Page 26 of Earl

“I won’t settle for anything less.”

“No, go on inside. I know you are dying to speak to that guy of yours. Call me tomorrow.”

*****

Where the hell was she? And why hasn’t she called? He had dozed off fitfully after coming back from a very stressful meeting with some investors.

He had declined a follow up dinner because after the day he had, he just wanted to come back to his suite and wait to hear from her and now after setting his laptop on a pillow next to him and eating a lonely meal inside his room, he was up and wondering why the hell she had not called.

Was it that she was having so much fun? Had she met someone and gone home with them? The suspicious nature that had been nurtured after too many failed relationships where the women were unfaithful was settling inside him and taking root.

He did not know her, did he? And it was ridiculous to be so enamored by a complete stranger. He was going to be leaving his room and had a full day ahead of him and he wanted to hear from her- his head jerked towards the device when he heard the familiar ding of his phone.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to walk towards the bed. Sinking down on the edge of it, he reached for his phone and answered the call.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” She sounded breathless as if she had been hurrying.

Where was she hurrying from? He wondered.

“I had no idea the time has gone by so quickly. I am just coming home. How are you? Did I wake you? What time is it?”

“How was the party?”

“It was alright.”

“Just alright?” He could not believe the jealousy raging inside him. “Meet anyone interesting?”

He closed his eyes as she remained silent and realized that she had picked up on his foul attitude.

“I have met several interesting people. What the hell is wrong with you?”

Rubbing his hand over his face, he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Nothing,” he growled. “I had a hell of a day, and I came here wanting to hear your voice- hell, I am sorry.”

“The party was interesting, but I have been to several of that kind before.” Her voice had softened. “I was anxious to come home so that I could have a conversation with you.”

“And I am blowing it.”

“It’s fine. You said you had a lousy day.”

“I am fine now.” He spoke softly, leaning his head back against the pillows. “I am hearing your voice and somehow, it’s making me feel better. Are you free to tell me what you wore to the party?”

“Just a simple dress.”

He chuckled at her demure tone. “Why don’t I believe you?”

“Maybe because it’s not just a dress. It’s a cross between a shirt and a dress and I happen to love boots, so I paired it with a knee-high black leather. boots”

“I am allowing my imagination to run away with me.”

“Imagine away.” She told him with a laugh. “What about those European beauties? Seen any you like?”

“I am here alone in my suite, what do you think?”

“That’s it’s still early days yet.”

“I rushed back here from a stressful day of meetings and only wanted to stay in bed and listen to your lovely voice.”