I woke up, feeling incredibly rested. The bed felt like a cloud, or at least how I imagined a cloud to feel. I was stretching and enjoying the wonderful feeling when I realized I wasn't in my bed and everything from the night before came rushing back. I sat up so quickly I got a little dizzy but jumped out of bed to check my phone on the dresser. It was nearly eleven in the morning! Why hadn't Wade come to wake me? I didn't call into the office, I didn't have proper clothes to wear! Oh my God!

I paced around, trying to breathe, as I pulled up Carrie's office phone number and hit call. I waited as it rang and rang and rang. Her voicemail came on and I hung up. Next on the list was Grant; I was nervous as hell and hoping he'd take it easy on me. After a few rings, he finally answered.

"Good morning, Grant." I squeaked out.

"Well, good morning Quinn." He sounded surprised to hear from me.

"I want to apologize. I'm very sorry."

"For what? I spoke to Wade this morning, he explained everything. I didn't anticipate seeing you until later."

"He what?" I slowly eased down onto the bed, feeling the anxiety drain from my body.

"He called and said there was some damage to your apartment building, and you had to find a place to stay, something about it being super late when you got settled and then losing most of your belongings. I'm so sorry to hear all of that, is there anything I can do to help?" Grant was being incredibly kind and understanding. Something I wasn't used to. Most jobs would drop you without a second thought, even during a time like this. I couldn't believe Wade had called to cover for me like that, and he even made it sound a little less trashy than I felt like the situation was.

"Oh, um. No. Your understanding is more than enough. Thank you so much. I really am sorry."

"I accept your apology but it's really unnecessary, life happens and you need a minute to get everything straightened out. No worries, just come in when you can, and let us know if you need anything. I'll see ya later, Quinn."

I laid the phone down at my side, taking a moment to gather myself. I went into the restroom to straighten myself up before heading downstairs to locate Wade. My reflection in the mirror was a mess. My face was blotchy from crying, and dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep. I felt like such a mess. As I finished brushing my teeth, there was a peck at the bedroom door.

I pulled the door open to see a freshly showered Wade. His dark hair was still glistening wet. Of course, he smiled wide, looking dangerously handsome. He wore a black polo shirt and dark-wash jeans. He was barefoot as well. I'm sure he thought I was a creep as I looked him up and down.

"Good morning." He smiled again.

"Good morning. I'm sorry I slept so late. You should have woken me up." I chastised him.

"Nonsense! I slept in a little myself, and I knew you could use the rest. I hope I wasn't overstepping but I did call Grant to let him know you'd be late getting into the office today." He leaned against the door frame. The muscles in his arms squeezed the sleeves of his shirt.

"Yes, I spoke to Grant a few minutes ago. He was very kind and understanding. I just, feel like such a burden on everyone." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You are not a burden in the slightest. Stop with all that. Come downstairs when you're ready, I'll make some brunch." Before I could get a word out he turned and headed back down the stairs. I took a breath and then decided to shower and prepare for the day. I threw on a pair of jeans and an oversized sweater with my only other pair of shoes now, black flats.

I made my way down the stairs and entered the living room area that was open into the kitchen. Wade was standing at the stove, stirring something in a pan. He looked incredibly sexy standing there. The muscles in his back flexed as his arms moved. I finally shook myself out of my daze and cleared my throat to announce my presence.

"Hey. Have a seat. Would you like some juice or coffee?" He glanced over his shoulder before turning back to the food.

"Juice would be nice, but please let me get it myself. You're not serving me."

I stood just behind him, waiting for him to respond. Wade turned to me with a smile, then pointed to a cabinet. I opened up and got myself a glass then retrieved the juice from the refrigerator and poured my glass.

"While you're in there, there's a bowl of some fruit and some yogurt. Grab that if you don't mind." He smirked at me. I did as he asked and sat it out on the counter, as he plated up some scrambled eggs and toast.

"Thank you, Wade. For everything. This is so kind of you." I scooted onto one of the bar stools.

"Don't thank me until you've tried some of the eggs. Might change your mind." He laughed, sitting next to me as he slid the plates toward us both.

We sat in silence as I put a spoonful of fruit on my plate and took a yogurt for myself. Wade doing the same for himself. I was just about to speak when I heard a bang on the door and Wade quickly turned as Carrie came bursting in.

"Well, what do we have here?" She chirped with a smile.

I suddenly felt self-conscious about being here with him. It hadn't even crossed my mind that he had a girlfriend or fuck, even a wife. It should've made sense that Carrie was his partner, the way they greeted each other in the office and were so friendly. I felt so stupid.

"I'm so sorry. Did Grant speak to you?" I jumped up nervously, knocking my plate off the counter, and food spilled onto the floor. "Dammit," I grumbled, starting to clean up the mess. Wade jumped up to assist, handing me some paper towels.

"Yes, he did. That's why I'm here." She replied, standing near me. Of course, she was here because of that, she had to see what we were up to. I wouldn't have been happy with a woman staying over with my boyfriend, either. I scooped all the food onto the plate and then into the trash. Luckily the mess was minimal.

"Oh, okay. I'm so sorry, really I am." I stuttered out, unsure of what to say. "I should really be going, actually, I need to find a shop to replace some of my clothes. I promised Grant I would be in soon. Thank you, for everything Wade. I'll see you later, Carrie." I nodded to them and rushed up the steps before either could say a word. Once I entered the room, I leaned back against the door, taking a breath.

I fought back the tears, hearing his voice in my head again. No one will ever love you. You're pitiful. I was just a pity case to Wade, I thought maybe, well I don't know what I thought but I was wrong. You're worthless Margaret. You were born destructive, and that's all you'll ever be. It had been a while since I let the thoughts creep back in, no matter the time, they were still just as painful.

I gathered what few things I had and shoved them into the duffle bag. I cleaned up my shower mess and made the bed, trying to leave everything as I found it. I grabbed my phone to check my bank account. I saw that I had been credited half a month's rent to my account. I was shocked, I hadn't expected that. It was enough to perhaps get a motel room for a week or two. At least until I figured out where to stay or what to do.

"Quinn?" Wade spoke from the other side of the door, as he was lightly pecking on it. I sighed, I was too emotional right now and didn't want to embarrass myself any further. I pinched my eyes closed and took a deep breath before opening the door, this was his house after all.

"Hey. Just gathering up my things. I think you may still have my keys though." I plastered on a fake smile.

"Are you okay?" He stood in the doorway, hands shoved in his jeans pockets.

"Mmhm." I nodded.

"You seemed upset by Carrie. She's just here to...."

"I know, I understand." I interrupted. "I get it, I'd be a little unsettled if some woman spent the night in my boyfriend's house alone." I blurted.

"Boyfriend?" He chuckled. "I'm not Carrie's boyfriend." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not anyone's boyfriend, for that matter."

I felt my face flush with embarrassment. "Sorry. I...I...just assumed. I don't know why. God, I'm an idiot."

"I'm not exactly Carrie's type." He laughed, coming into the room. "She likes women. She's usually pretty open about it, so I'm surprised she hasn't told you yet. She's waiting downstairs. She came over to take you out shopping for office clothes."

"She's waiting for me?" I sat back on the bed, gathering my thoughts. "She came over to be nice, and I got all flustered. I'm sorry."