then delete it. When I opened the text message, I looked at it in

confusion.

“Hello. Your text message had me in tears with laughter. You’re quite a little spitfire

andI’massumingyourboyfriendbrokeupwithyouorsomething.Ifthistextwasmeant

forhim,I’msorrytosaythathedidn’tgetit.Apparently,yousentthisbymistaketothe

wrongnumber.Thankyouthough.Thistotallymademyday.”

What the fuck? I stared at the number I sent the text message to very carefully. Shit.

Shit.Shit.IwasninetypercentsureIhadtherightnumber.Apparently,Ididn’t,soIsent

anapologytext.

“I’msosorryforthattext.Ihadalreadydeletedtheguy’snumberandthoughtIhadit

correct.Iwasgoingoffmemory,whichobviouslyprovednottobeagoodidea.Anyway,I

apologizeforthemixup,butI’mhappyImadeyourday.”Iattachedthesmileyfaceemoji

andhitsend.

ChapterThree

Christian

Myphonedingedwithatextmessage,andwhenIlookedatit,Inoticeditwasfrom

thatsamenumberasjustafewmomentsago.IlightlyshookmyheadasIreaditanda

smallsmilecrossedmylips.

“Someonesextingyou?”Petersmirkedashewalkedintomyoffice.

“Nah.Igotthisbizarretextmessageafewminutesago.Here,readthis.”Ihandedhim

myphone.

“Andyou’resurethisisn’tfromoneofthemillionwomenyoudate?”Helaughed.

“I’veneverseenthatnumberbeforeinmylife.Soyes,I’msure.Besides,I’mnotan

alcoholic,Ihavemylifefiguredout,andI’matthetop,notthebottom.”Ismiled.

“True.Butyouareanassholeandsometimesamotherfucker.So,she’sgotthatright.”

Hehandedmyphonebacktome.

“Veryfunny.AreyouandJimmydoinganythingtonight?”

“I’mnot.Why?”

“IthoughtthethreeofuscouldheadovertoHellcatAnnie’sforsomebeerandfood

whilewediscussanaccount.”

“You’reactuallyfreeofawomantonight?”Hisbrowraised.

“No one worth asking out at the moment. Plus, we need to go over the Fire Line

account and what better way to do it than having a bro’s night at Hellcat Annie’s?” I

smirked.

“Soundsgoodtome.I’llgotellJimmytocancelanyplanshehas.”

“I’llmeetyouguystherearoundeighto’clock.I’mgoingtogohomeandchangefirst.”

WhenIgothome,Ijumpedintotheshowerandquicklychangedintosomethingmore

casual.Pickingupmyphone,Idecidedtorespondbacktothelastmessageshesent.

“Ifounditquiteentertaining.Imustapologizeforourspeciesandthefactthathemust

have done something really shitty to warrant that text. Smart move deleting his number.

He’snotworthit.Moveon.”

As I finished buttoning the last button on my shirt, my phone dinged with a text

message.

“Thank you. No need to apologize for your species. You can’t help that you all come

fromthesamewhirlpoolofdouchebagcentral.Iknowhe’snotworthitandIhavemoved

on.Allisgoodnow.”

Samewhirlpoolofdouchebagcentral?Iletoutachuckle.

“We’renotalldouchebags.Therearesomedecentguysintheworld.”

“Really?Areyouadecentguy?”

“I like to think so, at least most of the time. I will admit I do have douchebag

tendencieshereandthere,butthatalldependsonhowcrazythegirlis.”

“Soit’sthewoman’sfaultthatguysaredouchebags?”

Itookaseatontheedgeofthebed.

“Sometimes.Ifthey’rewhiny,needy,andunbearable,thenyes.It’stimeslikethatwhen

weneedtobedouchebags.”

“Didyoueverstoptothinkthatwomenactlikethatbecauseofthedouchebaggeryof

men?”

Ilaughed.

“Is‘douchebaggery’evenaword?”Iasked.

“Lol.Idon’tknow.”

“Thankyouforthestimulatingconversation,butIneedtoleavenow.I’mmeetingsome

friendsfordrinks,”Ireplied.

“Haveagoodnightanddomeafavoranddon’tbeadouchebagtonight.”

“I’lltrynottobe.Haveagoodnightaswell.”

I got up from the bed, shaking my head and smiling. This girl was kind of funny. I

grabbedmywalletandkeyandhailedacabtoHellcatAnnie’s.

ChapterFour

Eloise

“Whatareyoudoing?”NatalieaskedasIansweredthephone.

“WatchingGilmoreGirls.”

“GetchangedandmeetmeandScarlettatHellcatAnnie’s.”

“IthoughtScarlettcouldn’tgooutbecauseHannahwassick?”

“Jeff’sflightgotcancelledandhecouldn’tcatchanotherflightouttoday,sohe’shome

andtoldherhe’dtakecareofHannahifshewantedtogoout.”

“Whenareyoumeeting?”Iasked.

“We’reonourwaynow.Clairehasafamilydinneratherparents’house,soshecan’t

joinus.”

“Okay.I’llgetchangedandheadoverthere.”

“Great.Seeyousoon.”

Ireallydidn’tfeellikegoingout,butIknewifIdidn’t,I’dneverheartheendofit.I

got up from the couch, turned the TV off, and changed my clothes for a night of drinks

andlaughterwithmygirls.

When I walked through the door of Hellcat Annie’s, I spotted Scarlett and Natalie

sittingatatable.Nataliewavedmeoverwhenshesawme.

“Hello.”IsmiledasIkissedScarlett’scheekandthenNatalie’s.“Oh,isthisforme?”I

askedasIlookeddownatthecosmopolitanonthetable.

“Yes.Itookthelibertyoforderingitforyou.”Nataliesmiled.

“Thanks.”

Isatdowninmychairandpickedupmyglass.

“How’sHannahdoing?”IaskedScarlett.

“Thedoctorsaidshe’steething.She’sbeenanightmarelately.Shewasscreamingher

headoffwhenIwalkedoutthedoor.PoorJeff.”Shesmirked.

“Youdon’treallymeanthat,”bothNatalieandIspokeatthesametime.

“No,Idon’t.”Shelaughed.

“So,”Islightlyleanedacrossthetable,“tomorrowwillbetheofficialdayI’mkicking

offTheChroniclesof#Deleteonmyblog.”

“What?”Scarlettaskedinconfusion.

“You’regoingtolovethis.”Nataliegrinnedasshetookasipofherdrink.

“#Deleteisthenewprojectformyblog.AfterIgoonmultipledatesandinterviewthe

guys,Iwill#Deletetheirassfrommyphone.”

“Why?”sheasked.

“Soshe’snottemptedtotextanyofthemwhentheydon’ttexther,”Nataliespokeas

sherolledhereyes.

“That is not true.” I cocked my head. “I’m changing my game in the dating world. I

have given up trying to find the perfect guy who doesn’t behave like a douchebag. I’ll

collect the information and then pass it along to my ladies, via my blog.” I smiled. “In

fact,Ialreadyhavedatessetupforthenextsevennights.”

“AllfromMatch,Ipresume?”Scarlettspoke.

“Asamatteroffact,yes.”

“Butwhy?”Shegavemeaweirdlook.

“Why not? My goal is to help empower women when it comes to dating a guy who

startsbehavingbadly.I’mnotdoingthiswiththehopesofgettingintoarelationshipwith

someone.Thosedays,atleastfornow,areoveruntilIcangetinsidetheheadofaman

andtrulyknowwhat’sgoingoninhisfeeblelittlemind.”

“Wait a minute.” Scarlett shook her head. “Isn’t Match.com a place where guys and

girlsactuallywanttomeetsomeonewiththepossibilityofhavingarelationship?Isn’tthat

whytheyjoininthefirstplace?”

“Yes.And?”Iarchedmybrow.

Itookthelastsipofmydrinkandheldmyfingeruptosignalourwaitressovertoour

table.

“I’mheadedovertothebar.”Agorgeousmansmiledashestoppedbyourtable.“What

canIgetyou?”heaskedashelookeddownatmyemptyglass.

Istaredathimfromheadtotoe.Sixfootone,maybetwo.Sandybrownhairthatwas

perfectlystyled.Thebluesteyesthatcouldbenoticedfromfaracrosstheroom.Eyesthat

reminded me of beautiful tropical waters. His smile was panty-melting as was the light

stubblehesportedalonghismasculinejawline.Igulped.

“Acosmopolitan.”IgraciouslysmiledasIswallowedthelumpinmythroat.

“One cosmopolitan coming right up.” He winked. “Ladies, do you need a refill?” he

askedNatalieandScarlett.

“No.We’regood,”Natalieresponded.

Themomenthewalkedaway,IletoutthebreathI’dheldinsideme.

“OhmyGod.”MymouthdroppedasIlookedatthem.

“He’sahottie.”Scarlettsmiled.

“He’s a player,” Natalie spoke. “A guy who you’d fall for in a second, full emotions

andall.Iseethelookonyourface,Eloise.It’salreadyhappening!Stoprightthere!”She

pointedatme.#Delete,remember?”

“You’re right.” I put up my hand. “He is a player. I’ve got that whole player vibe

runningthroughme.”

“Hereyouare.”Thegorgeousmansmiledashesetmydrinkdowninfrontofme.

“Thankyou.”Ifelttheheatriseinmycheeks.“HowmuchdoIoweyou?”

“Yourdrinkisonme.TheonlythingIaskinreturnisyourname.”Hesmirked.

Iswallowedhard.

“Eloise.”

Withasmile,hecockedhishead.

“Whatabeautifulname.I’mChristian.”Heheldouthishand.

I looked at it for a moment with fear coursing through my veins. Slowly lifting my

hand, I placed mine in his and lightly shook it while my knees trembled underneath the

table.

“Itwasnicetomeetyou,Eloise.”

“Youtoo,Christian.Thanksagainforthedrink.”

“Thepleasurewasallmine.”Hegavemeawinkandwalkedbacktohistable.

I sat there, staring at him while he walked away as Natalie and Scarlett waved their

handsinfrontofmyface.

“Shit,”Nataliespoke.“Eloise,focus!”

Isnappedbackintorealityandinhaledasharpbreath.

“You aren’t that woman anymore, remember?” Scarlett spoke. “You’re on a mission

andhe’snotpartofit.Don’tletthegirlswhoreadyourblogdown.”

“You’reright.”

We talked for a while longer, finished our drinks, and headed home. As I left the

restaurantandwastryingtohailacab,Iheardsomeonecallmyname.

“Eloise?”

Iturned,onlytoseeChristianapproachingme.

“Hi.”Ismiled.

“Hi.IsthereachanceIcangetyourphonenumber?”

The butterflies in my stomach woke up and filled me with a fluttering sensation that

wouldn’tstop.Shit.Shit.Shit.Iwantedtogiveittohim.Itwasonthetipofmytongue.

My heart was screaming YES, but my head screamed NO, and then I thought about my

mission.

“I’mflatteredyouwantit,butIcan’tgiveittoyou.I’msorry.”

“Youcan’toryouwon’t?”Hesmirked.

“Iwon’t.IjustgotoutofarelationshipandIhavethingsIneedtofigureout.”

“Okay,butwhosaidanythingaboutarelationship?Ithoughtmaybewecouldtalkand

meetfordinnersometime.”

“Ididn’tsayIwantedarelationshipwithyou.”Icockedmyhead.“I’msimplyletting

youknowthatI’mnotinterestedingoingoutwithanyonerightnow.”

Hiseyenarrowedatmeasheslowlynoddedhishead.Fuck,hewassosexyandthis

brokemyrapidlybeatingheart,forIknewhistype,anditwashistypethatwouldsend

mespiralingdownintothedepthsofemotionalhell.

“Iunderstand.Haveagoodnight,Eloise.”Hehelduphishandandhailedacabforme.

“Thankyou,Christian.Sametoyou.”

IclimbedintothebackofthecabandChristianshutthedoor.

“Whereto,lady?”thecabdriverasked.

“360 West 43

Street, please,” I spoke as the cab pulled away and I lifted my hand,

givingChristianasmallwavegoodbye.

ChapterFive

Christian

“So,didyougethernumber?”Jimmyaskedaswesatattheroundtableinmyoffice.

“Nah.Shewouldn’tgiveittome.”

Peternearlyspitouthiscoffee.

“What?SomeoneactuallyturneddownthegreatChristianBlake?”Helaughed.

“Shesaidsomethingaboutjustgettingoutofarelationshipandshewasn’tlookingto

dateanyonerightnow.”Isighed.

“Ohwell,ontothenext.”Jimmysmiled.

Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutherallnight.Themomentmyeyessawhersittingatthe

tablewithherfriends,somethingstruckinsideme.Ifeltthisoverwhelmingneedtowant

to get to know her. She was gorgeous. Five foot seven with long brown wavy hair that

perfectly flowed over her shoulders. Her green eyes sparkled like shiny emeralds that

couldlightupeventhedarkestofrooms.Eyesthatcouldholdtheuniversewithinthem.I

satatmytableandwatchedthewayherperfectlyshapedlipsgavewaytoasmile.Asmile

thatilluminatedherbeautifulface.

We shared a moment, and even though that moment was brief, it would be one I’d

rememberforalongtime.

“Bro,areyouokay?”Peterasked.

“What?”Iblanklystaredathim.

“Youzonedoutforamoment,”Jimmyspoke.“Youstillthinkingaboutthatgirl?”

“Noway.”Igotupfrommychair.“Idon’tdoshitlikethatandyouknowit.”Ilooked

at my watch. “It’s time for our weekly productivity meeting. I’ll meet you in the

conferenceroom.”

Walkingovertomydesk,Ipickedupmyphoneandhelditinmyhand.Openingmy

messages,Idecidedtosendatextmessagetothegirl.

“Just checking in to see how last night was and to let you know that I wasn’t a

douchebag.”

AsIwaswalkingtomymeeting,areplycamethrough.

“Lol.I’mhappytohearyourefrainedfrombeingadouchebag.Mynightwasexciting!

Well,maybenottooexciting.Justhadagirls’nightwithmyfriends.”

IsentheramessagebackasIwalkedintotheconferenceroom.

“Girls’nightisgood.Atleastyouweren’thomemopingaroundoverthatjerk.I’moff

toameetingnow.Catchyalater!”

“Idon’tmope.I’mbetterthanthat.HaveagoodmeetingandI’llcatchyalater.”

Iletoutalightchucklebeforetakingmyseatandstartingthemeeting.

****

WhenIgothome,Iquicklyshoweredandchangedformydatewithawomannamed

Cheyenne.I’dmetherlastweekatanartgalleryopening.Shewasattractiveandnewly

divorced. She told me she’d only been married a couple of years and it was the biggest

mistakeofherlife.Oneshewouldn’tmakeagain.Hervibetoldmethatshewaslooking

tohavesomefunandthatwasallIwantedtoo.So,IcalledherlastnightafterIgothome

andsetupthedate.WassheEloise?Absolutelynot,butIcouldn’tletherrejectionofme

interferewithdatingotherwomen.I’dbeeninacoupleofrelationshipsinmylifeandthey

justneverseemedright.Iwasn’tagainstrelationships.Theyjustweren’tforme.Atleast

at this point in my life. Maybe in ten years, I’d feel differently. I just dated different

women all the time without the hassles of being in a relationship. Life was too short to

committooneperson.Especiallyatmyageofthirty.Iwasinmyprimeyears,building

my advertising firm, making a shitload of money, and enjoying everything life had to

offer,includingbeautifulwomen.

“SorryI’mlate,”IspokeasIleanedoverandkissedCheyenne’scheek.“Trafficwas

horribletonightandIwasalmostkilledtwicewhenthecabbiedecidedtocutafewpeople

off.”

“Noproblem.”Shesmiled.

Itooktheseatacrossfromherandlookedoverthewinelist.

“Isthereacertaintypeofwineyouprefer?”Iasked.

“Iwouldactuallypreferabottleofchampagne,”shereplied.

Wow.Thatcaughtmeoffguard.Firstdateandshe’salreadyexpectingthebest.

“Okay.Champagne,itis.”

ThewaitressbroughtourbottleofChampagneandthenproceededtotakeourdinner

order.Ofcourse,Cheyenneorderedthemostexpensivethingonthemenu.Icouldalready

tellshewashighmaintenance,especiallywiththeamountofBotoxshehadinjectedinto

her skin at such a young age. The more we talked, or should I say, she talked, the more

boredIbecame.Whensheexcusedherselftothebathroom,Ipulledmyphonefrommy

pocket.Pullingupmymessages,Isentatexttothatgirl.

“Hi.I’monadateandterriblybored.”

“You’re not the only one. I’m also on a date and my face is about ready to hit the

plate.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.

“Hecan’tbeworsethanmine.She’sabuyer.Asinhandbagsandshoes,forherself.”

“Lol.Myguyisafinancialadvisor,andforthelasttwohours,allhe’stalkedaboutis

RothIRAsandshit.DidImentionhe’swearingabowtie?”

“Youpoorgirl.”

“He’scomingbackfromthebathroom.We’lltalklater?”

“Ofcourse.Cutthedateshortifhe’sthatbad.Ifyouneedmyhelp,letmeknow.”

“Thanks.But,liketheladyIam,I’llfinishitoutandthenlethimdowngently.”

“Goodgirl.”

Cheyennewalkedbacktothetableandsatdowninherseat.

“Whowereyoutexting?”sheasked.

Igaveheranoddlookbecause,frankly,thatwasnoneofherbusiness.

“Oneofmycolleagues.There’saworkissue,”Ireplied.

“Doyoualwaysdoworkwhenyou’reonadate?Myexusedtodothatallthetimeand

itwassoannoying.”

Iwantedtotellherthatheprobablywasn’tworkingandmorethanlikelytextingother

womenhewasseeingontheside.Oncewefinisheddinner,Ipaidthebillandwestepped

outintothebrightlylitNewYorkCitystreets.CheyenneranherfingerdownmychestasI

wastryingtosaygoodbye.

“Howaboutwegotomyplaceforanightcaportwo?”Shesmiled.

“Asniceasthatsounds,I’mafraidIcan’t.Ihaveaveryearlymeetingtomorrow.”

“Poopoo.”Shepouted.

Isighed,asIcouldn’twaittogetawayfromher.

“Thanksfordinner.Ihadagreattime,Christian.Callme?”Herbrowarched.

“Ihadanicetimetoo,”Ilied.“I’llcallyou,”Iliedagain.

Ileanedoverandlightlykissedhercheekbeforeputtingherinacabandsendingher

home.

Stepping into my bedroom, I stripped out of my clothes and put on a pair of black

pajamabottoms.Pickingupmyphone,Isentthatgirlatext.

“Hasyourdateended?”

“Yes.I’mhomesafeandsound.ButthetalkofRothIRAswon’tstopcirclingaroundin

myhead.Howaboutyou?”

“Yes.I’mhome.Shewantedtogobacktoherplace.Ipolitelydeclined.”

“I’mshocked.Youturneddownsexwithawoman?Whatkindofmanareyou?”

“Amanwholooksatawomanformorethanjustsex.Idon’tsleepwitheverywomanI

take out. By the way, is there a chance I can get your name? After all, we seem to be

textingquiteabit.”

“Wouldn’t that ruin the mystery of us?” she replied. “I kind of like not knowing who

youare.”

“Isupposeyou’reright.Twostrangerstalkingbyoneaccidentaltextisdifferent.ButI

stillneedtocallyousomethingotherthan‘thatgirl.’”

“HowaboutDigits?”shereplied.“SinceIsentyoumydigitsbyaccident.”

“Digits.Ilikeit.YouarenowofficiallyinmyphoneasDigits.”

“Great.I’llthinkofanameforyou.Enjoytherestofyourevening.Ineedtogotobed

now and sleep off the massive numbers running through my head from all that financial

adviceIreceived.”

“Lol.Goodnight,Digits.”

“Goodnight,MobileMan.Oh,there’syourname.”

“Ilikeit.”IsmiledasIreplied.

“Metoo.”

ChapterSix

Eloise

Iwasinthemiddleofshootingacouple’sengagementpicturesinCentralParkwhen

myphonedinged.Aswewereonourwaytoournextlocation,Ipulledmyphonefrom

pocketandcheckedmytextmessages.

“Hi!Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou.Howareyoudoing?I’msurprisedIhaven’theard

fromyou.”

IglaredatthenumberandrealizeditwasfromLuke.Hewassurprisedhehadn’theard

fromme?Washeserious?Myfingerswenttotypingtown.

“Why are you thinking about me? By the way, I’m doing fantastic! I would ask how

you’redoing,butIdon’treallycare,whichisthereasonwhyyouhaven’theardfromme.”

Afewmomentslater,hereplied.

“Wow.Justwow!Wherethehelldidthatcomefrom?”

“#Delete,”Iquicklyrespondedandthendeletedhisnumber.

“Whatdoesthatmean?!”Hisnumberpoppedupagain.

Iignoredhim,swipedtotheleftanddeletedhisnumberbecauseIcouldn’tspendany

moretimeorenergyonhisdumbass.IfinishedthephotoshootandheadedtoStarbucks

foracoffeeandtostartwritingmyblogpostaboutmydatelastnight.Ihadacoupleof

hourstosparebeforeIhadtogethomeandchangeforanotherdate.

As I was typing away and sipping my coffee, I heard a loud voice enter through the

door.

“Hey, you!” Claire smiled as she walked over and hugged me. “What are you doing

here?”

“IjustfinishedaphotoshootandI’mblogging.”Ismiled.“Aren’tyousupposedtobe

atwork?”

“I’m on a coffee run for the guys.” She rolled her eyes. “Hey.” She sat down in the

chairacrossfromme.“MybossishavingapartythisSaturdayathisplaceandinvitedme.

KennyisgoingonthatcampingweekendwiththeguysandsaidIwasn’tallowedtogo

unlessyou,Nat,orScarlettwentwithme.”

“Ishereallythatworriedaboutyourboss?”Icockedmyhead.

“Hehasinsecurities.Youknowthat.Remember,hislastgirlfriendlefthimforanother

guy.”

“Igetthat,butheneedstogetoverit!Whyareyouwithhimifhedoesn’ttrustyou?”

“Hetrustsme.It’stheothermenhedoesn’ttrust.Sayyou’llgo.Please.Pretty,pretty

please.”

“IhaveadateSaturdaynight,remember?”Iarchedmybrow.

“BFFs before dates. You know the rule, Eloise. Think of the guys you’ll meet at the

party.Youcanblogaboutthem!”Shesmirked.

“Thatdefeatsthepurposeof#Delete.”

“Maybenot.Gettheirnumber,gooutonadate,interviewthem,andthen#Deletetheir

ass!”

As she was trying to convince me to cancel my date for Saturday night, my phone

dingedwithatextmessagefromMobileMan.Thecornersofmylipscurvedintoasmall

smile.

“Topofthedaytoyou.Hopeit’sagoodone.AndIhopethenumbershavestoppedin

yourhead.”

“Whotextedyou?”Claireasked.“Whyareyousmiling?”

Ihadn’ttoldanyofthemyetaboutMobileManbecauseIdidn’tthinkwe’dbetalking

asmuchaswewere.Iguessitwastimetoletthecatoutofthebag.

“I’mtalkingtoMobileMan.”IcasuallysmiledasIsippedmycoffee.

“Who?”Herbrowsfurrowed.

“Last week, when I was telling off Luke via text, I accidentally sent it to the wrong

phonenumber.Thisguyrespondedandwejuststartedtextingeachother,likeeveryday.”

“Whoisthisguy?”

“Idon’tknow.Icallhim‘MobileMan’andhecallsme‘Digits.’”

“Okay,that’sfuckingweird.What’shisname?”

“Idon’tknowandIdon’twanttoknow.Themysteryofitisexciting!”Ismirked.

“So you’re texting some random guy every day and you don’t know anything about

him?”

“Youarecorrect.”Ilightlynodded.

“You,myfriend,havegonecompletelyinsane.Hecouldbemarriedforallyouknow.”

“He’snot.HewasonadatelastnightjustlikeIwas.Wewerebothboredsowestarted

textingeachother.”

Ipickedupmyphoneandrepliedtohim.

“Hi!Topofthedaytoyoutoo!Thenumbershavestopped,thankgod!How’syourday

going?”

“Putthatphonedownandtellmemore!”shedemanded.

“There’s nothing more to tell. I know not one thing about him except that he doesn’t

sleepwitheverywomanhetakesout.”

“Yeah,right.”Sherolledhereyesandthenlookedatherwatch.“Shit.Ineedtoorder

thecoffeesandgo.So,yestoSaturday?”Shestoodupandplacedherhandonherhip.

“Fine.I’llgo.”

“Yay!It’llbefun.Justyouwaitandsee!”

Assoonasshewalkedaway,myphonedingedagain.

“Thedayisgood.Alotofcontractsarebeingsignedtodayandmoneyisbeingmade.

Couldn’taskforanythingmore.”

“Soyou’reincorporatebusiness?Justasimpleyesorno,please.”

Ididn’twanttoknowanythingabouthim.Thisgamewasfunanditallowedmetobe

anyoneIwantedandanyonehewanted.

“Yes.I’mincorporatebusiness.Whatdoyoudo?”

Ineededtothinkquick.

“I’minthesocialmediarelationsbusiness.”

“Ah,Isee.Caretoelaborateonthat?”

“Iliketowrite.”

“Areyoulikeajournalistorsomething?”

“Somethinglikethat.”

“Listen,Digits,Ihavetoheadintoameeting.Catchyalater?”

“Okay.Catchyalater.”

****

Islippedintomytight-fitted,spaghetti-strapblackdressandshovedmyfeetintoapair

of black Kate Spade heels with a peep toe and a bow. Tonight’s date was with a man

namedAaron.Accordingtohisprofile,hewasthirtyyearsoldandahighschoolscience

teacher. As I was walking out the door, a text message came through from a number I

didn’trecognize.

“Hi,Eloise.Ireallyenjoyedournighttogetherlastnight.Howaboutwesetupanother

date?”

Shit.ItwasfromFrankie,thefinancialguy.Becausehewastoobusytryingtofeedmy

soul full of financial advice, I didn’t get to ask him many questions when it came to

women.TheonlythingIcouldgetoutofhimwasthathelikedtowaitacoupleofdays

afteradatetotextthegirlback.Sowhythehellwashetextingmealready?

“Hi,Frankie.You’reaniceguy,butIdon’tthinkanotherdateissuchagoodidea.I

reallywasn’tfeelingaconnection.I’msorry.”

“No problem. I wasn’t feeling it either, but I thought I would give you a second

chance,”hereplied.

Rollingmyeyes,Iswipedtotheleftanddeletedhisboringass.

WhenIreachedPRINT,arestaurantoverinHell’sKitchen,Iwalkedinsideandlooked

around.

“CanIhelpyou?”theyoungredheadedhostessasked.

“I’mmeetingsomeonehere.”

“Aaron?”sheasked.

“Yes.”Ismiled.

“Followme,please.”

IfollowedhertothetablewhereAaronsat.Hewascute,Iwon’tlie.Cleancut,dark

hair,babyface.Iwassurethegirlsinhisclassswoonedoverhimeveryday.

“My God.” He grinned as he stood up from his chair. “You are more beautiful in

person.”Hekissedmycheek.

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

“Itookthelibertyoforderingabottleofwhitewine.Ihopethat’sokay.”

“Ilikewhitewine.”ThecornersofmymouthslightlycurvedupwardsasItooktheseat

acrossfromhim.

We talked about his job, my job, his family, and my family. We had a few things in

commonandheseemedeasytotalkto.Iwasanxiouslywaitingfortheperfectopportunity

toslipmyquestionsin.Hecaughtmeoffguardwhenhereachedacrossthetableandtook

holdofmyhand,interlacingourfingers.

“Canwejustgetmarried?BecauseI’mninety-ninepercentsurethatwe’resoulmates

andonehundredpercentsurethatI’minlove.”

Isattherestaringathimindisbelief.Suddenly,Iletoutalightlaugh.

“That’ssweet.You’refunny.”

“Whyisthatfunny?”heaskedinaserioustone.“Imeanit.IknowwhenI’minlove,

andrightnow,I’minlovewithyou,Eloise.You’regorgeous,youhaveagreatpersonality,

andIknowyou’remysoulmate.Icanfeelitineveryfiberinmybody.”

Pullingmyhandawayfromhis,Ispoke,“Well,Aaron,canyoupleasetellthefibersin

yourbodytostopfeelingit.”Ismirkedtotryandlightenthemoment.

“No,Iwon’t!”heloudlyvoiced.

Iglancedaroundtherestauranttomakesurenoonewasstaringatus.Slowlygetting

upfromthetable,Igrabbedmypurse.

“IthinkI’mgoingtocallitanight.”Ipulledsomecashoutfrommywalletandthrew

itonthetable.“Icanpayformyowndinner.Thanks.”Iscurriedoutoftherestaurantand

climbedintoacabthatwassittingatthecurb.

This date was one that went very wrong. Pulling my phone from my purse, I deleted

Aaron’snumberandthensentatextmessagetoMobileMan.

“Ijusthadtoexitadateearlybecausetheguytoldmethathewasinlovewithme,he

knowswe’resoulmates,andweshouldgetmarried.”

Afewmomentslater,hereplied.

“Howlonghaveyouknownthisguy?”heasked.

“Ijustmethimtonight.Whatthehelliswrongwiththeseguys?”

“Lol.Youmusthavemadehisheartstop.Iwillsaythatisunusualbehavior.Theguy

mustbedesperate.”

“He’snotdesperate,he’sweird.AndnowIcanseewhyhe’ssingle.Shame,though,he

wasreallycute.”

“Youcan’talwaysgobylooks,Digits,”hereplied.

“Oh please, Mobile Man. You’re not going to tell me that you date not-so-attractive

women.It’spurelyphysicalforyouguys.”

“Fine.Youcaughtme.”

“Thoughtso.”

“Butit’sthesamewithyouwomenaswell.Ifyoudon’tthinkaguyishotorsexy,you

won’tgivehimthetimeofday.”

“Thatisnottrue.”

“Yes,itisandyouknowit.”

Isighed.Iknewhewasright,butIdidn’twanttoadmitittohim.

“Comeon,Digits.Admitit.”

“I’mpleadingthefifth,”Ireplied.

“Ha.Thatrightthereisyouranswer.”

“I’m home now and going to soak in a hot bubble-filled tub. Catch ya later, Mobile

Man.”

“Enjoytherestofyourevening,Digits.Catchyalater.”

ChapterSeven

Christian

“Who are you texting, bro? We’re trying to finish this meeting so we can go home,”

Peterspoke.

“Digits.”Isetmyphonedown.

“Isthatthegirlwhosentyouthatweirdtextmeantforsomeoneelse?”Jimmyasked.

“Yes.”Ismirked.

“Youtwoarestilltextingeachother?”Peterfurrowedhisbrow.

“Yep.Everyday,”Ireplied.

“Butyouknownothingabouther?”Jimmycockedhishead.

“Nope.Nothing.”

“Dude,seriously,whyareyoustilltalkingtoher?”Peterasked.

“BecauseIliketo.She’sfunandaloteasiertotalktothanhalfthewomenIdate.”

“Ibetshe’suglyasfuck.”Jimmylaughed.

Peterletoutalaughandpointedathim.

“Sowhat?It’snotlikeI’mdatingher.We’rejusttexting.”

“And you’re going to sit there and tell me that you’re not the least bit curious as to

whatshelookslike?”Peterraisedhisbrow.

“Nope.Notatall.She’sjustsomeoneIliketotalktoviatext.”

“Yeah.Okay,bro.”Jimmylaughed.

We ended our late night meeting and I headed home. The truth was I would love to

know what Digits looked like. I was curious because she seemed to have such a great

personality. But, unfortunately, I would never know because she liked keeping herself a

secret.Nonetheless,shewasadelightfuldistractionfromthehumdrumofthedailygrind.

****

Eloise

Aftermyrelaxingbath,Iclimbedintobedwithmylaptopandbeganeditingsomeof

the engagement photos I took, for I promised the happy couple that I would have them

ready by Monday. As I edited the pictures and stared at the images that so profoundly

captured their happiness, my mind began to wander about the last two dates I’d had.

Financialguydidn’tworkoutbecauseIcouldn’tgetawordinedgewisebeneathallthe

financialadvicehespewed.Soulmateguydidn’tworkbecausehewouldn’tshutthefuck

upabouthowinlovewithmehewasandthethoughtthatweshouldgetmarried.Maybe

Matchwasn’tagoodwaytodomyresearch.Isentatextmessagetotherestofthefive

guys,unapologeticallycanceledourdates,andthenproceededto#Deletetheirassesfrom

myphone.

****

NataliesatontheedgeofmybedasIsatonthefloorinfrontofmyfull-lengthmirror

andappliedmymakeup.

“I’mproudofyouforcancellingthosedates.Ididn’tthinkyoucouldgothroughwith

it,”shespoke.

“It’snotthatIcouldn’tgothroughwithit.”Ilookedatheraftermeticulouslyapplying

myeyeliner.“Theyweren’ttherightguystointerview.”

“Thenwhoaretherightguystointerview?”Shenarrowedhereyeatme.

“TheonesI’mgoingtorandomlymeetatbars,clubs,coffeeshops,etc.”

She let out a light laugh. “What are you going to do? Walk up to them with your

notebookandpenandaskthemwhythey’resuchdouchebags?”

“Prettymuch.”Igrinned.

“Jesus,Eloise.YourissuesgobeyondanythingIimagined.”

“Actually,Ionlyhaveoneissueandthatistryingtogetinsidetheheadofaman.”

“Goodluckwiththat.Andwhenareyougoingtodothis?You’rebookedbacktoback

withphotoshootsforthenexttwoweeks.”

“Icancarveoutsometime.Afterall,Ididhavefivemoredatessetup.”Iwinked.

Shegotupfromthebedandgrabbedherpurse.

“Well,keepmepostedandhavefuntonightwithClaire.Trytokeepyourinterviewsto

aminimum.Youwouldn’twanttoembarrassherandhaveherco-workersthinkingyou’re

afewstacksshortofmentalstability.”

“Thanks.”Iscrunchedupmynoseather.

Asshebegantowalkoutoftheroom,shestoppedandturnedaround.

“Speakingofafewstacksshortofmentalstability,whothefuckisMobileMan?And

whyhaven’tyoutoldmeabouthim?”

IsighedasIrolledmyeyes.

“Shetoldyou?”

“Ofcourseshedid.ButtheproblemisthatYOUdidn’ttellme.”

“It’snobigdeal.He’sjustaguyI’vebeentalkingto.Twostrangerstextingeachother.

That’sit.”

“It’s weird, Eloise. You don’t know his name or anything about him, yet you talk to

him.Hecouldbesomemurdererorkidnapperforallyouknow.”

“He’s not.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s a nice guy. He’s in business and he’s always

attendingmeetings.”

“Whatdidyoutellhimyoudo?”sheaskedsuspiciously.

“ItoldhimIwasinthesocialmediarelationsbusiness.”

“LikeIsaid,afewstacksshortofmentalstability,”shesighed.

“GetoutofheresoIcanfinishgettingready.”Ithrewoneofmypillowsather.

Shegavemeaslysmileassheleftthebedroom.

****

ThecabpulleduptothetallbuildingonEast89

StreetandClaireandIclimbedout.

“Nicebuilding,”IspokeasIlookedupatit.

MyphonedingedwithatextmessageandwhenItookitfrommypurse,Inoticedit

wasfromMobileMan.

“Hithere.Irealizedwedidn’ttouchbasetoday.Everythinggood?”

ThedoormanopenedthedoorforusandClairetoldhimwewereherefortheChristian

Blakeparty.Hepolitelysmiledandtoldustotaketheelevatoruptothe29

floorandhe

wasinapartmentB.

“IsitweirdthatI’mreallynervous?”Claireaskedaswesteppedofftheelevator.

“Yes.Whywouldyoubenervous?He’syourboss.”

“Exactly!”Shelightlyhitmyarm.“He’smyboss!I’veneverseenhimoutsideofthe

office.”

“Calmdown.He’sjustapersonlikeyouandme,”IspokeasIknockedonapartmentB

andrepliedbacktoMobileMan.

“Hi!Everything’sgreat.Outwithmygirlfriendrightnow.You?”

“Goodtohear.It’sbeenquiteabusyday.Havingsomepeopleover.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater!”

Someguy,areallycuteguy,dressedinallblackwithblondewavyhairansweredthe

door.

“Hey,Claire.”Hesmiledashekissedhercheek.“Comeonin.”

“Hey,Peter.Thisismygirlfriend,Eloise.”

Webothlookedateachotherstrangely.

“IthinkIknowyou.”Hepointedatme.

“I feel as if I know you too.” I cocked my head but couldn’t for the life of me

rememberwherefrom.

“Waitaminute.You’rethatgirlfromHellcatAnnie’s.”Hesmiled.

Iglaredathimforamoment.Shit.

“Claire,who’syourboss?”Iasked.

“HisnameisChristianBlake.Why?”

Igulped.

“Hello,Claire,”hisvoicespokefrombehind.

“Christian.”Sheturnedaroundandhelightlykissedhercheek.

HiseyesdivertedtheirattentionovertowhereIwasstandingashelookedatmefrom

headtotoe.

“Eloise.”Hetookholdofmyhandandbroughtituptohislips.“It’snicetoseeyou

again.”

“Christian.”Igavealightnodandsmile.

Mystomachstartedtoflutterandmyskinstartedtoheat.

“Youtwoknoweachother?”Claireaskedinconfusion.

“EloiseandIbrieflymetatHellcatAnnie’snottoolongago.Ihadnoideashewasa

friendofyours.”

“AndIhadnoideahewasyourboss,”Ispoke.

“Okay.Wow.Thisisweird.Ineedadrink.I’llberightback.”Shewalkedaway.

“WouldyouhavecomeifyouhadknownIwasClaire’sboss?”Heslylysmiled.

A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne glasses sitting upon it. Taking one, I

smirked,“Idon’tknow.”

Hechuckledashetookasipofthedrinkhewasholding.

“Please excuse me. A friend of mine just walked in.” He placed his hand on my arm

anditfeltlikeitwentnumb.

I swallowed hard before bringing the tall glass of bubbly up to my lips. I couldn’t

believehewasClaire’sboss.Hissmile,hischarm,andoverallappearancemademeweak

intheknees.ButIneededtorememberthathewasaserialdater,accordingtoClaire.

“Whydidn’tyoutellmeyoumethim?”Shecameupbehindme.

“HowthehelldidIknowhewasyourboss?”

“Butyoudidn’teventellmethatsomeguyapproachedyouthatnight.”Shepouted.

“Itwasabriefencounter.Heboughtmeadrinkandaskedformynumber.”

“Andyoudidn’tgiveittohim?”sheaskedwithamazement.

“No.Becauseaccordingtoourdearfriend,Natalie,he’sthetypeIwouldfallforhead

overheelsinstantly.Plus,Igotthatwholeplayervibefeelfromhim.”

“Thatistrue.Hedoesdatedifferentwomenallthedamntime.Ihonestlydon’tknow

howhekeepsthemallstraight.I’llberightback.Oneofmyco-workersjustwalkedin.”

As Claire went off to talk to her co-worker, I walked around Christian’s apartment,

takinginathowlovelyitwas.Whatcaughtmyattentionwerethewhiteoakfloorswith

thesubtletintedbeigewallsthatmadethelivingspacelooklargerthanitreallywas.His

furniturewascoloredinblacksandbeiges,givingoffthemodernurbandécorstylevibe.

Walkingovertothethree-oversizedfloor-to-ceilingwindows,Itookinthedramaticcity

andriverviews,whichwerepicturesque.

“Beautifulview,isn’tit?”IheardChristian’svoicecomeupbehindme.

“Itdefinitelyis.”Ibroughtmychampagneglassuptomylips.“Sotellme,Mr.Blake,

howdoessomeoneyouragehavehisownadvertisingfirm?”

“Well,”hesmiled,“mypartnersandIhavetalkedaboutowningourownfirmsincewe

werekids.”

“Yourpartners?”Icockedmyhead.

“Yes.PeterandJimmy.Westartedourfirm,BlakeGroup,threeyearsago.”

“Pleasetellmeifthisistoopersonal,butifyou’reallpartners,whyisyournamethe

onlyoneonthedoors?”

Hechuckled.“That’sbecauseIputupthemajorityofthemoneyforthecompanyafter

mygrandfatherdied.”

“Ah.Isee.”Ilightlysmiled.“FromwhatIcantell,yourcompanyseemstobedoing

verywellforonlyopeningitsdoorsthreeyearsago.”

“Our company is doing extremely well. We’ve worked very hard and put in a lot of

blood,sweat,andtearstomakeithappenandasuccess.Alotofsacrificesweremade,but

nothingthatI’veregretted.Tellmeaboutyou.Whatdoyoudo?”

“I’mafreelancephotographer.”

“Interesting.”Hesmirked.“Whatdoyouphotograph?”

“Whateverpeoplehiremefor.”Ismirkedback.I’vedoneafewsmallmagazineshoots,

butmostlyit’sweddings,engagements,anniversaryparties,andbirthdays.”

“I’dlovetoseeyourworksomeday.”Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupwards.

I swallowed hard because every time he smiled, it sent my body into a blaze of fire.

Thiswasnotgood.Notgoodatall.

ChapterEight

Eloise

Ifinishedoffmysecondglassofchampagneandtookanotherasthewaiterwalkedby.

Christianarchedhisbrowatmeandthenlookedathiswatch.

“You’vebeenherethirtyminutesandthat’syourthirdglassofchampagne.”

“Yeah.Well.It’sjustsogood.”Iwinked.

“Christian,canyoucomeoverhereforamoment?”ayoungmanaskedasheheldhis

handup.

“I’llberightback.”Hesmiledashelightlytouchedmyarm.

IlookedaroundforClaire.Damnherforleavingmelikethis.Pullingmyphonefrom

mypurse,IsentatextmessagetoNatalie.

“YouarenevergoingtobelievewhosehouseI’mat.”

“Aren’tyouatthatpartywithClaire?”

“Yes.Doyouknowwhoherbossis?”Itypedwithrapidfingers.

“No,shouldI?”

“ChristianBlake!”

“HowdoIknowthatname?”

“The guy from Hellcat Annie’s that bought me a drink and then asked for my phone

number!Theoneyousaidtostayawayfrombecausehewasaplayerandyoucouldsee

metotallyfallingforhim!”

“Ohshit!Omg!He’sherboss?”

“YES.We’vebeentalking.He’ssofuckinghotandseemsreallynice.”

“No,Eloise!#DELETE!Idon’twanttoseeyougodownthatroadagain.Clairesaid

herselfhe’saserialdater.He’sthetypethatwon’tcommittoanyone.You’lldateacouple

times,getyourhopesup,he’llstoptextingorcalling,you’llgetallpissedoffandupset

andthenwe’llhavetopickyouupandputyoubacktogetheragain.MenlikeChristian

Blakearenotoriousforthat.”

“You’reright.Buthe’sshowinginterest.”

“Ofcourseheis!You’redropdeadgorgeous,butIcanguaranteeyouheonlywants

onethingandyouknowexactlywhatI’mtalkingabout!”

“You’reright,”Irepliedwithasademoji.“He’scomingbackmyway.I’lltalktoyou

later.”

Idownedtherestofmychampagneandthatlastgulphitme.Whydidn’tIeatbeforeI

camehere?

Hewalkedovertomewithapanty-meltingsmilethatsentaweaknesstomyknees.

“Youdrankthatfast.”Hegrinned.

“It’ssogood.Icouldn’thelpit.”Ilookedhimupanddown.

“Issomethingwrong?”heasked.

“No.Why?”Icockedmyhead.

“It’sjustthewayyoulookedatme.”

“You’reanincrediblyattractiveman.I’msureallthewomenlookatyoulikethat.”

Hestoodthereforamoment,hiseyesburningintomine.Heslowlybroughthishand

upandplaceditonmycheek.

“AndIthinkyouareaverybeautifulwoman.”

Icouldfeeltheheatrisethroughoutmyface.Hishandwassoftassilk,andhistouch

frozemeinplace.

“Thankyou,”Imuttered.“Couldyoupleasetellmewhereyourbathroomis?”

“I’llshowyou.”Hesmiled.

Hegrabbedholdofmyhandandledmethroughthelivingroomanddownthehallway.

“Lookslikesomeoneisusingit,”hespoke.“Youcanusetheoneupstairs.”

Stillholdingmyhand,heledmeupthestairsandtothefirstdoorontheleft.

“Thankyou.”MylipsgavewaytoasmallsmileasIwentintothebathroomandshut

thedoor.

Mybodywastinglingfromheadtotoe.Afterwashingmyhandsandlookingatmyself

inthemirror,Itookinadeepbreathandopenedthedoor,onlytofindChristianstanding

therewaitingforme.Oureyeslockedoneachother’sandsuddenly,hislipswerepressed

into mine. Soft, subtle, invigorating. I returned his kiss and then he looked at me. He

leaned in for another and I willingly let him. His tongue met mine as our lips moved in

sync. The hand that was softly placed on my cheek moved to the nape of my neck,

intensifyingtheliplockwewerein.Heslowlybeganpushingmebackintothebathroom.

Shit.Weweregoingtohavesex,andatthispoint,Ididn’tcare.Thealcoholfuckedwith

allmysensesofwhatwasrightandwhatwaswrong.Thiswasdefinitelyawrong,butI

wastoodeepintothefeelingofhishandsallovermybodytocare.Hekickedthedoor

shutwithhisfootandreachedhishandbackandlockedit.

His fingers hooked around the thin straps to the dress I was wearing, and with ease,

pushedthemoffmyshoulders,lettingmydressfalltotheground.Myhandsfumbledwith

the buttons on his shirt as the heated moment made my heart race with anticipation of

seeinghisnakedbody.Withonehand,heunclaspedmystraplessbrawitheaseandtossed

ittotheside.Hishandsgropedmybreastsasourlipsstayedlockedtogether.Softmoans

escaped both of us at the same time as his hand traveled down my torso and into my

panties.Thelightsweepofhisfingersacrossmywetzonemademegasp.

Ifumbledwithhisbeltasheslippedoffmypanties.Breakingourkiss,hetookastep

backandstaredatmewhileheunbuttonedhispantsandslidthemoffhiships.Holyshit,

hisbodyrockedinalltherightplaces.Toned,muscular,perfect.Hiscock,long,big,but

nottoobig,stoodtallandproudinfrontofme.Myheartracedatthespeedoflightashe

removed his wallet from his pants and took out a condom. After rolling it on, his hands

claspedmyhipsandheliftedmeuponthecounter.Ourlipsmetagainwithpleasureand

myhandsroamedoverhisbody.Inonethrust,hewasinsideme,mypussytakinghimin

inchbyinch.Ithrewmyheadbackatthepleasureashislipsexploredmyneck.Mylegs

wrappedtightlyaroundhimashedeepenedhimselfinsideme.Hishipsmovedbackand

forth, while his cock hit every pleasure station. The buildup was coming and I found

myself standing at the edge of a cliff waiting for the moment to take the leap into

euphoria.Iquietlymoanedsonoonewouldhearasdidhewhilehethrustinandoutof

me. My orgasm erupted and his mouth smashed into mine to quiet the feral sounds that

escapedme.Tighteningmylegs,mybodyreleaseditselftohim,givingupallthepleasure

Ihadstoredupinsideme.Hesloweddownasgroanseruptedinhischestandhehaltedas

hecame,pushingdeepinsideasmynailsdugintoback.

Hepulledoutofmeanddisposedofthecondominthewastebasket.Hoppingoffthe

counter,Ialmostfellduetotheintenseshakingofmylegs.

“Areyouokay?”Christianaskedashelightlygrabbedholdofmyarm.

“I’mfine.Justalegcramp.”Ilightlysmiled.

Afterputtingonourclothes,heturnedtomeandplacedhishandonmycheek.

“Iwanttoseeyouagain.”Histhumbsoftlystrokedmyskin.

IneededtoplayitcoolinfrontofhimandittookeverybitofpostsexstrengthIhadto

remaincomposed.

“I’mthinkingthisisaone-timething.We’dbeendrinkinganditjusthappened.So,I

thinkit’sbestthatwedon’tseeeachotheragain.”

“You’renotserious,”hespoke.

“Oh, I am, Mr. Blake. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to leave. I’m sure Claire is

lookingforme.”

“CanIatleastgetyourphonenumber?”heaskedasIopenedthebathroomdoor.

“No.I’msorry.LikeIsaidbefore,I’mnotreadytodateanyonerightnow.”

I walked out of the bathroom, practically hyperventilating, and scurried to the front

door. Taking the elevator down to the lobby, I ran out as fast as I could. Once the fresh

crispairhitmylungs,Ileanedagainstthebrickwallandplacedmyhandsonmyhead.I

hadneverdonewhatIjustdid.I’dneversleptwithamanIdidn’tknowandI’dneverhad

aone-nightstand.Allkindsoffeelingsandemotionswerecoursingthroughmybody.For

fucksake,whydidhehavetobesosexyandsuperbatsex?Sexwaswhathewasafter

and I willingly gave in to him. How stupid could I be? Shaking my head, I pulled my

phonefrommypurseandsentatextmessagetoClaire.

“Hey,I’mnotfeelingwell,soI’mgoingtogohome.”

“What’swrong?”

“IfeelnauseaandIhaveaheadache.Ithitmeoutofnowhere.Talktomorrow?”

“Ofcourse.Feelbetter.Ifyouneedanything,callme.”

Iwalkeddownthestreetandhailedacabhome.Ifeltthisoverwhelmingneedtotext

MobileMan.

“Hi.I’mhavingabadnight.”

“Youandmeboth.Youokay?”

“Yeah.I’mfine.Justoneofthosenightswhereeverythingseemstogowrong.”

“Funny you should say that because I feel the same way,” he replied. “I’ll text you

later.I’minthemiddleofsomething.Okay?”

“Okay.Catchyalater!”

“Catchyalater,Digits!”

As soon as the cab pulled up to my building, I handed the driver some cash and

climbedout.Insteadofgoinginsideanduptomyapartment,Iwalkedaroundtheblockto

Didjo’s,apopularbarwhereI’dgoandsitwhenIneededtothink.

“Hey,Eloise.”Charliesmiledashesetanapkindowninfrontofme.“Usual?”

“Hi,Charlie.Yes,please.”

He perfectly made my cosmopolitan and set it down. Picking up the glass, I took a

largesip.

“Youokay?”heasked.“Youseemofftonight.”

“Sure.Ifyoucallhavingsexwithatotalstrangerinhisbathroomandthenrunningout

likeafrightenedchildokay,thenIam.”

Hechuckled.

“Ah.Isee.Thegoodoldwalkofshame.”

“I’dneverdonethewalkofshamebefore.”Ifinishedoffmydrink.“Another,please.”

“Chalkituptoalifeexperience.Everyonehastodoitatleastonceintheirlifetime,”

hespokeashemademeanothercosmopolitan.“Nobigdeal.”

Istaredathim.Hewascute.Imean,Ialwaysknewhewascute,butthesuddenurgeto

askhimquestionsaboutwomenjoltedthroughme.

“Howoldareyou,Charlie?”Iasked.

“Twenty-eight.”Hesetmydrinkdowninfrontofme.

“I’msureyouhavealotofexperiencewithwomen.Right?”

“Sure.I’dsayso.”Hesmiledashewipeddownthecounter.

“WouldyoumindifIaskedyouafewquestions?”

“Gorightahead.”

ChapterNine

Eloise

After interviewing Charlie, and three cosmopolitans later, I stumbled home. As I

approachedmyapartment,IheardNataliecallmynamefromdownthehall.

“Eloise?”

“Natalie?Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Sheheldupthebrownbagshewascarrying.

“Clairetoldmeyouleftthepartybecauseyouweresick,soIthoughtI’dswingbyand

bringyousomechickensoup.But,bythelooksofit,Idon’tthinkyou’resickatall.”She

walked up to me and placed her nose in front of my mouth. “You’ve been drinking

cosmopolitans.”

“So?”Iwalkedinsideandkickedoffmyshoes.

Shesetthebrownbagwiththesoupinitdownonthekitchencounter.

“Wherewereyou?”

“Didjo’saroundthecorner.”Iwalkedintomybedroomandshefollowedbehind.

“Why?WhydidyoutellClairethatyouweresickandhadtoleave?”

“Ididn’twanttobethere.”Istrippedoutofmyclothesandpulledmynightshirtfrom

mydrawer.

“Did something happen with Christian?” She took a seat on the edge of the bed and

narrowedhereyesatme.

“No.Whywouldyouthinkthat?”Iwentintothebathroomtowashmyface.

“Youscrunchedupyourface!You’relying!”sheexclaimed.

Forfucksakes,ifIdidn’ttellher,she’dneverstop.

“Wehadsexinhisbathroom,”Ispokeinawhisper.

“Whatdidyousay?”Shewalkedupbesidemeandrestedherhiponthecounter.

“WEHADSEXINHISBATHROOM!”Ishouted.

Shecuppedherhandoverhermouthindisbelief.

“Don’t.”Ipointedather.“Don’tlookatmewiththosejudgyeyes!”

Sheimmediatelyputherhandsup.

“Nojudgmenthere.But,ohmygod,Ican’tbelieveyoudidthat.Youdon’tevenknow

him.”

“Right.”Inoddedmyhead.“Likeyoushouldtalk.”Ipointedather.

“Hey. I own what I do. But it’s what I’ve always done. You, on the other hand, have

never fucked a guy you didn’t know. In fact, they’re lucky if you give in after the fifth

date.”

“I know.” I lowered my head as I placed my hands on the sink and took in a breath.

“I’mnotproudofwhatIdid.Believeme.Itjusthappened.”

Sheplacedherhandonmybackandbegantosoftlyrubit.

“Sometimes these things happen. He is definitely fuckable and gorgeous, so I don’t

blameyou.Didyoujustleavehisplaceafterithappened?”

“Yes.Icouldn’tstaythere.”

“Didyouatleastexchangephonenumbers?”

“He wanted it and I told him no. I said it was a one-time thing and it would never

happenagain.”

“Good for you. #Delete without actually having to delete him.” She smiled. “Don’t

overthinkwhathappened.”Shekissedmyhead.“Chalkituptoafewmomentsofgreat

sexandmovealong.You’refartoobusytogiveitanotherthought.”

“You’reright.”Isighed.“Alreadyforgotten.”

“Sureitis.”Shewinkedassheleftmyapartment.

AfterNatalieleft,Igrabbedabottleofwaterfromtherefrigeratorandretreatedtomy

bedroomforthenight.Ipluggedmyphonein,setitonthenightstand,andclimbedunder

thecovers.AsIlaythere,mymindwentintofullreplaymodeabouttheeventsoftonight.

Ididn’twanttorehashwhathadhappened.Iwantedtoforgetaboutit,butIcouldn’t.The

sexwastoogoodandsowasChristian.HewastheexacttypeofmanIwouldfallinlove

with.I’dalreadyfelttheconnectionbetweenusatHellcatAnnie’sand,tobehonest,my

intuition wasn’t saying a word to me. But men like him couldn’t commit to one woman

andhehadprovedthatwiththenumberofwomenhedatedeveryweek.

****

Christian

AshardasItriedtogoonwiththenightandentertainmyguests,Icouldn’tgetEloise

out of my head. Maybe I shouldn’t have had sex with her. Maybe I should have just

stopped at the kiss. But she wasn’t telling me to stop. Her body was perfection and the

feeling I got while I was buried deep inside her was a feeling I’d never experienced

before.Shit.Ineededtoapologizetoherforwhathappened.

“Hey,Claire,”IspokeasIlightlyplacedmyhandonhershoulder.“Isthereachance

youcangivemeEloise’snumber?”

Shelookedatmeinbewilderment.

“Umm.I’msorry,Christian,butIcan’t.Icanaskherifshewantsmetogiveittoyou.”

“Shewon’t.Shealreadytoldmenotonight.”

“Listen, she’s been hurt recently. Not only recently, but a lot, and she’s taking a step

backfromdating.”

“Ijustwanttotakeherouttodinnerandmaybegettoknowheralittlebetter.”

“Dinnerandgettingtoknowsomeoneusuallyequalsadate,andthat’ssomethingshe

doesn’twanttodorightnow.She’sgothercareerandthat’swhatshe’sfocusingon.”She

gavemeasmall,sympatheticsmile.

“Iunderstand.”Inodded.

“Thanksforinvitingme.Ihadagreattime.I’llseeyouonMonday,”shespoke.

“Haveagoodweekend.”Ikissedhercheek.

After everyone cleared out and the caterers cleaned up and left, I headed to my

bedroom.AsIclimbedintobed,Iheldmycellphoneinmyhandandpulledupmytext

messages.WasittoolatetotextDigits?Itwasmidnight,butshedidsayshewasoutwith

friends.

“Ihopeit’snottoolatetotextyou.”

“I’mawake,”sherepliedwithasmileyface.

“Didyoureveninggetanybetter?”

“Notreally.Howaboutyours?”

“Couldhavebeenbetter.”

“Somethinghappen?”

“Nah.Justgirlproblems.”

“Samehere,butsubstitutethegirlwithaguy.”

“Anotherdouchebag?”

“Ihaven’tdecidedyet.What’syourgirlproblem?Ifyoudon’tmindmeasking?”

“She’sjustsomeoneIwanttogettoknowbetter.”

“Thengoafterher.Youdoknowit’stheguy’sjobtochasethewoman.”

“Shewantsnothingtodowithme.”

“Thenshe’snotworththetroubleofgettingtoknow.”

“Perhapsyou’reright.I’llcatchyalater,Digits.I’mtired.Goodnight.”

“Catchyalater,MobileMan.Goodnight.”

MaybeEloisewasn’tworththetrouble,butIstillneededtoapologizetoher.

ChapterTen

Eloise

Iturnedoffmyalarm,stumbledoutofbed,andmademywaytothekitchenforacup

ofcoffee.Ihadhopedthatsometimeduringthenight,thesensationthatflowedthrough

my body from Christian would cease. But it didn’t. After letting out a long yawn, I

grabbed my coffee and headed to the bathroom for a shower and to get ready for the

weddingIwasshootingtoday.ThethingIlovedaboutSundayweddingswasthefactthat

theywerealwaysintheafternoonandoverwithbyfiveo’clock.

Aftertheceremonyandphotoshootwiththebride,groom,andthebridalparty,itwas

time to head to the reception at Antun’s in Queens Village. As I was photographing the

guests,IwasstartledwhenIheardavoicecomeupfrombehindhim.

“Eloise?”

“Christian?”

MystomachtwistedinaballandawaveofheatsweptovermeasIturnedaround.

“You’rephotographingthiswedding?”heasked.

“Yeah.Whatareyoudoinghere?”Inervouslyasked.

“Thegroomisafriendofmine.Wow.Ican’tbelieveyou’restandinginfrontofme.I

reallyneedtotalktoyou.ItriedtogetyournumberfromClaire,butshewouldn’tgiveit

tome.”

“I’msorry,butI’mreallybusy.Idon’thavetimetotalk,”InervouslyspokeasIneeded

togetawayfromhim.

ThehumiliationIfeltaftertheeventsoflastnightwasoverwhelming.

“Afterthewedding,then.It’simportant.Please.”

“Christian,look—”

“Eloise,please,”hesoftlyspoke.

“Okay.Fine.Afterthewedding,butIonlyhaveafewminutes.”

“AfewminutesisallIneed.”

Hegavemeasmallsmileandwalkedaway.

Whatcouldhepossiblywanttotalktomeabout?Icouldbarelylookhimintheeye,let

alone carry on a conversation with him. Once the wedding came to an end and I said

goodbyetothebrideandgroom,IheadedoutthedoorandfoundChristiansittingonthe

edgeoftheretainerwallinfrontofthefountain.Itookinalong,deepbreathandwalked

overtohim.

“Hey.”

“Hi,”hespokeashestoodup.

“Sowhatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?”Inervouslyasked.

“Ijustwantedtoapologizetoyouforlastnight.Ishouldn’thavecomeonsostrong.It

waswrongandI’msorry.”

Waitaminute.Washeactuallyapologizingforhavingsexwithme?

Ididn’tknowhowtorespond.Noguyhadeverdonethatbefore.Itwasatthatmoment

thatstupidfellfrommymouth.

“Don’tapologize.It’snotlikeItriedtostopyou.Iwasawillingpartner.”

“Still. It never should have happened and I just wanted to clear the air. I know how

upsetyouwereafterwards.AndClaireisyourfriend,whohappenstobeanemployeeof

mine.I’msurewe’llrunintoeachotherfromtimetotimeandIdon’twanttheretobeany

awkwardness.”

IsighedasItookaseatonthewallandhesatdownnexttome.

“It’snotthatIwasupset,Christian.WhathappenedissomethingIdon’teverdo.”

“Youdon’teverhavesex?”Hesmirked.

Iletoutalightlaugh.

“Ihavesex,justnotwithaguyIdon’tknow.GuysareluckyifIgiveituponthefifth

date.”

“Irespectthat.You,Eloise,areawomanofvalue.”

“Somevalue.”Irolledmyeyes.

“Shithappens.We’veallmademistakes.Don’tbeatyourselfupoverit.Ijustwantedto

apologize,that’sall.”

“Thankyou.Iappreciateit.Butyouseriouslyhavenoneedtoapologize.”

He got up from the wall and began to walk away. After placing his hands in his

pockets,hestoppedandslowlyturnedhishead.

“Fortherecord,I’mhappyIwasyourfirst.”Hewinked.

Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.

“Fortherecord,I’mnotconsideringitamistake,”Ispoke.

Hegavemeasmallsmileandwalkedaway.Ialreadyknewthekindofeffecthehadon

women.ItwasthesameeffectIfelt.WomenfellhardandfastforhimandifIgavehim

another thought, I would become one of those women. Hence the reason I couldn’t get

involvedwithhim.IpulledmyphonefrommypurseandsentatextmessagetoMobile

Man.

“How’syourday?”

“Funny,Iwasjustthinkingabouttextingyou.DayturnedoutbetterthanIthoughtit

would.Yours?”

“It’sgood.Reallygood.”Iinsertedasmileyface.

“Gladtohear.Anymoredatesscheduled?”

“Notyet,butI’mworkingonit.”Isentthewinkyface.

“You’llfindtherightguy.I’msureofit.”

“I’mnotlookingforaguyorarelationshiprightnow.Justsomeanswers.”

“??”

“Iwanttoknowaman’sthoughtprocesswhenitcomestopursuingawoman.”

“I’mnotsureIunderstand.”

“Iwanttoknowwhytheytakehoursordaystorespondtoatextmessage.Whydothey

suddenlygoMIAorghostawomanafterleadingheron?”

“Isee.MaybeIcanhelpyouwiththat.Weshouldmeetforadrink.”Heinsertedthe

smileyface.

“You’resmooth,MobileMan.Butallisgood.I’llgettheinformationIneed.”

“Sonodrink?”

“Nodrink.Doyoureallywanttoruinwhatwehavebyactuallymeetingeachother?

Don’tyouthinkthisisfun?Thetwoofusjustrandomlytalkingeverydaywithoutknowing

whotheotheris?”

“Iwilladmitit’sweird,Digits.ButI’mcoolwithit.Iliketalkingtoyou.”

“Iliketalkingtoyoutoo.”

“OnelastquestionandthenIhavetogo.Howoldareyou?”

Ididn’tseetheharmintellinghimmyage.Plus,itwouldbegoodtoknowhis.Whatif

he was some sixty-year-old man or something. Not that it would matter because I liked

talking to him. But it would be kind of weird to carry on a texting relationship with

someonethatold.

“I’mtwenty-five.Andyou?”

“Thirty.”

ThankGod.Hewasonlyafewyearsolderthanme.

“Haveagoodnight,myfriend,”Ireplied.

“Youtoo,Digits.Besafeandbehaveyourself.”

“Youtoo.Don’tgooutandbeadouchebagtosomepoorgirl.”

“Iwillkeepmydouchebaggerytoaminimum.”

IsmiledasIclosedoutofmymessagesandplacedmyphoneinmypurse.Itwastime

togohome,getchanged,andhitupthebartotryandmeetsomeguys.

ChapterEleven

Christian

As much as I hated to admit it, I felt this incredibly strong connection to Eloise, a

connectionIhadneverfeltbeforewithanywoman.PerhapsthiswastheconnectionI’d

beensearchingformyentiredatinglife.NotonlydidIfeelitthemomentIlaideyeson

heratHellcatAnnie’s,orthemomentwehadsexinmybathroom,butsittingonthewall

and talking to her made it even stronger. I couldn’t explain it and I didn’t want to think

aboutitanymore.Shewasn’tinterestedindatinganyone,andashardasitwas,Ineeded

torespectthat.Iwantedtoknowwhathappenedinherlastrelationshipandtherewasone

personwhocouldtellme.

The next morning, after grabbing some coffee and getting settled into work, I called

Claireintomyoffice.

“What’sup,Christian?”Shecheerfullysmiled.

“Haveaseat,please.IhaveaquestionaboutyourfriendEloise.”

Shesattherewithanarrowingeye.

“I’mnotsureIcanansweryourquestion,buttryme.”

Leaning back in my chair and bringing my ankle up to my knee, I spoke, “What

happenedinherlastrelationship?”

“Excuseme?”Shecockedherhead.

“I’massuminghehurtherprettybad.Badenoughthatshedoesn’twanttodateanyone

rightnow.”

“Youmeandateyou,right?”

“Meoranyoneelse.Isitjustmeshedoesn’twanttodate?”Icautiouslyasked.

“Toputyourmindatease,Christian,no,it’snotjustyou.Eloisedoesn’twanttodate

period.Asforherlastrelationship,itwasn’tevenarealrelationship.Sheandtheguyhad

beentalkingforafewmonths,wentoutacoupleoftimes,andthenhedecidedtheywere

gettingtooclose.Thatwasthestrawthatbrokethecamel’sbackforher.She’sneverbeen

luckyintherelationshipdepartment.Alltheguyssheattractsaretotalassholes.”

Iraisedmybrowather.“Includingme?”

“Oh,God,no.Ofcoursenot.It’sjustthetimingofthetwoofyoumeetingwaswrong.”

“Yeah.Maybeitwas.Thanks,Claire.”

“Sure.”Shenoddedwithasmallsmileasshegotupfromherseatandwalkedoutof

myoffice.

Ipickedupapenthatwaslyingonmydeskandstartedtwirlingitbetweenmyfingers.

AsmuchasIneededtorespectherdecisionaboutnotwantingtogooutwithme,giving

upwasn’tanoption.Tobehonest,Ididn’tevenknowwherethehellallthiswascoming

from.Ididn’tchasewomen.Theychasedme.ButEloisewasdifferent.AndeventhoughI

reallydidn’tknowher,shepossessedsomethingIcouldn’texplain.

****

Eloise

I didn’t get home until two a.m. Thank God, my photo shoot wasn’t until eleven

o’clock.NatalieandIhitupthreedifferentbarsandIgavemynumbertothreedifferent

guys.AsIwassittingonthecouchdrinkingmycoffeeandtryingtowakeup,myphone

dingedwithatextmessagefromMobileMan.

“Goodmorning.Howdidyourquestgolastnight?”

“Good morning. Three different guys have become my victims. Now to patiently wait

forthetextmessagestopourin.”

“Goodforyou,tiger!Justwantedtocheckin.Ihaveabusyday.Catchyalater?”

“Ihaveabusydayaswell.Catchyalater,MobileMan.”

Afterfinishingmycoffee,Iheadedintothebathroomtotakeashowerandgetready

for my photo shoot. Today’s shoot was for Vibe magazine, photographing their spring

collectionfornextyear.Theyhadaregularphotographertheyused,buthehadafamily

emergencyandhadbeeninEuropeforthepastmonth,sotheycalleduponmetotakehis

placeuntilhecameback.IhadaboutthirtyminutesuntilIneededtogetreadytoleave,so

IopenedmylaptopandstartedtolookforsomeotherbarsIcouldhituptonight.WhileI

wasresearching,anadpoppedupforasinglesmixeroverattheLoewsHotel,whichwas

beingheldtomorrownight.Whydidn’tIthinkofsomethinglikethatsooner?Myfingers

startedtypingawayintheGooglesearchbar:SingleMixersinNewYorkCity.Jackpot!

There was Date & Dash, Weekend Dating, Flirt Fete, Eight at Eight, and a lot more

festivitiesaroundthecity.Excitementovertookme.AsmuchasIwantedmyfriendstogo

withme,Icouldn’taskthemsincetheywerealreadyinrelationships.ExceptforNatalie,

butshewasgettingreadytoleaveonatripwithhermomtoHawaii.So,Iwouldbegoing

solo.

IsentthemodelsonabreakabouthalfwayintotheshootbecauseIcouldtelltheywere

getting tired and hungry. Pulling my phone from my purse, I noticed I had three text

messages.AllfromtheguysImetlastnight.

Frank: “Hi there! It was great meeting you last night. Are you free for dinner this

week?”

Ron:“Eloise,it’sRonfromlastnight.Youupforadrinklater?”

Mark:“Hi.Itwasgreatmeetingyoulastnight.Drinksanddinnersometimesoon?”

Iimmediatelyrepliedtoallthreemessages.

“HiFrank,I’mavailabletomorrownight.Sayseveno’clockatTavernontheGreen?”

IfIplayedmycardsright,IcouldsqueezeinadrinkwithRonanddinnerwithMarkin

thesamenight.

Hi,Ron.DrinkstonightatDidjo’s?Aroundsixo’clock?Ionlyhaveacoupleofhours.”

Ron:“I’llmeetyouthere.Acoupleofhoursisgoodtostart.Seeyouatsix.”

Hi,Mark.Itwasgreatmeetingyoutoo.I’mavailabletonightfordinner.Whydon’twe

doTavernontheGreenateight-thirty?Thatway,I’llhavetimetogetreadyafterwork.”

Mark:“Icandotonightateight-thirty.Seeyouthen.”

I smiled as I closed out of my messages. See what I did there? I didn’t give them a

choice. I took control, which only gave them about ten seconds to think about it. If I

wouldhaveletthemchoosetheday,time,andplace,itwouldhavegiventhemtoomuch

timetothinkandthepossibilityofapromptdatewouldhavedecreased.

After the photo shoot ended, I looked at my watch and it was five o’clock. It would

takemeatleastahalfhourtogethome,whichmeantIonlyhadabouttwentyminutesto

getreadytomeetRon.AsIwasrunningthebrushthroughmylongbrownhair,myphone

dingedwithatextmessagefromMobileMan.

“Goodevening.Howwasyourday?”

“Busy,butgood.Howwasyours?”Iasked.

“Alsobusy,butnottoobad.Plansfortonight?”

“Actually,Ihavetwodates.”

“Two?Whatareyoudoing?Seeingthematthesametime?”

“LOL.No.IhavedrinkswithRonatsixanddinnerwithMarkateight-thirty.”

“Ah. You’re quite the little lioness, going after her prey. I sort of feel sorry for these

guys.”

“They’llbefine.It’sallinthenameofresearch.”

“I can still help you with your research. Where are you meeting this Ron guy for

drinks?”

“Wouldn’tyoulovetoknow?ThelastthingI’dneedisyoucominguptousandtelling

himhowyou’retheguyItexteverysingleday.”

“Itwouldbefun,though.”

“Whatareyoudoingtonight?”

“Goingtoastripclubformyfriend’sthirtiethbirthday.”

“Ah,lotsoftitsandassforyoutonight.”

“Iguessso.”Hesentthewinkyface.“Havefunonyourdatestonight.Ineedtojump

intheshower.”

“I will. Thanks. You too. Do me a favor and don’t pay extra to have sex with one of

thosestrippers.Godknowswhatyou’llcatch.”

“Lol. I wouldn’t touch any of them anyway. They aren’t my type. Catch ya later,

Digits.”

“Catchyalater,MobileMan.”

ChapterTwelve

Eloise

Drinks with Ron was interesting and dinner with Mark was very informative. Both

seemedlikeniceguys.Ididn’twanttooverloadthemwithquestionsrightoffthebat,soI

discreetlysnucktheminwhentheopportunitywasright.BytimeImadeithome,itwas

eleventhirtyandIwasexhausted.

KickingoffmyheelstheminuteIsteppedinsidemyapartment,Iwentstraighttomy

bedroomandchangedintomynightshirt.ThewholetimeIwaswiththoseguys,Christian

wormed his way into my mind. In fact, he was on my mind more than he should have

been.Itwasn’tjustthesexIkeptthinkingabout,itwastheconversationwehadafterthe

weddingandthewayheapologizedtome.Doesamanevendothat?Hedidandhewas

sincere.IsenseditandIcouldtellbyhisbodylanguageandhistone.Maybegivinghima

chancewouldn’tbesobad?No.Noway.Iwasn’treadytogodownthatroadagain.

Igrabbedmylaptopandclimbedintobed.Aftergettingmyselfsituated,Idecidedto

checkmyemailformyblog.MyeyesjustaboutpoppedoutofmyheadwhenIsawthatI

had over a hundred messages from the past couple of days from women asking

relationship questions and seeking answers. As I was reading a few of them over, my

phonedingedwithatextmessagefromMobileMan.

“Iknowit’slateandI’msorry.Howdidyourdatesgo?”

“It’sokay.I’mstillup.Theywereveryinformative.Howwasthestripclub?”

“Likeanyotherstripclub.Iwanttomeetyou,Digits.”

“You’redrunk,MobileMan.”

“Maybealittle.Okay,maybealot.IthinkI’mdrunktextingyou.”

“Gotosleepandwe’llchattomorrow.”

I waited for a reply that never came. He must have passed out. Rolling my eyes, I

continuedtoreadacouplemoreemailsbeforedriftingofftosleep.

****

The next morning as I was sitting on the couch editing some wedding photos, my

phonedingedwithatextmessagefromClaire.

“Lunchtoday?”

“Sure.Whattime?”

“Noon.Cometotheadvertisingagencyandpickmeup.”

“Idon’tthinkthat’ssuchagoodidea.”

“Why?”

“BecauseIreallydon’twanttorunintoChristian.”

“Hewon’tbehere.Hehasaclientmeetingacrosstownateleventhirty.”

“Okay.SendmetheaddressandI’llseeyouatnoon.”

AsIwassittinginthebackofthecabonmywaytopickupClaire,Idecidedtosend

MobileManatextmessage.

“How’sthehangover?”

“HowdoyouknowI’mhungover?”

“Youcelebratedabirthdayatastripclub.You’rehungover.”

“You’rerightandI’msorryIdidn’trespondlastnight.Ipassedout.”

“Ifigured.Didyoubringhomeanystripperswithyou?”

“Nah.Noneofthemwereinterested.”Hesentthewinkyface.

“Why?Wereyouusingyourdouchebaggerymovesonthem?”

“I’mnotsure.Idon’tremember,lol.”

Assoonasthecabpulleduptothecurbof2765

Avenue,Ipaidthefare,climbedout,

andsteppedintotheforty-one-storybuilding.Takingtheelevatoruptothethirtiethfloor,I

steppedoutandwasgreetedbyayoungblondewomanwithbrightredlips.

“Goodafternoon,welcometoBlakeGroup.HowmayIhelpyou?”Sheproudlysmiled.

“Hi.I’mheretoseeClaire—”

BeforeIcouldgetherlastnameout,Iheardhervoicecomingfromtheoppositeway.

“Good,you’rehere.JustgivemeasecondwhileIgrabmypurse.”Shesmiled.

She walked past me and I glanced down at my phone, replying to Christian’s text

message.

“Youprobablydidn’tofferthemenoughmoney.”Isentthesmileyface.

“Ihopenot.I’musuallyaverygenerousguy.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.

“Soyoupaytopdollarforsex?”

“Sweetheart,Idon’thavetopayforsex.Womangiveituptomeforfree.”

I smiled, and as I looked up to see if Claire was coming, I saw Christian heading

towardmewithhisphoneinhishand.

“Eloise.Whatanicesurprise.”Hesmiled.

My stomach started to flip in a million different ways, causing an overwhelming

nervousnesstoerupt.

“Hi,Christian.”

“Howareyou?”heaskedashiseyesstaredintomine.

“I’mgood.Andyou?”

“Good.AreyouhereforClaire?”

“Umm.Yeah.We’regoingtolunch.”

“Haveanicelunch.”Hesmiled.“IhaveameetingacrosstownIhavetogetto.Itwas

goodseeingyouagain,Eloise.”

“Youtoo,Christian.”Ipolitelysmiled.

“Youready?”Claireaskedasshewalkedup.

“Youtoldmehewouldn’tbehere!”IspokethroughgrittedteethasIhookedmyarm

aroundhers.

“Hismeetingjustgotpushedbackrightbeforeyougothere.Ididn’thavetimetowarn

you.Bytheway,whatthehellisgoingon?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

WesteppedoutofthebuildingandwalkeddowntoAiFioribecauseClairewasinthe

moodforItalian.

“WhyareyoubehavinglikethattowardsChristian?Ireallydon’tunderstanditatall.I

mean,Iknowheaskedforyournumberandhe’sinterestedinyou,butyoudon’thaveto

avoid him like the plague. I already told him that you’ve been hurt a lot and you’re

steppingawayfromthedatingsceneforawhile.”

“What?!Whendidyoutellhimthat?”

“The Monday after his party. He called me into his office and wanted to know about

yourpreviousrelationship.Oops.MaybeIshouldn’thavetoldyouthat.”Shebitdownon

herbottomlip.

“AndyoutoldhimthatIhavehadnothingbutonefailedrelationshipafteranother?”I

narrowedmyeyeather.

“Ididn’tsaythat.Ijustsaidyouhaven’tbeenluckyintherelationshipdepartment.”

“Ugh.Claire!”

“What?”

IswallowedhardbecauseIwasabouttotellherthatIsleptwithherboss.Iwasn’tsure

howshewasgoingtotakeit,butshehadtoknow.

“Wefuckedinhisbathroom.”

Sheletoutaroaringlaugh.

“I’msorry,IswearyoujustsaidyouandChristianfuckedinhisbathroom.”

Iloweredmyheadanddidn’tsayaword.

“Whatthefuck,Eloise!Isthatwhyyouranoutoftheresofast?”

Islowlynoddedmyhead.

“HowthehelldidthathappenandwherewasI?OhmyGod,yousleptwithmyboss!”

“Itjustdid.Heshowedmewherethebathroomwasupstairsandthenhewaswaiting

formewhenIwasdone.Itjusthappenedandbelieveme,I’mstillinshockatmyselffor

letting it. But, I ran into him the next day at the wedding I was photographing and he

apologizedtome.”

“Apologized?Forwhat?Havingsexwithyou?”

“Yes.”

“Whatmandoesthat?”Herbrowsfurrowed.“Listen,Eloise,youknowIloveyouto

piecesandItotallyrespectwhatyou’redoingforyourblog,butmaybeyoushouldgive

Christianachance.There’sobviouslyastrongconnectionbetweenthetwoofyou.”

“Andlookatwhereconnectionshavegottenmebefore.Thatdoesn’tmeanshit,Claire.

Yes, two people can have a connection, but it doesn’t stop men from being jerks. It all

comes down to a woman’s self-worth and value, and the more women put up with men

behavingbadly,thelowertheirself-esteemgets.Weshouldn’thavetoplaygamesorbe

putthroughtheringerwiththeseguys.”

“Iagree.Butmaybe,justasmallmaybe,”shepinchedherfingerstogether,“Christian

isdifferent.Youcouldalwaysjusttryhimandthen#Deletehisass.Isn’tthatwhatyou’re

promoting?”

“Yes. But I’m not in any position right now to even be thinking about #Deleting

someone.I’mfartoobusywiththeblogandmywork.Ohshit.”Ipulledmyphonefrom

mypurse.

“What?”Claireasked.

“Holdon.IhavetosendatextbacktoMobileMan.”

Shesighedandrolledhereyesasshesippedherglassofwine.

“Actually,itdoescostyou.Youtakethemtodinner,drinks,andmaybeamovie.That

costsmoney.Sothesexisn’ttotallyfree,darling.”

“IwasstartingtothinkIscaredyouoff.”

“Lol,sorry.I’moutandabout.I’msureyou’rebusywithwork.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater,Digits.”

“FOCUS!”Claireloudlyvoicedasshepointedtoherself.

ChapterThirteen

Christian

FocusingonmymeetingwashardsinceIsawEloisestandinginthelobbyofmyfirm.

She looked as beautiful as ever and the moment I saw her, that night in my bathroom

started to play in my mind. I couldn’t forget her. No matter how hard I tried, she was

alwaysinmyhead.

WhenIarrivedbacktotheoffice,IwalkedovertoClaire’scubicleandaskedhowher

lunchwas.

“Itwasgood,Christian,”shespokeasshegavemeastrangelook.

“Good.I’mhappytohearthat.”Ituckedmyhandsinmypantspockets.

“Isthatall?”sheaskedasshecockedherhead.

“Yeah.”Inodded.

Iwalkedawayandwentintomyoffice.Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,InoticedI

hadatextmessagefromVictoria.

“Hey,handsome.Ihaven’theardfromyouinafewdays.Arewestillonfortonight?”

Shit.ItotallyforgotIhadsetupadatewithher.

“Hi.Sorryaboutthat.Workhasbeencrazy.Yes,wearestillonfortonight.Whydon’t

wemeetatTavernontheGreenatseveno’clock?”

“Soundslovely.I’llseeyouthen.”

Sighing,Isetmyphonedownandturnedtomycomputer.

“Whatwasthatsighfor?”Peteraskedashewalkedintomyoffice.

“AdateIforgotIsetupfortonight.”

“Who’stheluckygirl?”Hesmirkedashetookaseatacrossfrommydesk.

“Victoria.”

“Isn’tshethechickyoumetthatnightattheartgallery?”

“No.Thatwassomeoneelse.”

Heslowlyshookhishead.“Dude,Ican’tkeepup.Whathappenedwiththeartgallery

chick?”

“Nothing. We had dinner and I couldn’t get away from her fast enough. She was

annoying.”

Just as Peter was going to say something, my phone dinged with a text message.

Glancingoveratit,IlookedatPeter.

“Great.It’sher.”Irolledmyeyes.

“YousaidyouweregoingtocallmeandI’mstillwaiting.Whatisgoingon?Ithought

our dinner went well. I thought we connected. Why haven’t you called me for another

date?”

“Well,”Peterspoke.“Whatdidshesay?”

“ShewantstoknowwhyIdidn’tcallherlikeIsaidIwasgoingto.”

“Don’trespond.Ihatechickslikethat.”

“Itwouldberudeofmenotto.I’lljustsimplytellherthatI’vebeenbusywithwork.”

“Bro,ifyoudothat,thenshe’llbeallupyourass.Silenceisabetterformofrejection.”

“Iguessyou’reright.Idon’thavetimetodealwithheranyway.”Isetmyphonedown.

“StillthinkingaboutthatEloisegirl?”heasked.“Isawherinthelobbyearlier.What

wasshedoinghere?”

“ShewasmeetingClaireforlunch.”

“I know what your problem is.” He pointed at me. “You’re so enthralled with her

becausesheturnedyoudown.Youwantwhatyoucan’thave.”

“That’snottrue,Peter.I’mattractedtoherinawayIhaveneverbeenattractedtoany

otherwomanbefore.”

“Becausesheturnedyoudown.”Hecockedhishead.

Itwasn’twortharguingwithhimoverit.Hewasgoingtobelievewhathewantedto,so

Ijustdecidedtogoalongwithit.

“Yeah.Maybeyou’reright.Maybetheappealtoherisbecausesheturnedmedown.”

“Thereyougo,man.”Hepointedatmeashegotupfromhisseat.“Nowforgetabout

herandenjoyyourdatewithVictoriatonight.”

Igavehimasmallsmileasheexitedmyoffice.

****

Eloise

When I returned home, I set my purse on the table, grabbed my laptop, and resumed

editing the wedding photos before I had to get ready for my date with Frank. As I was

diligentlyworking,myphonedingedwithatextmessagefromhim.

“Hey,I’mnotgoingtobeabletomakeourdatetonight.Somethingcameup.Another

time?”

Isatthereandglaredatthetextmessagebeforeme.Hislackofexplanationandonly

stating “something came up” was a lie. And his “another time” was code for “we aren’t

evergoingonadate.”ButIdecidedtoplayalongandseewhatexactlythisassholewas

upto.

“Bummer.Iwaslookingforwardtoseeingyou,butItotallyunderstand.Thingscome

upallthetime.Whenareyoufreeagain?”

“ImaybeavailableThursdaynight.I’llhavetocheckmyscheduleandgetbackwith

you.”

“Okay.I’mfreeThursday.Ifyoucan’tdodinner,maybewecanmeetforlunch.”

“I’llcheckitoutandletyouknow.Again,I’msorryIhadtocanceltonight.”

“Noproblem.”

MyasshewassorryandIcouldguaranteethatIwouldn’thearfromhimagain.Iwent

backtoeditingthephotoswhenmyphonedingedagain.Thistime,itwasfromanumberI

didn’trecognize.Openingthetext,IrolledmyeyesasIreadit.

“What’sup?”

“What’supismewonderingwhothisis?”Ireplied.

“Really?It’sEddie.”

Ah,EddieFischer.TheguywhomIhadn’theardfromforapproximatelyeightmonths.

The same guy who took me out on four dates, constantly text messaged me, and then

—poof—disappearedwithoutatrace,AKAghostedme.

“Ithoughtyoudied.”IsmiledasIhitthesendbutton.

“Lol.Whywouldyouthinkthat?”

“Gee,Idon’tknow,maybebecauseit’sbeeneightmonthssinceI’veheardfromyou.I

figuredyougotintosomekindofaccidentandwereburiedsixfeetunder.”

“That’s weird, Eloise. I’ve been really busy with work. I started a new position that

tookupallofmytime.”

“Goodforyou,Eddie.Sowhyareyoutextingme?”

“I thought maybe we could meet up for dinner and a movie; resume getting to know

eachotherbetter.”

“That’sniceofyou,butthetimetogettoknoweachotherbetterhasexpired.Bye.”

I smiled as I deleted his text message and continued with my work. After I finished

withthelastphoto,Iwentintothekitchentothrowsomethingtogetherfordinner.WhileI

wascuttingupsomevegetablesforastirfryandlisteningtosomemusiconmyphone,a

textmessagecamethroughfromMobileMan.

“Gettingreadyforyourdate?”

“Mywonderfuldatecancelledonme,soI’mjustgoingtoenjoyanicequieteveningat

home.”

“Hesucks.Whydidhecancel?”

“Heclaimssomethingcameup.”

“Ouch.Thatusuallyindicateshechangedhismindorgotabetteroffer.”

“Iknow.We’resupposedtosetupsomethingforThursday,butIdoubtI’llhearfrom

himagain.”

“I’msorry.”Hesentthesadfaceemoji.

“Don’tbe.Iwasonlyusinghimforresearchanyway.I’mjustgoingtomakemyselfa

stirfryfordinneranddosomework.”

“Ilikestirfry.MaybeIcancomeoverandkeepyouandyourstirfrycompany.” He

sentthewinkyface.

“I’m my own good company. But thanks for the offer. What are your plans for

tonight?”

“Ihaveadate.”

“Soundslikefun.Who’stheluckylady?”

“It could be a girl I call Digits, but she refuses to meet me, so I have to settle for a

womannamedVictoria.”

“Lol.I’msureyou’llhaveanicetime.”

“Perhaps.I’llcatchyalater,Digits.”

“Don’tbeadouchebag,MobileMan.Catchyalater.”

IsmiledasIsetmyphonedownonthecounterandcontinuedcookingmystirfry.

ChapterFourteen

Christian

Isatontheedgeofmybedstaringdownatmyphone.Icouldn’tstopthinkingabout

Eloise.IpulledupVictoria’snumberandgaveheracall.

“Hello,”sheanswered.

“Victoria,it’sChristian.I’mstuckatworkwithahugeproblem,soI’mgoingtohave

tocancelourdatefortonight.I’msorry.”

“Damnyou,Christian.Iwasreallylookingforwardtoseeingyou.”

“IknowandI’msorry.Itcan’tbehelped.”

“Iunderstand.Callmesoonandwe’llsetsomethingup.”

“Iwill,andthanksforunderstanding,Victoria.I’llbeintouch.”

“Noproblem.Justdon’ttakeaslongnexttime.”

“Haveagoodnight.”

“Youtoo,Christian.”

IletoutasighofreliefandsentatextmessagetoDigits.

“Howaboutatextdatetonight?”

“Huh?”Shesenttheconfusedface.

“Wetalkovertextforafewhours.Unlessyouhavealotofworktodo.”

“IthoughtyouhadadatewithVictoria?”

“Icancelled.”

“Why?”

“Ididn’tfeellikegoingouttonight.”

“Soyouliedtoherandtoldhersomethingcameup?”

“ItoldherI’mheldupattheofficewithaproblem.”

“Thatwasadouchebagmove,MobileMan.”

“Iknow,butyoudon’tunderstand.Ican’tstopthinkingaboutthisotherwomanandit

wouldn’tbefairtoleadVictoriaon.”

“I guess I understand, but then you need to tell Victoria that. You need to be upfront

andhonest.”

“Sowhatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Textherandtellherandthensendmescreenshotsasproof.Afteryoudothat,Iwill

haveatextdatewithyou.”Shesentthesmileyemoji.

“Areyouserious?”

“Very.”

“Fine.Justgivemeafewminutes.”

“Waiting…”

Icouldn’tbelievewhatIwasabouttodo.Andforwhat?Afewhoursoftexttalkwitha

girlI’dneverevenmet?Digitswasworthit,though.Ienjoyedtalkingtoherforsomeodd

reason, and tonight, I wanted to spend an evening with her, even if it was just over text

messaging.

I sent Victoria a message telling her that I lied and something didn’t come up. I

explainedhow it wouldn’tbe fair tolead her on. Shecalled me everyname in the book

andthentoldmetolosehernumber.Itookascreenshotoftheconversationandsentitto

Digits.

“Happy?”

“Actually,Iam,MobileMan.Thatwasverynobleofyoutocomeclean.Verymatureas

farasI’mconcerned.”

“Ourtextdatewillbeginatnineo’clock.I’mgoingtograbsomedinnerfirst.Unless

youhavesomeofthatstirfryleft?”

“Sorry,Iateitall.I’llbeanxiouslywaitingforyourtext.Catchyalater,MobileMan.”

“Catchyalater,Digits.”

IsmiledasIgotupfromthebedandheadeddowntothekitchen.

ChapterFifteen

Eloise

Aftercleaningupthekitchen,Ilookedatthetimeonmyphoneandsawitwasseven

o’clock. I had two hours before my text date with Mobile Man, so I decided to pour a

glassofwineandtakearelaxingbubblebath.WhileIwasrunningmyhandsthroughthe

bubblywater,atextmessagecamethroughonmyphonefromNatalie.

“Iknowyou’reonyourdate,butIwantedtotellyouImetaguyandhe’sdreamy.”

“Frankcancelled.Somethingcameup.Whoisthisguy?Sendmeapic.”

“FuckFrank!I’msorryhecancelled.HisnameisNathanandhe’sfromLongIsland.

Smallworld,eh?”

“Age?”

“He’sthirty-sevenandanarchitect.Believeitornot,heseemstohavehisshittogether.

He’sneverbeenmarried,ownshisownhome,andhehasacatnamedLucy.Hetaughtme

howtosurf.”

“Aw,Nat,that’sgreat.Istillwantapic.”

“SowhatareyoudoingtonightsincefuckerFrankcancelled?”

“MobileManandIarehavingatextdate.”

“Huh?Whatdoyoumean?”

“We’rebothstayinghomeandtextingeachother.”

“Okay,seriously,Eloise,you’vehitrockbottom.Justfuckingmeettheguyalready.Go

onarealdate.”

“Nah,andIhaven’thitrockbottom.Idon’twanttoruinourfriendshipbymeetinghim.

Wehaveacoolthinggoingon.”

“Ihavetogo.MymomandIareheadingtolunch,butwe’regoingtohavealongtalk

whenIgetback.Soprepareyourself.”

“Yes,Ma’am.Enjoyyourday!”

Isetmyphonedownandclosedmyeyes,takinginthehotbubblywaterthatsoothed

my skin. As I was feeling like I was drifting away to another world, my phone dinged.

Openingoneeye,Iglancedoveratitandstaredatthenumbercarefully.ItwasLuke.

“Hey, I know you don’t want to talk to me, but I really want to talk to you. I’m not

comfortablewiththewayweleftthingsinourlasttext.Idolikeyou,Eloise.It’sjustI’m

confused.”

IletoutalaughasIreadhistext.Washeserious?

“Youhavealotofballstextingme.Toobadyoudidn’thavethoseballswhilewewere

seeing each other. Let me un-confuse you. You led me on, made me think that you were

interestedinme,weflirted,wekissed,andthenpoof,youdisappearedandproceededto

givemeaspeechonhowyoufeltweweregettingtoocloseandyouneededtofocuson

youandthekids.Younevershouldhavepursuedmethewayyoudidknowingyoudidn’t

wanttodate.Butyoudidandyouhurtme.Icanforgive,butIwillneverforget.You’rea

breadcrumberwhoneedsanegoboosteveryonceinawhile,andI’mnotthewomanto

giveyouone.Youdonotdeservemyattentionormywords.Infact,youdon’tevendeserve

these words, but you’re getting them so you’ll leave me the hell alone. You have been

#deleted and it’s going to stay that way. You don’t have the right to pop in and out of

people’sliveswhenitsuitsyou.”

“I’msorryandIunderstand.Itappearsyou’vegivenuponme.”

“Yourtimehasexpired.TakecareandIhopeyougetyourlifestraightenedout.”

Goodlord,hewasanidiot.Forsomeonehisage,itbewilderedmehowunintelligenthe

was.Whatwaswithtonight?Returnoftheexes?IturnedmyphoneoffsoIcouldenjoy

therestofmybathinpeace.Afterchangingintomypajamas,Igrabbedabottleofwine

fromthekitchenandtookitovertothecouch.Ihadapproximatelythirtyminutesbefore

mytextdatewithMobileManstarted,soIopenedmylaptopandreadsomemoreemails

from women all over the world with relationship questions. Starting tomorrow, I would

makedailyblogpostsansweringthequestionstheyhad.AsIwasreadingovertheemails,

my phone dinged with a message from Frank. With an arch in my brow, I read his text

message.

“Hey,I’mfreenowifyouwanttostillmeetup.”

“Really?Ithoughtsomethingcameup?”

“Itdid,butIresolvedit,sonowI’mfree.”

“Itakeityourotherdatestoodyouup?”

“What?Umm.No.Ofcoursenot.Whywouldyousaythat?”

“Listen, Frank. I’m not stupid, so just come clean with me. The sooner you do, the

soonerwecanwipetheslatecleanandmaybestartover.”

“Fine.I’msorry,Eloise.Ididlietoyou.Imetthisgirlthismorningatacoffeeshop

andIaskedheroutandtheonlytimeshehadavailablewastonight.”

“Goon…”

“We were supposed to meet at eight o’clock for dinner, but she called and said she

changedhermind.Shesaidsomethingaboutshe’snotoverherexyet.”

“So you benched me to go out with her, and if it didn’t work out, you felt you could

alwayssetupanotherdatewithme?”

“IguessIdid.I’msorry.Canwestillgoout?Ireallylikeyou.”

“If you did REALLY like me, you wouldn’t have cancelled to go out with some chick

fromthecoffeeshopyoujustmettoday.Ourtimetogettoknoweachotherexpiredwhen

you cancelled our date and failed to give me an explanation. Just for future reference,

Frank,womendon’tlikethe‘somethingcameup’excuse.Iamnowgoingtodeleteyour

numberfrommyphone,sopleasedon’ttextmeagain.Infact,don’tevenrespondtothis

text.I’vesaidmypeace.”

I threw my phone down on the couch, took a sip of my wine, and continued looking

over the emails I received. It was eight fifty-five when my phone dinged with a text

messagefromMobileMan.

“Hithere.Howareyou?”

“Hi.You’refiveminutesearlyforourdate.”

“Iliketobealittleearlythanlate.Beinglateforsomethingisjustrude.”

Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.

“Yousoundlikeme.Ican’tstandbeinglateforanything.Mygirlfriends,ontheother

hand,areopposite.Mycancelleddateresurrectedandsentmeatextmessagetellingme

thathe’sfreenowifIwantedtostillgoout.”

“HisotherplansfellthroughI’massuming.”

“Hemetagirlatacoffeeshopthismorningandbenchedmetogowithher.Sillyboy

forthinkingthatI’dstillbewaitingaround.”

“Benchedyou?”

“When a guy puts a girl on the bench to see if something better is out there. Kind of

likekeepingherinthewings.It’scomparabletowhenabasketballcoachbenchesoneof

hisnot-so-greatplayerstoplaythereallygoodones.”

“Isee.Ididn’tknowtherewasawordforthat.Heactuallytoldyouthathemetagirl

todayatthecoffeeshop?”

“Yes.Imadehim.”

ItookascreenshotofourconversationandsentittoMobileMan.

“Damn,Digits,youreallytoldhim.I’mimpressed.”

“Thankyou.”Isentthesmileyfaceemoji.

ChapterSixteen

Christian

DigitswasfierceandIcouldn’thelpbutbealittleturnedonbyherself-confidence.I

neededto;no,Iwantedtogettoknowherbetter.

“HaveyoualwayslivedinNewYork?”Iasked.

“Yes.Andyou?”

“Yes.Doyouhaveanyotherfiercesiblingsoutintheworld?”

“No. I’m an only child. My parents tried for years after I was born, but my mom

couldn’tconceive.”

“I’m an only child as well. My parents didn’t even want children to begin with, but

accidentshappen.Areyourparentsstillmarried?”

“Yes.Theyhavethebestrelationshipever.Mydadisaone-of-a-kindguy,andsofar,

everyguyI’vemetdoesn’tevencomeclosetohim.”

“Soyou’researchingforsomeonelikeyourfather?”

“He’sagoodguywholovesmymomverymuch.He’sneverliedtoher,cheatedonher,

andtheybarelyargue.Itwouldbenicetohaveaguylikethatinmylife.”

“Soundsabnormaltome.”

“It’showIwasraised,somystandardsaresetprettyhigh.Whataboutyourparents?”

“My dad passed away a few years ago and my mom has since gotten married to

someoneelse.”

“I’msorryforyourloss.It’snicethatyourmommovedon.Doyoulikehim?”

“Thanks. Yes, I do. He’s a good guy and treats her well. What’s your favorite type of

food?”

“Italian.Unfortunately,Iloveallthosecarbs.”

“Lol.Metoo.ButIgettheimpressionyoustayfit.”

“Ido.Nowbacktorelationships.Whydon’tyouhaveagirlfriend?Youseemlikeanice

guywithouttoomuchdouchebaggerygoingon.”

“I’vehadacoupleofrelationshipsinmylife,buttheydidn’tseemtoworkout.Iwas

busywithmyworkanditprettymuchconsumedallmytime.Iguessit’sjusteasiertodate

avarietyofwomenwithoutallthedramaandhasslesofarelationship.”

“Apersonisnevertoobusywhentheyfindtherightperson,MobileMan.”

“ThenmaybeIjusthaven’tfoundtherightwomanyet.”

“Whataboutthatgirlyouweretellingmeabout?Theonewhodoesn’twanttogetto

knowyou?”

“She’soneIdefinitelycan’tstopthinkingabout.”

“What’ssospecialabouther?”

“She’sbeautifulandkind.Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit,Digits.There’sjustsomething

abouther.”

“Doesshehaveaboyfriendorsomething?”

“No.Shejustgotoutofarelationshipandisn’treadytodateanyoneyet.”

“Icanrelatetothat.Ifyouwantmyopinion,Ithinkyoushouldchaseher.Makeher

wanttogettoknowyou.”

“Isn’tthatafinelineofstalking?”

“No,lol.Womenlovetobechasedbymen.Justdon’tbecreepyaboutit,andwhatever

youdo,don’tbeadouchebag!Unlessshetotallydespisesyou.Doesshedespiseyou?”

“Idon’tthinkso.Shegetsreallynervousaroundme.Ithinkshewantstogooutbutis

afraid.FromwhatIunderstand,she’sbeenhurtinthepast.”

“Again, I can relate. Everybody’s been hurt by someone. If you really can’t stop

thinkingabouther,thendosomethingdifferenttograbherattention.”

“Likewhat?”

“I don’t know. Try to get to know her better without asking her on a date. Make it

somethingtotallycasual.”

“Good idea. I’ll give it some thought. So, what about you? What’s on the dating

horizonformyfriendDigits?”

“Youalreadyknow,MobileMan.”

“Ah, that’s right. You’re just trying to get inside the heads of men. What did you say

youdoagain?”

“I’minsocialmediarelations.”

“Toovagueforme,darling.Idon’tquiteunderstand.”

“I’m a writer and I’m helping women with relationship advice for men who behave

badly.”

“Huh?Whatdoyoumean‘menwhobehavebadly’?”

“Guyswhoghost,bench,breadcrumb,zombie,etc.”

“LOL!Comeon!Whatthehelldoesallthatmean?”

“Haveyoueverdisappearedfromawoman’slifewithoutanyexplanation?Justcutoff

all contact abruptly because you didn’t feel like seeing her anymore? Be honest, Mobile

Man.”

“Well,yes,Ihave.”

“You ghosted that poor girl. You already know what benching is because I explained

what happened to me tonight. Now, have you ever dated someone a couple of times but

aren’t really feeling it but don’t want to cut ties off completely in case you get bored or

lonely? Did you ever just randomly text that girl, throwing out little nibbles of I’m

interestedstillsopleasedon’tgoanywhere?”

“Maybe.”

“Youareabreadcrumber,MobileMan.”

“You’rebeingridiculous,Digits.”

“Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,lookitupforyourself.”

“Sowhatthefuckisazombie?”

“Afteryoughostedawoman,haveyouevercomeback,likesixmonthslaterandoutof

nowheretextherandaskwhat’sup?”

“Jesus,Digits.”

“I’lltakethatasayes.Zombie-ingiswhentheghosterreturnsafteraperiodoftime.

Theyrisefromthedead,soIliketosay.”

“Ijustwanttosettherecordstraight.OnceI’mdonewithawoman,Idon’tgoback.

So,no,Idonotzombie.Maybetheothers,butnotthat.”

“Itakegreatcomfortinknowingyou’vedonetheothersbutnotthatone,lol.”

“Let me get this straight, you’re saying that only men do it and women don’t do this

shit?”

“No.Iknowwomendoit,butI’mhelpingtheonesgetawayfromthemenwhodoit.”

“Goodluckwiththat.Ithinkeverymandoesit.”

“Only the ones who haven’t found the right woman to share their life with. And the

oneswhoareseriouslyfuckedintheheadanddon’tdeserveawomanintheirlifeperiod.”

“DoyouthinkI’mfuckedinthehead?”

“No,lol.Ijustthinkyouhaven’tfoundtherightwomanyet.Infact,Iwonderifthisgirl

youcan’tstopthinkingaboutistheoneforyou.”

“Guess only time will tell. I’m going to take your advice and chase her. No matter

what,Iwillgethertogooutwithme.”

“That’sthespirit,MobileMan.I’mproudofyou.It’sgettinglateandI’mtired.Chat

tomorrow?”

“Ofcourse.Thiswasfun,Digits.”

“Itwas!”

“Istillthinkweshouldmeet?”

“Andruinthisfunwehave?Ilikeitbetterthisway.Goodnight,MobileMan.”

“Goodnight,Digits.Sleepwell.”

Isetmyphonedownandsighed.Talkingtoherhadbecomethebestpartofmyday.As

weirdandstrangeasitsounded,Ifeltlikeshewasbecomingmybestfriend.HowwouldI

explainthattopeople?

ChapterSeventeen

Eloise

Ithadbeenalongandexhaustingdaywithbacktobackphotoshoots:Asocialitewho

held a charity event at her house in the afternoon, and a couple’s twenty-fifth wedding

anniversary at night. By the time I got home, it was late and all I wanted to do was

collapseinbedanddriftoffintodreamland.Afterwashingmyfaceandchangingintomy

pajamas,IpickedupmyphonefrommybedandsawIhadatextmessagefromRon.

“Heythere,sexygirl.Let’sdodinnertomorrownight.”

“Hi,Ron.Ihaveplanstomorrownight.How’sTuesdaynightlookforyou?”

“I’m leaving for out of town on Tuesday. I really wanted to see that beautiful smile

beforeIleft.Cancelyourplansandhavedinnerwithme.”

“Ican’t.I’msorry.ButIamfreeforlunchifyouwanttomeetup.”

“Whydoyouhavetobesodifficult?Justcancelyourplans.”

Forfucksakes,wasthisguyserious?#Deleteontheway.

“Theanswerisno!Idonotcancelmyplansforanyone.EspeciallyforsomeoneI’ve

only had drinks with for a couple of hours. If this is the way you talk to women on a

regularbasis,it’snowonderwhyyou’resingle.”

“ForgetIevenasked.Youaren’tworthanymoreofmytime.”

Rollingmyeyes,Ideletedhisnumberfrommyphone.Iwaswaytootiredtodealwith

thisbullshitfromanyone.TherewasonethingIneededtodobeforeIwenttosleep.

“Hi.Sorryittookmesolongtorespondtoyourlasttextmessage.It’sbeenaverylong

andexhaustingday.”

“It’sokay.Ifiguredyouwerebusy.Areyouallright?”

“I’mfine.Justtired.Howareyou?”

“I’mgood.Puttingaplanintoactionforameetingtomorrow.”Hesentthewinkyface.

“Iwon’tkeepyou.Getsomerest,Digits,andsleepwell.Goodnight.Catchyalater!”

“Goodnight,MobileMan.Sweetdreams.Catchyalater!”

IalwaysfeltgoodaftertalkingwithMobileMan.Weweregrowingcloserviatextand

asmuchashewantedustomeet,Icouldn’tbringmyselfto.IlovedwhatwehadandI

was too afraid that if we met, everything would go to shit and that was something I

couldn’trisk.Ididn’tbelieveamanandwomancouldjustbefriends.

****

Iwasdoingmylastphotoshootfortheweek,whichwasgoodbecauseitwouldallow

me to finish up previous edits and allow me to dive into my blog full-time. When I

finished, I pulled my phone from my purse and noticed I had a missed call and text

messagefromClaire.Dialinghernumber,Ibroughtmyphoneuptomyear.

“Hello,”sheanswered.

“Hey,youcalled?”

“Whereareyou?”

“Iwasdoingaphotoshootallmorning.Why?”

“Christian asked me to call you. He has a freelance job offer for you and would like

youtocomeintotheofficeifyou’reinterested.”

“Doingwhat?”Iasked.

“Photography,I’massuming.Canyoucomeinnow?”

“Idon’tknow,Claire.Idon’tthinkit’sagoodidea.”

“Eloise, it’s a job and I’m sure it pays well. You’d be a fool not to at least listen to

him.”

“Iguess.I’mnottoofar.I’llheadovertherenow.”

“Great.I’lllethimknow.”

IputmyphonebackinmypurseandhailedacabovertoChristian’sadvertisingfirm.

Whyonearthwouldheoffermeajob?Washedoingthispurelyforulteriormotives?But

photographing for an advertising firm, especially his that was on the rise, could mean

biggerandbetterthingsforme.

WhenIarrivedathisoffice,IfoundClaire,whotookmetoseeChristian.Themoment

Isteppedthroughthedoubleglassdoors,hestoodupfrombehindhisdeskwithapanty-

meltingsmileonhisface.

“Thankyouforcoming,Eloise.Please,haveaseat.”

“Hello, Christian.” I politely smiled. “Now what’s this about the freelance job Claire

toldmeabout?”IaskedasItookaseatacrossfromhisdeskandtightlycrossedmylegsto

tryandstopthevibratingsensationIfeltbelow.

“Ineedaphotographer.Ourcurrentphotographer,Max,isoutsickwithpneumoniaand

we have a perfume shoot coming up at the end of the week. You were the first person I

thoughtof.”Hesmirked.

“Whichperfumecompany?”Iasked.

“It’sforChanel.”

“Chanel?Areyoufreakingkiddingme?Howdidyouscorethat?”

Hechuckledandleanedbackinhischair.

“IhaveagoodfriendwhoisoneoftheV.P.’s.Theywerehavingsomeissueswiththeir

otherfirm,sohecalledmeupandaskedifwe’dbeinterested.Ifthecampaigngoeswell,

he’llbringusonboardforallChanelcampaignsandadvertising.”

“Wow. Talk about pressure.” I inhaled a sharp breath. “You haven’t even seen any of

mywork.HowdoyouknowI’mChanelworthy?”

Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupintoasweetsmile.

“Ihavefaithinyou.ButIwillneedtoseesomeofyourworkjusttomakesure.”He

winked.

“Ofcourse.Idon’thaveanythingwithmerightnow.”

“That’sokay.IcancomewithyoubacktoyourapartmentandIcanhavealook.”

“Youmeanrightnow?”

“Yes. Right now.” He looked at his Louis Vuitton watch, which sat proudly on his

wrist.“Infact,it’salmostdinnertime.Wecangrabsomethingontheway.”

A nervousness settled inside me and my foot began to involuntarily tap on the floor.

Chanelwastoogoodofanopportunitytoturndown.Shit.Thiswouldbethebiggestshoot

ofmylife.

“Okay.Idon’thaveanythingelsegoingontonight,”Ilied.

IwassupposedtogotoasinglesmixerintheFashionDistrict,butthatwouldhaveto

waitforanothertime.

“Excellent.Wecanleavenowifyou’reready,”Christianspokeashegotupfromhis

chair.

“Iam.”Ismiled.“CanIuseyourrestroombeforeweheadout?”

“Ofcourse.Letmeshowyouwhereitis.”

Iplacedmyhandonhismuscularchest.

“Justpointmeintherightdirection.Rememberwhathappenedlasttimeyoushowed

mewhereyourrestroomwas?”

“HowcouldIforget?”Heslylysmiled.

Wewalkedoutofhisofficeandhepointeddownthehallway.

“Thankyou.”Inodded.“I’llberightback.”

“You’rewelcome.”Hetuckedhishandsintohispantspockets.

Assoon as Ientered the bathroom,I pulled my phonefrom my purseand sent a text

messagetoClaire.

“I’minthebathroom.Getinherenow!”

“I’monmyway.Whichbathroomareyouin?”

“Idon’tknow.TheonedownthehallfromChristian’soffice.”

“Ohokay.I’llbethereinasec.”

Iplacedmyhandsonthesinkandstaredatmyselfinthemirror.Christianwascoming

overtomyapartment,whichdidn’tsettlerightwithme.Beingalonewithhimshouldn’t

behard,butitwouldbe.Especiallyafterwhathappenedthatnightathisparty.Thenight

that had been playing over and over in my mind since. The bathroom door opened and

Clairewalkedin.

“What’sgoingon?”sheasked.

“Christianiscomingovertomyapartmenttolookatmyportfolio.”

“Okay?And?”

Igrabbedherarms.

“Didyounothearmecorrectly?Christianiscomingovertomyplace!”

“Iheardyou.Sowhat?Areyouafraidofhimorsomething?”

Iplacedmyhandsonmyheadandscrunchedmyhair.

“Oh. I know what this is about,” she spoke. “You’re afraid to be alone with him

becauseyoumighthavesexwithhimagain.”

“No.”Iwiggledmyfingerinfrontofherface.“Iamnothavingsexwithhimagain.”

“Eloise.”Shesighed.“Youknowwhyyou’renotgoingtohavesexwithhimagain?”

“BecauseIsaidso?”Iarchedmybrow.

“No. Christian won’t make that mistake again. He already apologized to you for last

timeandhe’snotstupidenoughtotryitagain.”

“Iguessyou’reright.”Ileanedagainstthesink.

“Iamright.NowgoandshowChristianyourportfolio.Thisisallstrictlybusiness.”

Isighed.“Okay.Justgivemeaminute.”

AssoonasClaireleftthebathroom,Ipulledoutmyphoneandsentatextmessageto

MobileMan.

“Ijustwantedtosayhi.”

“Hi.”Hesentthesmileyface.“Busydaytoday?”

“Yes.How’syourdaygoing?”

“Icanhonestlysaymydayisfantastic.”

“I’mhappytohearthat.Ihavetogo.I’mstillworking.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater,Digits.”

ChapterEighteen

Eloise

WhenIopenedthedoortothebathroom,Christianwasleaningagainstthewall.

“Ithoughtmaybeyoufellin.”Hegrinned.

“Veryfunny.”Iscrunchedupmynoseathimandhechuckled.

“Whatareyouhungryfor?”heasked.

“Pizza?”Ibitdownonmybottomlip.

“Pizzasoundsgoodtome.HowaboutPizzapopulous?Icancallitinnowanditshould

bereadybytimewegetthere.”

“Ilovethatplace.”

“Metoo.”Hesmiled.“Whatkindofpizzadoyoulike?”

“Anykindreally.Hawaiian,barbequechicken,Mediterranean,oronewitheverything

onitexceptanchovies.”

“Ah,you’reaneverythingonitkindofgirl.Ilikethat.”

After picking up the pizza, we headed back to my apartment. My belly was doing

backflips all the way there and it was pissing me off. Once we stepped inside my

apartment, Christian set the pizza box on the kitchen counter and I grabbed a couple of

paperplatesandnapkins.

“Ihavebeer,”Ispoke.

“Abeersoundsgood.Howmanypiecesofpizzadoyouwant?”

“Two,”IrepliedasIopenedthefridgeandgrabbedtwobottlesofbeer.

WebothtookaseatatmysmallroundtablefortwoandChristianpoppedthecapoff

hisbeerandtookasipwhileIbitintomypizza.Thesilencebetweenuswaseerie.Itwas

almostasifeitheroneofuswasafraidtosaysomething.

“Assoonaswe’redone,I’llgetmyportfolio.”

“Ican’twaittoseeyourwork,”hespokeashiseyeswanderedaroundmyapartment.

“Yourapartmentisnice.”

“Thanks.”Igavehimasmallsmile.

“Tellmealittlebitaboutyourfamily,”hespoke.

“Whydoyouwanttoknowaboutmyfamily?”

“Whynot?”Heshrugged.“Wouldyourathertalkaboutsomethingelse?”

“No.It’sjustme,mymomandmydad.”

“You’reanonlychild?”

“Yeah.MyparentstriedforyearsafterIborn,butmymomcouldn’tconceive.”

“Ah,that’stoobad.Areyourparentsstillmarried?”

“Yes.”Ismiled.“Theyhavethebestrelationshipever.Mydadisaone-of-a-kindguy.”

****

Christian

Isatacrossfromherwithabewilderedlookonmyface.Thosewords.I’dheardthem

before.Mymindstartedracingatsuchanuncontrollablespeed,Icouldn’tkeepup.Nah.

Couldn’tbe.Ithadtobeacoincidence.Doesn’teverygirlthinkherfatherisaone-of-a-

kindguy?

“That’sgoodtohearyouthinksohighlyabouthim.Tellmemore.”

“He’s a good guy who loves my mom very much. He’s never lied to her, cheated on

her,andtheybarelyargue.Icanonlycountmaybetwotimesmyentirelifewheretheygot

intoadisagreement.”Shesmiled.

Mystomachtwistedinatightknot.

“Yourstandardsforaguymustbeprettyhighthen,”Ispoke.

“Theyare.Veryhigh.”Sheheldupherbeerbottlebeforetippingittoherlips.

“What’syourfavoritetypeoffood?”IaskedasInarrowedmyeyeather.

“Italian.Unfortunately,Iloveallthosecarbs.”

Holyshit.Shecan’tbe.Thiswasallacoincidence.Igaveherasmall,nervoussmile.

“Ineedtouseyourbathroom.”

“Ohsure.It’sdownthehall,firstdoorontheright.”Shepointed.

“I’llberightback.”

IhadtoknowforsureandtherewasonlyonewayIcouldbecertain.Istoodaround

thecorner,pulledmyphonefrommypocket,turnedthesoundoff,andsentatextmessage

toDigits.

“Ihopeyoureveningisgoingwell.”

I heard her phone ding and she got up from the table and took it from the kitchen

counter.

“Itis.How’syours?”

Myphonelitupwithareplyfromherandmyheartstartedracing.

“Good.Reallygood.Areyoustillworking?”Ihitthesendbutton.

Herphonedingedagain.

“Actually,Iam.You?”

“Yeah. I’m working and I better get back to it. Catch ya later?” Ipeekedaroundthe

cornerandwatchedhertypeawayonherphone.

“Catchyalater,MobileMan.Don’tworktoohard.”

Shesetherphonedownandtookaseatatthetable.Icouldn’tbelievethis.Eloisewas

Digits.Placingmyphonebackinmypocket,Itookmyseatandstaredather.

“What?”Shesmiled.

“Nothing.I’mjustexcitedtoseeyourwork.”

“Okay.GositonthecouchandI’llgrabmyportfolio.Icancleanthisuplater.”

I took a seat on the couch, and a few moments later, Eloise sat down next to me and

openedherportfolio.

“Wow.Thesearereallygood,”IspokeasIstudiedeachpageandphotograph.

“Thankyou.”

“You definitely have a natural talent, and the kind of talent I need for the Chanel

shoot.”

“WouldyouliketoseetheweddingphotosItookattheweddingwewerebothat?”

Ilookedoveratherandcouldseetheexcitementinhereyes.

“OfcourseIwould.”Igrinned.

Shegrabbedherlaptopfromthecoffeetable.Pullingupthefile,sheopeneditandan

arrayofpicturesfilledthescreen.

“Thesearestunning,Eloise.Whatdidthehappycouplehavetosay?”

“Theyhaven’tseenthemyet,sodon’tletonthatyoudid.”

Ichuckled.“Iwon’t.It’llbeourlittlesecret.”Iwinked.

The thought that she was Digits harbored inside me. I wanted to reach out, place my

handonherbeautifulcheek,andtellherthatIwasMobileMan.ButIcouldn’t.Notyet.It

wouldmorethanlikelyfreakheroutandIcouldn’thavethat.

“Ishouldgetgoing.It’sgettinglate,”Ispoke.

“Yeah,okay.”

WebothgotupfromthecouchandIstartedtohelphercleanupfromdinner.

“Youdon’thavetodothat,Christian.Igotthis.”Shegrinned.

“Iwanttohelp,”IspokeasIgrabbedtheemptybeerbottlesfromthetable.

Oncewefinishedcleaningup,shewalkedmetothedoor.

“By the way, did I mention that the photo shoot is in Chicago and we leave Friday

morning?”

Shecockedherheadandraisedherbrowatme.

“No,youdidnotmentionthat.”

“Ihopeit’snotgoingtobeaproblem.We’llbebackonSunday.”

“You’reluckyIdon’thaveanyphotoshootsthisweekend.”Shesmirked.

“IguessIam.”Ismirkedbackather.

IttookeverybitofstrengthIhadinmenottoleaninandkissher.Thethoughtofher

softlipstangledwithmineagainexcitedme.Iplacedmyhandsinmypocketstostopany

involuntarymovement.

“Good night, Eloise. Oh, by the way, I know you don’t want to give me your phone

number,sojustgivemeyouremailaddressandwecancommunicatethroughthat.”

“Well,sinceI’mdoingafreelancejobforyou,itwouldonlybeprofessionalofmeto

giveyoumynumber.HoldonasecondandI’llgograbapieceofpaperandapen.”

Afewmomentslater,shereturnedandhandedmethesmallpinkpost-itnotewithher

phonenumberonit.

“Thanks.”Ismiled.“Haveagoodnight.”

“Youtoo,Christian.”Thecornersofhermouthslightlycurvedupwardsassheclosed

thedoor.

ChapterNineteen

Eloise

As much as I tried to not focus on how intense the evening was with Christian, I

couldn’thelpit.Therewasapartofmethathadhopedhislipswouldhavebrushedmine.

Hewasaperfectgentlemananddidn’teventrytocomeclosetoflirtingwithme.Hewas

successful,nice,andsexyashell.HeseemedtobeeverythingIwantedinaman.Well,I

couldn’treallysaythat,couldI?Ibarelyknewhim.Theyallseemedthatwayatfirst,and

once you invested time and energy in them and became attached, they pulled some shit

thatmadeyouwishyouneverwouldhavegotteninvolvedinthefirstplace.Iturnedoff

thelightsinthelivingareaandretreatedtomybedroomforthenightwithmylaptop.

IsignedintomyblogandbeganwritingapostregardinganemailIreceivedfroma

womannamedLina.

DearEloise,

ImetthismanfourmonthsagoandIfellheadoverheelsforhimrightfromthestart.

Weconnectedinstantlyandhaveamazinganddeepconversations.He’sthesameageasI

am and has been married and divorced twice. I was hesitant to give him my number at

first because I felt I wasn’t ready to date, even though I’d been divorced two years. We

startedoutemailingeachotherandthenIfeltcomfortableenoughtogivehimmynumber.

Hetextedmeinstantlyandwesentmessagesbackandfortheveryday.Inthefourmonths

wekneweachother,weonlywentoutonadateacoupleoftimesanditwasduringthe

day.Itseemedasthoughhewasalwaysbusy,evenwhenhedidn’thavehiskids.Thenone

day,thetextingstopped.Iwouldtexthimandgetaveryshortresponse.Eitheranemojior

aone-wordsentence.Hekepttellingmeoverandoverhowmuchhereallylikedmebut

wasn’treadytojumpintoanofficialrelationship.It’sbeenovertwoweeksandIhaven’t

heard a single word from him. I do have him as a Facebook friend and I can see he’s

onlineallthetime,especiallylateatnight.Idon’tknowwhattodo.IreallylikehimandI

thought he liked me too. I’m having a hard time trying to forget him and the feeling of

beingrejectediskillingme.Anyadvicewouldbegreatlyappreciated.

I felt for her and I could relate to everything she was feeling and going through with

this douchebag. Just as I was about to write my blog post, my phone dinged with a text

messagefromMobileMan.Instantly,asmilecrossedmylips.

“Hithere,beautiful.How’syourevening?”

“Hi! Why are you calling me ‘beautiful’? You have no clue what I look like. My

eveningisgood.Justdoingsomeworknow.”

“Idon’thavetoknowwhatyoulookliketothinkyou’rebeautiful.That’sthebeautyof

ourtextrelationship.Wecantellhowtheotherpersonisjustbyourconversations.”

“Isthatso?ThenwhatelseamI?”

“Ithinkyou’reakindandsweetwomanwhoisstrongandindependent.Youknowwhat

youwantandyou’llstopatnothingtogoafterit.”

“True,lol.Areyoudrunk?”

“Lol.No,I’mnotdrunk.I’mcomplimentingyou.Isn’tthatwhatfriendsdo?”

“Iguessso.Youseemdifferenttonight.What’sgoingon?”

“Itookyouradviceaboutchasingthegirl.”

“Oh?And?”

“ImadeprogresswithherandI’mfeelingreallygood.”

“That’sgreat,MobileMan.I’msohappyforyou!”

“Thanks,Digits.Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.”

“Didyouaskherout?”

“Notyet,butthetimeiscoming.I’mtakingitslowfornow.Idon’twanttoscareher

off.”

“Idon’tthinkyou’llscareheroff,butifyoudon’tgetanywherewithherinacoupleof

weeks’ time, you may have to #Delete her. Or if she starts to display the whole bench,

ghost,orbreadcrumbingbehavior.”

“Idon’tthinkshe’ddothat.”

“Nobodythinkstheotherpersonthey’reinterestedinwoulddothat,buttheydo.Shit,

MobileMan,you’vedoneit.It’stooeasynowadaystoavoidconfrontation.Justbeonthe

lookout.Idon’twantyoutogethurt.”

“Youdon’t?Tellmewhy.”

“Becauseyou’remyfriendandallIwantisforyoutobehappy.”

“Youdon’tevenreallyknowme,Digits.”

“Callitmywoman’sintuition.”

“Ifwe’rebeinghonest,allIwantisforyoutobehappytoo.Iwantyoutofindtheman

of your dreams. A man who would never do those things to you and would never hurt

you.”

“Wow.That’sdeep.Thankyou.Iappreciateit,MobileMan.ButI’mnotlookingforthe

manofmydreams.Idon’tbelieveheexists.”

“Hedoes,Digits.I’msureofit.Enjoytherestofyourevening.Catchyalater?”

“Youtoo.Catchyalater.”

IsmiledasIsetmyphonedown.ThethingsMobileMansaidtomeweresweetandit

made me feel warm inside. Was he trying to make me fall for him? Shit. My emotions

wererunningatanall-timehigh,betweenhimandChristian.

ChapterTwenty

Christian

IwasupallfuckingnightthinkingaboutDigits,AKAEloise.Thedatesshe’dbeenon

butthefactthatshewouldn’tgooutwithmeburnedaholeinmysoul.HowwasIgoing

to tell her that the man she’d been texting all this time was me? The most important

questionwaswhenwasIgoingtotellher?ThiswasonesecretIhadtokeepalittlewhile

longer,atleastuntilafterourChicagotrip.IwasgoingtodoeverythingIcouldtomake

thattriponeshe’dneverforget.

AsIwasstandinginlineatStarbucks,grabbingacoffeebeforeheadingtotheoffice,I

pulledmyphonefrommypocketandsentatextmessagetoDigits.

“Goodmorning.Ihopeyousleptwell.”

“Goodmorning.Idid.Howaboutyou?”

“Notbad,”Ilied.“Ihopeyouhaveagreatday.”

“Thanks,MobileMan.Ihopeyouhaveagreatdaytoo.”

“Iwill,Digits.Trustme!Catchyalater.”

“Catchyalater.”

Withasmileonmyface,Iplacedmyphonebackintomypocket,grabbedmycoffee,

and walked the two blocks to the office. Knowing that I was talking to Eloise made my

dayevenbrighter.

“Someone’sinafantasticmood.”ClairesmiledasIwalkedpastherdesk.

“Goodmorning,Claire.Iaminafantasticmood.”

Shegotupfromherchairandfollowedmeintomyoffice.

“Umm.HowdidthingsgowithEloise?”

“Things went well. Her portfolio is outstanding and the two of us leave for Chicago

Fridaymorning.”

“Good. I’m happy she accepted the job. So it’s just going to be the two of you in

Chicagoforacoupleofdays?”

“Yes.Why?Well,thetwoofusandsomeofthepeoplefromChanel.”

“Justwondering.Ididn’tknowifPeterorJimmyweregoing.”

“Nah.Ineedthemhereatthefirm.Isthereanythingelse?”

“No.”Sheshookherhead.“I’mgoingtogetbacktowork.”Sheslowlywalkedoutof

myoffice.

“Thanks,Claire.”

****

Eloise

IwasjustheadingoutthedoortodelivertheweddingproofstoKimandGrantwhen

myphonerang.

“Hey,Claire,what’sup?”IaskedasIsteppedoutofmyapartmentbuildingandonto

thestreet.

“DidanythinghappenbetweenyouandChristianlastnight?”

“No.”Ilaughed.Why?”

“Hecameinthismorninginareallygoodmood.Ithoughtmaybehespentthenight.”

“No,hedidn’t.Wehadpizzaandbeer,talked,Ishowedhimmyportfolio,andheleft.

Hedidn’ttryathing.Itwasstrictlyprofessional.”

“Oh,okay.Maybehewentoutlastnightafterheleftyourplace.”

“Idon’tknow.Maybe.”

Afterwesaidourgoodbyes,astingingsensationshotthroughmyheart.Thethoughtof

Christian going out last night after leaving my place bothered me a bit. Maybe that was

whyhedidn’ttrytokissme?Orflirtwithme?Maybehewasalreadygoingonadateand

thatwaswhyheleftwhenhedid.Eitherway,Ineededtostopthinkingaboutitandhim.

After dropping off the proofs, I headed to Starbucks for a cup of coffee on my way

home. I was waiting in line for my drink to be made when I overheard two women

complainingaboutmen.Myearsperkedupinstantly.

“IcedGrandecaramelmacchiatowithnonfatmilkforEloise,”thebaristaspoke.

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

After grabbing my coffee from the counter, I walked over to the table where the two

womensat.Theywerebothintheirlatetwenties,earlythirtiesatthemost.

“Excuseme,”Ispoke.“Icouldn’thelpoverhearaboutyourmanissues.”

BothwomenglaredatmelikeIhadsomenerveintrudingontheirprivateconversation.

“I’msorry.I’mEloise.”Iheldoutmyhand.“Ihaveadatingblog.TheChroniclesof

#Delete.”

“I’mSaraandthisismyfriend,Tia.”

“Nicetomeetyouboth,”Ispoke.

“Pleasehaveaseat.”Saragestured.

“Yousayyouhaveadatingblog?”Tiaasked.

“Yes. My goal is to teach women about the concept of #Delete before they get too

involved with a man. To help them see the red flags that pop up in the early stages of

dating.”

“Well,there’sthismanImetacoupleofmonthsago,”Sarabegantospeak.“Wehitit

off instantly and exchanged numbers. That same night, we talked on the phone for over

twohours.Afterthat,Ididn’thearfromhimforthreedays.So,Ireachedouttohimand

we set up a date. He took me to dinner and then we walked in Central Park and talked

aboutlife.Afterourdate,hetoldmehe’dcallmethenextday.Aweekwentbyandhe

nevercalledortextedme.Ispentthatweekreplayingourdateinmyhead,tryingtosee

what could have gone wrong. Then, another week went by, and just when I was putting

himoutofmymind,hesentmeatextmessageandaskedhowIwasdoing.”

“Letmeguess.”Ismiled.“Youinstantlyreplied.”

“Idid.IwasjustsohappythatIfinallyheardfromhim.”

“Whatdidyourespondwith?”Iasked.

“ItoldhimthatIwasdoinggoodandhowhappyIwastohearfromhim.Hesaidhe’d

been thinking about me and he was sorry he hadn’t been in touch, but he was working

crazyhoursbecausehe’supforapromotion.Healsosaidthathe’dbeintouchinacouple

ofdayswhenhehadabetterhandleonhisscheduleandhe’dtakemeout.”

“Didhegetintouchwithyou?”IarchedmybrowbecauseIalreadyknewtheanswer.

“Hedid.Exactlyninedayslater.OnceagainaskingmehowIwasandifImissedhim.”

Iplacedmyhandovermyfaceandslowlyshookmyhead.

“Pleasetellmeyoudidn’ttellhimyoudid.”

“Yep.Shetoldhim,”Tiaspoke.

“Didheenduptakingyouout?”Iasked.

“No.”Saralookeddowninembarrassment.“It’sbecomeapatternwithhim.He’lltext

meeveryotherweekandhandmesomeexcuseastowhyhehadn’tbeenintouch.”

“Wait,itgetsbetter.”Tiasmiled.

IlookedatSarawithanarrowedeye.“Whathappened?”

“Ijoinedanewgymandranintohimtherelastweek.Icouldtellbythelookonhis

facethathewasshockedtoseeme.Iaskedhimhowhewasdoing.Hetoldmehishard

workpaidoffandhegotthepromotionandthathe’dhavesomefreetimenowtogoout.

Wemadesmalltalkandheleft.”

“Haveyouheardfromhimsincethegymmeeting?”

“No,andIcan’tstopthinkingabouthim.Ihatethis,andIdon’tknowwhattodo.”

“I’ll tell you what you’re going to do,” I spoke. “You’re going to delete his number

fromyourphoneandpretendheneverexisted.”

“Idon’tthinkIcan.Ijustfeelinmyheartthere’sapossibilityhe’sgoingtotakeme

out.”

“Listen, Sara.” I reached across the table and placed my hand on hers. “What he’s

doingisatermcalledbreadcrumbing.”

“What?”Herbrowsfurrowed.

“It’s when a guy will reach out to you when he’s feeling bored or lonely. It’s an ego

boost for him knowing you’re still out there hanging on. He’s throwing you little

breadcrumbs to keep you interested without any intention of taking you out or getting

serious.Icanguaranteehehasalotofwomeninhislifethathe’sdoingthisto.”

“Butwealreadywentonadate,”shespoke.“That’swhatIdon’tunderstand.”

“Maybe he wasn’t feeling it, or maybe he knew if he took you out at least once, that

wouldbeenoughtogetyouhooked.”

“ButImisshim.”Shepouted.

“Letme ask youthis. What isit that you missabout him? Areyou really attached to

him or to the outcome of this relationship? Because sometimes, we women aren’t really

intotheguyasmuchaswethinkweare.”

Ireachedintomypurseandtookoutapenandmysmallnotepad.Drawingalinedown

the center of the paper, I labeled the left side PROS, and the right side CONS. After

placingitinfrontofher,Ispoke,“Iwantyoutolistalltheprosandconsofthisguy.”

She picked up the pen and began writing. Once she was finished, she looked at both

sides. On the left side that was labeled PROS, she had written down three things about

him.OntherightsidethatwaslabeledCONS,thecolumnconsistedofeightthingsthat

shefoundwrongwithhim.

“Hmm,”shespokeasshestudiedwhatshewrotedown.“Theconsoutweighthepros.”

“Exactly.” I smiled. “You are a beautiful woman with high standards and self-worth.

Thisloserwhoonlycontactsyouwhenitsuitshimisawasteofyourtime.Andthelonger

youholdontothehopethathe’llcallandaskyououtagain,thelongeryouareblocking

yourdreamguyfromwalkingintoyourlife.”

“OhmyGod,Eloise,you’reright.Idon’tdeservetobetreatedthisway.”

“No, you don’t. This man is low investment. Women don’t have time to put up with

low-investmentmen.Ifheisn’thighinvestment,it’stimeto#Delete.”

“SowhatshouldIdoifbychancehecrawlsoutofthewoodworkandtextsmeagain?”

“You respond with this: ‘Your time to talk to me has expired. Bye.’ Then swipe and

delete.”

“Iloveyou!”Shegrinnedasshethrewherarmsaroundmefromacrossthetable.

“Youshouldreallyhostsomedatingclassesormakevideos,”Tiaspoke.“You’revery

inspiring.Iamtotallygoingtofollowyourblog.”

“Metoo!”Sarasmiled.“Thankyou,Eloise.Youhavenoideahowmuchyou’vehelped

metoday.”

“You’rewelcome.”Igotupfrommyseat.“Letmeknowwhathappens.Youcanfind

allmycontactinformationonmyblog.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Eloise

IleftStarbucksfeelinglikeamillionbucks.KnowingthatIhelpedSararealizetheman

she liked was a total douchebag and that she was wasting her time made me feel

incredible.Iwaswalkingdownthestreet,revelinginmyglory,whenIturnedthecorner

andliterallyranintoLuke.

“Eloise,”hespokeinshockashelightlytouchedmyarm.

Itwasinevitablethatwe’deventuallyrunintoeachother.Eventhoughthereareeight

millionpeoplewholiveinNewYorkCity,itwouldbemylucktorunintothedouchebags

whoquicklyenteredandthenjustasquicklyexitedmylife.

“Sorry.Ididn’tseeyou,”IspokeasItriedtowalkpasthim.

“Wait.Youlookgreat.Howareyou?”

Igavehimacunningsmile.

“I’mfantastic!”

Helookedlikehehadn’tshavenindaysandhishairwasinbadneedofacut.

“Listen, I know you said some things to me during our last conversation, but I was

wonderingifmaybeyouwantedtogogetadrink?Idon’thavethekidstonight.”

There was a laughter inside me that was dying to escape. But instead, I stood there

smilingathim.

“Letmeaskyouaquestion.Canyouseethe‘Fuckyou’inmysmile?”

Hestoodthere,staringatmewithanarrowedeye.

“Fine.Iguessthat’sano.Haveagoodlife,Eloise.Iwon’tbotheryouagain.”

“Thankyou,Luke.Ireallydohopeyougetyourlifetogether.Justdomeonefavor.”

“What’sthat?”heasked.

“Don’t toy with women’s emotions. If you don’t want to date anyone right now, just

stay away from women altogether. Don’t lead them on and make them think they’re

special.AndfortheloveofGod,justbehonestfromthebeginning.It’llsaveyoualotof

trouble.”Ibegantowalkaway.

“Onemorething,Eloise.”

Istopped,rolledmyeyes,andturnedaround.

“Iamsorry.”

Igavehimasmallsmileandheadedhome.JustasIopenedthedoortomyapartment,

myphonedinged.Pullingitfrommypurse,IsawIhadatextmessagefromMobileMan.

“How’syourdaygoing?”

“It’sfabulous!”

“That’s what I like to hear. Anything special happen to put you in such a fabulous

mood?”

“Asamatteroffact,IhelpedawomanoutatStarbuckswitharelationshipissue.”

“Ah.Goodforyou.So,Iguessyou’reanexpert.”

“Lol.Notyet,butI’monmyway.Infact,IhavetogogetreadyforasinglesmixerI’m

attendingtonight.”

“Oh.You’regoingtooneofthose?”

“Yes.Catchyalater?”

“Sure.Catchyalater.”

****

Christian

Ithrewmyphoneacrossmydeskandleanedbackinmychair.Thefuckingthoughtof

her going to a single’s mixer and potentially meeting someone enraged me. Jealousy

coursedthroughmybodythemoreIthoughtaboutit.

“Fuck!”Iyelled.

“Areyouokay,Christian?”Claireaskedasshesteppedintomyoffice.

“NO!”

I stood up from my seat and tucked my hands in my pockets as I paced around the

room.

“AnythingIcandotohelp?”

“Yeah.Youcanstopyourfriendfromgoingtoasinglesmixertonight,”Iaccidentally

blurtedout.

“What?Who?YoumeanEloise?”

Shit.Shit.Shit.

“Ishouldn’thavesaidthat.I’msorry,”Ispoke.“Justforgetit.”

“Shetoldyoushe’sgoingtoasingle’smixertonight?”

IheavilysighedasIranmyhandthroughmyhair.

“Whywouldshetellyouthat?”sheasked.

“Shedidn’ttellmethat.”

“Thenhowdoyouknow?”sheaskedinconfusion.

Isatdowninmychairandplacedmyfaceinmyhands.HowthefuckwasIgoingto

getoutofthisone?

“Christian,whatthehellisgoingon?IfEloisedidn’ttellyoushe’sgoing,thenhowdid

you find out? Are you stalking her or something? Having her followed? Tapping her

phone.”

“Don’tberidiculous,Claire.DoyouhonestlythinkIwoulddoanyofthosethings?”

“Noneofthismakessense.”

Iinhaledadeepbreath.

“Eloisedidn’ttellmedirectly;Digitsdid,”IspokeasIstaredather.

Fuck.Ihadnochoice.

Herbrowsfurrowedandthelookonherfacetoldmeshewasinastateofconfusion.

ShewasoneofEloise’sbestfriends,andIwassureshetoldheraboutMobileMan.

“Waitaminute.”Sheputherhandup.“HowdoyouknowaboutDigits?”

I grabbed my phone from my desk, brought up our text messages, and showed it to

Claire.Afteramoment,sheplacedherhandoverhermouthandlookedatmewithwide

eyes.

“You’reMobileMan?”

“Yes.”

“Holyshit.DoesEloiseknow?”

“No,andyouarenottotellhereither.Doyouunderstandme?IjustfoundoutwhenI

wenttoherapartmenttolookatherportfolio.Iaskedheraboutherparentsandshetold

mewordforwordwhatDigitstoldmeinourtextmessages.”

“Ihavenowordsrightnow,Christian.Absolutelynowords.”

“I’mstillinshockmyself.”

“Youhavetotellher.”

“Iwill.Justnotrightnow.I’mplanningonitaftertheChicagotrip.”

“Why?Whyareyouwaiting?”sheasked.

“BecauseIwanttomakeChicagoatripshe’llneverforget,Claire.IfItellherthatI’m

MobileMan,shemaynevertalktomeagain.”

“Butyoudon’tknowthatforsure.ShelikesMobileManalot.Like,everytimeI’m

with her and a text from you comes through, she gets this big smile on her face. She

alreadyfeelstheconnection,soherknowingwon’tchangethat.”

“It’sachanceI’mnotwillingtotakeyet.Please,don’ttellher.”

Shesatthereinthechairshakingherheadashereyesburnedintomine.

“I won’t. I want nothing to do with this. If she ever found out I knew, she would

probablyendourfriendship.”

“Thenforgetaboutit.Thisconversationneverhappened.”

“You’reright.”Shegotupfromherseat.“Itneverhappened.Asforhergoingtothe

singlesmixertonight,youhavenothingtoworryabout.She’snotouttofindaman.She’s

onlyusingthemfortheirdumbbrains.Nooffense.”

“Nooffensetaken.”Ismiled.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Eloise

IspenttherestofthedaycleaningmyapartmentandgettingitreadysoIcouldfilma

videoformyblog.Ghostinghadseemedtobeahugeissuewithguys,soIwantedto

tacklethattopicfirst.AsIwassettingupmycamera,myphonedinged.WhenIlookedat

thenumber,itwasoneI’dneverseenbefore.Openingmytextmessages,Isawitwas

fromChristian.MybellydidaflipandIquietlytoldittostop.

“Hi,Eloise,it’sChristian.Ijustwantedtosendyouaquicktexttoletyouknowthat

ourflightforChicagoleavesFridaymorningatsevena.m.I’llswingbyandpickyouup

aroundfivea.m.”

“Hi,Christian.Soundsgood.I’llbeready.”

“Inthemeantime,ifyouhaveanyquestions,feelfreetocallme.”

“Thankyou.Iwill.”

Fivea.m.?Ugh.I’dhavetomakesureeverythingwaspackedandsittingbythedoor

thenightbefore.Settingmyphonedown,IlitthecandlesIhadsittingonthetableand

tookaseatonmywhiteleathercouch.Turningmycameraon,Ibegantofilmmyvideo.

OnceIfinished,itwastimetogetreadyforthesinglesmixerIwasattendingtonight.

****

Christian

Iturnedoffmycomputer,grabbedmybriefcase,andasIwaswalkingoutofmyoffice

fortheevening,Clairestoppedme.

“Christian?”

“What’sup,Claire?I’mleavingfortheday.”

Shehandedmeafoldedwhitepieceofpaperandwalkedaway.

SinglesMixer

EmpireHotelRooftopLounge

7:30p.m.

Afterreadingthenote,IlookedupandClairewasalreadygone.Foldingthepaperand

placingitinmypocket,IheadeddowntoPeter’soffice.

“Hey.”Ilightlytappedonthedoorbeforesteppinginside.

“Hey.You’releavingalready?”heasked.

“Yeah.Whatareyoudoingtonight?”

“Actually,Iwasgoingtoaskyouthesamething.Iwasthinkingsomedrinkingatthe

barwasinorder.”

“I’vegotsomethingbetter.”

“What?”

“AsinglesmixerattheEmpireHotelRooftopLoungeat7:30.”

Helaughed.“Sincewhendoyougotoasinglesmixer?”

“Idon’t.I’veneverneededto,butsomeoneisgoingtobetheretonight.”

“Who?”Hecockedhishead.

“Eloise.”

“Shewon’tgooutwithyou,butshe’llgotoasinglesmixer?”Helaughed.

“I guess so. Are you up for going? Maybe you’ll meet the woman of your dreams

there.”

“Whynot.”Heshrugged.“I’mgoingtostaybackandfinishuptheLevitt’sCampaign.

I’llmeetyouthere.”

“Soundsgood.”

****

Eloise

As I was in the bathroom getting ready to go out, I heard a knock at my door. I set

downmymakeupbrush,walkedover,andlookedthroughthepeepholeonlytofindClaire

standingthere.

“Hi.”IsmiledasIopenedthedoor.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“I’vedecidedtogotothesinglesmixerwithyou.”

“Areyouserious?Comeonin.I’malmostready.Isn’tKennygoingtobepissedyou’re

going?”

“Kenny doesn’t know. He’s out with the guys playing cards. I told him me and you

weregoingtodinnerandthenhangingatyourplaceafter.”

“I’mnotthrilledthatyouliedtohim,butI’mhappyyou’recomingalongwithme.”

“Meh.”Sheshrugged.“Hetellsmelittlewhiteliesallthetime.”

Iputthefinishingtouchesonmymakeup,lightlysprayedmyhair,andweheadedto

the Empire Hotel. When we arrived, we were escorted to the Rooftop Lounge where

singlemenandwomenfromNewYorkCitygathered.Itwasabeautifulfallnightandthe

ambiancewasperfect.Overtowardsthecorneroftherooftop,wefoundanemptycouch,

sowerantoitasfastaswecouldandtookaseat.

“Wow.Thisisgreat.I’veneverbeentooneofthesebefore.”Clairesmiled.

“Meeither.It’sprettycool.”

Men walked past us, smiling, winking, giving us the “I may want to fuck you” look.

Theyswarmedarounduslikeeaglessearchingfortheirprey.

“Hithere.I’mJack.”Thecuteguywhostoodapproximatelyfivefooteightsmiled.

“Hello.”Ismiledback.“I’mEloise.”

“Whatanunusualandbeautifulname.”

“Thanks, I think. This is my friend, Claire, but she’s not single. She’s just tagging

along.”

“Friendsupport,Ilikethat.WouldyoumindifItookaseat?”

“No.Notatall.”Ipattedthespotnexttome.

“Iseeyouladiesdon’thavedrinksyet.MayIgetyousomethingfromthebar?”

“I’llhaveacosmopolitan.”Icasuallysmiled.

“AndI’llhaveaglassofPinot,”Clairespoke.

After Jack left to go to the bar, Claire excused herself to the bathroom. I sat there,

watching all the men and women mingle, wondering how many of them would find

someonetonightandhowmanyofthemenwouldn’tcallthenextday.WhileIwaitedfor

mydrinkandClaire,IpulledoutmyphoneandsentamessagetoMobileMan.

“Hi.I’monthehunt,lol.”

“Hi.Justbecareful.Therearesomerealweirdosoutthere.Ifyouneedme,textme.”

Hesentthewinkyface.

“Thanks.ButIcantakecareofmyself.”

IlookedupfrommyphoneandgaspedwhenIsawChristianandhisfriendPeterwalk

in.Myheartstartedracingandtheairaroundmebecamethick.

“Hereyougo.”Jacksmiledashehandedmemydrink.“Where’syourfriend?”

“Rightbehindyou,”Clairereplied.

“Excuseusforamoment,Jack,butIneedtospeakwithClaire.”

Grabbingholdofherarm,Iledheroverintheoppositecornerbehindaplasticpalm

tree.

“What?”sheasked.

“WhythefuckisChristianhere?”Ispokethroughgrittedteeth.

“Huh?OhmyGod!”sheshrieked.“Christianishere?Where?”Shelookedaround.

“Overthere!”Ipointed.“Bythebar.”

Hereyesdivertedovertothebar.“He’swithPeter.”

“Yeah.Icanseethat.Wehavetogetoutofhere!”Iexclaimed.

“Why?”

“Becausewhatwillhethink?IturneddownhisoffertotakemeoutandnowI’mata

singlesmixer?”

“Ohyeah.Iforgotaboutthat.Nottomentionyouhadsexwithhim.”

“Ugh!Let’sgo.”

IdownedmydrinkasfastasIcould.

“Howarewegoingtosneakout?”Claireasked.“He’sgoingtoseeus.”

“Followme.”

Igrabbedherhand,duckeddown,andtriedtoweaveinandoutofthecrowdofpeople.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Christian

The moment I walked in, I spotted Eloise sitting on the couch looking down at her

phone.Ineededtoactcasual,soPeterandIhitthebarfirstforadrink.Whilewewere

waitingforourdrinkstobemade,IsawEloiseandClairetryingtoescape.Shemusthave

seenme,butIwasn’tgoingtolethergetawaythateasily.

“Peter,stopthosetwo.”Ipointed.“I’llgrabourdrinks.Becasual.”

PetersmiledandheadedtowardEloiseandClairewhileIstoodthereandwatchedhim

stop them dead in their tracks. After grabbing our drinks from the bar, I walked over to

wherethethreeofthemwerestanding.

“Eloise?Claire?Whatareyoudoinghere?”IaskedasIhandedPeterhisdrink.

“Whywouldn’twebehere?It’sasinglesmixer,”Clairespoke.

“Butyou’renotsingle.”

“She’sherewithme,”Eloisespokeasshestoodtall.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Likeshesaid,it’sasinglesmixerandI’msingle.”Ismirked.

“Youdon’tappeartobethetypetocometothesethings,”shespoke.

“Whattypedoesapersonhavetobetoattend?”Iarchedmybrow.”

“Well,I’mheretakingphotographsforanarticle.”

“Where’syourcamera?”Iaskedwithanarrowedeye.

Peter took Claire by the arm and escorted her to the bar to give Eloise and me some

alonetime.

“I’mtakingpictureswithmyphone.Smile,”shespokeasshesnappedapictureofme.

“Ithinkyou’relying.Youwouldn’tdothat.”

“Fine,Christian.It’salongstoryandIreallydon’twanttogetintoit.”

“Ihaveallnight,sweetheart.”Igrinned.

“I’mdoingresearchforablogIrun.It’sforrelationshipadvice.”

Ichuckled.

“You,thewomanwhowon’tgooutonadatewithme,givesrelationshipadvice?”

“It’scomplicated.”

“Soyou’renotheretomeetanyonespecial?”Iasked.

“No. It’s purely business/blog related. I told you that I’m not ready to date anyone. I

swearI’mtellingyouthetruth.”

“Okay.Well,Iamheretoexploremyoptions,soI’llletyougodoyourresearch.”

“Youare?”Shecockedherhead.

“Ofcourse.WhyelsewouldIbehere?”Ismiled.

PeterandClairewalkedovertousandIheldmyglassuptoPeter’s.

“Let’sgoexploreouroptions.Shallwe?”Igrinned.

“Weshall.”Petersmiledashetippedhisglassagainstmine.

****

Eloise

Christian and Peter walked away and I stood there with a feeling of—I don’t know

whatthehellitwas.AllIknewwasthatIwasuncomfortablewithChristianbeinghere.

“See.”Clairesmiled.“Nobigdeal.Youwereworriedfornothing.”

IswallowedhardasIwatchedChristianwalkuptosometallbrunettewhohadmore

Botoxandfillersthannaturalbeauty.

“Whatever.”Iscowledatherandwalkedaway.

“Thereyouare,Eloise.”Jacksmiled.“Canwegettoknoweachotherbetternow?”

I glanced over at Christian, who was laughing with the brunette and lightly touching

herarm.

“Ofcoursewecan.”IhookedmyarmaroundJack’s.

Iledhimoverbythebarandheorderedmeanothercosmopolitan.Afterhehandedme

my drink, we took a seat on an empty couch and began to talk. My eyes wouldn’t stop

divertingovertowhereChristianwasflirtingwiththatwoman.Alumpgrewintheback

ofmythroatwitheachfingerstrokedownherarmandherfingerstrokesdownhischest.

“Eloise?AmIboringyouorsomething?”Jackasked.

“Umm.No,ofcoursenot.Ihavesomequestionsforyouifyoudon’tmind.”

“Goaheadandaskaway.”Hesmiled.

Iquestionedhim,andhewillinglyansweredbutwithastrangelookonhisface.

“These are some really weird questions. Maybe you’re not the woman I thought you

were.”Hegotupfromthecouch.

“Inallhonesty,Jack,I’mnot.”Ilightlysmiled.

“Wellthen,I’llbemovingon.”

IgavehimanodjustasClairewalkedoverandsatdown.

“Wherewereyou?”Iasked.

“Checkingoutthecrowd,beinghiton,andlisteninginonpeople’sconversations.”She

grinned.

IfinishedmydrinkjustasChristianwalkedovertomeandClaire.

“Anyluck?”Hesmirked.

“Notreally.ButIseeyoufoundsomeone.”Icockedmyhead.

“YoumeanBrio?She’sanicewomanandshewantstogooutwithme.”

“Goodforyou,Christian.”Istoodupandpattedhischest.“Ihopethetwoofyouhave

fun.”

Therewasadiscontent,ananger,sotospeak,risinginmychest.Ineededtogetoutof

hereandfast.

“Areyouready,Claire?”

“Yeah.Ifyouare.”

“I’m more than ready.” I looked at Christian. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Mr.

Blake.I’llseeyouinacoupleofdays.”

“Youtoo,MissMoore,”hespokewithacockyattitude.

IgrabbedClairebythehandandhigh-taileditofftherooftopasquicklyasIcould.

“Whatiswrongwithyou?Youcan’tseriouslybejealousaboutChristian.Youturned

himdown,remember?”shespoke.

“IrememberandI’mnotjealous.I’mtiredandIwanttogohome.”

WeclimbedintothebackofacabandsinceClaire’sapartmentwascloser,thedriver

droppedherofffirst.

“YouknowyoucanalwayschangeyourmindaboutgoingoutwithChristian.”

“I’mnotchangingmymind.Idon’tgiveafuckwhohedates.Butitsureashellisn’t

goingtobeme.”

She sighed as she climbed out of the cab and shut the door. Pulling out my phone, I

sentatextmessagetotheonlypersonwhoIknewwouldmakemefeelokay.

“Hey.Sortofabadnight.”

“Hey.Yoursinglesmixerdidn’tgotoowell?”

“Notreally.”

“Wanttotalkaboutit?”

“It’s just this guy that wants me to go out with him. He was there and he ended up

meetingsomeone.”

“Ah.Whywon’tyougooutwiththisguy?You’realwaysgoingondates.”

“Becausehe’sthetypeofmanIcouldfallforinasecond,andthat’ssomethingIdon’t

want.”

“Allbecauseofyourpastrelationships?”

“Yeah.Iguess.I’mtakingabreakfromguysandseriousdating.”

“What’stheharm,Digits?Maybethetwoofyouwon’tevenhititoffandthenyoudon’t

havetoworryaboutit.”

“Trust me, we’ll hit it off. The physical attraction is so strong. I have to tell you

something.”

“Whatisit?”

“Wehadsexinhisbathroomnottoolongago.ItjusthappenedandIfreakedout.Now

I’mgoingtobedoingafreelancejobforhim.We’regoingtoChicagoonFriday.”

“Soafteryouhadsexandfreakedout,youstilltalktohim?”

“Sortof.Iranintohimthenextdayandheapologizedtomeforthebathroomsex.”

“Thatwasniceofhim.Iwouldsayhewasatruegentlemantodothat.”

“Heis.He’sagreatguy.”

“Thenwhat’stheproblem”

“TheproblemisIcan’tgivemyselftoanyoneagain.Atleastnotforalongtime.Ihave

other things I need to focus on and guys and dating aren’t one of them. I need to focus

solelyonmyselffornow.”

“Youneverknow,Digits.Hecouldbetheonetochangeyourlife.”

“Orhecouldbetheonetodestroyit.”

“You’rebeingparanoid.”

“Ihavereasontobe,MobileMan.”

“Someofthegreatestgiftsinlifeareontheothersideoffear.Ithinkyou’reafraidto

gethurtagain,soyou’veputupthiswallaroundyourheart.”

“He’saserialdaterandhenevercommits.Foronceinmylife,I’musingmyhead.I

justgothomeandI’mexhausted.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater,Digits.Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,MobileMan.”

ChapterTwenty-Four

Christian

Isetmyphonedownandsighed.ShewasdefinitelyjealousaboutBrio,andinaweird

way,thatmademehappy.Shedidlikeme,andIknewdamnwellshewasinterested,but

shewasresisting.Hopefully,afterourtriptoChicago,shewouldfeeldifferently.

Pickingupmyphone,IsentatextmessagetoClaire.

“Hi,Claire.Thankyoufortonight.”

“You’re welcome, Christian, but I hated doing that to my best friend. If I didn’t think

youweretherightguyforher,Iwouldn’thavedoneit.”

“Iknowyouwouldn’thaveandIappreciateit.I’llseeyoutomorrowattheoffice.”

“Seeyoutomorrow.”

Thenextmorning,IstoppedatStarbuckstograbacupofcoffeebeforeheadinginto

theoffice.AsIsteppedinside,Iturnedaroundtoseeifanyonewasbehindmetoholdthe

dooropen.ThatwaswhenIsawEloisewalkup.

“Goodmorning.”Ismiled.

“Christian.Goodmorning,”shespokeasshelookedatmewithconfusion.“Whatare

youdoinghere?Don’tyouhavecoffeeatyouroffice?”Shesmirked.

“Ido,butsometimesIliketostophereandgrabacupontheway.Whataboutyou?

Don’tyouhaveacoffeemakerathome?”

“Ido,butIlikewhatStarbuckshastoofferbetter.”

“Actually,I’mgladIranintoyou.Sincewe’releavingtomorrowmorningforChicago,

Ithoughtmaybesometimetodayortonight,wecouldsitdownandgooverafewideasfor

theshoot.”

“Iwaswonderingaboutthat.Ithoughtmaybeyoujusttrustedmeenoughtowingit.”

Shegrinned.

“Ido,butIthinkit’sinbothourbestinteresttohaveameetingfirst.Justsoneitherone

ofuscatchestheotheroffguard.”

“I agree. I’m sure dinner is out of the question since you’re probably going out with

thatwomanfromlastnight.”

“Actually,Ihaven’tsetanythingupwithheryet,soIamfreetonight.Thatis,ifyou’re

free.Orareyouplanningonattendinganothersinglesmixer?”

Sheletoutalightlaugh,whichmademysmilegrowwide.

“IthinkI’mdonewiththosesinglesmixers.”

“Then how about dinner? Strictly professional.” I put up my hands. “All we’ll talk

aboutisbusiness.”

Sheglaredatmeforamomentandthenthewomanthatwasstandingbehindherspoke

up.

“You’d be crazy not to have dinner with him. Even if it is strictly business.” She

winked.

Eloiseturnedandlookedatme.

“Dinnerwillbefine,butIcan’tbeoutlatesinceourflightleavesatanungodlyhourin

themorning.”

“Iagree.Icanpickyouuparoundsixo’clock.”

“JusttellmewhichrestaurantandI’llmeetyouthereatsix.”Shesmirked.

“Shit, honey, I’d give anything for him to come to my house and pick me up,” the

womanbehindherspoke.

Igavethewomanasmallsmileandthenitwasmyturntoorder.

“Your coffee is on me today, Eloise. Tell her what you want. And you also, miss.” I

smiled.

As soon as our coffee was ready, the woman thanked me and began fanning herself

whileshelookedatEloiseasshewalkedoutofStarbucks.

“Thatwasniceofyoutobuyhercoffee.Youmadeherday,”Eloisespoke.

“It’stheleastIcoulddosinceshewasrootingforme.”Ismirked.

“HowaboutTavernontheGreentonight?”sheaskedaswebothwalkedoutthedoor.

“Soundsgood.I’llseeyouatsix.”IwinkedasIwalkeddownthestreetandhaileda

cab.

What a way to start off the day. I could spend every morning seeing her first thing

beforeheadingintotheoffice.Shelookedasbeautifulasever,andnotonlywasIlooking

forward to our dinner tonight, I couldn’t wait to spend the next three days with her in

Chicago.

WhenIarrivedattheoffice,myphonedingedwithatextmessagefromDigits.Asmile

crossedmylips.

“Goodmorning,sunshine!”

“Goodmorning.Youseemtobeinagoodmood.Feelingbetterfromlastnight?”

“Iam.Iwantedtothankyouforlisteningtomelastnight.IknowIkindofdumpeda

lotonyou.”

“You’rewelcome.That’swhatfriendsarefor.Plus,Ilikebeinghereforyou.”

“Thanks.I’mhereforyoutoo,MobileMan.Don’teverforgetthat.”

“Iwon’t.Iappreciateyou,Digits.”

“Iappreciateyoutoo.Anyprogressonthewomansituation?”

“Alittlebit.”Isentthesmileyemoji.

“Good to hear. I just got home and need to start doing some work now. Catch ya

later?”

“Always.Catchyalater,Digits.Haveagreatday.”

“Youtoo,MobileMan.”

“Ialreadyam.”

Afteranawesomeproductivitymeetingwithmystaff,Peterfollowedmebacktomy

office.

“Guesswhohasadatetonight?”hespoke.

“I’mgoingtogooutonalimbhereandsayyoudo.”

“That’s right.” He smirked. “I texted Rebecca this morning and we’re having dinner

tonight.”

“Isshetheblondeyouweretalkingtoatthesinglesmixer?”

“Shesureis.”Hegrinned.

“Good for you, Peter. I’m having dinner tonight with Eloise. We’re going to go over

someideasfortheChanelshoot.”

“Lookslikewe’rebothscoringtonight.”Hefist-bumpedme.

“Mydinnerisstrictlybusiness.”

“Howarethingsgoingwiththatchickyoutexteveryday?Anychanceofmeetingher

yet?”

“Nah.ShelikesthingsthewaytheyareandIrespectthat.”

“I still think she’s probably some two-hundred-fifty-pound girl who sits on the couch

with a computer in her lap all day. Why else wouldn’t she want to meet you? She’s

probablyembarrassedbythewayshelooks.”

“Looksaren’teverything.She’sanicegirlandIliketalkingtoher.”

“Suityourself,bro.Istillthinkit’sfuckingweird,andlooksaren’teverything?Yeah,

right.”Helaughed.

“Don’tyouhaveworktodo?”Iaskedwithannoyance.

“Yeah.I’llseeyoulater.”

ChapterTwenty-Five

Eloise

WhenIarrivedbackhome,Isetmycoffeecupdownonthetable,grabbedmylaptop,

andbeganeditingyesterday’sblogvideo.Iwasalmostfinishedwiththelasteditwhenmy

phonerang.IlookedoverandsawitwasNatalieface-timingme.

“Hello,”Iansweredwithasmile.

“Hello,darling.WhatisthisIhearaboutyougoingtoChicagowithChristianBlake?

Andwhyhaven’tyoutoldme?”sheaskedwithahintofirritation.

“I’vebeenbusywithwork.I’msorry.Itkindofhappenedsofast.I’mdoingaChanel

photoshootforChristian’sadvertisingagency.Isn’tthatexciting?”

“Chanel is exciting, yes. But, my lovely grounded friend, I’m not so sure going with

Christian is a good idea. You may get swept up in the windy city with him. Which, of

course,isfineifthat’swhatyouwant.”

Irolledmyeyesather.

“Thistripisstrictlybusiness.Besides,hemetsomeoneatthesinglesmixerlastnight.

HernameisBrio.Like,seriously,whatkindofnameisthat?”Ifrowned.

“Isenseahintofjealousyinyourtone.”Shesmiled.

“Ha.I’mnotjealousatall.It’sjusthernameisweird.Don’tyouthink?”

Sheshrugged.“Ithinkit’skindofcoolanddifferent.”

“Whatever.Anyway,I’malmostfinishedwiththeeditsformyfirstblogvideo.Assoon

asI’mdone,I’llsenditovertoyou.”

“Sounds good. I can’t wait to see it. By the way, are you still talking to that Mobile

Manguy?”

“Yes. Every day.” I grinned. “I’m actually giving him some advice on a woman he’s

interestedin.”

“Sohetextsyoueveryday?Andrespondsinatimelymanner?”

“Yes.Heusuallyrespondsrightawayandviceversa.”

“Soundsliketheperfectmantome.Ithinkyoushouldmeethim.”

“Ithinknot.”Iarchedmybrow.“Enoughabouthim.How’sHawaiiandNathan?”

“HawaiiisamazingandsoisNathan.Unfortunately,hehadtoflybacktoLongIsland

today.ButhesaidassoonasIgetback,he’stakingmeout.”

“Yousleptwithhim,didn’tyou?”Iasked.

“Maybe.”Shesmiled.

“Well,I’mhappyforyou.”

“Thanks, doll. I could be happy for you too if you let your guard down and meet

MobileMan.Hesoundslikeaniceguy.”

“Heisandwe’retextbuddiesandthat’sallwe’lleverbe.”

Shesighedandrolledhereyes.

“Ihavetogo.I’llbehomeinafewdaysandwe’llcatchup.”

“Okay.Enjoytherestofyourtrip.”

“EnjoyChicago,andifanythinghappens,youbettercallmerightaway!Idon’twant

tobehearingaboutitfromClaireorScarlett.”

“Iwill.”Ilaughed.

I finished the edits and sent the video off to Natalie, Claire, and Scarlett, then

proceededtouploadittomyblog.IalsodecidedtostartaYouTubechannel.Whatbetter

waytoreachmillionsofwomenfromallovertheworld.

AfterIfinishedrecordingmysecondvideo,itwastimeformetofreshenupandget

readyfordinnerwithChristian.Ihatedthefactthatabitofexcitementflutteredinsideme.

IwasputtingmyshoesonwhenIheardmyphoneding.

“Planstonight?”MobileManasked.

“Actually,yes.I’mjustheadingouttodinner.”

“Adate?”

“No.It’sabusinessdinner.You?”

“Havingdinnerwithabeautifulwoman.”

“Ihopeyoumeanthesamewomanyou’rechasingafter.”

“Ofcourse.She’stheonlywomanI’minterestedin.”

“Goodforyou!Howdidyougethertohavedinnerwithyou?”

“Itookyouradvice.Soonceagain,thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.Ihopeitgoeswellforyou.Don’tbeadouchebag.”

“IpromiseIwon’tbe.Infact,Idon’tthinkIevercouldbewiththiswoman.”

“Soundslikeyoumighthavefoundyoursoulmate,MobileMan.”

“MaybeIhave,Digits.We’llsee.Enjoyyourbusinessdinner.Catchyalater?”

“Always.Iwantallthedetails.Catchyalater.”

****

IsteppedinsideTavernontheGreenandtoldthehostessIwasmeetingsomeone.

“Hi,I’mmeetingChristianBlake.Ishehereyet?”

“Heis.”Shenodded.“Followme.”

Ifollowedhertoatablethatsatinthemiddleoftherestaurantandtooktheseatacross

fromChristian.

“Hi.”Hesmiled.

“Hi.”

“I’vetakenthelibertyoforderingabottleoftheirhousewine.Ihopethat’sokay.”

“Soundsgood.Thankyou.”Iplacedmynapkininmylap.

SwandiveswerehappeninginthepitofmystomachasIlookedathim.Thisfeeling

wastorturousandIneededittostop.

“AreyouallpackedforChicago?”heaskedaswebothglancedoverthemenu.

“No.”Ilightlylaughed.“I’lldothatwhenIgethome.Areyou?”

“No.”Hesmirked.“Ifyouhaveaformaldress,itwouldbewisetobringit.Wewillbe

attendingaChaneldinneronFridaynight.”

“Doyoualwaysdothis?”Icockedmyhead.

“Dowhat?”

“Waituntilthelastminutetospringstuffonpeople?”

Hechuckled.“I’msorry.IjustfoundoutaboutthedinnerrightbeforeIarrivedatthe

restaurant.”

“Oh.Well,inthatcase,you’reforgiven.AndIdohaveaformaldressIcanbring.”

“Good.I’msureitlooksbeautifulonyou.”Hewinked.

Icouldfeeltheriseofheatinmycheeks.Afterweplacedourdinnerorder,Christian

and I got down to business. As we were talking about the shoot and jotting down some

ideas,awomanstoppedatourtableandglaredatChristian.

“Well.Well.Lookwhoitis.Mr.ChristianBlake,”thewomanspokeinaharshtone.

Christianclearedhisthroat.“Hello,Cheyenne.”

“Isthatallyoucansay?”sheaskedwithherhandsplacedfirmlyonherhips.“Ihaven’t

heardfromyousinceourdate.Isentyouafewtextmessagesonlytonevergetaresponse

fromyou.”

“I’msorry.I’vebeenreallybusy.”

“Toobusytoshootafuckingtextback?Atextthatwouldliterallytakethirtyseconds

orlessofyourtime?”

“Nowisn’tthetime,Cheyenne,”Christianspokeinirritation.

“Who’sthis?”Shelookedoveratmewithanevileye.“Isthisyourfirstdate?‘Cause

guesswhat,honey,hewon’tbecallingyouaftertonight.”

It was apparent Christian had ghosted her and she was angry. I didn’t blame her

becauseI’dbeeninhershoesmoretimesthanIcouldcount.

“Heisn’tworthit,Cheyenne,”Ispoke.

“Excuseme?”Shecockedherhead.

“The anger, the resentment, the hurt. You’re a beautiful woman. I can tell you’re

confidentandyou’restrong.Youknowyourself-worth,don’tyou?”

“OfcourseIdo.”Shearchedherbrow.

“Then you know you’re better than him and he doesn’t deserve this attention you’re

givingrightnow.Andyouknowwhy?”

“Why?”sheasked.

“Because you’re giving him power over you. And you don’t strike me as the type of

woman who would let someone have that kind of power. He clearly has communication

issuesandemotionalimmaturityifhecouldn’textendthecourtesyoftextingyouback.Is

thatthekindofmanyouwanttobewithorevengoonadatewith?”

“No.”Sheshookherhead.

“Ididn’tthinkso.Doyoustillhavehisnumberinyourphone?”

“Yes.Why?”

“I want you to delete his number right now. You can do it, Cheyenne. Having his

numberinyourphoneisstillgivinghimpoweroveryou.BecauseIknowthere’sthislittle

bitofhopethatyou’llstillhearfromhim.AmIright?”

“Maybe.”

“Takebackyourpower.”Ismiled.

“You’re right.” She pulled out her phone, held it up to Christian, and deleted his

numberinfrontofhim.“You’rehistory,Mr.Blake.”Cheyenneturnedtome,andwitha

smile,shespoke,“Ihopeyou’lltakeyourownadviceifhedoesthesametoyou.”

“He won’t. We aren’t dating. I’m doing some photography work for his advertising

agency. This is nothing but a business dinner. But if you should need any further

assistanceoradviceondating,here’smybusinesscard.”IsmiledasIhandedittoher.

“Thankyou.”Shegrinnedasshetookitfrommeandwalkedaway.

“Really?”Iarchedmybrowathim.

“Reallywhat?”

“Youghostedher?”Icockedmyhead.

Hesighedandrolledhiseyes.

“Yeah.IguessIdid.”

“Andyouthinkthat’sokay?”

“No. Not after hearing what you just said to her. And for the record, I am not

emotionallyimmature.”Hepointedatme.

“Youareifyoudidthat.Whatisitwithyouguysandconfrontation?”

“I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her I didn’t want to see her again.” He

finishedoffhiswine.

“Andyoudon’tthinkthatgoingghostishurtingherfeelings?”

“I’msorry.Ididn’tlookatitthatway.IjustfiguredifIdidn’ttextherback,she’dget

thehint.”

“Womenneedclosure,Christian.Evenifitwasonlyafteronedate.It’scalledrespect.”

“Okay.Igetit.Ireallydo.Butit’sdonenow.Solet’sgetbacktodiscussingideasfor

theshoot.”

Ifoldedmyarmsandsatupstraightinmychair.

“Youneedtoapologizetoher.”

ChapterTwenty-Six

Christian

Shit.Iknewthatwascoming.ShemademedoitwithVictoria,orshouldIsayDigits

did.IthoughtmaybeIwasoffthehookwhenshedidn’tmakemedoitwhileCheyenne

was standing there. I glared at her from across the table, but I knew how important this

was to her. Even though she never directly told me about what she was doing, I knew

everythingfromwhatsheasDigitstoldmeviatext.

“Fine. I will apologize to her,” I spoke as I got up from my seat and walked over to

whereCheyennewassittingandwaitingforsomeonetojoinher.“Excuseme,Cheyenne.

MayIhaveawordwithyou?”

“We’redonespeaking,Christian.”Herbrowarchedatme.

“Thiswillonlytakeaminute.Iwanttoapologizetoyou.I’msorryforignoringyour

textmessagesandnotcallingyouafterourdate.ItwasrudeanddisrespectfulandIhadno

ideathatitwouldupsetyou.Youdidn’tdeservethat.”

“You’re right. I didn’t deserve it, but since you were man enough to apologize, I

accept.”

“Thankyou.Iappreciateit.”

“Nowmovealong.Mydatewillbehereshortly,”shespokeasshesippedherdrink.

Walking back to the table, I took my seat and stared at Eloise, who was sitting there

withagrinonherface.

“Thankyou.”Sheheldupherglasstome.

“No.Thankyou.”IsmiledasIclinkedmyglassagainsthers.

AfterwefinisheddinnerandtalkedsomemoreabouttheChanelshoot,Ipaidthebill

andwelefttherestaurant.

“Ithinkthatwasaveryproductivebusinessdinner.”Ismiled.

“Ithinksotoo.”

“Youareactuallyonmywayhome.Howaboutsharingacab?”

“Sure.”Thecornersofhermouthcurvedupwards.

I hailed us a cab and climbed in next to her. Since our dinner consisted mostly of

businesstalk,Ithoughtthiswouldbeagoodopportunitytoaskheraboutherblog,even

thoughIalreadyknewalittleaboutit.

“When we were at the singles mixer, you mentioned something about your blog and

aboutrelationshipadvice.Whatexactlydidyoumeanbythat?”Iasked.

“It’sreallynobigdeal.”Shewavedherhandinfrontofherface.

“I’dstillliketohearaboutit.”

Icouldseethehesitationinhereyesasshestaredatmeforamoment.

“I’m doing a piece on #Delete. It’s for women who are in the early stages of a

relationship.”

“Andwhatdoesthatmean?”Iasked.

“Iwanttoempowerwomentoknowtheirself-worthandstandardswhendatingaguy.

So,ifaguybehavesbadly,it’sintheirbestinteresttodeletethemfromtheirphoneand

lifebeforetheygettooinvolved.”

“Andwhatqualifiesasamanbehavingbadly?”Inarrowedmyeyeather.

“Ghostingwouldbenumberone.”Herbrowarched.“Lowinvestment,lying,benching,

breadcrumbing. The point is if a guy is really interested in a woman, he would do

whateverittakestogettoknowher.Textinginatimelymanner,callingwhenhesayshe

will,neverflakingonadate.Thatwouldbeconsideredhighinvestment.Ifaguyisjust

stringingthegirlalongandhasnointentionsofwantingarelationshipwithher,thenit’s

timeforhimtogo.”

“Isee.Andhowdoesagirlknowiftheguyisjuststringingheralong.”

“They never commit to dates. They send text messages sporadically when they’re

boredorlonelywiththehopesthatthewomanisstillwaitingaround,andwhentheyget

thatreply,theiregogetsboostedforawhileandthey’resatisfied.Thenthey’lldisappear

againforawhileandsuddenlypoof,sendanothertextmessage.Theproblemiswomen

becomeattachedtooquickly.Theydiveinwithbothfeetandignoretheredflagsthatpop

up.”

“Isthatsomethingyou’vedoneordo?”

“I’vedoneitmanytimesinmylife.Andno,it’ssomethingIdon’tanymore.I’mhappy

beingsingleandIbelievethat’swhatwomenneedtolearnfirst.I’dspenttoomanyyears

tryingtofindtheperfectmanlikemydadbecauseIwantedthekindofrelationshipheand

my mom have. I guess you could say I was obsessed. And because of that, I held onto

guyswhoweren’tgoodformeforfartoolong.Iignoredtheredflagsand/orthesigns.I

gavetheseguyswaytoomuchpowerovermeandnowIwanttohelpwomenwhoarein

thesamesituationtaketheirpowerback.Nomorestaringattheirphonewaitingforaguy

who said he’d call or text and doesn’t. No more giving him multiple chances when he

cancelsadatemorethanonce.Nomoreputtingtheirlifeonholdbecauseofwhataguy

saysbutneverfollowsthrough.Actionsspeakmoretruththanwordsdoandwomenneed

tounderstandthat.”

“Sowhythesinglesmixer?”Iasked.

“Justtryingtogetinsidetheheadsofmenandfindoutthereasonsbehindwhytheydo

whattheydo.”

Thecabpulleduptoherapartmentbuildingandsheclimbedout.

“Thankyoufordinner,”shespoke.

“You’rewelcome.YouhavesomegreatideasandI’mexcitedaboutthisshoot.I’llbe

byatfivea.m.”Iwinked.

“I’llbereadyandwaiting.Haveagoodnight,Mr.Blake.”

“Youtoo,MissMoore.”

Sheshutthedoorandwalkedinsidethebuilding.Therewassomuchmoretoherthan

I’d imagined and I knew I had my work cut out for me if I wanted to win her over. I

wantedtotextDigitstoseewhatshehadtosayabouttheevening.However,Idecidedto

waitatleastanhourbeforemessagingher.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Eloise

Iopenedthedoortomyapartmentwithasmileonmyface.Theeveningwentwelland

IenjoyedspendingitwithChristian.ThemoreIopeneduptohimaboutmylife,themore

comfortableIfelt.HewaseasytotalktoandIwasprettyexcitedabouttheChicagotrip.

But I was also nervous. What I was nervous about, I wasn’t sure. Again, he kept the

evening strictly professional. I admired him for that because he seemed to respect my

boundaries.Therewasnoflirtingandnoattemptofakiss.

AsIwaspackingmysuitcase,myphonedingedwithatextmessagefromMobileMan.

“Hi.Isyourbusinessdinnerover?”

“Hi.Yes.I’mjustpackingformytriptomorrow.You’rehomefromyourdatealready?”

“Yes.Ihaveanearlymeetingtomorrow.”

“And?Howdiditgo?”

“It went great. I couldn’t have asked for a better night or a better person to spend it

with.Tellmehowyourbusinessdinnerwent.”

“Itwentwell.Ihadagoodtime.”

“Thismeetingwasn’twiththatguyyouweretellingmeabout,wasit?Theoneyou’re

doingsomefreelanceworkfor?”

“Asamatteroffact,itwas.”Isentthesadfaceemoji.

“Whythesadface?”

“Because it’s getting harder not to fall for him. I know what you’re going to say, so

pleasedon’t.”

“Okay.Iwon’t.Youneedtodowhat’srightforyou,Digits.Butjustletthingshappen

naturally.Ifyou’remeanttobewiththisguy,thenyoucan’tfightit.Youcan’tfightfate.”

“Youbelieveinfate,MobileMan?”

“Ido.Justlikeitwasfatethatyousentmethatveryfirsttext.Nowlookatus.Thisguy

wasputinyourlifeforareason,maybeitwouldn’tbesobadtoseewhatthatreasonis.”

“It’sgettinglateandIhavetofinishpackingandgetsomesleep.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater,Digits.Goodnightandhaveasafetrip.”

“Goodnight,MobileMan.Thankyou!”

****

“Firstclass?”IarchedmybrowatChristian.

“It’stheonlywaytofly.”Hesmirked.

Shortlyaftertheplanetookoff,andwhileChristianandIwereeatingourbreakfast,a

womanwalkedovertoourseats.

“Excuseme.You’reEloise,aren’tyou?”Shesmiled.

“Iam.”

“OhmyGod.Itoldmyfrienditwasyou.I’mKatherineandI’mahugefan.”Sheheld

outherhandinexcitement.

“It’snicetomeetyou,Katherine.”

“I just love your blog and that video you posted yesterday on ghosting was

phenomenal. I recently went through it and it was devastating. But after watching your

video,Ican’teventellyouhowmuchbetterandmoreconfidentIfeel.Thankyou.”Tears

sprangtohereyes.

“Katherine,that’ssosweet.Thankyou.”

“Pleasetellmeyou’regoingtodomorevideos.”

“Iam.Infact,I’mgoingtoeditoneafterbreakfastandhopefullygetituptoday.”

“I’mlookingforwardtoit.”Shegrinned.“Areyouwithhim?”sheaskedasshepointed

toChristian.

“Yes.I’mdoingsomefreelanceworkforhisadvertisingagency.”

“Oh.Soyou’renot—”Shewiggledherfingerbackandforth.

“Dating?No.”Ismiled.

“He’s so hot,” she mouthed and gave me a wink. “I can’t wait to tell everyone I met

you.I’llleaveyoutoyourbreakfastsoyoucanhurryupandgetthatvideoposted.”

Igaveherasmile,andwhenshewalkedaway,Christianglancedoveratme.

“Lookslikeyou’reacelebrity.”

“Pfft.”Iwavedmyhandinfrontofmyface.

Heletoutachuckleandcontinuedeatinghisbreakfast.

WearrivedinChicago,andbytimewegottotheSofitelHotel,itwastenthirty.

“Why did we get here so early if check-in isn’t until three o’clock and we aren’t

meetingthepeoplefromChaneluntiltonight?”Iaskedwithcuriosity.

“Whynot?Don’tyouwanttoexploreChicago?”Christiansmiled.

“Ofcourse.”

ThemanbehindthelobbydeskclickedawayathiscomputerandlookedatChristian.

“Actually,Mr.Blake.Yourroomsarereadynowifyou’dliketotakeyourluggageup.

You’reinrooms3212and3213.”

“Perfect.”Christiansmiled.

We took the elevator up to the thirty-second floor. Once we arrived at our rooms,

Christianstoppedinfrontofthedoorandlookedatme.

“Whichroomdoyouwant?”

“Idon’tcare.Whichonedoyouwant?”

“Itdoesn’tmattertome.Bothroomsarethesame.”

“Ihaveanidea.”Ismiled.“Holdthekeycardsoutinfrontofyou.”

Iplacedmyhandovermyeyesandtookonefromhishands.

“LookslikeI’minroom3213,”IspokeasIinsertedthecardintothelockandopened

thedoor.“LetmefreshenupandthenwecanhitthestreetsofChicago.”

“Soundsgood.Justknockontheadjoiningdoorwhenyou’reready.”

IenteredmyroomandlookedaroundasIsetmybagsonthekingsizebed.Thedécor

wasveryurbanchicwithabeigeandredtheme.Istoodinfrontofthewindowandtookin

theamazingcityview.Pullingmyphonefrommypurse,IsentMobileManapicture.

“Roomview.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Ithinkit’sbeautiful.Haveagoodtimewhileyou’rethereanddon’tsweatthesmall

stuff,Digits.”

“Thanks, Mobile Man. I won’t. We’re getting ready to hit the streets and explore

Chicago.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater.”

I unpacked my makeup bag and took it into the bathroom to freshen up. Once I was

done,Iknockedontheadjoiningdoortoourrooms.Christianopeneditwithasmileon

hisfaceandmykneeswentweak.

“Areyouready?”heasked.

“Areyou?”Ismirked.

“I’malwaysready.”Hiscunningsmilesentbutterfliesdownbelow.

WeleftthehotelandstartedalongtheMagnificentMile.Itwasabeautifulfallday.Not

toowarmandnottoocool.Justaperfectseventy-onedegreeswithoutacloudinthesky.

“WeneedtostopinBloomingdale’s,”Christianspoke.

“IlikeBloomingdale’s.”Ismiled.“Istheresomethingspecificyouneedtoget?”

“Somemorecologne.Infact,I’mthinkingyoushouldpicksomeuptoo.”

Shit.Hiscolognedrovemeinsaneasitwas.Healwayssmelledlikehejuststeppedout

ofmen’smagazine.

“Idon’tneedanyperfume,”Ispoke.

“Idon’teither,butifwe’redoingashootforChanel,Ithinkitwouldbeagoodideato

purchasetheircologne/perfumeandwearit.”

“Ah.”Inodded.“Igetwhatyou’resaying.Wearthescentandgetinspired.”

“Yes.”Hegavemeawink.

WesteppedintoBloomingdale’sandheadedtowardstheChanelcounter.

“May I help you?” The older and attractive woman behind the counter asked with a

smileasshelookedatChristian.

“I’minterestedinChanelcologneformen.”HegraciouslysmiledbackandIrolledmy

eyes.

Shegrabbedtwodifferentbottlesfromthedisplayandsettheminfrontofus.

“Theseareourmostpopular.”

ChristianpickedupthebottlelabeledAllureHommeSportandIpickedupthebottle

ofBleudeChanel.

“Whatdoyouthink?”heaskedasheheldthebottleofAllureuptomynose.

“Thatoneisnice,butsoisthisone.”

“Hmm.Thatsmellsbold,”hespoke.

“Thequestioniswhichonedoesyourgirlfriendlikebetter?”Thesaleswomansmiled.

“I’mnothisgirlfriend.Weworktogether,soitdoesn’tmatterwhichoneIlike.”

“Ithinkitdoes.”Christiansmirkedatmeinaflirtatiousway.

Itightenedmylegstostopthefierceachethatresidedinsideme.Theachethatonlyhe

couldsatisfy.Shit.IhatedthisandIhatedhimfordoingittome.

“If I were you, I would go with Bleu de Chanel. You seem like a bold man and you

shouldbewearingaboldfragrance.”Thesaleswomangrinned.

“Okay.I’lltakeit.”

I sighed as I walked over to the women’s perfume and picked up each bottle and

smelledthewonderfulfragrancethatcamefromeachofthem.

“Findoneyoulike?”Christianaskedashewalkedovertome.

“IlikeChanelChance.”IsmiledasIheldmywristuptohim.

“Verysexy.AndIdon’tjustmeanthescent.”Hesmirked.

A heat rose in my body. All these perfume smells were creating a sexual tension

betweenusthatterrifiedme.IswallowedhardasIstaredintohiseyes.

“Thankyou.”

“NoneedtothankmewhenI’monlytellingthetruth.”Hewinked.

Hiswinkshadtostop.Mybodycouldn’ttakeitanymore.Iwantedsex.Ineededsex.I

already knew how sex with him was and I wanted it again. Damn it! I was horny and I

knewitwasgoingtogetmeintotrouble.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Eloise

AfterbrowsingaroundBloomingdale’s,westeppedoutofthestoreandcontinuedour

shoppingspree.WeneededtocrossthestreetbecauseIwantedtogototheAmericanGirl

store and look at a doll for Hannah’s birthday that was coming up. As we approached a

crosswalk,weonlyhadfivesecondslefttocross.

“Comeon,”Christianspokeashegrabbedmyhand.

“Noway.Wewon’tmakeit.”

“Wewill.”Hesmiledasweranacrossthestreet,myhandinhis.

Wemadeittotheothersidejustasthestopsignalappeared.

“Toldyouwe’dmakeit,”hespoke.“Lifeisallabouttakingchances.”

“Takingachancetogetkilled?”Iarchedmybrowathim.

Hechuckledasmyhandwasstilllockedinhis.Ilookeddownandthenupathim.A

feelingbetweenuswasfeltashegavemeasmallsmileandletgo.

“SowhyarewegoingintotheAmericanGirlstore?”heasked.

“MyfriendScarletthasalittlegirlnamedHannahandherbirthdayiscomingup.I’d

lovetogetheroneofthosebittybabiestoplaywith.”

WewalkedintothestoreandlookedaroundatalltheAmericanGirlDollsthatwereon

display.

“Wow.Thisstoreisvery—girly,”Christianspoke.

“Onmyeighthbirthday,myparentstookmetotheoneinNewYorkonFifthAvenue.I

thoughttheybroughtmetheretopickoutadoll,butwhenwewalkedintothestore,we

wereescortedtotheprivatediningroomwheremyparentshadarrangedabirthdayparty

formeandeightofmygirlfriends.”

“Youmusthavebeenverysurprised.”

“I was. They took me over to the table, and when I sat down in my chair, my mom

handedmeabigbox.I’llneverforgetthefeelinginsidemewhenIopenedthatboxand

insidewasanAmericanGirldollwholookedjustlikeme.”

“Didshehaveaname?”Christianasked.

“I named her Maggie. We celebrated my birthday with my friends and our dolls and

after,mymomanddadtookmearoundthestoreandletmepickouttwooutfitsforher.

ShewasmybestfriendandIdivulgedmydeepestanddarkestsecretstoher.”Ismiled.

“Doyoustillhaveher?”

“No. When I was fourteen, my parents and I were out to dinner when we got a call

from our neighbor that our home was on fire. We lost just about everything, including

Maggie.”

“I’msorry,Eloise.”Helightlytouchedmyarm.

Ilookedoverathimwithasmallsmile.

“Thankyou.Iwasdevastatedandittookmealongtimetogetoverit.Tobehonest,

I’m not sure that I am. This is the first time since losing her that I’ve stepped inside an

AmericanGirlstore.Iknowitsoundsweird.”

“Justalittle,butIwon’tholditagainstyou.”Hesmiled.

WefoundthesectionwiththeBittyBabiesandIpickedoneout.Glancingoveratthe

outfits,IaskedChristiantohelpme.

“Whichonedoyoulike?”Iasked.

“Forthedoll?”

“Ofcourseforthedoll.”Ilaughed.

“This two-piece set with the cat on it is cute. Oh look, it comes with matching cat

slippers.”Hesmiledasheheldthemup.

“Thosearepajamas.”

“So?Doyoureallythinkatwo-year-oldwillknowthedifference?”Hesmirked.

“Itiscute.”Ipickeduptheoutfitandlookedatit.“Goodchoice,Mr.Blake.”

“Idohavegoodtaste,andnotjustindollclothes.”Hewinked.

A flutter erupted in my belly. We walked up to the counter and I set the doll and

pajamasdown.

“Hello.”Thesalesgirlbehindthecountersmiled.“Yourdaughterisgoingtolovethis.

Howoldisshe?”

“Oh,it’s—”Ibegantospeak.

“She’stwo,”Christianspokeup.“She’sanabsoluteangel.I’llneverforgetthedayshe

wasborn.Itwasthebestdayofmylife.”

“That’ssweet.”ShegrinnedathimasIstaredindisbelief.

“She’stheappleofmyeye.Daddy’slittlegirl,”Christianspoke.

“Issheherewithyou?”thesalesgirlasked.

“No.She’sbackhome.”Christianputhisarmaroundme.“We’reonalittleromantic

getaway.”

“Aw,that’ssweet.”

Ipulledoutmycreditcardandhandedittoher.AfterIsigned,shehandedChristian

thebag.

“Thankyouandenjoytherestofyourromanticgetaway.”Shesmiled.

“Ohwewill.”

We walked out of the store and I stopped on the sidewalk and gave Christian a swift

slaponhischest.

“Whydidyoudothat?”

“Ouch.Whynot?Idon’tunderstandwhypeoplejustassumethings.Sheshouldhave

askedwhothedollwasfor,notjustjumpedtotheconclusionthatitwasforourdaughter.”

“Wedon’thaveadaughter!”

“Exactly!Anyway,youhavetoadmititwasalittlefuntoplayalong.”Hesmiled.

Ididn’trespondbecauseIdidn’twanthimtoknowthatitkindofturnedmeon.

“I’mhungry.Areyou?”heasked.

“Yeah.Iam.”

“Good.Let’sgogetsomelunch.Iknowthisgreatplace.It’snottoofarfromhere.”

“Ihopeyou’retalkingabouttheGrandLuxCafé,”Ispoke.

“Iam.Youknowtheplace?”

“OneofmyfavoriteChicagorestaurants.”Ismiled.“ThelasttimeIwastherewaswith

thegirlsabouttwoyearsago.”

“It’soneofmyfavoritestoo.”

Weenjoyedlunch,talked,laughed,andthenheadedbacktothehotel.

“IthinkI’mgoingtotakeanap,”Ispoke.“I’mtiredfrombeingupsoearlyandIfeel

likewemighthavealatenight.”

“Anapsoundsgood.IthinkI’lltakeonetoo,”Christianspoke.

Asweapproachedourrooms,Christianglancedoveratme.

“Haveanicenap.”Hesmiled.

“Youtoo.”

Iopenedthedoorandsteppedinside.Settingmybagdownonthefloor,Ichangedout

ofmyclothesandintothecomfywhiterobethatwashanginginthecloset.Iwasthirsty,

soIopenedtheminifridgeandtookoutacanofCoke.Ineededice.Icouldn’tdrinkpop

without it. Grabbing the ice bucket, I opened the door and looked down the hallway to

makesurenobodywasaround.Theroomwheretheicewaslocatedwasonlyafewdoors

down.Ifilledthebucketandheadedbacktomyroom.Ohshit.Iforgotmykey.Sighing,I

lightly knocked on Christian’s door. He answered it wearing only a pair of gray

sweatpants.MysensesheightenedasIcouldstillsmellthatdamnChanelcologneonhim.

Igulpedmorethanonceashestoodthereandsmiledatme.

“MayIaskwhyyou’restandinginthehallwayinarobe?”

“I went to get some ice and forgot my key, so I need to enter my room through your

room.”

“Oh.Comeonin.”Hewavedhishand.“Whatareyouplanningonusingtheicefor?”

Hesmirked.

“Mypop.”Iarchedmybrowathim.“WhatelsewouldIuseitfor?”

“I don’t know. Ice can be used in many different ways for many things.” A cunning

smilecrossedhislips.

IfeltlikeIwasgoingtohyperventilateasIopenedtheadjoiningdoor.

“Enjoyyourice,MissMoore.”

Iglaredathimfromacrosstheroomashechuckledandshutthedoor.Iputsomeice

into my glass, poured some pop into it, and took a few sips before lying down. I made

myself comfortable on the bed and closed my eyes. Images of Christian moved through

myhead,sendinganachesofiercedownbelowthatIcouldn’ttakeitanymore.

“Fuckit,”IsaidasIjumpedoutofbed.

Walking over to the adjoining door, I knocked on it and Christian stood there and

lookedatme.

“Somethingwrong?”heasked.

Ithrewmyselfathimandlockedmylipsonhis.Heplacedhishandsoneachsideof

myfaceasourkisscontinued.

“Areyousure?”heaskedmeashebrokeourkiss.

“JustshutupbeforeIchangemymind.”

His hands untied my robe and he slid it off my shoulders while our lips tangled

together.Layingmedownonthebed,hehoveredovermeandbrokeourkissashiseyes

burnedintomine.

“Thisisjustsex,”Ispoke.“Onlysex.”

“Iagree.Justsex,”hemoanedashislipstraveledtomybreasts.

Histongueslidovermyhardenednipplesbeforehislipswrappedtightlyaroundeach

one.Mybreathhitchedastinglingsensationssoaredthroughmybody.Thearousaldown

belowwassavageanditfeltlikeanorgasmwasreadytoexplode.Moansescapedmeas

hismouthsliddownmytorsoandnavigateditswaydowntomyclit.Thesoftstrokesof

histongueagainstmemademybodytrembleandanorgasmtoeruptthatsentmyhead

spinningoutofcontrol.

“Thatdidn’ttakelong.”Hesmiledashelookedupatme.

Itdidn’tmattertohimthatIalreadycamebecausehecontinuedtoexploreme,notonly

with his mouth but with his fingers. His tongue focused on my clit while he dipped a

finger inside me. A jolt of ecstasy opened the gates to a whole new world. A world of

sensations that I’d never felt before. How the fuck was this possible? When he was

satisfiedanddoneexploring,hestoodupandpulleddownhissweatpants.Thesightofhis

beautiful cock once again elated me. I quivered at the sight of it, already knowing the

pleasureitgavemeoncebefore.Ilaythereinanticipationwhilehetoreopenacondom

androllediton.Heslowlyclimbedontopandhoveredoverme.Aftergentlykissingmy

lips, he pushed a strand of my hair from my face, and with a smile, he spoke, “We’re

goingtotakeitslowthistime.”Itrembledbeneathhimashislipssoftlypressedagainst

the flesh of my neck. My arms wrapped tightly around him as he pushed himself inside

me.Slow,steady,andrhythmicwitheachorgasm-inducingthrust.Ithrewmyheadbackat

thehappinessmybodyfeltwhilehislipscaressedmine.

Softmoanseruptedfromhisthroatashemovedinandoutwhilemynailsdugintohis

back.

“God,youfeelsogood,”hewhisperedinmyear.

“Sodoyou,”Ispokewithbatedbreath.

Hesatback,placedhishandsfirmlyonmyhips,andpickedupthepace,hittingallthe

rightspotsasmybodypreparedtodiveintooblivion.Mysensualsoundsheightened,and

Iplacedmyhandsonhisfirmandmuscularchest.Theinevitablehappenedandasecond

orgasmtookovermybody,sendingarushnotonlythroughme,butalsotoChristian.His

grip tightened as he halted deep inside me, straining, moaning, and fully reveling in a

momentofpurejoy.

Hecollapsedontopofme,hishandsoneachsideofmyhead,softlystrokingmyhair

withhisthumbs.Ourbreathingwasoutofcontrolandourrapidheartbeatsstruggledtoget

back to normal. I lay there, underneath him, our sweaty bodies pressing against one

another,remindingusofthepleasurewehadjustgiveneachother.

“So much for our naps,” he spoke with a sense of humor as he rolled off me and

removedthecondom.

“Right?” I tried to make light of the now awkward situation as I sat up holding the

sheetagainstme.

Iwatchedhishotnakedbodywalkacrosstheroomandintothebathroomtodisposeof

thecondom.Iclimbedoffthebedandslippedonmyrobewhilehestoodinthedoorway

ofthebathroomandstaredatmewithasmileonhisface.

“Ishouldgotakeashower,”InervouslyspokeasIpointedtomyroom.

“Yeah.Ishouldtoo.Weneedtobedownstairsintherestaurantatsixo’clock.”

I gave him a small smile and stepped into my room. With my hand on the handle,

gettingreadytopullthedoorshut,Ilookedathim.

“Itwasonlysex,Christian.Nothingelse.”

“Iknow,Eloise.Noworries.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Christian

Isteppedintotheshower,thesmellofherallovermybodyandhertasteonmylips.I

smiledasIleanedmyheadbackunderthemistofthehotwater,lettingthewarmthrun

down my face. Sex with her was undeniably the ultimate experience as far as I was

concerned.Shesaiditwasonlysex,butIknewdamnwellitwasmorethanthattoher.I

feltitinthewayherhandsroamedmybody.Ifeltitinthewayhernailsdugintomyback

andIfeltitwitheachsensualsoundsheletout.Forme,itwasmorethanjustsex,andas

farasIwasconcerned,Iwasonestepclosertohavingher.

Whilewewereatlunch,shebeganaskingquestionsaboutmyparentsandchildhood.I

needed to be careful with what I said because I had already told her, aka Digits, a lot. I

couldn’triskherfindingoutitwasmeshewasactuallytalkingto.Notyet.Butwitheach

passingday,itwasbecomingharderandhardernotto.DigitsandIweregrowingcloser.

MaybeIneededtocutitoffwithherandletsometimepass.MaybeEloisewouldnever

havetoknow.ThatwassomethingIneededtocarefullythinkabout.

Aftermyshower,Isatdownonthebedwithmyphoneinmyhandandthoughtabout

textingDigits.ThenIdecidednotto.AsIgotuptoputonmyclothes,myphonedinged

withatextmessagefromher.

“Hi.”

“Hi.How’syourtripgoing?”

“Good.How’syourday?Isworkbusy?”

“Workisalwaysbusy.Otherthanthat,mydayisgreat.”

“Goodtohear.Ijustwantedtosayhi.”

“Everythingokay,Digits?”

“Yeah.Thingsaregood.Ineedtogetreadyfordinner.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater.Ifyouwanttotalktonight,textme,nomatterwhattimeitis.”

“Thanks,MobileMan.Iwill.”

I sighed as I set my phone down and got ready for dinner. When I knocked on our

adjoining door, Eloise opened it and I stood there in awe at the sight of her. A beautiful

nude-colored short dress, delicately beaded, sat off her shoulders and hugged her petite

hourglassfigure.Herlongbrownhairwastwistedupintoaneleganthair-dowithafew

curls that hung down. I let out an approving whistle as I tried to calm down my

misbehavingcock.

“Youlookstunning.”Ismiled.“Areyouready?”

“Thankyou.Almost.Ijusthavetoputonmyheelsandthenwecango.”Shesmiledas

shegrabbedhershoesandsatdownontheedgeofthebed.

I couldn’t stop staring at her long, lean legs as she slipped her feet into her nude-

coloredheels.ThewayshehadhadthemwrappedtightlyaroundmywaistasIfuckedher

wasintoxicating.

“NowI’mready,”shespoke.

Iplacedmyhandonthesmallofherbackasshepickedupherpursefromthedresser

and we walked out of the room. A smile crossed my lips when I felt her tremble at the

subtletouchofmyhand.

We took the elevator down to the restaurant where my friend, Joe, was standing and

waitingforus.

“Christian,goodtoseeyou,myfriend.”Welightlyhugged.

“Goodtoseeyoutoo.Joe,I’dlikeyoutomeetEloiseMoore,ourphotographer.Eloise,

thisisJoe.”

“It’snicetomeetyou.”Shesmiledassheplacedherhandinhis.

“Andyouaswell.”Joenodded.

Heledustoatablewherethreeotherpeople,includingthetwomodels,fromChanel

sat.Weate,drank,andtalkedmostlyaboutbusiness.Afterdinnerwasfinished,westayed

foracouplemoredrinksandthenheadeduptoourrooms.

“Goodnight,Eloise,”Ispokebeforewalkingintomyroom.

“Goodnight,Christian.Seeyouinthemorning.”

I closed the door and set my keycard on the night stand. As I looked at my bed, I

wishedIwasseeingherlyinginitnexttome.

****

Eloise

I opened my suitcase, changed into my nightshirt, and took out my small travel bag.

Taking it into the bathroom, I took out my toothbrush but noticed my toothpaste wasn’t

there. After looking through my suitcase and realizing I must have left it at home, I

walkedovertotheadjoiningdoorandknockedonit.

“Everything okay?” Christian asked as he opened the door and his half naked body

instantlyarousedme.

“CanIborrowyourtoothpaste?Ileftmineathome.”

“Sure.I’llgogetitforyou.”

HewalkedawayandIstaredatthebedwherewehadsexearlierintheday.

“Hereyougo.”Hesmiledashehandedmethetube.

“Thanks.HoldonasecandI’llbringitrightback.”

“Youknow,wecouldalwaysjustkeepthisdooropenincasethere’sanythingelseyou

need.Thatway,youwouldn’thavetoknock.”

“And what else would I need?” I narrowed my eye at him as I handed him back his

toothpaste.

“Oh,Idon’tknow.”Hesmirked.

“Goodnight,Mr.Blake.”Ibegantoshutthedoor.

“Goodnight,MissMoore.Youknowwheretofindmeifyouneedme.”

“Iwon’tneedyou!”Ishoutedfromtheothersideofthedoor.

After brushing my teeth, I climbed into bed and lay there, eyes wide open. I was

exhausted so why couldn’t I sleep? Maybe it was because every time I closed my damn

eyes, all I saw was Christian. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and sent a text

messagetoMobileMan.

“WehadsexagainandthistimeIinitiateditfromlackofcontrol.”

“Lol.Goodforyou,Digits!”

“It’snotfunny,MobileMan.”

“I’msorry.Ofcourseit’snotfunny.Doyouregretit?”

“No.Ican’tevenexplaintoyouhowhemakesmefeel.”

“Whydon’tyoutry?”

“Itwasdifferentthistime.”

“How?”

“I don’t know how to put it into words. It felt like our souls merged. Like we both

connectedonaleveldeeperthatIneverknewexistedorexperiencedbefore.”

“That’sgood,right?Ithinksomethinglikethatisraretofindorexperience.”

“Idon’tknow.IbasicallyattackedhimandIfeelashamed.”

“Didheenjoyit?”

“Ofcourseheenjoyedit.Whatmanwouldn’tenjoyawomanpracticallyattackinghim

forsex?”

“Lol.True.”

“Whathemustthinkofme.”

“Doyouwantmythoughtsonthat?”

“Yes,please.”

“Hemorethanlikelythinksyou’reabeautifulwomanwhoknowswhatshewantsand

goesafterit.That’sahugeturnonformen.”

“Ha.TellthattoallthelosersIdated.Ithinktheyweremoreintimidatedbymethan

anything.”

“That’s why they’re all losers, Digits. A weak man can’t handle a strong woman

becausehedoesn’tknowwhattodowithher,butastrongmanlovesthechallengesofa

strongwoman.AndIdobelievethisguyyou’vehadsexwithtwicenowisastrongman

whoknowswhathewants.Hence,notaloser.Listen,don’tgetallcaughtupinwhathe

thinks about you because your animal instincts took over. I’m pretty sure your sexiness

levelblewoffthechartsinhiseyes.”

“Thanks,MobileMan.I’mgoingtoheadtobednow.ItwasalongdayandI’mtired.”

“Sleepwell,Digits.Catchyalater.”

“Youtoo.Catchyalater.”

ChapterThirty

Eloise

Myeyesflewopenatthesoundofmyalarmgoingoff,wakingmefromthedreamI

wasinthemiddleof.AdreamthatconsistedofmeandChristianrollingaroundincrisp

white sheets as the ocean air blew through the window of our room, leaving me with a

feelingofanunfinishedorgasm.

“Shit,”IwhisperedtomyselfasIsatupinbed.

I sighed as I hopped into the shower and got ready for the photo shoot, leaving very

littletimetofinishoffwhathehadstartedinmydream.Iwasn’tgoingtoletthisaffect

me. I wasn’t going to let him affect me. I needed full concentration for the shoot and I

couldn’taffordanydistractions.Justhimbeingtherewouldbedistractionenough.WhileI

wasputtingonmymakeup,therewasalightknockontheadjoiningdoor.Walkingover,I

opened it and there stood Christian with a tube of toothpaste in one hand and a cup of

coffeeintheother.

“Goodmorning.Ifiguredyouneededbothofthese.”Hegrinned.

“Goodmorning.Idefinitelydo.Thankyou.”

Itookthecoffeeandthetoothpastefromhimandwentbackintothebathroom.

“Itookthelibertyoforderingbreakfastforus,”hespoke.“Itshouldbehereshortly.”

“Thankyou.I’mstarving.Arewegoingtohavetimetoeat?”IaskedasIlookedatthe

timeonmyphone.

“We’llhavetoeatfast,”hereplied.

Helefttheadjoiningdooropenandwentbackintohisroom.Fromwherethebathroom

was positioned, I could see part of his room in the mirror. I kept glancing as I twisted

strands of my hair around the barrel of my curling iron. I could see him standing there

putting on his watch and then he took a seat on the edge of the bed and slipped on his

shoes.Theachedownbelowthatneverfullywentawaygrewstronger.Justlookingathim

remindedmeoftheintensedreamIhad.Itwasoneofthosedreamsthatwouldstaywith

meforawhile.

JustasIfinishedgettingready,therewasknockonthedoor.Christianwalkedoverand

answereditwhileIputonmyshoes.

“Breakfastisserved,”hespokeashetookthesilvertrayovertothesmallroundtable

withtwochairsthatsatinthecorner.

RightwhenIsatdowntoeat,myphoneranganditwasClairecalling.

“Hello,”Ianswered.

“HaveyouseenyourblogandyourYouTubechannelsinceyoupostedthosevideos?”

sheasked.

“No.Ihaven’thadachancetolook.”

“TellClaireIsaidhi,”Christianwhisperedfromacrossthetable.

“Well,youneedtolookrightnow!”

“Christiansaidhi,”Ispoke.“Andwhy?What’sgoingon?”

“TellhimIsaidhi.Justlook,Eloise!”shedemanded.

“Okay.Okay.”

Igotupfromthetableandgrabbedmylaptopfromthebed.Loggingintomyblog,I

satthereandstaredatitwithmyeyespoppedoutofmyhead.Mysubscribershadreached

overamillionandmyvideoshadoverfivehundredthousandviews.Clickingovertomy

YouTubechannel,IalreadyhadoverseventythousandsubscribersandeachvideoIposted

hadoverfiftythousandviewssofar.

“OhmyGod,Claire!”

“I know, right? When you get a chance, read the comments! I think you’re onto

somethingherewith#Delete,Eloise.”

“Thankyouforlettingmeknow.I’msoexcited!”

“You’rewelcome.Goodluckwiththeshoottodayandcallmelater!”

“Iwill.Bye.”

IinhaledadeepbreathandletitoutasIlookedatChristian.

“Congratulations.”Hesmiled.

“Thankyou.Ihonestlycan’tbelieveit.”

“Idobelieveacelebrationisinordertonight.Youin?”Hewinked.

“Sure.I’min.”Ismiled.

Thephotoshoottookapproximatelysevenhours.Betweenthestreetshots,hotelshots,

navypiershots,andnumerousdresschanges,Ididn’texpectittotakeanylesstime.

“Greatjob,Eloise.Howlonguntilwecangettheproofs?”Joeasked.

“Thanks,Joe.IcanhavethemmailedouttoyouasearlyasnextThursday.Willthat

workforyou?”

“I’mactuallygoingtobeinNewYorkonThursday,sojustbringthembyChristian’s

office.Let’ssayaroundoneo’clock.I’llhaveChristianorderusinsomelunchandwecan

viewthemtogether.”

“Soundsgood.”Ismiled.

“Itwasnicemeetingyou,Eloise.Ilookforwardtoseeingthosepictures.Haveasafe

triphome.”

“Thankyou.”

AfterChristiansaidgoodbyetoJoeandtherestoftheChanelstaff,hewalkedoverto

measIwaspackingupmycameraequipment.

“Youwereamazingtoday,”hespoke.

“Thanks. Everyone was super nice and easy to work with. Especially the models.

Sometimestheycanbequitedifficult.”Ismirked.

“Ibettheycanbe.I’msureyouwanttoshowerbeforeheadingtodinner.”

“Ido.Beingaphotographercangetprettydirty.”

“Youwereonthegroundanawfullot.”Helaughed.“Reservationsareforeight.”

WetookacabbacktothehotelandChristianfollowedmeintomyroomandsetoneof

theequipmentbagshecarrieddownonthetable.

“I’mgoingtogochange.Justletmeknowwhenyou’reready,”hespoke.

“Iwill.Thiscelebrationwe’redoing,isitfancyorcasual?”

“Casual.”Hewinkedashestartedtowalktohisroom.“Bytheway.”Heturnedand

lookedatme.“Ihopeyou’renotafraidofheights.”

BeforeIcouldgetanywordsout,hewalkedtohisroomandshutthedoor.Whatthe

hell did he mean by that? I wasn’t a fan of heights. Now I was worried. I took a quick

shower, and when I got out, I sat down on the bed with my laptop and began looking

through the hundreds of emails from women around the world. As much as I loved

photography,Ilovedhelpingwomenmore.Itwasatthatmomentwhilereadingtheemails

thatIdecidedtotakeabreakfromphotographyandmakemyblogandYouTubechannela

priority.Itwasarisk.Ahugerisk.But,likesomeonetoldme,“Someofthegreatestgifts

inlifeareontheothersideoffear.”

IpickedupmyphoneandsentatextmessagetoMobileMan.

“Wedidn’ttouchbasetoday.Howareyou?”

“I’mgreat.Howareyou?IwaswonderingifI’dhearfromyou.Ididn’twanttobother

youbecauseIknewyouwerebusy.”

“I’mgood.IhadareallygooddayandnowIneedtogetreadytogotodinner.”

“Howarethingsgoingbetweenthetwoofyou?”

“Thingsaregoinggood.Maybetoogood.Thepartthatsucksisthathe’salwaysonmy

mindevenwhenwe’renottogether.”

“Whydoesthatsuck?”

“BecauseIdon’twanttothinkabouthim.Idon’tneedthedistraction,butIcan’thelp

it.”

“Listentome,Digits.Youcantrytofightyourfeelingsforthisguyallyouwant,but

you’ll lose and you know it. That’s why I think you’re so scared. Just give in to those

feelings.Obviously,theguyfeelsthesamewayaboutyou.Takeitslow.Onedayatatime.

Openyourselfuptothepossibilitythatthisguyistheexceptionofallothermen.”

“Youthink?”

“I know. I spent the day with the woman of my dreams today. And you know why?

BecauseItookyouradvice.Takeyourownadvice,Digits.Ifyoulikehim,lethimknow.

Becauseoneday,you’llwakeupandhewon’tbethereandthenyou’llspendtherestof

yourlifewonderingwhatcouldhavebeen.”

“Thankyou,MobileMan.HaveIevertoldyouhowmuchIloveourconversations?”

“I’msureyouhaveandIlovethemtoo.Conversationswithyouarethehighlightofmy

day.”Hesentthewinkyface.

Isenthimthewinkyfacebackandtoldhimtohaveagoodnight.Myfeelingsabout

him and our text friendship were starting to change. He met the woman of his dreams

already, so him falling for me wasn’t even a consideration. Maybe it was time me and

MobileManmet.Maybeamanandawomancouldjustbefriends.

ChapterThirty-One

Christian

There was a knock on the adjoining door, and when I opened it, I smiled as I saw

Eloisestandingtherelookingasgorgeousasever.

“Areyouready?”Iasked.

“Iam.Wherearewegoing?”

“You’llseewhenwegetthere.”Ismiled.

IrentedouttheSkydeckChicagoforthetwoofus,aprivatediningexperienceonthe

103

floor. I’d had dinner there once before with my family and it was an amazing

experience.AnexperienceIwantedtosharewithher.Iwantedtomakethisanightshe’d

neverforget,andwithanyluck,she’dbewakingupinmyarmsinthemorning.

When we arrived and stepped into the elevator, I could see the look of nervousness

acrossherface.

“Areyouokay?”Ilightlygrabbedholdofherhand.

Shelookeddownandthenupatme.

“Iamnow.”Shelightlysmiled.

Afeelingofcontentmentwashedovermehearinghersaythosewords.Iwasbreaking

through to her. Maybe my last text message as Mobile Man got her thinking. When we

arrivedtothe103

floor,westeppedoutandshelookedaround,herhandtightlyclenched

inmine.

“Ireallyhopeyou’renotafraidofheightsbecausethisissomethingeveryoneshould

experienceintheirlifetime,”Ispoke.

Shetookinadeepbreath.

“It’s not that I’m really afraid. I’m just unsure. Why are we the only two people up

here?”

“I rented out the entire room for us so we could have a private dinner and enjoy the

viewinpeace.”Ismiled.“Comeoverhereandlookoutatthecity.”

“Umm.I’mnotsureIwanttogettooclosetotheglass.”Shestoppedbehindme.

“It’sokay,Eloise.IhaveyouandIpromiseIwon’tletgo.”Ismiled.

****

Eloise

Myheartwasbeatingahundredmilesaminute.Nowait,makethatathousandmilesa

minute.Notonlybecauseourhandswerelockedtogether,butbecausewewereupreally

highandIwasn’tsurehowtodealwiththeanxietyIfelt.Icouldn’tbelieveherentedout

theentire Skydeck forthe two ofus. That had tobe the sweetestthing anyone had ever

doneforme.Aftertakinginacoupleofdeepbreaths,Ilethimleadmetothewindow.

“What’sthat?”

“That’stheledge.”

“Youmeanpeopleactuallywalkonit?”

“Yes.”Hechuckled.“Wouldyouliketogiveitatry?”

“Nope.I’mgoodrighthere.”

Wetookaseatataroundtablewhereabottleofwinesat.AfterChristiantooktheseat

acrossfromme,hepoureduseachaglassofwine.

“Dinnerwillbeservedshortly.”Hegrinned.“Here’stoasuccessfulphotoshootandto

yoursuccessfulblog.”Hehelduphisglass.

“Thank you.” I smiled big as I clanked my glass against his. “So, tell me again why

you’resingle?”

“Oh,Idon’tknow.Maybetherightwomanhasn’tpoppedintomylife.Youdohaveto

becarefulwhomyouchoosetowanttospendtherestofyourlifewith.”Hesmirked.

“True.Soyouwantmarriageandafamily?”

“Onedayinthefuture.That’siftherightwomancomesalongandsweepsmeoffmy

feet.”Hewinkedandmyladypartsquivered.

Igavehimasmallsmileasthewaiterwalkedoverandservedusdinner.

“It really is beautiful up here. Thank you,” I spoke as the anxiety seemed to have

dissipated.

“You’rewelcome.”

We ate, talked about the photo shoot, and when dinner was over, music from the

overheadstartedtoplay.Christiangotupfromhischairandheldouthishandtome.

“May I have this dance? The night wouldn’t be complete without dancing on the

skydeck.”Hesmiled.

Iplacedmynapkinfrommylapontothetableandputmyhandinhis.

“We’regoingtodanceontheledgeandIdon’twantyoutobeafraid,”hespoke.

Anervousnesssettledinthepitofmystomach.

“Doyoutrustme,Eloise?”heaskedwithseriousnessashiseyesstaredintomine.

“Ithinkso.”

Heletoutachuckle.

“Youthinkso?”

“Yes,ofcourseIdo.”

Withourhandsclaspedtogether,heledmetotheledgeandIgulped.

“It’sokay.I’vegotyou.”

We stepped onto the ledge and he wrapped his arm securely around my waist as I

placedmyhandinhisandmyotherhandonhisshoulder.Weswayedbackandforthto

themusicasIlookedoutatthebrightlylitcityfromthe103

floor.

“Areyouokay?”Christianasked.

“Actually, I’m fine. It’s beautiful up here.” I smiled. “And you’re right, this is

somethingeveryoneshouldexperienceintheirlifetime.”

“I’mgladyoulikeit.Isomehowknewyouwould.”Hesmiled.

Heletgoofmyhandandwrappedhisotherarmaroundme.Bringingbotharmsup,I

secured them around his neck as the two of us stared at each other, getting lost in one

another’ssoul.Thecornersofhismouthwereslightlycurvedintoaseductivesmilethat

sentshiversdownmyspine.Hewantedtokissme.Ifeltit.Andinamatterofseconds,his

lips gently pressed against mine. He looked at me and I smiled, letting him know that I

wasonboardwithwhateverhewasthinkingabout.Heleanedinagain,butthistime,his

kiss was more sensual and not just a test. I returned it and our tongues met with

satisfaction.Hishandsroamedupanddownmysidesasminetangledthroughhishair.If

wedidn’tleavenow,we’denduphavingsexontheledge.Wouldthatreallybesobad?I

wassurethestaffwouldmind.

“Shallwegobacktothehotel?”heaskedashebrokeourkiss.

“Yes.”Iswallowedhard.

Withagrinonhisface,hetookmyhandandwelefttheSkydeck.Ourhandsneverleft

eachother’sallthewaybacktothehotel.Oncewesteppedintotheelevator,andbeingthe

only ones in there, he pushed me up against the wall and savagely kissed me as we

traveledfromfloortofloor.Thedoorsopenedandhegrabbedmyhandandledustoour

rooms.

“Whichroom?Mineoryours?”heasked.

“Yoursisfine.”Ismiled.

Heinsertedthecardkey,openedthedoor,andsweptmeupinhisarmsandovertothe

bed where we made passionate love. I lay there, wrapped in his arms, my head on his

chestandhisfingerstrokingmybareskin.

“IwanttoseeyouonaregularbasiswhenwegetbacktoNewYork,”hespoke.

Fear and confusion rose inside me. I gave serious thought to what Mobile Man said

about just letting go and spending the rest of my life wondering what could have been.

ChristianBlakewaseverythingIwaslookingforinamanandmyintuitionwastellingme

togoforit.Ifailedatlisteningtomyintuitionbefore,butthistime,Iknewbetter.

“I’dliketoseeyoutoo.”Iliftedmyheadandlookedathim.

“Really?”Asmilegrewacrosshisface.

“Yes,really.”

Withoneswiftmove,IwasflatonmybackandChristianwashoveringoverme.

ChapterThirty-Two

Christian

I’d won and I couldn’t have been happier, but a darkness resided deep inside me. I

couldn’tsleepwhenIshouldhavebeensleepinglikeababy.Ihaditall.Ihadher.Isaton

theedgeofthebedwithmyfaceburiedinmyhandsthinkingabouthowIwasgoingto

tellherthatIwasMobileMan.Ididn’tknowhowshe’dreactandthatwaswhatscared

methemost.

“Hey,areyouokay?”sheaskedassheplacedherhandonmyback.

“I’mfine.I’msorryIwokeyou.”

“Youdidn’t.Whyaren’tyouasleep?”

“Idon’tknow.Maybetoomuchexcitementfromtheday.”

Iclimbedbackunderthesheets,wrappedherupinmyarms,andkissedherhead.

“Gobacktosleep,baby.I’mfine.Ipromise.”

Iawokethenextmorningtothesoundofrainhittingthewindow.

“Ilovethesoundoftherain,”shesoftlyspoke.

“Metoo.Goodmorning.”Ikissedherhead.

“Goodmorning.”Herlipspressedagainstmychest.“Whattimedoesourflightleave?”

“Notuntilsixo’clocktonight.Ididn’tthinktheywerecallingforraintoday.Thelast

timeIcheckedtheweather,therewasazeropercentchance.”

“A little bit of rain never hurt anybody.” She smiled as she looked up at me. “I’ll be

right back. Don’t go anywhere.” She kissed me before climbing out of bed and slipping

intoherrobe.

She opened the adjoining door to her room, and after a few seconds, she came back

withhercamerainherhand.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Ilaughed.

“I’mgoingtotakesomepicturesofyou.Thatis,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Inbed?”Icockedmyheadashercamerawentoff.

“Yes.It’ssexyandIlikesexy.”Shegrinned.

Shestoodontopofthebedandbegansnappingpictureswhilelookingdown.

“Getdownhere.”Igrabbedherlegsandpulledherontopofme.“Nomorepictures.If

youwantsexy,I’llgiveyousexy.”Ikissedher.

Slippingherrobeoffhershoulders,Itookherbeautifulbreastsinmymouth.Myhard

cock was pressed against her and waiting to feel the warmth of her insides. She lifted

herselfupandslowlypusheddownuntileveryinchofmewasinsideher.Subtlemoans

escapedbothourlipsaswetookinthepleasurewegaveeachother.

“We’renotusingacondom?”Iasked.

“I’monbirthcontrol.I’mnotworried.”

I placed my hands firmly on her breasts, lightly pinching each hardened peak as she

slowly rode my cock. I threw my head back in satisfaction as the warmth inside her

envelopedme.

“God,youfeelincredible.”

“Sodoyou,”shesensuallymoaned.

Watchinghermakelovetomewasthebestturnonintheworld.Shewassofucking

beautifulandIcouldn’tgetenoughofher.Herhipsmovedbackandforthatarapidpace

as her moans heightened and she came. The wetness that emerged from her sent a

tremblingsensationthroughme.AsensationIcouldn’tcontrol.Asensationthatsentmy

cockintoaspasticfitofanorgasm.IheldherhipsdownfirmlyasIpushedouteverylast

dropIhadinsideher.

Beforeclimbingoffme,herlipspressedagainstmine.

“I’mstarving.”Shesmiled.

“Metoo.Let’sgetdressedandheaddowntobreakfast.”

Wekepttheadjoiningdooropenandtraveledbetweenroomsaswebothgotdressed.

While Eloise was in her bathroom applying her makeup, I walked up from behind and

wrappedmyarmsaroundher.

“I’mgoingtoheaddowntothegiftshopandgrabusacoupleumbrellas.”

“Goodidea.We’regoingtoneedthem.”Shesmiled.

Ilefttheroomandheadedtowardstheelevator.Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,I

sentDigitsatextmessage.

“Goodmorning.Howwasyournight?”

“Goodmorning!Mynightwasfabulous.Hetoldmehewantstoseemeonaregular

basiswhenwegetbackhome.”

“That’sgood.Whatdidyousay?”

“ItoldhimthatI’dliketoseehimtoo.”

“I’mproudofyou,Digits.Soyoutookmyadvice?”

“Yesandthankyou.IguessIdidn’twanttospendtherestofmylifewonderingwhat

couldhavebeen.”

“I’mhappytohearyousaythat.”

“Whataboutyouandthewomanofyourdreams?”

“Ithinkthingsaregoingtoworkoutreallywellwithher.”

“Wow.Lookatus.”Isentthesmileyfaceemoji.

“Ihavetorun,Digits.Haveagreatday.Whenareyouheadingback?”

“Ourflightleavesatsixp.m.”

“Haveasafeflight.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater,MobileMan.”

IsighedasIstoodthereandstaredatourtextmessages.Thiscouldn’tgoon.Ieither

hadtotellEloisewhoIwasorIhadtostoptextingDigits.Eitherway,shewasgoingtobe

hurtandthelastthingIwantedtodowashurther.

ChapterThirty-Three

Eloise

AfterChristianandIhadbreakfast,weheadedbacktoourroomstopackallourthings

sowecouldcheckout.Afterleavingourbagswiththehoteluntilwewerereadytogoto

theairport,westeppedontotherainystreetsofChicagoandChristianopenedthe

oversizedblackumbrella.

“Ican’tbelievetheyonlyhadoneleft,”Ispoke.

“I’msurealotofpeoplehadthesameideawedidwhentheysawtherainoutside.I’m

happythiswasthelastone.It’llkeepmeclosertoyou.”Hewinked.

Icouldn’thelpbutsmileasIlaidmyheadonhisshoulder.Weshoppedforacoupleof

hours,andeventhoughitwasadrearycooldayout,itturnedouttobeoneofthebest

daysofmylife.Wetriedonclotheswewouldneverbuyjusttobesillyandtookan

obscenenumberofselfiestorememberourtimeinChicago.Becausewehadahuge

breakfast,neitheroneofuswasveryhungry,soweendedupgettingacoupleofhotdogs

fromastreetvendorandeatingthemunderanoverhangandoutoftherain.

“You’reacheapdate.IthinkIlikeyou.”Christiansmiled.

Inudgedhisshoulderwithmine.“IthinkIlikeyoutoo.Thanksforthehotdog.”

Heleanedoverandkissedmylips.Icouldn’trecallatimeIwasanyhappier.Oncewe

finishedeating,weheadedbacktothehoteltocollectourbagsandthenitwasofftothe

airport.Ontheplaneridehome,ChristiandidsomeworkonhislaptopwhileIplannedthe

videosIwasgoingtofilmfortheweek.

“Idecidedtotakeabreakfromphotographyforawhile,”IspokeasIglancedat

Christian.

“Really?Why?”

“Mypassionrightnowiswithmyblogandhelpingwomenwiththeirrelationship

issues.TheonlythingIhavegoingonnextweekaretheeditsfortheChanelphotos.I’m

notgoingtoacceptanymoreworkforprobablyaboutamonth.”

“Canyouaffordnottotakeonphotographyjobs?”heasked.

“Yes.”Ismiled.“Icanaffordit.”

“Thendowhatmakesyouhappy.”Heplacedhishandonmine.

Assoonaswelanded,myphonedingedwithatextmessagefromNatalie.

“AreyouNewYorkboundyet?I’mbackfromHawaiiandwashopingwecouldhavea

drinkorthree.Ineedtotalktoyou.”

“Justlanded.Ishouldbehomeinaboutanhour.Everythingokay?”

“Idon’tknow.IneedyouradviceaboutNathan.”

“Okay.I’lltextyouwhenI’mclosetohome.”

“Thanks.I’llbringthewine.”

“Everythingokay?”Christianasked.

“Yeah.ThatwasNatalie.She’scomingoverwhenIgethome.Sheneedsadviceabout

Nathan.”

“Isthatherboyfriendorhusband?”

“SomeguyshejustmetinHawaii.HelivesonLongIsland.”

Christianhadacarwaitingattheairporttotakeushome.Whenthedriverpulledupto

mybuilding,Christiangotoutofthecar,grabbedmyluggage,andwalkedmetomy

apartment.Aftersettingmyluggagedowninthefoyer,hewrappedhisarmsaroundme

andpulledmeintoatightembrace.

“IhadagreattimeinChicagoandIthinkI’mgoingtomissyoutonight.”

“Ihadagreattimetoo.Thankyouforeverything.AndIthinkI’mgoingtomissyou

too.”Ismiled.

Hislipstenderlybrushedagainstmineanditwasturningintoapassionatekissuntil

therewasknockatmydoor.

“I’lltextyoulater.”Heplacedhishandsoneachsideofmyfaceandkissedmeonelast

time.

“Ilookforwardtoit.”

IopenedthedoorandletNataliein.

“Oh.Hi,Christian.”Shesmiled.

“Hello,Natalie.HowwasHawaii?”

“Beautiful.HowwasChicago?”

“Beautiful.”Hewinkedather.

Assoonasheleft,IshutthedoorandtookthebottleofwinefromNatalie’shand.

“Sowhatwashedoinguphere?”sheasked.

“Hehelpedmewithmyluggage.”Igrinned.

“You’reglowing.What’sgoingon?”

“We’resortofseeingeachother,”IspokeasItookdowntwowineglasses.

“Asindating?”Herbrowarched.

“Isuppose.”

“Yousleptwithhimagain.”Shesmirked.

“Idid.Afewtimes.”IgrinnedlikealittlegirlonChristmasmorning.

“Andyou’reokaywithdatinghim?Whythesuddenchangeinattitude?”

“He’sagreatguy,Natalie,andeverythingI’mlookingfor.Butenoughaboutmeand

Christian.What’sgoingon?”

“Nathanhasn’treturnedanyofmytextmessagessincehe’sbeenhome.”

“Notoneofthem?”Iasked.

“No,”sherepliedasshedownedherglassofwine.“I’mnotusedtothis.I’musually

theonewhodoesn’ttextback.Ireallylikehim,Eloise,andIthoughthelikedmetoo.For

fucksakes,Isleptwithhim.”

“Whateveryoudo,don’ttexthimagain.WhywasheinHawaii?”

“Businesstrip,”shereplied.

“Andhe’sneverbeenmarried?”

“Hesaidno.”

“Howaboutagirlfriend?”

“Hesaidhehasn’thadoneinalongtime.”

“It’spossiblehedoeshaveagirlfriendhereandshedidn’tgowithhimbecauseitwasa

businesstrip.”

“Thatlittlefucker.Isweartogod,ifthat’strue…”Herbrowsfurrowed.

Shereachedinsideherpurseandpulledoutherphone.

“Oh.Hejustsentmeatextmessage.”Shegrinned.

“Whatdoesitsay?”

“Hesaidhe’ssorryhedidn’trespondbutworkhasbeencrazysincehegotbackand

he’sbeenpracticallyworking24/7.Hewantstotakemeouttomorrownight.”

“OnaMonday?”Inarrowedmyeyeather.

“Betterthannotatall.”Shesmiled.“I’msurehemissesme.”

“I’msurehedoes,”Ispoketomakeherfeelbetter.

Thetruthwas,somethingwasn’tsittingrightwithmeandthisNathanguy.Nobodyis

thatbusytotaketensecondstoreplytoatextmessage.IfthingswereasgreatinHawaii

asshesaidtheywere,hewouldn’thaveignoredher.Redflagnumberone.

Whensheleft,Itookmyluggagetomyroomandsatdownontheedgeofmybedand

sentatextmessagetoMobileMan.

“Hi.I’mback!”

Aboutanhourlater,hereplied,whichwasunusualforhim.

“Hi.Welcomehome.I’mheadingtobed.Catchyalater?”

“Sure.Catchyalater.”

Isatthereandstaredatthetextmessage,thinkingtomyselfthatheseemedoff.Justas

Iwasabouttotexthimandaskifeverythingwasokay,IreceivedatextfromChristian.

“Hi.IsitbadtosaythatImissyoualready?”

“Hi.Imissyoutoo.”

“Lookoutyourwindow.”

Igavehistextmessageaconfusedlook,gotupfrommybed,andlookedoutmy

bedroomwindow,onlytofindChristianstandingonthesidewalkinfrontofmybuilding

withasmallbaginhishand.Openingthewindowwithasmile,Iyelled,“Whatareyou

doing?”

“Comingbacktoseeyou.That’sifyoudon’tmind.”

“Ofcoursenot.Comeonup.”

ExcitementbarreledthroughmeasIrantothedoorandopenedit,waitingforhimto

stepofftheelevator.Thiswascrazy.Myfeelingswerecrazy.IwassointohimthatI

couldn’tseestraight,andthefactthathecamebackonlyafterjustleavingacoupleof

hoursagomeantthathewasreallyintometoo.

Theelevatordinged,andassoonashesteppedoff,Irantohimandwrappedmyarms

aroundhim.

“Whoa.”Hechuckled.“I’mhappyIcameover.”

“Metoo.”Ikissedhislips.

WewalkedbacktomyapartmentandIimmediatelyofferedhimaglassofwine.

“Soyou’respendingthenight?”Ibitdownonmybottomlipandthecornersofmy

mouthslightlycurvedupwardsintoabashfulsmile.

“Ifyou’llhaveme,yes.”

“Iwilldefinitelyhaveyou.”Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneck.

ChapterThirty-Four

Eloise

Hesetdownhisglassofwineonthecounterandbroughthishanduptomycheekas

hislipssoftlybrushedagainstmine.Mybodyscreamedwithexcitementforitknewwhat

was to come. He slid my leggings off my hips and pulled my sweater over my head,

leavingmeinonlymybraandpanties.Heinhaledasharpbreathasheranhisfingerdown

my cleavage. Our mouths smashed together while I undid his belt, took down his pants,

andbrushedmyhandagainsthishardcock.Hebrokeourkiss,liftedhisshirt,andtossed

itonthefloor.Standinginfrontofme,hiseyesstudiedmefromheadtotoe.

“Youarethemostbeautifulwomanintheworld,”hesoftlyspokeasheleanedinand

swepthislipsacrossmyneck.

Hishandtraveleddownthefrontofmypanties,gentlystrokingmyclitbeforeplunging

afingerdeepinsideme.Iwasalreadywet.HowcouldInotbe?Thismanturnedmeon

more than any other man ever had. I was in a constant state of wetness when he was

around.

Hemoanedwithpleasureasmyfingerswrappedthemselvesaroundhisrock-hardcock

andmyhandmovedupanddownhisshaft.Heexploredme,notonlywithhisfingers,but

withhiswarmtongueasheslidacrossmyneckanddowntomycleavage.Bringinghis

free hand around me, he unclasped my bra with ease and let it fall and then took my

hardenednipplesinhismouth.ThesensationthatflowedthroughmewaseuphoricasIlet

outseveralmoansofpassion.Hepickedmeupandsetmeontheedgeoftheisland.

“Ican’twaitanymore,”hewhisperedashethrustintome.

Igaspedforair,wrappingmylegsaroundhiswaistandleaningbackasfarasIcould

sohehadaccesstomybreasts.Hismouthexploredmeashisthrustsbecamerapid,hitting

alltherightspotsthatonlyhiscockcouldhit.Afterafewmoreintensethrusts,hepicked

meup,myarmswrappedtightlyaroundhisneck,andheldmeashemovedinandoutof

me.Hisstrengthwascaptivatingandmademefeelcompletelysafe.Hecarriedmetothe

bedroomandlaidmedownonthebed,hoveringovermeandstaringintomyeyesashe

performed like a beast. My heart was pounding as I moaned out in contentment at the

orgasmthatshookmyworld.

“That’sit.Fuck,yes,”heyelledoutashehalteddeepinsideandarushofwarmthfilled

withinme.

Christiancollapsedandourbodiesmeshedtogetheraswebothlaytherewaitingforour

breathtoreturntoanormalpattern.Herolledoffmeandlayonhisbackwithhishandson

hischest.

“Areyouokay?”IlaughedasIranmyfingeracrosshisshoulder.

“I’mmorethanokay.”Hegrinnedashelookedatme.

Ikissedhislipsandclimbedoffthebed,struttingmynakedbodyintothebathroom.

“Wouldyoucaretojoinmeforabath?”Iturnedandgavehimasultrylook.

“Iwouldloveto.”

Welaytogetherinthebubblywarmwater.Mybackwaspressedagainsthismuscular

chestandhisarmswerewrappedsecurelyaroundme.Wetalkedalotaboutmyparents

andtheirrelationship.Onethingthathadmeconcernedwashedidn’twanttotalkabout

hisfamily.InoticedeverytimeIaskedhim,hewasvagueandtriedtochangethesubject.

“Istheresomethingyou’renottellingmeaboutyourfamily?”Iasked.

“No.Why?”

“BecauseeverytimeIaskyouaboutthem,youchangethesubject.”

He sighed. “I don’t really want to talk about them right now. We will another time.

Okay?”

“Okay.”Itiltedmyheadbackandlookedupathimashekissedmyforehead.

Afterourbath,weclimbedintomybedandIsnuggledagainstChristianastightasI

could. I fit perfectly against his body and laid my head upon his chest, listening to the

subtle beat of his heart and the soft whispers of his breath. This had become my happy

place.

Thenextmorning,Icouldn’tsleep,soIgotupearlyandmadeChristiansomewaffles.

“Whatisthatdelicioussmell?”Hesmiledashekissedmylips.

“Goodmorning.Imadeyousomehomemadewaffles.”Igrinned.

“Ilovewaffles.”Hepattedmyass.

Ipouredhimacupofcoffeeandtoldhimtositdown.

“CanIseeyoutonight?”heasked.

Iplacedtwowafflesonaplateandsetitdowninfrontofhim.Climbingonhislap,I

spoke,“Youcanseemeeverynight.”

“Mhm.Ilikethesoundofthat.I’llpickyouuponmywayhomefromworkandwe

canhavedinneratmyplace.”

“Ilikeyourplace.”Ismiled.“Especiallyyourbathroom.”

“Ifyoulikemybathroom,thenyou’lllovemybedroomevenmore.”Hislipsbrushed

againstmine.

Hefinishedhisbreakfast,gavemeakissgoodbye,andheadedtotheoffice.Afterhe

left, I got to work on editing the Chanel photos. I couldn’t stop thinking about Mobile

ManandIwassurprisedIhadn’theardfromhimtoday.Thiswasn’tlikehimnottotext

me.

“Topofthedaytoyou!Howareyou?”

Isetmyphonedownandcontinuededitingmyphotos.AboutanhourhadpassedandI

stillhadn’theardfromhim,soIsenthimanothertextmessage.

“Hey,Ihopeeverythingisokay.”

****

Christian

I sat behind my desk and sighed as I stared at her text message. This was killing me

becauseIknewshewashurtingthatMobileManhadn’trespondedtohertextmessages.

Finally,Isaidfuckit,andagainstmybetterjudgment,Isentheramessageback.

“Hey.I’msorryforthelateresponse.Iwastiedupinanimportantmeeting.I’mgood

andeverything’sfine.Howareyou?”

“I’m great! I was worried about you last night. You sounded kind of off. Are things

goingwellwiththatgirl?”

“Things couldn’t be better with her and I’m really happy. Actually, I’m the happiest

I’veeverbeeninmylife.”

“Aw,that’ssogoodtohear.Iwantedtothankyouagainforyouradvice.Likeyou,I’m

the happiest I’ve ever been. He’s such an amazing man. He rented out the Skydeck

Chicagoforthetwoofusandwehadabeautifuldinnertogether.Noonehadeverdone

anythinglikethatformebefore.”

“Wow.Hewentalloutforyou,Digits.Andyouknowwhyhedidit?Becauseheknows

youdeservenothingless.”

“Thankyou,MobileMan.Thatwassweetofyoutosay.”

“Ionlytypethetruth.Ihaveanothermeetingtogetto.Catchyalater?”

“Catchyalater.”

JustasIsetmyphonedown,Clairewalkedintomyoffice.

“Hi,Ihaven’tseenyouallmorning.HowwasChicago?”

“Chicagowasfantastic.Thephotoshootwentreallywell,”Ispoke.

“Ihaven’theardfromEloiseyet.Didthetwoofyougetalongokay?”

Agrincrossedmyface.“Yes.Wegotalongjustfine.”

Hereyenarrowedatmeinasuspiciousway.

“AnythingIshouldknow?”Shecockedherhead.

“Maybeyoushouldwaitandtalktoher.”Ismirked.

“No.It’sokay.Youcantellme.”

“We’reseeingeachother.”Iplacedmyhandsbehindmyheadandleanedbackinmy

chair.

“That’sgreat.”Shesmiled.“Finally.Sohowdiditgowhenyoutoldherthatyouwere

MobileMan?”

Istaredblanklyatherforamoment.

“Ohmygod,Christian.Youhaven’ttoldheryet?”Shetookaseatacrossfromme.

“It’scomplicated,Claire.”

“Oh,Iknowhowcomplicateditis.Youcannotkeepthatfromher.Doyouknowwhat

she’sgoingtodotoyouwhenshefindsoutyouknew?”

“IthinkthebestwaytoavoidthatisformetostoptextingherasMobileMan.Justlet

itgoandbedonewithit.”

“That will hurt her. She really likes Mobile Man. You need to come clean to her,

Christian.It’snotevenanoption.”

“Isn’tisbetterforhertobehurtbysomeoneshe’sneverevenmet?She’llgetoverita

lotfaster.”

Shesatthere,slowlyshakingherheadatme.

“It’s not right. You can’t start a relationship based on a lie. And don’t give me that

‘Whatshedoesn’tknowwon’thurther’spieleither.Onceyoutellher,she’llprobablybe

pissedashell,butNatalie,Scarlett,andIwillbethereforherandtalktoher.We’llhave

yourbackbecauseIbelievethetwoofyoubelongtogether.”

IsighedasIplacedmyhandsonmydesk.

“I’lltellherbytheendoftheweek,”Ispokewithdismay.“ButI’mnottextingheras

Mobile Man anymore. Maybe that way, it won’t be so hard on her when she finds out

why.”

“That’suptoyou.Butit’salsouptoyoutomakethingsright.Ifyoulikeherasmuch

asyousayyoudo,thenyouknowtellingheristherightdecision.”

“IthinkI’mfallinginlovewithher,”Isoftlyspoke.

“Thentellher.”

Claire walked out of my office and I took my stress ball from my desk and threw it

acrosstheroom.

ChapterThirty-Five

Eloise

TheweekwasflyingbyandIcouldn’tbelieveitwasalreadyThursday.SinceMonday,

I had filmed and edited five videos, three of which were already posted and two more

scheduled for the next two days. I finished the edits for the Chanel Campaign and had

them packaged nicely to take to Christian’s office. Christian and I saw each other every

nightsincewewe’dbeenbackfromChicago,andlastnight,hesurprisedmewithadozen

pink and white roses. I asked him what they were for and his answer: “Just because.” I

wasoncloudnineandthehappiestI’deverbeen.Myparentsinvitedusovertodinneron

SaturdayandIwasbeyondexcitedforthemtomeethim.Iknewtheyweregoingtolove

him.Asforhistextinghabits,hewasrightonpoint.Alwaysrespondedwithintenminutes

or less, and most of the time, he initiated the text messages. Our nightly routine was

adorableasfarasIwasconcerned.We’dhavesex,he’dkissmeandsaygoodnight,and

thenhewouldpickuphisphonefromthenightstandandsendmeagoodnighttext.I’d

lookatmyphoneandthenathimandhe’dgivemethatsexywinkthatmeltedmyheart.

ThetextmessagesbetweenmeandMobileManstartedtofade,andnotbecauseofme.

Hewouldgohourswithoutresponding,andwhenhedid,itwasusuallywithoneortwo

words. Our long conversations we used to have suddenly stopped. I spoke to Natalie,

Scarlett, and Claire about it, and they said he was probably heartbroken that I’d found

someone.Itoldthemtostopbeingridiculousbecausehehadagirlofhisown,theonehe

called the love of his life. So it had to be something else. I was really bothered by it

becauseIconsideredhimoneofmybestfriends.ItoldhimthingsIcouldn’ttellmygirls.

He pulled away and I wanted answers. Normally, I would #Delete him, but we’d never

met, went out, nothing. We only talked every day via texting, so to me, #Delete didn’t

apply in this situation. We weren’t dating and we weren’t interested in each other

romantically.

IgrabbedtheChanelphotosandheadedtoChristian’soffice.WhenIsteppedoffthe

elevator,ClairewasstandingtherewithKenny.

“Hey,youtwo.”Ismiled.

“Hi,Eloise.”Kennykissedmycheek.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“DroppingthesephotosofftoChristian.”

“Ah. Can I talk to you for a second?” he asked as he lightly grabbed my arm and

walkedmeawayfromClaire.

“What’sup?”

“I’mhappyyouandChristianaredating.Iwasworriedthereforawhilethathewould

tryandmakeamoveonClaire.”

Irolledmyeyesathim.

“CanIgiveyouapieceofadvice,Kenny?”

“Sure.”

“Stopthisjealousythingyouhavegoingon.ClairelovesyoutodeathandI’venever

seen her happier. But everyone has their limits, and if you keep this up, you’re going to

pushherawayandintothearmsofanotherman.Iknowyourlastgirlfriendscrewedyou

over,butdon’tletyourpastdefinewhoyouareinthepresent.Trustisveryimportantina

relationship and if you keep giving out that vibe of mistrust to her, you’re going to lose

her.”

“Idotrusther.It’stheothermenIdon’ttrust.”

“Come on, Kenny, we both know the truth. Because of what happened with your ex,

youprojectallthewomenyoudatetobelikethat.AmIright?”

“Idon’tknow.”Helookeddown.

“JustthinkaboutwhatIsaid.Idon’twanttoseethetwoofyousplitupoversomething

thatcouldhavebeenprevented.”

Hegavemeasmallsmileasheplacedhishandonmyarm.

“Thanks,Eloise.”

“Excuseme?”Claireyelled.“Ifthetwoofyouarefinished,Iwouldliketogoeat.I’m

starving!”

IglancedoveratClaireandgaveherasmilebeforeheadingtoChristian’soffice.When

I arrived, he was on the phone but motioned for me to come in. I set the photos on the

tableinhisofficeandhehungupfromhiscallandwalkedovertome.

“God,Imissedyou.”Hekissedmylips.

“Ijustsawyoufivehoursago.”Ilaughed.

“Fivehoursisalongtime,babe.”

“You’reright.Itis.”Ikissedhim.

JoeclearedhisthroatashestoodinthedoorwayofChristian’soffice.

“If you two are finished with your PDA, I would like to see the photographs.” He

smiled. “I brought lunch for all of us. I had your secretary take it into the conference

room.”

Igrabbedthephotosfromthetableandthethreeofuswalkeddowntotheconference

room. Christian gave me the honor of standing at the head of the table and pulling the

photographs out of the envelope one by one. Joe loved them, and when I pulled out the

black and white photo of the model naked in bed with the sheet barely covering her, he

gasped.

“Iwouldrememberthatshot,”hespoke.

“Itookitafteryouleft.IhadanideaandIwentwithit.”

Hegotupfromhisseat,tookthephotofrommyhand,andstudiedit.

“Thisisbrilliant,Eloise.Doyouhaveanyotherslikethis?”

“Afew.”

“SendthemtoChristianassoonasyoucan.IthinkIknowwhatwecandowiththem.

My God, you’re a genius.” He kissed my cheek. “I’ve been wanting to do a special test

campaignforalongtimebutwasafraidtoputitinmotionbecauseoftheotherVP’s.But

this,thisphoto,herlook,theexpressiononherface,itscreamssensuality!”heexclaimed.

“ThisisthevisionIhad.”

“Thankyou.I’mhappyyoulikeit.”

“No,darling.Iloveit.Christian,Iwanttomeetwithyouandyourdesignteam.Our

onecampaignjustturnedintotwo.”Hesmiled.“Ihaveafewerrandstorun.I’llbeback

aroundfiveo’clockforthatmeeting.Isthatokay?”

“Fiveisfine,”Christianreplied.

“Great. Excellent work, Eloise. I will definitely be keeping your number handy.” He

winked.

Christianwalkedoverandwrappedhisarmsaroundme.

“Thankyou.”Hekissedthesideofmyhead.“IknewImadetherightdecisionhiring

youforthisjob.”

“Wasmyworktheonlyreason?”Iarchedmybrowathim.

“I’mnotgoingtoanswerthatquestion.”Hesmirked.

Ihookedmyarmaroundhisandwewalkedbacktohisoffice.Hetookhisphonefrom

hispocketandsetitdownonhisdesk.

“DinnertonightatyourplaceaftermymeetingwithRon?”Hegrinnedasheplacedhis

handsoneachsideofmyface.

“Dinnerorsex?”Iaskedwitharaisedbrow.

“Both.Youcan’thaveonewithouttheother.”Hislipssoftlybrushedagainstmine.

“Iagree.Ifyouwereonlygoingtosay‘dinner,’Iwouldhavedeclined,Mr.Blake.”

“Isthatso?”Hislipstouchedmineonceagain.

“Uhhuh.”Ismiledandourkissdeepened.

“Sorrytointerrupt,Christian,butJimmyaskedifyoucouldgolookatsomethinginthe

draftroomrealquick,”hissecretaryspokefromthedoorway.

“TellhimI’llbethereinaminute.”

“Jimmyinterruptedourkiss,”Ispoke.

“I’llonlybeafewminutes.Ifyouwaitforme,wecancontinuewhereweleftoff.”

Igavehimasmileashewalkedoutofhisoffice.Sittingdowninthechairacrossfrom

hisdesk,IpulledmyphonefrommypursetoseeifIhadanymessages.Ididn’t.Thelast

time I heard from Mobile Man was yesterday afternoon. This whole situation was

botheringmeanditneededtobeaddressed.

“Hi. I don’t know what’s going on and why you’ve practically stopped texting me. If

you’rebusy,pleasejusttellme.Don’tstartpullingthisshit.Notwithmeofallpeople.”

IhitthesendbuttonandChristian’sphonedinged.Ididn’tthinkanythingofit.Istared

atmyphoneandwaitedforareply.Afterfiveminutespassed,Isenthimanothertext.

“Ithoughtwewerefriends,MobileMan.You’redoingtomewhatatypicaldouchebag

guywoulddoandIwanttoknowwhatIdidwrong.”

IhitthesendbuttonandChristian’sphonedingedagain.Ifurrowedmybrowsasasick

feelingwashedoverme.“Mygod,Eloise,don’tbestupid,”Isaidtomyself.

“MobileMan?”

IhitthesendbuttonandChristian’sphonedinged.

“Hello?”

Anotherding.

“Hello?”

Anotherding.

MyheartstartedracingasIslowlygotupfrommychairandwalkedovertowherehis

phonewassittingonhisdesk.Withshakinghands,IpickeditupandsawthenameDigits

appear on his lock screen. A violent wave of nausea overtook me and my legs began to

shake.Thiscouldn’tbehappening.ChristianwasMobileMan?Hewalkedintohisoffice

andstoppedwhenhesawhisphoneinmyhand.

“Eloise?”

“Idon’tknowwhattosay,Christian,”Ispokeinshock.

“I’msosorry.Iwantedtotellyou,butIdidn’tknowhow.”

Istaredblanklyathimforamomentassilenceovertookme.Ittookafewsecondsfor

mybraintoprocesswhathe’djustsaid.

“What?” I cocked my head as tears instantly filled my eyes. “You knew I was Digits

andyoudidn’ttellme?”

“Baby.”Hewalkedovertome.

“STOP!” I put my hand up to prevent him from coming any closer. “ANSWER MY

QUESTION!”Ishouted.

“Yes.Iknew.”Heloweredhishead.

Theairaroundmeconstrictedmylungssotightly,IfeltasifIcouldn’tbreathe.

“Howlonghaveyouknown?”Iaskedinashakyvoice.

“IfoundoutthatnightIcametoyourapartmenttolookatyourwork.”

“Andyoukeptitfromme?Whythefuckwouldyoukeepthatfromme?!”

“Iwantedtotellyou.Ireallydid,andyouhavetobelieveme.Ijustdidn’tknowhow.”

Iswallowedhardasthetearsflowedfreelydownmyface.

“All this time. All those text messages. Text messages spilling my guts about you,

tellingyouhowIfeltandyouencouragingmetoletmyguarddownandgoforit!How

couldyoudothattome?HOW!”Islammedmyfistdownonhisdesk.

“Idon’tknow.Ididn’twanttohurtyou.Andyouneedtorememberthatinallthose

text messages, you, Eloise, YOU were the woman I was talking about.” He pointed his

fingeratme.

“Ohmygod,youusedwhatIsaidtoyouradvantage.Wasthisallagametoyou?”I

scowledathim.

“No.Ofcoursenot!Howcouldyoueventhinkthat?!”hegrowled.

“What were you going to do, Christian? Disappear as Mobile Man and pray I never

foundout?!Wasthatyourplan?!”

“No.”

“Really?Becauseyouhaven’ttextedmesinceyesterdayafternoon!”

“Iwaspullingback.”Heshookhishead.“Fuck,Eloise.I’msorry.Youhavetobelieve

that.”

“Well,Idon’t!”Iscreamed.

“EverythingIsaidtoyouinthosetextmessageswasthegoddamntruth!”heshouted.

“Everysingleword!”

“Wow.”Ishookmyhead.“Ijustrealizedsomething.Youdidn’twanttotalkaboutyour

family because you already told me, and if you told me again, then I would know who

MobileManwas.IsthathowyoufoundoutthatnightIwasDigits?BecauseItoldyou

aboutmyparents?”

“Yes,” he softly spoke. “Then when I told you I had to use the bathroom, I stood

aroundthecornerandtextedyoutoconfirmmysuspicions.”

Iplacedmyhandsonmyheadandpacedaroundhisoffice,tearsstillstreamingdown

myface.

“Fuck!”Iyelled.

“Eloise,please.”

“Don’t.”Ipointedmyfingerathiminanger.“Don’tyousayawordtome.Youdon’t

gettosayanything!Youbetrayedme,Christian.YouknewwhoIwasandyoudidn’ttell

me.”

“You’re right, I didn’t. Maybe if you weren’t so fucking hell bent on not meeting

MobileMan,thisneverwouldhavehappened!”

“Soit’smyfault?”Iyelled.

“What is going on?” Claire asked as she stood in the doorway. “I just got back from

lunchandeveryonecanhearyou!”

“We’redone,Christian.Don’tevercallortalktomeagain.”Igrabbedmypurseand

began to head towards the door. Then suddenly I stopped and turned to him. “Wait a

minute.Youhavetwophonenumbers?Becausethenumberyougavemeisn’tthesameas

MobileMan’s.Wait.Don’tanswerthat.Ifyouwouldhavegivenmeyournumber,Iwould

haveknown.SoyougotasecondnumbersoIwouldn’tfindout?”

He stared at me from across the room and didn’t say a word. His silence told me

everything.

“Ohmygod.Idon’teverwanttoseeyouagain.”Istormedoutofhisoffice,practically

knockingClairedownonmywayout.

ChapterThirty-Six

Christian

“Eloise,wait!”IshoutedasIbegantogoafterher.

“No, Christian. Let her go,” Claire firmly spoke as she stopped me. “She’s in shock.

Lethergo.”

I walked over to my desk, and in a fit of rage, I swiped my hand across it, knocking

everythingexceptmycomputeroff.

“Whydidyoupickhereintheofficetotellher?”Claireasked.

“I didn’t. Apparently, she was texting Mobile Man and my phone was sitting on the

desk.IwaswithJimmylookingoversomeprints.”

“Waitaminute.Thentherewasnowaysheknewyouknew.”

“Noshit.I’mthinkingthatnow.ButatthetimewhenIwalkedinandsawherstanding

therewithmyphoneinherhand,theonlythingIcouldsaywasthatIwantedtotellher.”

“YOU IDIOT! You could have acted like you didn’t know and you both found out

togetheratthesametime!”

“IrealizedthatafterItoldherIwassorry.I’msostupid.”Isatdowninmychairand

placedmyfaceinmyhands.

“We’lltalkaboutthislater.Ineedtogoafterher.”

I needed to get out of here. Grabbing my briefcase, I left my office and told my

secretarythatIwouldn’tbebackfortherestoftheday.FUCK!Iforgotaboutmymeeting

with Ron. After hailing a cab back to my apartment, I sent a group text message to my

designteamandtoldthemtobeatmyhousepromptlyatfiveo’clockforameeting.Then,

IsentatextmessagetoRon.

“We’llneedtomeetatmyapartmentforthemeetingifthat’sokay?Something’scome

upandIhadtoleavetheoffice.”

“Sure,Christian.Yourplaceisfine.Textmetheaddress.”

****

Eloise

“Eloise,wait,”ClaireshoutedasIwalkeddownthestreet.

“Claire,pleaseleavemealone.Idon’twanttotalktoanyonerightnow.Please.”

Shecaughtupwithmeandlightlygrabbedholdofmyarm.

“WhathappenedbetweenyouandChristian?”

“Ican’ttalkaboutit.Notnow.Please,justgivemesometime.”Thetearscontinuedto

fall.

“Okay.Butpleasecallmelater.”

I gave her a slight nod and continued walking down the street and around the block.

WherewasIgoing?Ithoughthome,buthomewastoofartowalk.SoIwasjustwalking

to nowhere. After wandering around the streets of New York with tears streaming down

myfaceandthesympatheticlooksfromstrangers,Ihailedacabbacktomyapartment.

I needed to calm down. My mind was racing a mile a minute and I couldn’t keep up

withit.Iwasdrained,bothmentallyandphysically.Itookaglassdownandpouredsome

wineintoit.Bringingtheredliquiduptomylips,Igulpeditasifitwerewater.Icould

feelthealcoholsoothingmynervesasitflowedthroughmybody.Pickingupthebottle,I

poured another glass, took it over to the couch, and wrapped myself in my soft gray

blanket. I could hear the annoying dings of text messages coming through to my phone,

butIdidn’tcare.Iwasn’tabouttogetupandseewhomtheywerefrom.Islowlysipped

on my wine as I thought about Christian. How could he do this to me? Of all men, I

thought he was different. He was the rare find I’d been searching for my entire life. All

thosetextmessagesfromhimencouragingmetogooutwithhim.Allthosethingshesaid

aboutwakinguponedayandwonderingwhatcouldhavebeen.Ifeltsicktomystomach

andIjumpedoffthecouchandrantothebathroom,whereIvomitedinthetoilet.WhenI

wasdone,Istartedthewaterforabath.Aftergrabbingabathbombandputtingitinthe

water,Iclimbedinandlaidback,closingmyeyesandtryingtoescapetheshitshowof

today.

My heart was completely shattered. I’d had many broken hearts in my lifetime, but

nevershattered.Icouldn’tcomprehendhisreasoningfornottellingme.OrmaybeIcould.

Itwasallagametohim.HewantedtotakemeoutandIrejectedhim.HeknewIdidn’t

want to date, and when he found out I was Digits, the girl who sent him that nasty text

messagebymistake,hetookadvantageofitforhisownsakeandtogetwhathewanted.

TearsstartedtofalldownmyfaceagainandIlayinthetubandcriedmyshatteredheart

out.

****

Christian

Isatthere,staringintospaceasRonsharedhisvisionwithmydesignteam.Ihurtso

bad.AhurtI’dneverfeltbefore.Notevenwithmyex-girlfriends.Mylifefellapartina

matter of seconds, and over what? Some fucking text messages. I knew what I did was

wrong and I’d struggled with the decision of telling her since I’d found out. I could sit

here all fucking night and analyze the what if’s. But it wouldn’t change anything. The

damagewasdone.Iwasdone.Eloisemadeitveryclearsheneverwantedtoseeortalkto

meagain.Icouldn’tacceptthat.Ineededherinmylife.Iwantedherinmylife.

“EarthtoChristian,”Ronspoke.

Snappingbackintothedarkreality,Ilookedoverathim.

“Sorry.Ihavealotonmymind.”

“Ithinkwe’refinishedhere.”Hesmiled.

“SorryIhadtohavethemeetinghere.SomethingcameupandIwouldn’thavegotten

backtotheofficeontime.”

“It’s not a problem. Everything okay?” he asked. “You’re not having problems with

Eloise,areyou?”

“Wegotintoahugefightearlier.”

Hepattedmeonthebackashewalkedtothedoor.

“Couplesfightallthetime.Youtwowillfigureitout,”hespoke.

“Thanks,Ron.I’llgiveyouacallwhenthecampaignisready.”

“Soundsgood.Takecare,Christian.”

“Youtoo.”

Ishutthedoorandpouredmyselfawhisky,somethingIrarelydrank,buttodayitwas

warranted.Ididacoupleshots,pouredafullglass,andsatdownonthecouchtodrinkmy

troublesaway.HowwasIgoingtofixthis?IguessmeetingherparentsonSaturdaywas

outofthequestion,nottomentiontheBroadwayticketsI’dboughtforSundayevening.

“FUCK!”IyelledasIthrewmyglassatthewall.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Eloise

ThemomentIsteppedoutofthetubandchangedintomypajamas,therewasaknock

atthedoor.

“Eloise,it’sus.Openup!”Natalieshouted.

Rolling my eyes and mad as hell that they couldn’t respect my wishes, I reluctantly

openedthedoorandallthreeofthemstoodtherewithpoutsontheirfaces.

“We’reyourbestfriendsandwe’rehereforyou,”Nataliespokeasshepushedmeaside

andwalkedin.

“Webroughtpizza,”Clairespoke.

“Andicecream.”Scarlettsmiled.

“Iappreciateit,youguys,but—”

“Nobuts,”Nataliespoke.“Whenyou’rehurting,we’rehurting.That’showit’salways

been.”

Scarlettplacedherarmaroundmyshouldersandledmeovertothecouch.

“Yougositdownandgetcomfortable.We’llbringthefoodover.”

“And then you’re going to tell us what the fuck happened with Christian,” Natalie

spoke.

Clairebroughtthepaperplates,napkins,andtheboxofpizzaovertothecoffeetable.

Afterplacingapieceonaplate,shehandedittome.

“I’mnothungry.”

“Wedon’tcare,”shespoke.“Youknowthetradition.Whenoneofusisupset,weall

eatcomfortfoodtogether.”

“Telluswhathappened,”Scarlettspoke.

“You’re never going to believe it. So brace yourselves. Christian Blake is Mobile

Man.”

“Shutthefuckup!”Natalieexclaimed.

“Ohmygod,Eloise,”Clairespoke.

“I’msorry.What?”Scarlettasked.

Iexplainedtothemthewholestoryandtheysatthereincompleteshock.

“Ihavenowordsforwhatyoujusttoldus,”Scarlettspoke.

“I’msorry,Eloise.”Nataliehookedherarmaroundmeandpulledmeintoher,which

mademecryevenharder.

“I’msorry,”Clairespoke.“Ican’tbelieveChristianwoulddosomethinglikethat.”

“Well,believeit,”Ispokewithahintofanger.“He’sanassholeliketherestofthem.”

“Eloise,Iknowyou’reinshockoverthis,butjusttrytothinkrationallyforaminute.

Yes,heknewyouwereDigitsandhedidn’ttellyou.ButyouknewMobileManbefore

him and you connected with him instantly. Then you met Christian and you connected

withhimalmostinstantly.Thesameperson.Doesn’tthatsaysomething?”Claireasked.

“He used knowing that I was Digits to his advantage! He pushed me to go out with

him.Togivehimachance.Iwillneverforgivehimforthat.Hedeceivedmeandthatis

somethingIwillnotputupwith.”

Wetalkeduntilaboutonea.m.andthegirlsdecideditwastimetoleave.

“Tryandgetsomesleep.We’llcallyoutomorrow,”Clairespoke.

“Thanksforbeingpushy.”Imanagedasmile.

“That’swhatsisterfriendsarefor,baby.”Nataliehuggedmetight.

Afterthey left andI locked up,I climbed into bedand tried toget comfortable. I lay

thereandstaredatthesidethatwasstillmadeupwherehe’dlaywithmeatnight.Even

thoughwehadn’tspentmanynightstogether,itfeltlikeithadbeenyears.Ifellforhim

andIfellfast.JustlikeIknewIwouldthemomentImethim.Iclosedmyeyesandfinally

driftedoffintoadeepsleep.

I struggled to open my swollen eyes, and when I did, it was daylight. When I rolled

overandlookedatmyclockonthenightstand,itreadtwothirty.Myheadwaspounding

and my eyes hurt too much to keep them open, so instead, I gave in and went back to

sleep.Ididn’tcarewhatwasgoingonintheoutsideworld.AllIwantedtodowassleep

andforgetabouteverythingandeveryone.

****

Christian

Istumbledintotheofficearoundtwelvethirty,andwhenIwalkedpastClaire’scubicle,

shelookedatme.

“Youlooklikeshit,”shespoke.

“Ifeellikeshit,anddon’tforgetI’mstillyourboss.”

Iwalkedintomyofficeandshefollowedbehindmewithacupofcoffee.

“Here,”shespoke.

“Thanks.”

I sat down at my desk and immediately took out the bottle of aspirin from the top

drawer.

“Howisshe?”Iasked.

“How do you think, Christian? She’s broken, devastated, and a mess. We were at her

apartmentlastnightuntilonea.m.tryingtocomfortherbecauseshecouldn’tstopcrying.”

Isighed.

“Isentheracoupleoftextmessages,butshedidn’trespond,”Ispoke.

“Youreallythoughtshe’drespondtoyou?Sheprobablyalready#Deletedyourdumb

ass. And she probably blocked your number as well. I’ve been with her through many

heartbreaksandI’veneverseenherlikeshewaslastnight.”

“I’msorry,Claire.Ireallyam.I’minlovewithherandIwon’tacceptneverseeingher

again.”

“Well,Idon’tknowwhatyou’regoingtodo.Allshekeptsayinglastnightwashow

youbetrayedanddeceivedher.You’rejustgoingtohavetogivehersometimetocalm

down.Maybeonceshedoesandsheclearsherhead,she’llbeabletothinkmoreclearly

andbeopentotalkingtoyouaboutit.”

“Thanks,Claire.I’msureyourotherfriendshateme.”

“Theydo.”Shesmiled.“Isortofstuckupforyou,butEloisewasn’thavingit.”

“Iappreciateit.ButIdon’twantyoutogetinvolved.ThelastthingIneedisforher

gettingmadatyou.”

“I’vegottogetbacktowork.”

“Thankyouforthecoffeeandthechat.”

“You’rewelcome.”Shesmiledasshewalkedoutofmyoffice.

ChapterThirty-Eight

Eloise

Itwassixo’clockp.m.whenIfinallyclimbedoutofbed.Walkingintothebathroom,I

splashedmyfacewithsomecoldwaterandlookedatmydreadedselfinthemirror.My

eyeswerestillpuffyandredandIhadblotchesallovermyface.Mybodyachedandit

wasastruggletoevenwalktothekitchentomakeacupofcoffee.Whilethecoffeewas

brewing,IpulledmyphonefrommypurseandsawIhadtwomissedcallsfromNatalie,

threemissedcallsfromScarlett,onemissedcallfromClaire,adozentextmessagesfrom

allthreeofthem,andtwomessagesfromChristian.Likeanidiot,Iopenedthemessages

fromChristianfirst.

“Eloise,pleasetalktome.I’msosorryforeverything.Weneedtotalkthisout.”

“IknowI’vehurtyouandIcan’tsaysorryenough.I’mbeggingyoutopleasetalkto

me.Thelastweekwespenttogetherwasthebestweekofmylife.You’rethebestthingthat

haseverhappenedtome.Please,baby.Pleasejusttalktome.”

IsenttextmessagesbacktothegirlstellingthemthatIwasokayandthatIwasgoing

toshutmyphoneofffortherestofthenightanddosomework.Ineededtokeepmyself

occupied, but I didn’t want to go out. Opening my emails, I sat there sipping my coffee

and reading the compliments I had received from women all over the world who were

usingthe#Deletemethod.Icouldsensetheexcitementintheirwordsandhowmyvideos

and blog posts had helped them so much. I started reading over some of my older blog

postsandcameacrossoneIhadforgottenabout.Itwasapostaboutnotallowingyourself

towallowinself-pityandhurtformorethantwenty-fourhoursafterabreakup.Ireaditas

ifsomeoneelsehadwrittenit.

Who was I? Who the hell was I to give out this advice if I wasn’t going to take it

myself?IfeltlikeafraudasIsattherefeelingsorryformyselfinsuchadevastatedstate.

The pain hadn’t lessened, but I knew I had to get myself back on track, no matter how

harditwouldbe.SoIputonsomemakeup,fixedmyhair,andfilmedavideoonhowto

dealwithabreakupandwhatyoushoulddotohelpyourselfheal.

After I was done filming, I decided to wait and edit the video tomorrow morning. I

thought about cancelling dinner with my parents because I dreaded telling them what

happenedbetweenmeandChristian.Butstayinghomeandfeelingsorryformyselfwasn’t

anoption.Plus,Ihadn’tseentheminawhile,andrightnow,Ineededmymom.Looking

overChristian’stextmessagesagain,Idecidedtorespond.Notforhim,butformypeace

of mind. It felt weird texting him as Christian at the number I’d only known as Mobile

Man’s.

“You’re sorry. I get that. But I can’t be in a relationship with someone who deceived

me.Evenafterwhattranspiredyesterday,Istilllikeyou,butIdon’tneedyou.Iwasfine

beforeyouwalkedintomylifeandI’llbefinenowthatyou’regoneandnolongerinit.”

Ihitthesendbuttonandthrewmyphonedown.IexpectedaresponseASAP,butasthe

nightwenton,aresponsenevercame.I’dsaidmypeaceinaniceway.Icouldhavegone

offonhimandcalledhimeverynameinthebookbecauseGodknowshedeservedit,but

Icouldn’t.TheintensepainIfeltinsidewasdisappointment.Disappointmentinthefact

thatChristiandidn’tturnouttobewhoIthoughthewasorwhoIwantedhimtobe.

****

Christian

Her text message to me was brutally heartbreaking. To be honest, I expected a lot

worse.Atleastshedidn’ttellmethatshehatedme.Shestilllikedme,butshedidn’tneed

me and those words right there caused a lump in my throat that nearly suffocated me. I

neededtorespond,butIdidn’tknowwhattosay.SoIdidn’t.IsaidwhatIneededtoin

mylasttwotextmessagesandshesaidwhatsheneededtoinhers.Butjustbecauseshe

didn’tneedmedidn’tmeanthatIwasgoingtostoptrying.EloiseandIbelongedtogether.

ImadeonestupidmistakeandIwouldspendtherestofmylifefiguringouthowtomake

ituptoher.Shemayhavethoughtshedidn’tneedme,butshedid.Sheneededmetolove

her,tobethereforherwhenshewashavingabadday,andtosupportherineverything

shedid.

****

Eloise

Thenextmorning,Iclimbedoutofbedatsixa.m.andheadedtothegym.Itwasn’ta

placeIwenttoeveryday,butonoccasionwhenIfeltlikeIneededtogetbackintomy

self-lovepractices,Iwouldgo.Thepaininmyheartwasstillheavy,butIwasgoingto

practicewhatIpreached.Iallowedmyselftwenty-fourhoursofdepressionandwallowing

in self-pity and that was long enough. I needed to get back to my life before Christian

steppedintoit,andIwasdeterminedtogetthroughthis,nomatterwhatittook.

I put my headphones on and climbed on the treadmill. As I was running and looking

outthewindowatthepeoplepassingbyonthestreet,IsawChristianwalkin.Whatthe

fuck?Washestalkingmeorsomething?Anunsettlingnervousnesstookoverme.There

was no way he could see me. I was at the opposite end of the door, second row,

sandwiched between two other people. I watched as he checked in and stared straight

ahead as he walked to the locker room. I let out the deep breath I was holding and

continuedtorun.Heliftedweights,soIwaspositivehewouldgototheweightareaand

thenIwouldn’thavetoseehim.Thegirlthatwasnexttomeclimbedoffanditwasthe

onlytreadmillopen.Myheartstartedrapidlypoundingasthoughtsofhimgettingonnext

me infiltrated my head. I stared straight ahead, and as I listened to my music, I silently

prayed.

Crisis averted. I ran on the treadmill for forty-five minutes and then I needed to get

homeandeditmyvideosoIcoulduploadit.Iturnedoffmymusic,tookmyheadphones

off,andheadedtothelockerroom,prayingallthewayhewouldn’tseeme.

“Hey,Eloise,waitup!”Iheardaman’svoicespeak.

IturnedaroundanditwasCurtis,oneofthemodelsIshotforamagazinespread.

“Curtis,hey.Howareyou?”InervouslyspokebecauseIdidn’twanttostopandtalk.

ButIcouldn’tberude.

“I’mgood.Howareyou?You’reanearlybirdthismorning.”Hegrinned.

“Yeah.ThoughtI’dcomeinanddosomecardiobeforestartingtheday.”

“Itwasgoodtoseeyou.Haveagreatday!”

“Youtoo,Curtis.”

Just as I turned around to go to the locker room, I ran right into Christian. Our eyes

lockedandthetensionbetweenuswasnoticeable.

“Eloise,”hesoftlyspoke.

“Ididn’tknowyoucametothisgym,”Ispoke.

“I usually go to the other one by my apartment, but they didn’t have any power this

morning,soIcamehere.Ididn’tknowyoucamehere.”

“Idosometimes.”Iswallowedhardashestoodbeforeme,asweaty,sexymess.

“Weirdhowwebothseemtobeherethismorning,”hespoke.

“Ineedtogo.Ihavethingstodo.”Ibegantowalkaway,whenhecalledoutmyname.

“Eloise?”

Istoppedbutdidn’tturnaround.

“I’msorryforeverything.ThelastthingIeverwantedtodowashurtyou.”

Icontinuedwalkingtothelockerroom,andwhenIreachedit,Isatdownonthebench

andtriedtoholdbackthetearsthatwereforcingtheirwayout.Igrabbedmystuffandgot

outofthereasfastasIcould,wenthome,editedmyvideo,anduploadedit.

ChapterThirty-Nine

TwoWeeksLater

Eloise

I kept myself busy by making videos, picking up a couple of photography jobs, and

going out with my girls. Today was Hannah’s birthday party and I couldn’t wait to give

herthedollI’dboughtherinChicago.ItookthelidofftheboxtoputthepajamasetI’d

boughtinside.IpickeditupandasmallsmilecrossedmylipsasIrememberedChristian

wastheonewhopickeditout.Itwasasmilewithatingeofsadnessmixedin.OnedayI

wascompletelyfine,andthenext,sadnesscreptinwhenIsawthingsthatremindedmeof

him.

MyfathersatdownandhadatalkwithmethatdayIwenttomyparents’house.He

askedmeifImadealistofprosandcons,andtobehonest,Ididn’t.Ihadinthepastwith

otherguys,butforsomereason,itdidn’tcrossmymindwithChristian.Hehandedmea

pieceofpaperandapenandImadethelistinfrontofhim.Theresultsdidn’tsurpriseme.

Ontheconside,therewasonlyonethinglisted;whathedidtome,orshouldIsay,what

hekeptfromme.Myfatherlookedatmewithasmallsmileandtoldmetothinkabout

thatlistbecauseeverybodyisentitledtomakeamistakeatleastonceintheirlife.

IwrappedupthedollandheadedovertoScarlettandJeff’sapartment.Iwasthefirstto

arrive,whichwasnosurprisetoanyonesinceIalwayslikedtobealittleearly.

“I’msohappyyou’rehere.”Scarlettsmiledasshehuggedme.

“Goodtoseeyou,Eloise.Howareyou?”Jeffaskedashelightlykissedmycheek.

“I’mokay.”

“IhavetotellyouthatI’vebeenwatchingyourYouTubechannel.IfIwereawoman,I

wouldtotallybeinspiredbyyou.”Hesmirked.

“Thanks,Jeff.”Ilaughed.

“Listen,there’ssomethingIwanttotalktoyouabout.”

“Sure,whatisit?”

“A friend of mine is hosting a woman’s personal growth seminar at the PlayStation

Theaternextweekendandshe’stryingtofilltwospotswherespeakershavehadtocancel.

I was telling her about you and she watched one of your videos and she’s highly

impressed. She said she would love to have you as a guest speaker if you’re interested.

Therewillbeapproximatelyfifteenhundredwomenattending.”

“Areyouserious?”Iaskedinshock.

“Yes.”Hereachedintohiswalletandhandedmeherbusinesscard.“HernameisTalia

Springwater.Giveheracall.Ithinkyou’dbegreat.”

“Idon’tknow,Jeff.I’veneverspokeninfrontofaliveaudiencebefore.”

“Youspeaktomillionsofpeopleallovertheworldeveryday!”Scarlettchimedin.

“That’sdifferent.I’mbehindacamera.Idon’tactuallyseethepeople.”

“Ithinkyoushoulddoit.It’llbegoodforyou.”Shesmiled.

IthankedJeffandputTalia’sbusinesscardinmypurse.Everyonehadstartedtotrickle

inandthepartybegan.IsatwithClaireandNatalie,andasweate,Iaskedtheirthoughts

aboutparticipatinginTalia’sseminar.

“Ithinkit’sagreatidea.You’dbeafooltoturnitdown,”Clairespoke.

“This is what you’re passionate about. Plus, you never know what other doors this

opportunitycouldopen.”Nataliesmiled.

“Bytheway,where’sNathan?Ithoughthewascoming.”

“SodidI,butsomethingcameupandhehadtocancel.”Nataliefrowned.“Ithinkthe

time has come to #Delete him. I’m not playing this cat and mouse game with him. Me

being the cat and chasing him. Like you say, he’s giving low investment. Do you know

thathedidn’ttextorcallmefortwodays?”

“Whatwashisexcuse?”Iasked.

“Hewasoverwhelmedwithwork.”Sherolledhereyes.

“Istillthinkhehasagirlfriend,”Clairespoke.

“I’msorry,Natalie,butIhavetoagree.”

“Yeah.Mygutistellingmethesamething.Ididn’twanttobelieveitatfirst,butthings

arestartingtopointinthatdirection.”

Scarlett helped Hannah open her gifts and when she got to mine, Hannah ripped the

babyfromtheboxandhuggedhertight.

“Ohmygod,Eloise,Ilovethis,”Scarlettspokeassheheldupthepajamas.

Tearsstartedtofillmyeyes.Damnit!

“What’swrong?”Natalieaskedassheputherarmaroundme.

“Nothing.It’sjustlookathowmuchHannahlovesherdoll,”IspokeasIlightlywiped

myeye.“ItkindofremindsmeofwhenIgotmyfirstAmericanGirldoll,Maggie.”

That wasn’t the reason at all. The reason was those damn pajamas reminded me of

ChristianandthetimewespenttogetherinChicago.

“YouboughtthatdollinChicago.Areyousurethereisn’tanotherreasonwhyyou’re

alltearyeyed?”Natalieasked.

“No.Thereisn’t,”Ilied.

“Comehere,youlittleliar.”Shepulledmeintoher.“Ithoughtyouweredoingbetter.”

“Iam.Atleastninetypercentofthetime.Chicagowasoneofthebesttimesofmylife

andthememorywillalwaysbethere.Soit’sokaytogetalittlesadthinkingaboutitevery

onceinawhileknowingthatIwon’texperiencethatagain.”

“Youcouldalwaysgiveacallorshoothimatext,”Clairespoke.

“WhywouldIdothat?Anyway,I#Deletedhim.SoIdon’tevenhavehisnumberor

numbers anymore. Remember, he got a second one so I wouldn’t know he was Mobile

Man.” I narrowed my eye. “I don’t want to talk about Christian anymore. Let’s go have

somecake.”Ismiled.

ChapterForty

Eloise

Thenextmorning,afterbeingupallnightthinking,IpulledTalia’sbusinesscardfrom

mypurseandgaveheracall.

“TaliaSpringwater,”sheanswered.

“Hi,Talia.MynameisEloiseMooreandamutualfriendofours,JeffWoodsbury,said

thatyouwereinterestedinmebeingaguestspeakerforyourseminarnextweekend.”

“Ah,yes.Eloise.I’msohappyyoucalled.Iwouldlovetohaveyouasaguestspeaker.

I’veresearchedyourblogandI’vewatchedyourYouTubechannel.Imustsay,youreally

caughtmyattentionwithyour#Deleteconcept.Myseminarisaboutempoweringwomen

ineveryaspectoftheirlifeandpersonalgrowth,andIthinkyourtalkabout#Deleteand

guysbehavingbadlywouldfitinperfectly.Ithinktoomanywomensitaroundandwaste

theirtimewithaguywhoisn’tseriousaboutthem.LordknowsI’vedoneitmanytimes.”

“Thankyou,Talia.Aftergivingitsomethought,I’dlovetobeaguestspeaker.”

“Excellent!AreyouavailableforlunchtomorrowafternoonatBryantParkGrill,say

around twelve thirty?” I’d love to meet you first and tell you a little bit about my

seminars.”

“Twelvethirtywouldbegreat.I’llseeyouthere.”

“Thankyou,Eloise,forgettingintouch.Ilookforwardtomeetingyou.”

IendedthecallandsatthereforamomentwhileIsippedmycoffee.Iwasstartledbya

knockonmydoor.Gettingupfromthetable,Ilookedoutthepeepholeandaskedwhoit

was.

“IhaveadeliveryforMissEloiseMoore,”theyoungmanspoke.

Iopenedthedoorandhehandedmealargeenvelopemarked“fragile.”

“Thankyou.”IsmiledasIshutthedoor.

I noticed the return address was from Christian’s firm, Blake Group. Opening the

envelope,IpulledoutthreelargeChanelcampaignphotoswithanotefromChristian.

HerearethefinalphotosfortheChanelcampaign.Ithoughtyou’dliketohaveacopy

ofeachforyourportfolio.ThepeopleoveratChanellovedthemandareverypleased.

Thankyouagainforbeingapartofthecampaign.Thiswouldn’thavebeenpossible

withoutyou.

ChristianBlake

I stared at his name for a moment until the sudden ring of my phone startled me.

Pickingitup,IsawitwasNataliecalling.

“Hello,”Ianswered.

“I just found out Nathan has a girlfriend that he’s been living with for about six

months.”

“Howdidyoufindout?”

“A couple came in and wanted to hire me for their son’s birthday party. We got to

talkingandshementionedherbrotherwasanarchitect.Iaskedherhisnameandshesaid

Nathan.”

“DoyouknowhowmanypeopleinNewYorkhavesiblingsnamedNathan?”

“WholivesonLongIslandandjustwentonabusinesstriptoHawaiithathecan’tstop

talkingabout?”

“Oh.I’msorry,Natalie.”

“Metoo.Butyousaidrightfromthestartsomethingwasoff.Ishouldhavelistenedto

youafterhecancelledoursecondandthirddateatthelastminute.”

“Youknowwhattodo,right?”Iasked.

“Alreadydone,sista!”

“Doyouneedsomefriendtime?”

“Nah.I’mokay.Justanotherdouchebagtotossintothesea.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.“Theseaisgoingtobeoverfilledwiththemshortly.”

“I’lltalktoyoulater,Eloise.Ihaveaclientmeetinginten.”

“Okay.Bye.”

IcontinuedlookingatthephotosandthoughtthatmaybeIshouldsendChristianatext

messagethankinghimforsendingthemover.Hecouldhavebroughtthemhimself,buthe

didn’t because he knew I wouldn’t want to see him. I respected him for that. It was

obvious to me that he was already over our breakup. It didn’t surprise me, though; men

usuallyrecoveredquickerthanwomendid.

Itwasthemiddleoftheafternoon,andafterIfinishedfilminganothervideo,Idecided

totakemylaptoptoStarbucks,orderacoffee,andeditmyvideothere.Ineededtogetout

of this apartment. As I was editing, I happened to look up and see Christian standing in

line. Instantly, my heart started racing. What was he doing here in the middle of the

afternoon? He didn’t see me, but then again, he wasn’t looking around. He ordered his

drinkandstoodinthepickuplinewhileitwasbeingmade.Thiswasmyopportunityto

thankhimforthephotossinceIcouldn’ttexthim.ButdidIwantto?Textinghimwasone

thing, but doing it in person was another. He grabbed his coffee from the counter and

startedheadingtowardsthedoor.IwrestledwiththedoIordon’tI.ThedoIwon.

“Christian,”Iyelled.

Heturned his headand looked atme. He stood stillfor a momentand then made his

wayovertomytable.

“Hello,Eloise.”

“Hi. I’m happy I saw you here. I got the photos you sent over this morning. Thank

you.”

“You’rewelcome.Ithoughtitwouldbeaniceadditiontoyourportfolio.”Helightly

smiled.

Nowtheawkwardnesssetin.Neitheroneofusknewwhattosaytoeachother.

“Sowhatareyoudoinghereinthemiddleoftheafternoon?”Iasked.

“I had a meeting not too far from here. I’m heading back to the office now. Are you

working?”Hepointedtomylaptop.

“Yeah.I’meditingavideo.”

“Cool.Well,itwasgoodtoseeyou.Enjoytherestofyourday.”

“Thanks.Youtoo.Hey,Christian?”Ispokeashebegantowalkaway.

“Yeah?”

“I’m going to be a guest speaker for Talia Springwater’s seminar at the PlayStation

Theaternextweekend.”

“Really?I’veheardofher.Wow.That’sgreat,Eloise.Congratulations.”Hesmiled.

“Thankyou.I’mreallynervous.I’veneverspokeninfrontofalargecrowdlikethat

before.”

“You’lldofine.”Hewinked.“Ihavetogetgoing.”

“Okay.Catchyalater?”ThosedamnwordsjustfelloutofmymouthandIwantedto

dieathousandtimesover.Whatthefuck?

Hestaredatmeforamomentandhiseyesburnedintomine.

“Catchyalater.”Hesmirked.

Afterheleft,Ibroughtmyhandtomyforeheadandpoundedonit.

“Youidiot!”Iwhisperedtomyself.“Whatthehellwereyouthinking?”

ChapterForty-One

Christian

IwalkedoutofStarbuckswithasmileonmyface.Iwassurprisedshecalledmeover,

which,tome,wasagoodstart.IhadbeenwatchingherYouTubevideosandmissingher

moreandmoreeveryday.Ineededtoprovetoherthatweweremeanttobetogetherand

thatIcouldbethemanshe’dbeensearchingforherentirelife.

WhenIarrivedbacktothefirm,IcalledClaireintomyoffice.

“What’sup,Christian?”sheaskedasshetookaseatacrossfromme.

“IjustranintoEloiseoveratStarbucks.”

“Oh?Andhowdidthatgo?Ordon’tIwanttoknow?”

“Shewassittingatatableandcalledmeover.”

“What?Seriously?”

“ShethankedmefortheChanelphotosIsentherthismorning.”

“Oh yeah. She probably would have sent you a text message, but you’ve been

#Deleted.”

“I figured as much.” I sighed. “Anyway, she told me she was going to be a guest

speakernextweekendforTaliaSpringwater.”

“Ohgood,sheisdoingit.NatalieandItoldhershe’dbecrazynotto.So,shewascivil

toyou?”

“Yes. Very much so. I’ve ordered her something and it should be arriving to her

apartmentinacoupleofdays.”

“Whatdidyouorderher?”Shesmiled.

“I’mnotgoingtosay.You’lljusthavetowaitandsee.”

“Oh,comeon,Christian.”

“I’msureshe’llbecallingyouonceshegetsit.”

“Fine.”Shehuffed.“Butwhydidyouorderhersomething?”

“BecauseIknowshe’llloveitandIwanttomakehersmileagain.”

ChapterForty-Two

Eloise

AcoupleofdayshadpassedandmylunchwithTaliawentwell.Iexpressedtohermy

anxietyandnervousnessaboutspeakinginfrontofalargegroup.Shelaughedandtoldme

everyonegetslikethattheirfirsttimeonstage.Shegavemesometipsandtoldmejustto

gowiththeflowandletthelecturehappennaturally.

I was sitting on the couch with my laptop making a couple of PowerPoints for the

weekend,whentherewasaknockatmydoor.Ilookedthroughthepeepholeandsawit

wastheUPSguyholdingalargeboxinhishands.WhenIopenedthedoor,helookedat

thepackageandthenatme.

“AreyouEloiseMoore?”heasked.

“Yes,Iam.”

“ThisisforyouandI’llneedasignature.”

HehandedmetheboxandIsignedforit.

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

“Haveaniceday.”Hetippedhishat.

IhadnoideawhatthiscouldbebecauseIhadn’torderedanythinginawhile.Itookthe

scissorsfromthekitchendrawerandsliditdownthebox.Liftingtheflaps,Istaredatthe

large red box that had American Girl written across it and the white envelope that

containedacardinsidetapedtoit.Afterremovingtheenvelope,Itookthecardoutthat

saidAmericanGirlingoldacrossitandopenedit.

Eloise,

ThetimewespenttogetherwasmagicalandatimeIwillneverforget.Ihurtyouina

badwayandI’mtrulysorry.IknowhowmuchMaggiemeanttoyouandhowthelossof

herwasdevastating.Iwantedyoutohavesomeoneyoucantellyourdeepestsecretsto

whenyoufeellikeyoucan’ttellanyoneelse.Ihopethisdoesn’tupsetyou.Thatisn’tmy

intention.Iknowyou’lltakegoodcareofherandgiveherthehomeshedeserves.Shewas

madespecialforyou.

Love,Christian

A single tear fell from my eye as I read his note. Removing the lid from the box, I

cuppedmymouthinmyhandandbegantocryasIlookedattheAmericanGirldollthat

lookedjustlikeme;longbrownhairwithcurlsattheendandemeraldgreeneyes.Ididn’t

knowwhattothinkbecauseIcouldn’t.Myheadwasinatizzyandmillionsofthoughts

wererunningthroughmyheadatthesametime.Iremovedthedollfromtheboxandheld

hertight.Wipingmyeyes,Itookherovertothecouchandsatdown.Sheworeawhite

dress with small pink roses all over it, a plum sash around the waist, and a light blue

denim jacket. I smiled when I looked down at her plum-colored Mary Jane style shoes.

But the one thing that really choked me up was the little camera she held in her hand.

OnceIcomposedmyself,Isentagroupmessagetothegirls.

“I really need you all to come over tonight for dinner. Six o’clock. Scarlett, bring

HannahifJeffwon’tbehome.”

Afewmomentslater,allthreeofthemrepliedthattheywouldbehere.AsIstaredat

the doll, I knew I needed to name her. She looked just like Maggie and I didn’t see any

harminnamingherthat.Afterall,somepeoplenamedtheirnewcatsanddogsafterthe

oneswhopassedaway.

“Welcomehome,Maggie.”Ismiled.

I finished my PowerPoint with Maggie by my side and placed a delivery order for

Chinese, ordering everyone’s favorite dish. When six o’clock rolled around, there was a

knockatmydoorandNatalie,Scarlett,andClairestoodontheotherside.

“Iseverythingokay?”Natalieaskedasshehuggedme.

“Ithinkso.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Scarlettasked.

“Where’sHannah?”

“Mymomcameoverandtookherforthenight.”

“Isthereareasonforthislast-minutedinnergettogether?”Claireaskedasallthreeof

themfollowedmeintothekitchen.

“Whatthefuckisthat?”NatalieaskedasshelookedatMaggie.“Thatdolllooksjust

likeyou.”

“OhmyGod.YouboughtanAmericanGirldoll!”Scarlettexclaimedasshepickedher

up.

“Ididn’tbuyher,”Ispoke.“Shearrivedtoday.”

IpickedupChristian’snoteandhandedittoherwhileNatalieandClairereaditover

hershoulder.AtearfellfromScarlett’seyeastheothertwotriedtoholdtheirsback.

“Thismanisnot#Deleteworthy,”Nataliespokeasshewipedhereye.

“Ican’tevenbelievehedidthat,”Clairespoke.

“Ifyoudon’tmarryhim,Iwill!”Scarlettsaid.“Thathastobethesweetestthinginthe

world.”

Icouldn’thelpbutletoutalightlaugh.“You’remarried.”

“I’lldivorceJeff.”Shesmiled.

Nataliewalkedovertomeandhuggedmetight.Thentheothertwojoinedus.

“Youneedtorethinkeverything,Eloise,”Clairespoke.

“Iagree.He’snotatypicaldouchebagguy.HemadeamistakeandIthinkhe’smore

thanenoughmadeituptoyou.”

“Whatdidhesaywhenyouthankedhim?”Claireasked.

“Ihaven’tyet.Idon’thavehisnumber,remember?”

“ThenIthinkyoushoulddoitinperson.”Shesmiled.

“She’sright,Eloise,”Scarlettspoke.

“Yeah.Thisisathankyouthatisinpersonworthy,”Nataliespoke.

“Okay.I’llstopbytheofficetomorrow.”

“He’llbethereallday.Hedoesn’thaveanymeetingsscheduled,”Clairespoke.“Plus,

I’llbethereifyouneedsupport.”

Afterweate,talked,anddrankabottleofwinebetweenthefourofus,Ichangedinto

mypajamas,satMaggieonmydresser,andclimbedintobed.Ilaytherethinkingabout

tomorrowandwhatIwantedtosaytohim.Mydadwasright,everyoneisentitledtomake

a mistake in their life. It’s how we learn and grow as human beings. My father also

pointedoutthathewasn’ttheperfectmanIsawhimas,andifwetrulycaredforsomeone,

we’daccepttheirflaws.Christianwasn’tamanwhoconsistentlybehavedbadly.Hedid

whathedidbecausehewasafraidofwhatmyreactionwouldbeandlosingme.I’ddone

thingsbeforeIwasn’tproudofoutoffear.ItoldhimthatIlikedhim,butIdidn’tneed

him.Thatstillrangtrue.Ididn’tneedhimtobeinmylife,Iwantedhimtobe.

ChapterForty-Three

Eloise

ItookinadeepbreathasIsteppedintotheelevatorandtookituptotheBlakeGroup.

WhenIsteppedout,IwenttoChristian’sofficeandhewasn’tinthere.

“CanIhelpyou?”hissecretaryasked.

“I’mlookingforChristian.Ishearound?”

“Hejuststeppedout.Heshouldbebackshortly.”

“Thankyou.IsitokayifIwaitinhisoffice?”

“Ofcourse.”Shesmiled.

Itooktheseatacrossfromhisdesk,andafewmomentslater,hewalkedin.

“Eloise?”

“Hi,Christian.”Igotupfrommyseat.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

MynervesweregettingthebetterpartofmeandIfounditdifficulttospeak.

“Ijustwantedtocomeandthankyouinpersonforthedoll.Shearrivedyesterday.”

“You’rewelcome.”Hesmiledashestoodinfrontofme.“Ihopeyoulikeher.”

“Ido.Iloveher.”Ismiled.

“What’shername?”Hesmirked.

“InamedherMaggie.”

“Ifiguredyouwould.”Hegrinned.

“Listen,Christian.IjustwantyoutoknowthatIforgiveyou,andmaybe—”

“Iknowyoudo,Eloise,andIthinkIknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.Ididn’tsendyou

thedollwiththehopesofgettingbacktogether.Itwasasmallgesturetohelphealthe

woundthatIcaused.Ithinkmaybewe’rebetteroffwiththewaythingsare.”

Istoodthereinshockasmypartiallyhealedheartbrokeonceagain.

“Yeah.Maybeyou’reright.”Ilookeddown.“Thankyouagain,”IspokeasIcouldn’t

getoutoftherefastenoughbeforethetearsstartedtofall.

“You’rewelcome.I’llseeyouaround.”

“Sure.”IgaveasmallsmiletodeflectthehurtIwasfeelinginside.

****

Natalie,Scarlett,andClairedraggedmeouttoHellcatAnnie’s.Ididn’twanttogo.All

Iwantedtodowascurlupinbedandsleeptherestofthedayandnightaway.Butthey

weren’thavingit.Assoonaswewereseated,Iorderedacosmopolitanwhilewelooked

over the menu. I wasn’t hungry because my stomach was nothing but a tightly twisted

knotofsorrowanddespair.ThethreeofthemtalkedwhileIpretendedtolisten.

“Cheerup,buttercup,”Nataliespokeassheplacedherhandonmine.

“Yeah.We’reheretohavefuntonightwithlotsofalcoholandcomfortfood,”Scarlett

spoke.

AsIfinishedoffmydrink,Iheldmyfingeruptogetourwaiter’sattention.Ineeded

anotherdrinkASAP.

“Excuse me. I’m headed over to the bar. What can I get you?” Christian asked as he

pointedtomyemptyglass.

Istaredathimasasmilecrossedhisface.

“Acosmopolitan.”

“Onecosmopolitancomingrightup.”Hewinked.

Ilookedoveratthegirlsandtheysattheresmilingatme.Ididn’tknowwhatthehell

was going on, and between seeing Christian and the alcohol, my heart was beating at a

rapidpace.

“We have to use the bathroom,” Claire spoke as all three of them got up from their

seats.

Afewmomentslater,Christianwalkedoverandsetmydrinkdownonthetable.

“Thankyou,”Ispoke.

“You’rewelcome.I’mChristianBlake.”Heextendedhishand.

Istaredathimforamomentwithanarrowedeye.

“EloiseMoore.”Iplacedmyhandinhis.

“It’snicetomeetyou,Eloise.WouldyoumindifItookaseat?”

“No.Iwouldn’tmindatall.”

“Haveyoueatenyet?”heasked.

“Icouldn’tdecidewhattoget,”Inervouslyspoke.

“Theirpulledporkslidersarethebest.Haveyoutriedthem?”

“No.Ihaven’t.ButIthinkIwouldliketo.”Asmallsmilecrossedmylips.

Ourwaiterwalkedoverandaskedifwewerereadytoorder.

“We’llbothhavethepulledporksliderswithfries,”Christianspoke.

“Wehavethreeotherpeoplesittingwithus.Theyjustwenttotherestroom,”Ispoketo

thewaiter.

“Actually,” Natalie spoke, “we need to get going. So you two enjoy the rest of your

evening.”Shesmiled.

Ilookedatthemsuspiciouslyastheysaidgoodbyeandlefttherestaurant.

****

Christian

WithClaire’shelp,Ihadthisallplanned.Iwantedtostartoverfromthebeginning.Just

thetwoofus,ChristianandEloise.NoMobileManandnoDigits.Iaskedherabouther

career,sheaskedaboutmine,andwetalkedaboutourfamilies.Itoldhereverythingabout

myparentsandmychildhood.Wesatforfourhoursandjustgottoknoweachotheragain.

Itwasaftermidnightwhenwefinishedoffdessertandourlastdrink.

Welefttherestaurantandstoodonthebrightlylitstreetof10

AvenuewhereIhailed

heracabhome.

“Ihadanicetime,Eloise.Iwouldlovetoseeyouagain.”Ismiled.

“Iwouldlovetoseeyoutoo.”Shesmiledbrightlybackatme.

“CanIgetyourphonenumber?”

“Ofcourse.I’dloveforyouhaveit.”

SherattledoffhernumberandIpretendedtoputitinmyphonebecauseIalreadyhad

it.Iquicklysentheratextmessage.

“I’vesentyouatextmessagesoyouhaveminenow.”Ismirked.

Iopenedthedoortothecabandsheclimbedin.

“Catchyalater?”Iaskedwithagrin.

“Catchyalater.”Thecornersofhermouthcurvedupintoaflirtysmile.

Forthenextfewdays,weflirtedviatextandthenwestartedseeingeachotheralmost

everynight.Ididn’tdaremakeamoveonher,eventhoughitkilledmenotto.Iwanted

her in my bed more than anything in the world, but all good things come in time. I

rememberedhertellingmethatsheneversleptwithaguyuntilafterthefifthdate,andI

wantedtorespectthat,eventhoughIknewshewasgettingrestless.AllwasgoodandI

wouldmakesureitwasworththewait.

ChapterForty-Four

Eloise

Iwassexuallyfrustratedandhewasn’tmakingamove,butIknewexactlywhyhewas

waiting.IhadmentionedafterwehadsexthefirsttimeathispartythatIdidn’tsleepwith

guysbeforethefifthdate,andIwasprettysurehewaswaitinguntilthen.Icouldn’thelp

butsmileasIthoughtaboutit.Hewastheperfectgentleman,eventhoughIdidn’twant

himtobeasfarassexwasconcerned.Asfordatenights,wetookturnsplanningthedate.

Our fifth date would be tomorrow night, Saturday night, after my speaking

engagement,andIthoughtmoreaboutthatthanthelectureIwasgiving.Itwasmyturnto

planthedateandIhadnothingbutsexplanned.Theoverwhelmingfeelingofhappiness

wasbackandmyheartwaswholeonceagain.

OncewordgotoutthatIwasgoingtobeaguestspeakeratthePlayStationTheater,six

hundred more tickets were sold, placing the theater at full capacity. I couldn’t wrap my

head around everything that had happened so fast. It was as if #Delete made me an

overnight sensation. Between the emails and messages, I found it hard to keep up, so I

askedScarlettifshewouldbemypart-timeassistantandshecouldworkfromhome.She

jumpedatthechanceinasecond.

AsIwasgoingovermyPowerPointonelasttime,atextmessagecamethroughfrom

Christian.

“Hello,gorgeous.I’llbebytopickyouupatsixo’clockfordinner.”

“Hello, handsome. I’ll be ready and waiting. Maybe we can come back to my place

afterforadrink.”Isentthewinkyface.

“Iactuallymadeotherplansforusforafterdinner.”Hesentthesmileyface.

“Oh?Whatarewedoing?”

“You’llhavetowaitandfindout.”

“Areyoubeingsecretive?”

“Yes,Iam.It’sasurprise.”

“Ilovesurprises.

“Iknowyoudo.I’mheadingtoameeting.Catchyalater,baby?”

“Catchyalater.”

I smiled as I closed out of his message, gave my PowerPoint another look over, and

then got ready for our date. Christian’s planned date consisted of dinner at The Todd

EnglishFoodHallatthePlazaHotelandthenwewereofftoIdidn’tknowwheresincehe

waskeepingitasecret.Afterwefinishedeating,wewalkedoutofthehotel,andsittingat

thecurbwasahorseandcarriage.

“Yourrideawaits,Madame.”Christiansmiledasheheldmyhand.

“We’regoingonahorseandcarriageride?”Iaskedwithexcitement.

“Yes,throughCentralPark.”

With Christian’s help, I climbed into the carriage and he climbed in next to me. The

driverhandedusablanketsincethechillyairhadsettledintothefallnights.Christianput

his arm around me and as soon as I snuggled into him, he covered us with the warm

blanket.

“Thisisbeautiful.Thankyou,”Ispoke.

“You’rewelcome.”Hekissedthetopofmyhead.

ItwasabeautifulridethroughCentralPark,andwhenitwasover,Christiantookme

home.

“Ithinkyoushouldcomeupstairsforadrink.”IsmiledasItookthelapelsofhiscoat

inmyhands.

“WebothknowwhatwillhappenifIdo.”Hesmirked.

“And?”Iraisedmybrow.

“Youhaveabigdaytomorrowandyouneedalltherestyoucanget.”

Isighed.

“Hey.”Heplacedhisfingerundermychin.“Tomorrownightisyourturntoplandate

nightandwecandoanythingyouwant,andImeananything.”Hewinked.

Asmilecrossedmylips.

“Trustme.Wewillbe.”

Heleanedinandbrushedhislipsagainstmine.

“Goodnight,Eloise.”Hestrokedmycheek.

“Goodnight,Christian.”

****

Christian

Sayinggoodnighttoheronthedoorstepofherbuildingwashard.Iwantedtocomeup

toherapartmentforadrink,butwebothknewhavingadrinkwasn’toneitheroneofour

minds.ThepastfewnightsbeingwithherweredifficultbecauseallIwantedtodowas

take her to bed and never let her go. I could tell she was getting frustrated with me, but

thiswaswhatneededtohappen.

Tomorrowwasabigdayforher,andwhatshedidn’tknowwasthatI’dboughtaticket,

notonlyformyself,butforherfriendsaswell.Ididn’twanttotellherbecauseshe’dbe

even more nervous than she already was. So, we’d just sit quietly in the way back and

watchfromafar.

ChapterForty-Five

Eloise

I stood behind the curtain, waiting for my turn. I was scheduled to go on stage in

approximatelyfiveminutes.WasIready?FuckifIknew.ThemoreIthoughtaboutit,the

moreanxietysetin.I’dmadenotecardslikeaschoolkidgivingapresentationinfrontof

the class. I stood there and studied them. Christian and I met for breakfast this morning

and he gave me a pep talk. It helped. He always helped me. Even when he was Mobile

Man,Iinstantlyfeltbetteraftertalkingtohim.

“You’reon,Eloise!”Taliasmiled.“Goodluck.”

“Thankyou.”Igaveheranervoussmile.

My name was announced and I stepped on stage. I introduced myself, looked at my

cards, and froze. Suddenly, my mind went blank and I couldn’t comprehend what I had

writtendown.

“Get hold of yourself!” I silently yelled in my head. “All these people want to hear

whatyouhavetosay!Don’tletthemdown!”

I stared at the massive crowd of women who sat proudly in their seats. Women who

have,atleastonceintheirlifetime,dealtwithmenbehavingbadly.Isetmycardsdown

onthechairattheendofthestageandthenItookcenterandwelcomedeveryoneinthe

theaterasIstartedover.

“MynameisEloiseMooreandI’mheretotalktoyouaboutaconceptcalled#Delete.

This concept applies to girls/women who are single and a part of the dating scene. I’m

goingtoshowyouwhattobeonthelookoutforwhennewlydatingaguy.I’mgoingto

teachyouabouttheredflags,ghosting,benching,zombie-ing,breadcrumbing,andallthe

othersignsofmenbehavingbadlyearlyonindating.Weaswomenspendfartoomuch

timeandenergywaitingfortheguyswe’reinterestedintotextorcallus,andthenwhen

theydon’t,wefreakout,cry,wonderwhat’swrongwithus,whatdidwedowrong,why

don’t they want us, how can I fix them, etc. The truth behind that is, it isn’t us. We did

nothingwrong.Itcouldbeassimpleastheguywasn’tfeelingit,whichisokay.You’re

notgoingtomeshwitheveryoneyoumeet.

But when a guy shows interest and behaves badly, then it’s up to us to take action.

That’swhere#Deletecomesin.Themomenthestartsshowingsignsofallthemillennial

dating terms I previously spoke of, it’s time to get rid of him and not play his games.

Women today are too busy for games and we don’t deserve to be treated like that. The

most important thing I can’t stress enough is for a woman to have standards. Once you

know exactly what your standards are, you’ll be able to spot the red flags instantly. For

example,youmeetamanandyoubothshowinterestineachother.Yougoonacoupleof

dates and then suddenly the text messages and the calls stop. No warning and no

explanation.Twoweeksgobysinceyourlastdateandstillnothing.Thatguyghostedyou,

disappeared without a trace. You’ve been glued to your phone 24/7, staring at a black

screen, hoping and praying he’ll call. Your stomach is a nervous wreck and you keep

replaying your last date over and over again, wondering what went wrong. You finally

break down and send him a message. He doesn’t respond. Your self-esteem is broken.

Then a week later, he sends you a text, and you beam with excitement. Then you don’t

hearfromhimagain.Youtrytopickyourselfup,butyoucan’tgethimoutofyourmind,

andwhy?Thequestionyouneedtoaskyourselfisthis:AmIreallyintohimorisitthe

rejection that hurts me the most? Really stop and think about that. You’d only gone out

withtheguyacoupleoftimes,sentafewdozentextmessages,andmaybehadaphone

call or two. I can guarantee you that through all the nonsense you put yourself through

overthisoneguyyoubarelyknew,itwastherejectionaspectofit.

It’s very important that you, as a high valued woman who knows her self-worth and

standards,givethesameinvestmentasthemanyou’retryingtodatedoes.Ifhe’sgiving

lowinvestmentintogettingtoknowyoubetter,yougivelowinvestmentback.Nobodyis

evertoobusy,andifaguyreallylikesyouorwantstogettoknowyouonadeeperlevel,

he will make time to do it. I don’t care if he’s held up in meetings from nine to five. It

takes as little as thirty seconds to type a message and hit send. Does he not go to the

bathroom all day? Does he not get a lunch break? What about when he gets home from

work? If a man can’t take thirty seconds out of his busy day to say hi or that he’s just

thinking about you, then he’s not thinking about you at all and it’s time to #Delete and

stopwastingyourtime.Samegoesforaguywhotakesthreedaystorespondtoyourlast

textmessage. Is thatreally the kindof person you wantto date? NowI’m not saying to

#Delete him if he has an excuse and lets you know ahead of time, such as he’s going

campingandwon’thavereceptionorsomething.Theimportantthingtorememberis,ifhe

ghostedyouonce,he’lldoitagain.

Now,let’stalkabouttheguywhoshowsheisinterestedinyouviatextmessagingbut

never actually takes you out or has any intention of actually getting serious. Let’s say

you’vebeentalkingtothisguyforaweek.You’regettingtoknoweachotherandyou’re

wonderingwhyhehasn’taskedyououtyet.Afterall,heseemsreallyintoyou.Youmake

theboldmoveandaskhimoutforcoffeeormaybefordinner.Hemakesanexcuseasto

why that weekend won’t work for him. Another week goes by, and suddenly, the text

messagesbecomescarce.He’snottextingyouasmuchanymore.Yourmindstartstogo

crazy.Youtalkaboutitwithyourfriends.Yourphoneneverleavesyoursightjustincase.

Anotherweekgoesby,andoutoftheclearblue,hesendsyouatextsaying‘Hey,what’s

up?’or‘Hey,howareyou?’Instantly,youperkupandrespondbacktohimimmediately,

whichbytheway,isoneoftheworstthingsyoucoulddo.Youtellhimhowyou’redoing

and how good it is to hear from him. You sit there and wait, watching your phone for a

reply because he had just texted you a minute ago. But a reply doesn’t come. You’re

devastated and the cycle starts all over again. He’s doing what we like to call

breadcrumbing. He may have been bored, feeling a little lonely or down and needed an

ego boost. There are guys out there who like to keep a woman they’ve previously been

talkingtoonthebackburnerforthoseinstances,andbygivinghimaninstantreply,you

just showed him that no matter how sporadic or dick-like his messages are, you’re still

interested. Which leads me into the term ‘benching.’ He’s not sure about you yet or

someoneelsegrabbedhisattentionwhilethetwoofyouwerestilltalkingeverydaywho

hethoughtmaybemoreinterestingorabetterfitforhim.Butinsteadofcuttingyouoff

completely,hesatyouonthebenchjustincaseheneedstocomebacktoyousometime

inthefuture.He’llthrowatextoutthereormaybeaphonecall,justtomakesureyou’re

stillinterested.Iliketocallthisemotionalmanipulationandit’snotokay.

So what happens after you’ve been ghosted and then all of a sudden, a few months

later,yougetatextmessagefromtheguyaskingwhat’sup?Now,he’sZombie-ingyou,

orhauntingyou.Maybetherelationshiphegotintowiththewomanheghostedyoufor

wasn’tworkingout,sohecameacrossyournumberinhisphoneandthoughthe’dreach

out because maybe you were still thinking about him. My advice, do not reply to the

zombie at all! If he did it once, he’ll do it again. Obviously, there was nothing there for

himafewmonthsagowhenthetwoofyouweretalking,sowhywouldtherebenow?

Whendoyou#Deleteaguyoutofyourlife?

Hedoesn’trespondtoyourtextmessagesinatimelymanner.Ifhe

waitsfiveorsixhours,that’snotagoodsign.LikeIstatedbefore,itonlytakes

thirty seconds to type a text message and hit send. If you aren’t worth thirty

secondsofhistimeinaday,#Delete.

Heaskedyouout,youwentonadate,hadagreattime,andthenhe

disappears.#Deleteanddon’tgivehimanotherthought.

He’scancelleddatesonyoutwoormoretimesinarow.#Delete.

Histextmessagesbecomescarceandyoustartreceivingonehereand

there over a two- to three-week period. #Delete, especially when he doesn’t

offeranexplanationforhislackofmessaging.

Heghostedyou,you#Deletehimandthenhereturnsafewmonths

laterasifnothinghappened.Donotrespondand#Deleteagain.”

Theguyswhodothesetypesofthingsaren’ttheguysforyouandit’snottheendofthe

world.

By accepting their behavior and stressing over why he hasn’t called or texted, you’re

blocking the right person who was meant for you from coming into your life. I believe

thereisaspecialmanoutthereforeachandeveryoneofus,andsometimes,wehaveto

gothroughmanydouchebagsinordertofindourPrinceCharming.

So,ladies,knowyourself-worth,setyourstandards,loveyourselffirst,#Deletewhen

necessary,andwatchyourlifechange.Ipromiseyou,itwill.”

Thecrowdapplaudedandstoodfromtheirseats.TearsfilledmyeyesasItookabow

andexitedthestage.

“OHMYGOD!Youwereamazing!”Taliahuggedme.“Theylovedyou,Eloise.”

“Thankyou.”

“You’reanaturalatthis.Ibelievethisisyourcalling.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat.”Iblushed.

“Ithinkthestandingovationspokeforitself.”Shesmiled.

ChapterForty-Six

Eloise

Iwalkedtothelobbyofthetheaterandwasinstantlygreetedandcongratulatedby

manywomen.Theonesthatboughtticketsjusttoseemeswarmedaround,tellingme

howthey’veincorporated#Deleteintotheirdatinglifeandhowmuchithadchanged

them. I felt like some sort of superstar, when really, I was just a girl who had gone

througha lot ofshit in herdating life. Many askedfor pictures withme and I smiled

withjoy.

AsImademywaythroughthecrowd,IsawChristian,Natalie,Claire,andScarlett

standingbythedoors.

“Whatareyouguysdoinghere?”Iaskedastearsfilledmyeyes.

“Didyoureallythinkwe’dmissthis?Yourdebutstageappearance?”Nataliehugged

me.

“Youwereamazing!”ClaireexcitedlyspokeasshegrabbedmefromNatalie’sarms

andhuggedme.

“I’msoproudofyou,boss!”Scarlettsmiled.

“Thankyou.”

“We’re going to leave the two of you alone.” Natalie grinned as she looked at

Christian.“I’llcallyoutomorrow.”

Christianwrappedhisarmsaroundmeandkissedmylips.

“Youwerespectacular,baby.Iamsodamnproudofyou.”

“Ididn’tknowyouwerehere.”

“I didn’t want you to be any more nervous than you already were.” He smirked.

“Maybe this isn’t the place to tell you, but I don’t care because I need to say it right

now,inthismoment.”

“Saywhat?”Icockedmyhead.

“Iloveyou,Eloise.IaminlovewithyouandI’mnotgoingtostoplovingyou.”

Awidegrincrossedmyfaceasmyheartrapidlybeat.

“Iloveyoutoo,Christian.”

Hislipsbrushedagainstmineandthenhelookedatme.

“Didn’tyousaysomethingaboutourdatetonightbeingbackatyourplace?”

“Isuredid.”Ismiled.“Ithinkweneedtogetbacktherenow!”

“Icouldn’tagreemore.”Hekissedmyhead.

The moment we entered my apartment, Christian scooped me up in his arms and

carriedmetothebedroomwherewemadelovethreetimesthatnight.Andeachtime

wasjustasmagicalasthefirst.

****

SixMonthsLater

His finger dipped inside me and I gasped. Our mouths tangled with passion and I

trembled at the touch of his hand on my breasts. I took down his pants with ease and

releasedhisthrobbinghardcockinmyhand.Afterafewstrokes,hepushedeverythingon

myoverlyclutteredtabletothesideandsetmeonit.Hepositionedhisheadinbetween

my legs and explored every inch of my aching area with his tongue. I orgasmed and he

smiled as he stood up and thrust inside me, my body taking in every inch of him. He

movedinandoutofmerapidlybringingmetothebrinkofanothermindblowingorgasm.

I yelled out his name as he halted deep inside and moaned while he released his

excitementinme.

HislipspressedagainstmineandIsmiled.

“I’moutgrowingthisplace.”

Hechuckledashelookedaroundthetableatthemessthatconsumedit.

“Yes,youare.Youneedaplacewithanoffice.”

“Iknow.I’vebeenthinkingaboutfindinganewapartment.”

“I’llhelpyoulook.”Hekissedmyforeheadandpulledoutofme.

“I’dappreciatethat.”Igrinned.

“Ihavearealestateguy.I’llgivehimacalltomorrow.”Christianspokeashehanded

me my clothes. “We need to be at my parents’ house in fifteen minutes. I think we’re

goingtobelate.”

Ilaughed.“Yeah.Wecan’tgetacrosstowninfifteenminutes.Youmightwanttocall

them.”

“And tell them what? We’re going to be late because we just had sex on your dining

roomtable?”

“Justtellthemwe’restuckintraffic.”Ismirked.

I loved Christian’s parents and they loved me. My parents felt the same way about

Christian and he and my dad started going on golf outings together. Even though

photography was my first passion, I put my business on hold due to the success of my

blogandYouTubechannel.ThingsweremovingintherightdirectioneversinceIspokeat

thePlayStationTheater.IendedupguestspeakingacoupleofmoretimesforTaliaand

then I began booking seminars on my own, with the help of Scarlett, who was now my

full-timeassistant.Acoupleofmonthsago,Ibeganwritingabookandcalledit#Delete,

whichwascontractedbyGrandCentralPublishing.

Christian’s advertising agency was growing bigger by the day. He had secured a few

majoraccountsincludingChanel.ButthestipulationwasthatIhadtodothephotography

part of the campaign, which I pleasantly accepted. After all, I couldn’t very well turn

downChristianorChanel.

AfewdayshadpassedandIspentsomefreetimelookingatnewapartmentsonline.I

askedChristianifhisrealtorhadfoundanythingandhetoldmethathewaslooking.AsI

finishedthelasteditsonanewvideoformyblogandYouTubechannel,myphonerang

andChristianwascalling.

“Hello,handsome.”

“Hello,mybeautifulgirl.Whatareyoudoingrightnow?”

“Nothing.Ijustfinishedediting.Why?”

“Canyoumeetmesomewhere?Iwanttoshowyousomething.”

“Sure.Wheredoyouwanttomeet?”

“113East61

Street.”

“Okay.I’llleavenow.”

I ended the call, put on my shoes, and hailed a cab to 113 East 61

Street. When the

driverpulleduptothecurb,IsawChristianstandingthereonthesidewalkwaitingforme.

“Hello,gorgeous.”Hesmiledashekissedmylips.

“Hithere.”Igrinned.“Sowhatdidyouwanttoshowme?”

Hetookholdofmyhand,ledmeupfivestepstoawhitebuilding,openedthegorgeous

Frenchglassdoor,andledmeinside.

“Wow.Thisisbeautiful.Whosehouseisthis?”Iasked.

“I’mhopingit’soursifyoulikeit.”Hesmiled.

“What?”Ilaughed.“Whatdoyoumean‘ours’?”

“Ithinkweshouldmoveintogetherandthiswouldbetheperfecthousetodothatin.”

“Areyouserious,Christian?”

“I’m very serious, Eloise. I love you and I want to live with you. We practically live

together anyway, so we might as well just do it in one house. No more back and forth

betweenourapartments.”

“Ohmygod.I—yes!Iwouldlovetomoveintogether.”

“Here?”Hisbrowraised.

“Possibly.Showmetherestofit.”Igrinned.

Hesmiledashetookmyhandandledmethroughthesix-storytownhome.

“Ithasfivebedroomsandfivebathrooms,”hespoke.

“Doweneedthatmanyrooms?”Iasked.

“Ofcoursewedo.Abedroomforus,twoofficesandtwochildren.”

Istoppeddeadinmytracksandstaredathim,myheartracingwithexcitement.

“What?”Hecockedhishead.

“WhatifIwantedthreechildren?”Ismirked.

“Thenwe’dhavetomove.Nobigdeal.”Heshrugged.

Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandbrushedmylipsagainsthis.

“IlovethisplaceandIloveyou.”

“Good,becauseIlovebothofyoutoo.”

Atthatmoment,itwasadonedeal.ChristianandIwouldmoveintogetherandstart

buildingalifeinournewhome.

ChapterForty-Seven

TwoMonthsLater

Christian

Now that Eloise and I were living together in our own home, it was time to take the

nextstep.Herbirthdaywasapproaching,soIdecidedtowhiskherawaytoChicagofor

herbirthdayweekend.Whatshedidn’tknowwasthetwosurprisesIhadforher.

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedaswewalkeddownN.MichiganAve.

“You’llsee.”IwinkedasIheldontoherhand.

WereachedtheAmericanGirlstoreandIopenedthedoorforher.

“Whyarewegoinginhere?”Shelaughed.

“IthoughtmaybeyouwantedtobuyMaggieanewoutfit.”

“Really?”Shegavemeastrangelook.

“Yes.Really.Tobehonest,I’msickofseeingheralwaysdressedinthesameclothes.

Brightenherupalittle.”

WelookedattheclothesandEloisepickedoutanoutfitsheliked.

“I’mhungry.Let’sgoseeifwecangetsomelunchhere,”Ispoke.

“Wedon’thavetoeathere.Wecangosomewhereelse.Ireallydon’tthinkthisisyour

thing,Mr.Blake.”

“Nobigdeal.Let’sjustgoseeiftheyhaveanytablesavailable.”

IwalkedhertotheGrandDiningRoom,wherethedoorswereshutandthehostesswas

standingoutside.

“Iwaswonderingifyouhadatablefortwoavailable?”Iasked.

“Ofcoursewedo.Followme.”

Themomentthedoorsopened,everyoneyelledhappybirthday.Eloisecuppedherhand

overhermouthinshockandthenlookedatme.

“Christian,whatthe—”

“Happybirthday,baby.”Ikissedthesideofherhead.

****

Eloise

I stood there in shock. I couldn’t believe what I saw. My mom, dad, Scarlett, Jeff,

Hannah, Claire, Kenny, and Christian’s mother and stepfather. Tears filled my eyes as I

lookedatChristian.

“YouthrewmeanAmericanGirlbirthdayparty?”

“Idid.”Hesmiled.

I walked over to the center of the dining room where my family and friends were

standing.Allmygirls,includingmymomandChristian’smom,wereholdingAmerican

Girldolls.Wehuggedandsometearswereshed,mostlybyme.

“Someoneelseisheretocelebratewithyou,”Christianspoke.

IturnedaroundandhewasholdingMaggie.

“Howdidyougetherhere?”

“Isnuckherintomycarry-onasyouwerewalkingoutthefrontdoor.”Hegrinned.

Itookherfromhishandsandthenhuggedhimtight.

“Thankyouforthis.Iloveyousomuch.”

“You’rewelcome,baby.Iloveyoutoo.”

Weallgatheredaroundthetable,ateadeliciouslunch,hadcakeandicecream,talked,

andlaugheduntilwecouldn’tanymore.Ourtimewasupandweneededtoleavetheroom

sotheycouldsetupforthenextparty.

“He’sperfect,Eloise.”Mymomsmiled.

“Iknowheis,Mom.”

“Heremindsmeofyourfather.”Shewinked.

Igaveherasmileandahug.

“Areyouready,baby?”Christianaskedasheplacedhishandonthesmallofmyback.

“Yeah.I’mready.Whatarewedoingnext?Iseveryonecoming?”

“We’regoingtogoexploreChicagoandleavethetwoofyoualone,”Clairespoke.

“Yeah.I’msureyouhavesomeprivatecelebratingtodoafterthis.”Nataliesmiled.

“I’ve booked a dinner reservation for all us at the Skydeck Chicago at eight o’clock.

So,we’llseethemthere,”Christianspoke.

We headed back to the hotel, and once we got inside the room, I wasted no time

thankinghimforeverythinghe’ddoneforme.

“Ican’tmove.”Christiansmiledashelookedoveratme.

“Meeither.”IgiggledasIsnuggledagainsthim.

After a short nap, we showered and dressed for dinner with our family and friends.

WhenwereachedtheSkydeck,everyonewasalreadythere,andIwassurprisedtoseewe

weretheonlypeopleintheplace.

“YourentedouttheentireSkydeckagain?”Ismiled.

“OfcourseIdid.Thisisaprivateoccasion.”

Christianheldmyhandaswewalkedovertojoinourguests.

“I’mnotreallycomfortableuphere,”Nataliespoke.

“Iwasn’tatfirsteither,butit’ssobeautiful.”

“Iguess.”Shesighed.

“Ican’tbelieveChristiandidallthisformeandhadyouallcomeouthere.”

“I can.” She smiled as she hooked her arm around me. “He’s the Prince Charming

you’vebeensearchingforyourwholelife.”

“IknowandIalmostblewit.”

“No you didn’t. He would have never given up on you, and he would have kept on

fightingnomatterhowlongittook.”

“Youthink?”Iaskedwithasmile.

“Iknow.”

“Eloise, let’s go out on the ledge before dinner,” Christian spoke as he walked up

behindme.

Ihookedmyarminhisasheledmetotheledgeandweonceagainstaredoutatthe

beautifullylitChicagocity.

“Iloveyou,Eloise,”hespoke.

“Iloveyoutoo,Christian.”Ismiledathim.

Heplacedhishandinhispocketandsuddenlyhegotdownononeknee.

“Christian,whatareyoudoing?”Ibegantoshake.

“I think you know.” He winked. “I have never in my life loved anyone as much as I

love you. You complete me, Eloise. From the moment I saw you, I knew I had to make

youmine.”

“Oh,Christian.”Thetearsstartedtorise.

“Youaretheepitomeofloveandyoumakemydaysandmylifesomuchbrighter.You

aremybestfriendandmylover,andnow,Iwouldloveforyoutobemywifeandspend

therestofyourlifewithme.Eloise,willyoumarryme?”

“Yes, Christian! Yes, I will marry you!” I exclaimed as the tears streamed down my

face.

Hetookthetwo-caratprincesscutwhitegoldringfromtheboxandslippeditonmy

finger.Thenhebroughttheringtohislips.Everyoneclappedwithexcitementashestood

upandswungmearound.

“Ican’tbelievethis!”Icried.

“Believe it, baby, ‘cause it happened. We’re getting married.” He brushed his lips

againstmine.

“Ican’twaittoplanthiswedding!”Nataliescreeched.

Wecelebratedintotheweehoursoftheeveningandthenwentbacktothehoteland

celebratedalone.Icouldn’tstopstaringatthebeautifulringthatsatonmyfingerasmy

headlaidagainsthischest.

Mylifewasperfect.Iwasmarryingthemanofmydreams,mybookhadhit#1onthe

New York Times Bestsellers List, my YouTube channel grew to over two million

subscribers, I started doing seminars around the world, Ted Talk, and I was offered my

ownradioshowforanhourthreetimesaweekcalled“AskEloise.”NowIwouldmove

ontothenextphaseofmylifeandbecomeMrs.ChristianBlake.

Rememberladies,yourPrinceCharmingisoutthere,andyou’llknowitwhenyoufirst

meethim.Ifyoudon’thaveto#Deletehim,he’sakeeper.

BooksbySandiLynn

Ifyouhaven’talreadydoneso,pleasecheckoutmyotherbooks.Escapefromrealityand

intotheworldofromance.I’lltakeyouonajourneyoflove,pain,heartacheandhappily

everafters.

Millionaires:

TheForeverSeries(ForeverBlack,ForeverYou,ForeverUs,BeingJulia,Collin,A

ForeverChristmas,AForeverFamily)

Love,Lust&AMillionaire(WyattBrothers,Book1)

Love,Lust&Liam(WyattBrothers,Book2)

LieNextToMe(AMillionaire’sLove,Book1)

WhenILiewithYou(AMillionaire’sLove,Book2)

ThenYouHappened(HappenedSeries,Book1)

ThenWeHappened(HappenedSeries,Book2)

HisProposedDeal

ALoveCalledSimon

TheSeductionofAlexParker

SomethingAboutLorelei

OneNightInLondon

TheException

CorporateA$$

ABeautifulSight

TheNegotiation

Defense

PlayingTheMillionaire

SecondChanceLove:

RememberingYou

SheWritesLove

LoveInBetween(LoveSeries,Book1)

TheUpsideofLove(LoveSeries,Book2)

Sports:

Lightning

AbouttheAuthor

SandiLynnisaNewYorkTimes,USATodayandWall

StreetJournalbestsellingauthorwhospendsallherdays
writing.Shepublishedherfirstnovel,ForeverBlack,in
February2013andhasn’tstoppedwritingsince.Heraddictions
areshopping,goingtothegym,romancenovels,coffee,
chocolate,margaritas,andgivingreadersanescapetoanother
world.

Pleasecomeconnectwithherat:

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/Sandi.Lynn.Author

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/SandilynnWriter

Website:

www.authorsandilynn.com

Pinterest:

www.pinterest.com/sandilynnWriter

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/sandilynnauthor

Goodreads:

http://bit.ly/2w6tN25

Document Outline

#Delete
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Eloise
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Christian
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Eloise
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Eloise
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Christian
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Eloise
Chapter Twenty-One
Christian
Chapter Twenty-Two
Christian
Eloise
Chapter Twenty-Three
Eloise
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Eloise
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Eloise
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Christian
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Eloise
Christian
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Christian
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Christian
Eloise
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Christian
Chapter Forty-Four
Christian
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Six Months Later
Chapter Forty-Seven
Eloise
Books by Sandi Lynn
About the Author
Please come connect with her at:

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Sandi Lynn The Negotiation (ang)
Sandi Lynn Playing The Millionaire (ang)
Sandi Lynn The Exception (ang)
#Delete – Sandi Lynn
REWIND
Carbone Elisa Lynn Jump (ang)
Playing The Millionaire – Sandi Lynn
Lynn Sandi Miłość pożądanie 2 Dwa serca Sandi Lynn
Sandi Lynn Defense –

więcej podobnych podstron

Sandi Lynn #Delete (ang)

Document Outline