Chapter 15

Colton

My eyes shot open, the sun already lighting up the room around me. Addison’s tousled head was tucked into the crook of my arm and I was instantly distracted, forced to stare at her for long minutes. She was beautiful, so peaceful in sleep, her body finally free of all tension.

I scanned her room, looking for any hint of her. The colors were muted, the furniture sleek and functional. Then I caught sight of the clock against the wall and shot upwards.

Addison blinked awake, asking what was wrong. “I’m late,” I said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, then climbing out of bed.

I was hunting up my clothes when Addison sat up, the blankets falling to her waist and exposing her perfect perky tits. I froze, my mouth starting to water, then shook myself and began to get dressed. I regretted having to leave, but today was a big day for me. The owner was allowing me to cook two new dishes of my own suggestion for a possible addition to the menu. I wasn’t going to screw this up by being late.

“Where are you going?” Addison asked sleepily.

“The restaurant,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I have to. The owner’s finally given me a shot in the kitchen, and today I’m cooking some dishes for her to prove that I have what it takes.”

Addison smiled, and I couldn’t help but notice a tinge of sadness in her face. “Congratulations. It’s what you wanted. I’m glad you’re finally getting your chance.”
“Me too. But if I don’t hurry up, I’m going to blow it.”

Addison pulled up the blanket and I silently mourned the loss of her breasts to my gaze. I moved to the bed, bending down to kiss her, wishing I could do something about the disappointment on her face.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I wish I could stay.”

She shrugged. “We’re just not lucky for each other anyway. I’m going to make you late, and you...well, you know.”

I frowned, not wanting to dredge up the whole argument about her leaving the dance company. “I disagree. You’re my new good luck charm. I get my big chance now, and you know what this means to me. I can work my way up to head chef, maybe even open up my own restaurant one day.” I kissed her again. “Not to mention that I get to be with you. A man couldn’t be any luckier.”

She didn’t reply, and I was afraid she didn’t feel the same, that she was still worried about the elephant, or should I say banana hammock, in the room. So I stated the obvious. “And I won’t be forced to strip to pay my bills anymore.” I tried to lighten the mood. “Now, if I strip, it will be purely because I want to.”

I’d thought I was being cute, but her expression tightened and she pulled away.

“What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “If you think you can keep your side job and have me, you’ve got another thing coming.”

I opened my mouth to tell her that I was joking, but she was already turning away. “Just go. You’re going to be late.”

“Hey,” I said, crawling across the bed to get to her, but she slid out of my grip and rose, slipping on a satin robe. “I can’t leave things like this. We need to talk.”

“What is there to talk about?” she asked lightly. “You’re off to live your dream, and my dream is shattered, in part because of my relationship with you. I’m broke, and you’re joking about shaking your dick at other women to make extra money.”

“I didn’t mean—”

She covered my mouth with her hand. “You don’t have time for this. Go. You’re going to miss your opportunity. And take it from me, you might only get one chance at your dream.”

Addison walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. I considered what to do. I had only about twenty minutes to make it to the bistro, and that was only if I could find a cab with a cabbie crazy enough to drive over sidewalks to make it in time.

I wanted to go to her, make her listen to me, but she had a point. Opportunity knocks but once. I shoved my feet in my shoes and left, running down the stairs and into the street, grabbing the first cab I could see.

I ended up a couple minutes late, but the owner was still pouring her cocktail so I was able to slip into the kitchen without her noticing. I threw myself into my work, aiming to create two dishes that would blow the old broad’s pants off.

When I stood in front of the owner a few hours later and watched her practically lick her plate clean, I knew I’d impressed her. She agreed to let me stay in the kitchen and to work under the head chef. Then she revealed she was considering opening a new location, and if I continued to impress her, the chef spot at the new place was mine.

I couldn’t believe my luck. I picked the old broad up and swirled her around, planting a wet kiss on her cheek. She laughed, then told me to keep my hands to myself. I cleaned up, then strolled out of the bistro like I was walking on air.

I headed toward the train station, awash with the realization that I was getting everything that I’d ever wanted. Except one thing.

To feel complete, I needed Addison.

Instead of grabbing the F train, I took the train to her place. It started snowing as I walked and I hunched against the wind. Despite the cold, my enthusiasm was undeterred. I couldn’t wait to share the good news with Addison.

I hit the intercom, asking Addison to let me in. But it wasn’t her voice that came back.

“I’m sorry, Addison doesn’t want to see you at the moment.”

My jaw dropped. I recognized the voice. It was Kayla’s. “What do you mean?”

I heard a sigh. “Addison doesn’t want to see you. Go home.”

“What’s going on?” I asked, unwilling to leave it at that.

“I should have never given you her address or tried to push you two together. It’s obvious you don’t deserve her.”

“What do you mean? Addison? Are you there?” I shouted.

“She’s not interested, buddy,” Kayla said, shouting over me. “She doesn’t date strippers, and it’s clear you aren’t interested in giving up the good life. So move on.”

“That’s ridiculous. I’m going to change, I just need a chance. Addison! Just let me talk to you.”

“Not going to happen,” Kayla said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “And I liked you, bro. But you broke your promise and hurt her. So I’m going to have to tell you politely to fuck off.”

“Addison!” I yelled, but the intercom was no longer crackling. Kayla had turned it off. I beat my fist against the brownstone, pissed off at the circumstances. I knew I’d said the wrong thing this morning, but that didn’t mean I deserved to be shut out.

I took the train home, anger and depression vying for dominance. There had to be some way to convince Addison that I was serious about her. I wanted her to know that I was there for her, that I wanted to be with her, and that I’d give up almost anything to have her.

I was sitting on my couch a couple hours later when my phone rang. I hoped against hope that it would be Addison, but instead it was a throaty-voiced female. “Colton Lowe? I’d like to hire you for a gig.”

I opened my mouth to refuse, not at all interested in getting naked for any woman other than Addison. But I froze before saying the words. If I took the gig, I could make some extra money. Addison had told me she was broke, that rent was due and she didn’t have enough to cover it.

Although I’d be making more money as a chef in the weeks to come, it wouldn’t pay dividends until the beginning of the year. And since I’d been in the kitchen, I hadn’t been making tips like I had as a server. Which meant I didn’t have the funds to help her out unless I took the gig.

“When?” I asked, caving.

“Christmas Eve. I’ll pay double.”

That was all the enticement I needed. One more gig, just to make enough to give Addison. Even if she wouldn’t take me back, I wanted her to have the money.

I hung up, running my hands through my hair and letting out a sigh of frustration. I missed her already. It was like there was a hole in my chest, an emptiness I’d never felt before.