Beyond The Lie

Chapter 22: Just a touch

Eryx.

As I drove home, my mind was a jumble of thoughts. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something felt off. Adeline had left immediately after dinner, her silence speaking volumes. She hadn't uttered a proper goodbye, nor had she been talkative during the meal. It was a stark contrast to her warmth at Susan's.

I replayed our evening in my head. One moment, she was inquiring about my work; the next, her responses dwindled to nods and faint smiles. What had triggered this sudden change? Had I inadvertently upset her by not opening up about my work? No, that couldn't be it... or could it? Maybe it was something else entirely.

I sighed, the sound lost amidst the hum of the city night and the purr of my car's engine. The uncertainty lingered, refusing to dissipate.

My mind drifted to the tender moment, and my thoughts unraveled. Her skin, so soft and delicate. Holding her hand had felt strange at first, but then, unexpectedly wonderful. I hadn't wanted to let go, but reason prevailed – I couldn't cling to her forever, no matter how nice it felt.

But did she feel the same? Probably not. She thought it was all fake, a charade. And I couldn't afford to shatter that fragile trust. Breaking trust was my worst fear.

What had I done to jeopardize it? Nothing, really. We both knew the score. Still, my mind lingered on the what-ifs.

Then, memories of the boutique event came flooding back – her body against mine, the quiet night, her head on my chest, hand around me. The intimacy of that moment slammed into me like a tidal wave.

No, stop it, Eryx. Stop right now.

I couldn't resist hugging her back – half to comfort, half to savor her warmth. Her shampoo's fragrance enveloped me, her skin's heat seeping into mine.

Regret crept in.

I shouldn't have pulled away. I should have lingered.

"Dammit, Eryx," I muttered, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

If only she knew my true thoughts... No other girl would have agreed to this arrangement, or would have taken advantage of it. But Adeline... she was different. She'd been occupying my thoughts more than I cared to admit.

I forced myself to snap out of it.

Focus, Eryx. Know your limits. Remember the real deal. You're not a teenager; don't act like one.

I floored the accelerator, the speed blurring the city lights around me. I craved emptiness, a mind wiped clean of thoughts. No worries, no doubts, no Adeline.

Just blank.

The rush of adrenaline and roar of the engine might drown out my racing thoughts, offering a fleeting reprieve.

***

Adeline.

New morning, new mind. I headed to the office for some work. With collection planning and styling looming on Monday, my mind was a mess. But one thing always clears my head: fashion.

I hadn't been to my house in a while; it's been feeling empty. Maybe I'll visit tomorrow.

But then, my mind wandered. He still hadn't texted. No, don't go there.

Shut up. Not him.

A drink sounded perfect. I thought of calling Liv to join me, but then Eryx popped into my head. No, not Eryx. I didn't want to go there.

Maybe Liv alone would be better company. My mind trailed off, lost in thought.

Ugh, the silence was deafening. I didn't text him, and he didn't either. But why did it feel like I was waiting?