“She really-”
“Actually Morgan, if you don't mind I'm asking Ronnie.”
My eyes grew wide, as I gauged Morgan's reaction. She didn't know the real reason that I wanted to leave. In her eyes she was just trying to defend my decision. But the way that Owen subtly put her in her place threw me off guard. It must have done the same to her, because she sat there, mouth agape, with nothing to say.
“I think I'd like that.” I said, and without another word Owen led me through the building, and out the front door.
“I'm sorry.” I said, as the two of us walked around to the side of the building.
“For what?”
“This can't have been a very good first date.”
“I've enjoyed myself. Haven't you?”
I laughed. “I guess I have.”
“You guess? That means I'll just have to work harder next time.”
“Next time?”
He turned to face me then, stopping me in my tracks. Looking down at me he smiled, and placed his finger under my chin so that he had my undivided attention.
“Why do you let her do that?” He asked softly.
“I don't know what you-”
He slowly leaned down so that his lips were hovering just above mine.
“The world needs more women like you.” He whispered.
“Why?” I whispered back, letting my gaze fall to his lips.
“There are millions of Morgan's in this world, but only a handful of unicorns.”
Without realizing I was doing so, I tilted my chin up giving him better access to my lips.
“Do you want me to kiss you?” He smirked.
I nodded slightly, and he smiled down at me.
“Not yet, my little Unicorn.” He whispered, before placing a soft kiss on my cheek.
I closed my eyes as he pulled away, and I was instantly struck with every single insecurity that I'd ever dealt with. I wasn't pretty, or tall enough. My hair wasn't long enough. I was never enough. A tear slid down my face then. Why wasn't I ever enough? I wasn't enough for Derek, and now Owen didn't even want to kiss me. If I was such a 'unicorn' then why didn't he want me?
“Hey, don't cry.” He said, wiping my tear away.
“I should go.” I said, turning on my heel.
He caught me by the hand, and spun me around to face him. My breath caught in my throat, when he pulled me flush against him, and into his arms.
“You aren't ready.” He said softly, as he placed his hands on either side of my face. “You're still hurting, and that's OK. When we kiss... I want to be the only man you're thinking about.”
“Ronnie!” Morgan called from somewhere behind me. “The driver's here!”
“I uh- I have to go.”
“Text me when you get back to your hotel.”
I nodded, and he brushed his thumbs over my cheeks.
“Goodnight, my little Unicorn.”
SEVEN
WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK at our hotel a short time later, it was no surprise that Morgan invited Alex to come along with us. We slipped into our respective rooms, and while she got busy with her special guest I sent Owen a quick text. I honestly had no idea why I was texting him. I had a good time with him, and I definitely felt a connection, but he was right. I wasn't ready for any of this. My break up with Derek was still too fresh in my mind, and I wasn't interested in a rebound. Especially with someone like Owen.
If my head was in the right place, he would be the perfect man. Not just because he was easy on the eyes, but because we had so much in common. I felt comfortable around him, and he didn't push me. When he mentioned that he was heading to New York as well, I wondered if fate had sent him to me. What were the odds?
I changed out of my dress, and put it into a plastic bag to be washed. After finding my favorite fuzzy pajama pants, I put them on before sliding my feet into my pink bunny slippers. I washed the makeup from my face, brushed my teeth, and then crawled into the big empty bed. I could hear laughter coming from Morgan's room, and I placed a pillow over my face trying to drown out the sound.
My phone pinged then, and I tossed the pillow aside to check it. I was hoping to hear from Owen, but was quickly disappointed when I saw Derek's name flashing across the screen. I sighed, before opening the message, and reading it to myself.
D: How was your day? I miss you baby girl.
I knew that I shouldn't respond. I didn't even want to really, but I was lonely. Sometimes loneliness causes you to do desperate things. He was the only man to make me feel something, and after being rejected by Owen tonight... I guess I just wanted some attention.
R: I went to a record store.
D: Did you buy anything?
R: No, but I'm going back tomorrow.
D: Can I call you?
R: I don't think that's a good idea.
D: I want to fix this. Us.
R: You can't always fix what's broken.
D: I don't believe that.
R: Did you ever love me?
I waited for what felt like an eternity for a reply. I don't know why I even asked him such a question. After thinking that Morgan had given him to me.. allowed me to be with him, I couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to it. Would he admit it if there was?
D: Of course I did. I still do.
As a tear slid down my face, I turned my phone off. There was a reason that I changed my number. I shouldn't have reached out to him. I should have left well enough alone. If I had, maybe Owen would be here with me right now. Not that I wanted to sleep with him tonight, I just wanted some company. Someone to talk to about things other than fashion, and business plans.
I sighed as I plugged my phone into the charger, and pulled
