Chapter One Hundred and Three

Chapter One Hundred and Three
Alana

It’s close to one in the morning when I arrive home. I’m utterly exhausted and ready to sleep, but I need to stay awake a little longer because Ezra will be calling soon. I want to talk to him before I go to sleep. Time difference sucks!

I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and head straight to my bedroom. I kick my shoes off to take some of the pressure off my aching feet. It has been a hectic day, and I feel it in every inch of my body. I need a massage or something. 

I strip down and replace my work clothes with shorts and one of Ezra’s tees I stole from him when he was here the last time. I climb into bed, but put the TV on, and keep the light on to stop me from falling asleep. I sit up and rest against the headboard. 

I make sure to have my cell within reach while I wait patiently for Ezra. It feels like forever has passed when, in reality, it was only seconds later. I quickly answer and smile the instant I see his handsome face on my screen. He seems to still be at work. 

“Hello, bright eyes,” he greets me with a massive smile. 

“Hello, my love,” I coo. 

“You look tired, sweetheart. Are you okay?” 

“Yes, it's been a long day working two jobs. I have tomorrow to recover, though, since I am off. How is your day going?” I ask. 

Ezra sighs, and I know what is coming before he even says a word. “I wish you would slow down, angel, and let me help take care of you. You do not need to work as many hours as you do. I promised to look after you, and when I said it, I meant financially too.” 

We have had this conversation multiple times, and each time, nothing has changed. “And I told you I don’t want that, Ezra. I am fine with the hours I work. I like making money and working hard to get what I need,” I insist. 

He goes to say something, but I give him a firm look, and he changes his mind. It is sweet how he wants to take care of me, but I don’t want him to. In every other way, yes, but financially, no. 

“Okay. I won’t bring it up again,” he says softly. 

“Thank you.” 

I ask him about his day, preparing myself to tell him about mine. I don’t know how he will react when he knows I had lunch with Grant.

Ezra crosses his arms over his chest and raises his brow at me. “What about you? Did you at least take some breaks today?”  

“Yes. I took breaks. I had lunch with Grant,” I blurt out. I wasn’t going to lie to him about it. I have nothing to hide. His face drops, and I see his body tense. I was expecting this kind of reaction. 

“What? Why? What the fuck did he want?” he snarls. 

I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes. “Ezra, calm down. It was lunch between two friends. He wanted to apologize for what happened and asked if we could be friends again. There was nothing more to it.” 

“Are you sure that is why he is hanging around? Did he try to hit on you?” he hisses. 

“Yes. He wants to be friends, Ezra. He knows you and me are together. There is no need for your anger, okay?” I say softly. 

Ezra closes his eyes and draws in a breath. He is calming himself. I give him a moment to pull himself together. When he opens his eyes, he seems to have relaxed. 

“Okay, sorry for my overreaction. But, Alana, I need you to promise me, if he tries anything, you will tell me straight away,” Ezra says with a firmness in his voice that I find sexy. 

“I promise. He probably won’t because I have made it clear I am not interested, and I only want you.” 

He still seems unhappy about it, but he lets the subject drop. It isn’t like I will be spending all of my time with Grant. I will see him at work and maybe hang out on the odd occasion, but nothing more. 

“What are your plans for your day off?” Ezra asks. 

“Not much. Catch up with some housework and relax. Nothing exciting.” I shrug. 

I don’t think I will have the energy to do much else. Between the long flight back from LA and the emotional rollercoaster I have been through since leaving LA and work, I am physically and mentally exhausted. I need a day with some self-care. 

I am only on the call for ten minutes before I start to drift off and force myself to stay awake. 

“Bright eyes, it is time for you to sleep. We can talk tomorrow.” 

“No, I’m okay. We can talk a little longer,” I protest. 

Ezra chuckles. “No, we can’t. You can barely keep your eyes open.” 

I argue with him for about two minutes before I finally give in. “Fine. I will sleep. I love you, Ezra.” 

“I love you too, beautiful. Sweet dreams. Take it easy tomorrow and text me when you wake.” He smiles. 

“I will try to take it easy. Goodnight, my love,” I reply tiredly and blow him a kiss. 

He blows me one back before we hang up. Now, I need to sleep before I end up passing out from exhaustion. That is probably a little dramatic, but it is how I feel right now.