Chp 8
Rose groaned and rolled over. Her head was pounding. She looked at the clock beside the bed. It was only 11 am. She went to the bathroom and grabbed the Tylenol on the way out. She stopped dead as she Howie laying on her couch. She walked over and looked at him sleeping. His eyes were closed, his long lashes laying softly on his cheeks. His lips were slightly parted, like he was waiting to be kissed. His shirt was completely unbuttoned and she could see the rise and fall of his breathing through the white undershirt he wore. Her eyes went down the length of him then focused back on his lips. She thought back to the night before when they had kissed under the mistletoe. Well, more like when she had kissed him. He hadn't even kissed back, but something had been triggered. Her head had spun, and she didn't give a crap about what she had told herself before. She tried to shake away the feelings, but she couldn't. The nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach stayed all night. She remembered drinking a lot to calm her nerves, but she didn't remember coming home. She turned back to him and fought the urge to kiss him awake. She clutched the Tylenol harder in her hand and went to the kitchen. She grabbed the instant coffee and made herself a cup of cappuccino. She sat down at the table with a bow of cheerios, her coffee, and her Tylenol. As she started to eat, the phone rang.
"Go away" she said grumpily. She let the phone ring 4 times until she went and picked up.
"Yeah"
"Well, you sound like shit" Rose groaned at Rockos voice.
"I have a fucking hangover."
"I guess that's why you're late to work..."
"Oh, shit..." She sneered into the phone. "I was supposed to work?"
"Yes.." Rocko said calmly. "But, I think I can get someone to cover."
"Could you really?"
"Yes, but its only because I love you so. And you owe me big time."
"Thanks Rocko. I'll see you later."
"Bye. Get some rest."
She hung up the phone and looked at Howie, who had changed positions on the couch. She turned back to her cereal, but turned on the radio as she went. She didn't even look up as he came in the kitchen and sat beside her.
"What happened to you? You look normal." Was the first thing out of his mouth. She smirked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"Your hair isn't an odd color." He pulled a strand.
"Oh" she patted her hair "Guess me hairspray came out."
"I guess. You're a blond?"
"Not naturally. Why, do you like blondes?"
"No, it isn't you" he responded matter-of-factly. Rose looked at him and smiled.
"I can't possibly look normal. I'm eating breakfast in an evening gown."
"Well, we make a weird pair, because I'm sure Giorgio Armani didn't intend his suits as sleep wear."
"You look really cute when you're asleep"
Howie laughed. "I'm cute mow?"
"Yeah."
Howie narrowed his eyes and sat back comfortably. "Do you remember any of last night?"
"Sure, I just don't remember coming home."
"Ah, I figured. So, you have no recollection of what happened in your bedroom."
Rose noticed the gleam in his eyes and instinctively moved back from him. She looked at her dress, fully on her. She hadn't done anything too serious.
"I don't even remember getting into your car." She replied. He moved closer to her.
"Well, first, I helped you to your room. I took off your shoes for you" he said softly. Rose looked at her feet. That explained that. She got out of her chair and stood because he was creeping closer to her. He followed her up.
"Then, I tucked the covers around you and I was ready to leave" he cornered her by her refrigerator and put his arms up to block her in. "But, you asked me a question. I knew you wouldn't remember, so I figured we should do a retake."
"Well, um, what did I ask you?" she could barely choke out the words for her heart pounding in her throat.
"You asked me for a goodnight kiss" As soon as the words were out, his lips were on hers. All of the blood drained from her brain as his lips assaulted hers fiercely. Her body responded and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She went with him as he started to pull away. As their lips separated, she leaned back on the fridge. She couldn't think, only feel. She opened her eyes to see Howie looking at her, his eyes dark.
"Whoa" she finally breathed.
"That's exactly what you did to me last night, then fell asleep" Howie said. She couldn't tell if he was angry with her or if the kiss had shaken him too. She hoped it was the last choice and laughed.
"I'm sorry. I kind of wish I had been there to remember it."
"Well, I have to say it was better this time."
"Maybe we should try again" she smiled as she pulled him to her again. They were interrupted with a knock at her door.
"For gods sake" she said putting her arms down disgusted. "Whoever the hell it is, it better be damn important" she fumed, stalking to the door. She flung it open to find Rachel with a very amused look on her face. Rose could feel her face redden.
"What did I interrupt?" Rachel asked. She entered the apartment and closed the door. "What did I take you away from? Is there a guy here?" She questioned. She looked into the kitchen and saw Howie standing there and her expression changed into a smirk. "Well, the plot thickens. Hey Howie. Why is Rose blushing?"
"Um, I was just leaving." He replied quickly. He grabbed a jacket and Rose followed him to the door.
"I'll call you later" he said softly. Rose nodded and kind of half waved as he descended the stairs. Rose shut the door and turned to Rachel.
"So, what is going on?" Rachel asked, sitting on the couch.
"I don't know what you mean" Rose said nonchalantly. Then she laughed and jumped on the couch.
"God, he's amazing. I mean, just...He's beautiful and talented and he likes me." Rose couldn't help her babbling. Rachel hugged her.
"I think someone's in love" she sing songed.
"I wouldn't go that far"
Rachel just sighed at her friends nearsightedness on the whole thing. It was obvious to her that Rose loved him, and she knew he was crazy about her. She just wondered how long it would take the 2 of them to admit it.
"Did you forget we're going to get your dress today?"
"Damn, I did. Can I change?"
"Go ahead."
Rose ran and changed. She sent the day with Rachel, talking about the wedding that was planned for May. By the days end, Rose had her bridesmaid dress and they had discussed almost every aspect of the wedding. Rose was exhausted and achy and still had a headache when she returned home. She listened to her messages and after hearing Howie's, she figured it wasn't too late to call him back. She dialed the number and situated herself on her bed.
"Hello?" he answered after the second ring.
"Hey, its me"
"Hey. Where did you guys go?"
"To get my dress for the wedding."
"Did you find one?"
"Yes, and its not too ugly."
He laughed. "Well, I needed to talk to you about something."
"Ok." She said unsure of what was coming.
"Well, how would you feel if I managed you?"
"You? Be my manager?"
"Well, yeah, I know everything."
"If that's what will be best."
"I think so"
"Ok, that's great" There was a comfortable pause in conversation.
"I talked to Nick and he's invited us to a New Years Eve party at his place."
"Great. He's a cool guy."
"He is. I'm glad we're back in touch." He paused. "Anyway, I wrote a new song and I think you should lay it down soon."
"Ok, I work at Rockos tomorrow until 3"
"Great, I'll pick you up there."
"All right"
"See you tomorrow then."
"Bye" Rose hung up, wondering why they hadn't talked about that morning. Were they just going to dismiss it, forget about it? She doubted it would be that easy.
Chp 9
Chp 7
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