Our Love

Quinn

"One of the best work trips I think I've been on." Grant quipped as he pulled into Wade's driveway. As much as I wanted to avoid seeing him right now, my car was here and so were my things, thanks to Carrie. When she said she left it all for me so that I could talk to Wade, I groaned in frustration.

"Glad to be of service!" I laughed. "It was a nice little trip, despite those meetings."

"Tell Wade I'll see him later; I want to get to the office and speak with Mr. Asher. I'll see you in the morning." He smiled. "Thank you for traveling with me," Grant spoke barely above a whisper, a blush coming over his cheeks. During the work trip, Grant and I spent a lot of time together. We ate all of our meals together, spent the working day together, and even the evenings were spent watching TV or relaxing together. Despite the ongoing feelings with Wade, something was definitely developing with Grant. I had to push it down, though; not only was it a bad idea because of Wade but also because of work.

I climbed out, grabbed my bag from the back, and headed toward the front door. I took a deep breath and stepped up onto the porch just as Denise opened the door and stepped out. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. She was dressed impeccably and expensively. Her smile was wide and mischievous. I tried to hide my disdain for someone I'd never actually met.

"Oh, this must be the roommate." She snarled just as Wade walked up behind her. His emerald eyes met mine, and he looked as if he wanted to convey something, but it was unreadable.

"Former. I'm just retrieving my things." I snapped. "If you'll excuse me." I squeezed between the two and headed up to the room. I could hear their voices but not quite make out the conversation. Once inside the room, I was able to take a breath. This was ridiculous. I was pining for someone who obviously had no feelings for me; he was just taking pity on me and had been helping me out. I mistook his kindness for something else, and now I was making myself look foolish. The sooner I could gather what few things I had and head over to Carrie's, the better.

I had most of my things organized and placed into their bags. I was tidying up and placing each bag by the door when Wade appeared yet again in the doorway. He stood just watching me for a moment, shifting on his feet with his hands shoved in the pocket of his jeans.

"H-How was your trip?" He stuttered out.

"Just fine. The meetings went well, and Grant was able to secure the contract." I stated blandly.

"That's good. Glad it went well." I looked over to see him rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Could we? I mean, if you want, could we talk?"

"About what?" I tilted my head in question.

"That was Denise at the door. I just, I didn't want you to think anything. There's nothing going on there. My Father, he just keeps pushing, and Denise, she can't seem to get the hint." He stepped further into the room.

"Well, she seems lovely." I snarked. "You don't have to explain yourself to me, Wade. You're a single guy; this is your home, and you can do whatever you like. I appreciate every ounce of kindness you've shown me. Letting me stay here was more than generous of you. I'm sure you know that I'm moving in with Carrie. She's agreed to let me rent a room, and I think it'll be a better situation all around." I grabbed two of the bags, one in each hand, prepared to carry them down to my car.

"I want to explain myself. I want you to know. I let you stay here because I...." He was reaching for the bags, trying to carry them for me; I held firm, not wanting to take any more of his pity.

"Christopher!" I heard a female voice call out. Wade rolled his eyes.

"You have company; it sounds like. I'll try to be quick to get out of your way." I shoved past him and went down the steps and out the door with my bags. I purposely ignored the annoying woman standing in the living room staring daggers at me.

*

"Denise was there? Are you sure?" Carrie gasped when I told her about my return to Wade's house. I'd arrived just as she was coming in from the office. She helped me carry my bags to my new room and get settled before we ordered some take-out and enjoyed a glass of wine.

"Yup. She was heading out the door when I got there. A few minutes later, when Wade had come up to talk to me, she must've come back in, or maybe she was there the whole time. I don't know." I shrugged, leaning back on the sofa.

"I need to slap the shit out of that man." She growled. "I don't know what this Denise shit is. I talked with Mr. Asher, yes the deal with Scholts is a big deal and would bring in a great deal of revenue, but I just don't know what pull Denise has."

"It's okay. Really. I don't exactly have the best history with men. I think I just mistook his kindness for something more. It's best this way; really, it would be complicated and messy." I took the remaining gulp of my sweet red.

"He told me that he had feelings for you, that he was interested in you! I really do believe it was just another weird misunderstanding." She shook her head. "This is why I like women."

I helped Carrie clean up from our meal and wine; then she left me to go talk to her girlfriend and head to bed. I started a load of laundry and went upstairs myself. I spent a little time settling things into my new room and took a nice long shower. Crawling into bed, I let out a long sigh. I just needed to focus on work and enjoy this new life I was settling into. Rex was gone to prison; I could finally feel at ease to live my life now.

I turned to lay my phone on the nightstand just as it lit up with a message. I swiped over to see a few messages from Grant.

Grant: Feels kinda weird not having you in the next room.

Me: You're silly. Your bed has to feel better than that terrible sofa.

Grant: Oh, it does. Come over and find out :)

Me: You're such a flirt.

Grant: Only w/ pretty ladies. Hope I made your first business trip a good one. I'll see ya tmrw.

Me: Making me blush, again! You did, thank u. Good Night.