Chapter 8: Chapter 8

ODETTE

“I told you to stay away from her. When I said Odette was home, I meant it as she’ll let you in, not come over and try to fuck her,” Wren yelled.

“Wren! Could you stop it? What I do is none of your business. I understand why you feel this way, which is why I told him we couldn’t continue,” I said, trying to calm the situation.

Wren stalked toward us and pointed his finger at Reece. “I told him yesterday to leave you alone. I told him I disapproved of this, and he still came over and made a move.”

I could see the hurt in Reece’s eyes as Wren accused him of taking advantage of me. “How do you know he made it and not me?” I asked.

“Because I know how he works,” Wren replied.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Reece spoke up.

“You know what I mean. You’re a charmer; you know exactly what to do to get a girl in your bed.” Wren’s voice was laced with anger at Reece.

“You know it’s not like that anymore, especially with Etta,” Reece defended.

“Really, since when have you been interested in Odette before now?” Wren asked.

“It’s none of your business; this is between her and me,” Reece snapped back.

“And me because you’re going to hurt her. You won’t even answer my question; how can I trust you with my sister?” Wren was beyond angry, and I was watching a friendship deteriorate right in front of me.

“You’re a selfish person, Wren. If we are happy, you shouldn’t care,” Reece yelled.

“Enough! This is the reason why I told Reece no. I’m sorry you saw us kissing. That’s all it was, so stop being a jerk and hang out with your best friend,” I yelled at the two of them.

“It’s too late; I need to be away from him,” Reece yelled.

I watched him walk away from us, leaving Wren and me in the condo. “Nice work, Wren.”

“I told him to stay away from you,” Wren pointed at me.

“I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions; you can’t always protect me.” I let out a small sigh, deciding to tell Wren everything. “I need to come clean about some things, so you understand the situation.”

I asked Wren to take a seat. I told him about the job transfer, about my relationship with Tyler, and what happened.

“I can’t believe I liked that guy; he had us fooled. Was he like this when you would visit together?” Wren asked.

“Yes, it’s why we stayed in hotels and never with anyone.”

“So, you’re staying?” he asked.

“Yes, I met my new boss today, and I’m going out with some people who work there tonight.” I placed my hand on Wren’s. “I know Reece is your best friend, but don’t be mad at him. He’s been respectful, and I already told him it wasn’t the right time for me to start anything.”

“I don’t want to lose you or my best friend, and that’s going to happen if you guys date,” he confessed.

“I could never get rid of you; remember, I tried,” I said with a laugh.

Wren started laughing. “You were like five, and I was seven, I think, and you tried to sell me because you were mad that I broke your toy.”

“And Dad told me a sister and brother relationship was special even though I had four others. It wouldn’t be the same if you were to leave.”

“I still miss them,” Wren said sadly.

Our mother had died of cancer, and a year later our father and Reece’s father died in a car accident. It was hard on all of us, but I think it hit Sterling the hardest. Wren and I were just kids at the time. We never healed from them leaving us so soon.

“Me too, Wren. So, are we good?” I asked.

Wren nodded his head to confirm that we were good.

“All right, call or text Reece and apologize to him. When I get back tonight, I want to see the two of you on good terms,” I demanded.

***

“So glad you could make it,” Olivia said as I approached the table.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I was genuinely happy to be out with other people.

“You remember meeting Thomas, Corina, Robert, and of course our boss, James,” Olivia said with a laugh.

“Yes. It’s good to see you guys again,” I said as I took a seat.

“Glad you could make it, Odette,” James said with a smile.

I got settled in and ordered drinks. I actually felt relaxed with this group of people.

“Olivia said you grew up here?” Thomas asked.

“I did, and I went off to college in Maine and stayed there after graduating. My brother’s wedding is this weekend, so I figured it would be a good transition to moving back.”

“Are you seeing someone?” Thomas asked with a wink.

“Thomas!” Olivia gasped.

“What, she’s attractive. Before I make my move, I need to know if there is a guy in the picture.”

“I’m single, but I’m not looking, and I don’t date coworkers.”

“Good choice,” James said, raising his drink before taking a sip. “Workplace relationships are often complicated.”

“People say they can keep their personal and professional lives separate, but when you’re dating a coworker, it bleeds together and can affect your job,” I added.

“I’m starting to like you more and more,” James said. “Well, thanks for the drink, but I’m going to head out. I’ll see you all Monday.”

After James left, the true personalities of everyone came out. They started drinking more, and Olivia even convinced me to get on the dance floor.

After a few more drinks, I was feeling comfortable on the dance floor. Olivia and I were dancing together while Robert and Thomas were trying to pick up some girls. I was lost in my own little world until I felt a pair of hands around my waist.

“I couldn’t stay away,” he whispered in my ear. I could tell it was Reece by his voice and his touch.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. I was surprised to see him here.

“Wren asked me here so we could talk it out. Don’t worry; he left with Sam.”

I felt a stab of guilt because I was happy that Wren wasn’t around and Reece was here with me. I could have blamed it on the alcohol, but I knew part of me wanted him. Secretly, I’ve always wanted him.

“Dance with me.” It was a demand; he wasn’t giving me a choice. He pulled me closer to him, and my body melted into his.

The subtle pressure of his hand on my back sent shivers down my spine. I wanted to pull him closer and push him away at the same time.

“You’re different; you know that? I want more than a physical relationship with you,” he admitted.

“I can’t,” I whispered to him. Every time I told him no, the harder it got because I wanted him, but I was afraid of dragging him into my drama. He doesn’t deserve to put up with my baggage.

“You can, but you won’t,” Reece answered.

Reece kissed my shoulder and then my neck. His lips on my neck made me shiver. I was starting to feel sick, unsure if it was the guilt toward Wren or me being too nervous about moving on.

“I need some air,” I said, pushing away from him. I rushed out of the building and onto the sidewalk, gagging as soon as I made it outside. I tried to take deep breaths, but I still felt like I was being strangled.

I felt a hand on my back and jerked away.

“It’s just me; you need to calm down. Look at me, Odette, take a deep breath in and out,” Reece said.

“I’m sorry,” I gasped out.

“Don’t talk, and don’t apologize. You’re having a panic attack. I should be apologizing to you because I think I triggered it.”

After a few minutes, it became easier to breathe, and the tight feeling started going away.

“We need to get you home,” Reece stated.

“I think this is for the best.”

“I’ll drive you, and I’ll take you to pick up your car tomorrow.” Reece didn’t give me an option and guided me to his car.

“Thank you, Reece.”

Once we got situated in the car, Reece sat there for a moment before looking at me.

“Was I a trigger? Did I do something to make you panic?” he asked.

“I don’t know. The feeling started when we were talking, and the kissing sent me over the edge, I think.”

“Can I ask you something very personal?” Reece asked.

I nodded my head, yes.

“Did…did he force himself on you?”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“I’m not sure. I’ve thought about it a lot. I had sex with him when I didn’t want to, and I did it to prevent him from losing his temper, but at the same time, I never told him no or to stop,” I admitted.

“That’s still sexual assault, Etta,” Reece said angrily.

Reece was grinding his teeth. I could see his jaw twitching in the light that was shining through the car from the streetlamp.

“I haven’t come to that conclusion yet. It isn’t easy; I loved him at one point, so right now, at this moment, I don’t see it like that.”

“I want you to get a restraining order. I told Winston I would help you,” Reece confessed.

“Is it necessary?” I asked.

“It is. I’ve seen too many cases where the guy follows the girl and tries to force her back. I don’t want that to be you.”

“Let me think about it.”

He nodded his head and started the car. All I could think about was how messed up all this was. I shouldn’t want a relationship with Reece for many reasons, but my heart was telling me to throw caution to the wind.

***

When we pulled up to Wren’s, Reece turned the car off. We sat in silence for a while. I didn’t know what to say, but I didn’t want to leave yet. I was trying to find an excuse to stay with Reece.

“Thank you for the ride. Do you want to come in for a drink?” I asked quietly, trying to extend our time together.

“Yes, I would love to, but I don’t think I should.”

“What if I want you to say yes?” I wasn’t ready for him to go.

Reece nodded, agreeing to come in. Wren’s car wasn’t in the driveway, so I assumed he was staying with Sam, which was fine by me.

I shut the door and turned on the lights in the living room and kitchen. Then, I walked over to the kitchen island.

“What would you like to drink?” I asked.

“I’ll take a water,” Reece responded.

“Seriously?”

Reece let out a small laugh. “Yes, I’m driving.”

I didn’t want to be the only one drinking, so I filled two cups up with water. I walked around the island to where Reece was standing.

“Thank you,” Reece said, immediately taking a drink.

“I think I know why you invited me in,” Reece stated.

“You do?” I said, trying to play dumb.

Reece moved closer to me. He took my glass out of my hand and set it on the counter.

“You want me to kiss you.” Reece’s statement was full of confidence, and he was right. I did want to kiss him. I wanted to do more than kiss him, but I didn’t want to ruin things.

When I didn’t respond to him, Reece moved even closer. There was now barely any room between us. All I would have to do was stand on my toes to kiss him.

It was almost like Reece was reading my mind. He leaned forward and captured my lips with his. My heart raced, and the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving just the warmth of his embrace and the intoxicating closeness between us.

I surrendered to the moment, giving in to what I’d wanted for years. But as quickly as he started the kiss, he ended it.

I stood there with my eyes closed, soaking in the moment.

“I’ll wait for you to want more,” Reece said as he stepped back.

Stunned, I was still reeling from the amazing kiss. I wasn’t sure how to answer him, but I knew I’d mess it all up eventually.