Silent No More

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

I

 wake feeling warm, comfortable, and well rested. Slowly, I sit up in my bed, but quickly realize this is not the bed in my apartment. Everything from the day before comes rushing back to me. Images of Luke and Ally in my living room flood my mind. I remember coming to The Cove last night, but I've stayed here a few nights in the past so I know this bed is plusher and has nicer linen. This isn't the bed in my room, unless I was upgraded and don't remember. I'm a little worried.

As I look around the large room, for the first time in my life, I don't know where I am. Light through the sheer white curtains filters into the room, but no one is beside me in the bed . . . or in this room. I pull the covers off and scoot to the edge of the mattress. My eyes widen as I look down. Panic flutters and threatens to rise in my chest.

"What have I done?" I question out loud as I take in the sight of myself. I'm wearing my white panties and matching bra, along with a huge white T-shirt that I know is much too big to belong to me. Plus, I didn't bring any of my clothes, so where the hell did it come from?

Oh no. No no nooooo! The words are echoing inside of my head.

I spot the clothes I was wearing yesterday sitting on a chair in the corner neatly folded. My cream pumps are lying next to the chair on the floor. I can't help but sigh in relief.

Getting out of bed, I quickly change into my white button-up shirt, gray pencil skirt and pumps. I leave the T-shirt on the chair where my clothes had been.

I walk to the door, putting my ear against the wood, listening for any sounds in the next room. All is quiet. I take a second trying to recall last night, but the last thing I remember is my conversation with the jerk at the bar. I remember nothing else. I say a silent prayer to God not to let me open this door and see him—then again, maybe I do want it to be him. What's worse? The guy I remember from last night or another man I do not?

Shit!

I can't believe I let this happen. This is so not me.

I ease the door open and walk out. Sitting at a desk next to one of the windows is the asshole himself. I'm overcome with relief for some strange reason. That's a weird feeling and one I don't think I should have at this moment. He looks up and our eyes lock. He still has the most amazing eyes I have ever seen. They are very intense. That part I definitely remember. He smiles at me, showing no teeth, but it's definitely a warm smile.

"Good morning," he greets me as he closes the lid on his MacBook. Shutting the door behind me, I continue looking at him, wondering how I ended up here. I try to rationalize everything in my head, but I was in his bed after all. I always think the worst of every situation I'm in. At least I was wearing my underwear. Surely, that's a good sign?

Keep telling yourself that, Shannon.