Devoted - The Complete Series: A BWWM Romance Boxset by Sadie Black Page B

wouldn’t even bother me. Normally I would be just as eager to get out the door as he is to watch me go, but after the way we danced and talked, hell even after the way we just fucked, I just thought he was different.
     
    “That’s fine.” I sit up and slip off the edge of the bed so he can’t see my face. I don’t want him to see how hurt I am. I was a fool to think this was anything more than this. There are two types of women in this world, and I’ve never been brought home to meet anyone’s Mama. I don’t know why I thought that was suddenly going to change. I quickly walk out the bedroom door to grab my dress. This time, it’s Bradley following me into the kitchen hot on my heels.
     
    “Hey, are you upset? It’s not that I want to kick you out or anything, I just have an early flight and…”
     
    “Why would I be upset?” I force a smile and hope I’m being convincing. “I had a great time; it was really nice to see you again.”
     
    I pull my dress on and step into my heels. “Would you mind zipping me?” I turn my back to him and stare at the floor. Shut it down, Brianna . He tugs up my zipper, much less suavely then he pulled it down. By the time he manages to get my gown done back up, I’ve gotten my emotions under control.
     
    “Well, I hope that we can meet up again after I return from my trip. I’ll only be gone for a couple weeks.” He leans in to kiss me, but I just give him a quick peck and sidestep out of the way.
     
    “That sounds great. I look forward to it.” I push the fake smile further across my face. I won’t hold my breath.
     
    “Ok, well, let me call you a car.” He picks up his cellphone.
     
    “You know, I think I’ll go wait for it in the lobby. I could really use a cigarette anyway.” I grab my clutch and smooth my hands over my hair and then my dress hoping I don’t look like too much of a hot mess.
     
    “Then, just wait a sec. I’ll join you. I just need to put on some clothes.” Bradley nods down at his completely naked, completely sexy frame. I only allow myself a glimpse, I don’t want to be pulled in again.
     
    “No, seriously, it’s fine. Please, just call me the car and I’ll go wait. I’m sure I’ll hear from you when you get back.” Try as I might, I couldn’t make that last part sound genuine.
     
    Bradley doesn’t argue. I didn’t expect him to. As I said, I know this song and dance well. Now it’s time for my exit.
     
    “Ok, well, I have your number.”
     
    “Yep.” I lean in and give him a brusque kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you around.”
     
    Before he can suck me in or drag this out any longer, I head to the door. When I look back, he’s watching me leave with his mouth twisted into a little bow. He looks upset, but I don’t have time to get invested in what he’s feeling right now, not when I’m all over the place like this. It’s just best for me to go home.
     
    When I walk out the condo, I take a deep breath and push it all down. Too much wine and too much dancing, it’s a dangerous combination. But I know in my heart that it’s more than that. I know that I let him get to me.
     

 
    Chapter Ten:
    Bradley
     
    “Braddy! Braddy! Looka meee,” Brooklyn squeals with delight as she squirms down the hip-height slide. At two-years-old she hasn’t quite mastered the “L” sound in my name, instead calling me ‘Braddy’. It’s cute as hell, except when Eileen has her moments and tries to correct Brooklyn into saying “Daddy” instead.
     
    “Great job, honey,” I cheer her on and am instantly rewarded with her toothy smile.
     
    “I did it!” She claps her tiny hands together in delight. “Just like a big girl.”
     
    “You sure did, kiddo.”
     
    “No, Braddy. I’m not a kiddo. I’m a Brooklyn.”
     
    “Yes, you are,” I try to keep a straight face at her indignant tone. “You did a great job, Brooklyn.” Satisfied with my correction, she runs surprisingly fast on her short legs back up