(Complete but Publishing Chapters In Progress) Rebound, Boundless Series, Book 1

Twenty One

Matt's flight wasn't until the evening. I'd kept my shift at the inn so I wouldn't be able to see him off. This felt like a long goodbye. Despite his offer for me to stay at his luxurious apartment, I'd realized I couldn't be there without him. I needed to break out of the bubble, which had kept me in the clouds, and return to reality. I had my own place with my things. I'd neglected my studio apartment since Sunday morning. I felt as if I were taking advantage of his generosity and, quite frankly, his wealth.

We'd never discussed money, other than him telling me he was willing to share his with me while we were together, but I knew he was wealthy. At work, I did an internet search to estimate how much he had paid for his apartment. He had closed on it for over two million dollars. I was terrified of doing any more name searches for fear I was way over my head with this sexual situationship.

He drove a six-figure SUV, which was one of three luxury cars, he revealed. He'd divulged owning other homes: one north of Massachusetts, a house on the Cape, and another in Southern Maine with his sister and her family, which they'd bought from their parents, who resided in the house during the summer.

When I'd asked which hotel he'd be staying at in Madrid, he informed me he was staying at his own place, which he'd purchased five years ago. My own economic self-esteem shrank with each of his possessions tallied on an imaginary scoreboard. I estimated the value, not just at purchase, but taxes and upkeep, and it was a shitload of money.

The businesswoman in me applauded how he managed his wealth and made wise investments. Yet, I shuddered to think what his investment portfolio would be.

Despite his affluence, he never made me feel beneath his status. But I couldn't allow myself to get accustomed to his lifestyle. While he accepted me and my lower income and multiple jobs, we hadn't yet arrived at a place to meet each other's families. At least, he never offered to introduce me to his parents, his sister and her family, or his friends, who I gathered from our discussions were all wealthy too.

If they wouldn't approve of me, then I figured he would follow the consensus and end our relationship. I consistently shook off looming feelings of inferiority, reminding myself to enjoy ourselves while we lasted.

Matt may have been a rebound, but I was determined to make it the best and most satisfying rebound ever.

I made coffee while heating nut milk. I didn't have much of an appetite. The nervous flutters in my belly caused fluctuating waves of nausea. When I finished stirring in the sugar, I took a much-needed sip.

I jumped with fright when I heard his voice. "Any for me?" He walked up and stood close behind me.

"Hi." I turned to face him. "I didn't want to wake you." I kissed his lips.

"I see you packed." He nodded to my weekender bag sitting by the door. "I wish you'd reconsider and stay here."

"We've been through this." I sighed. "I figure for the rent I'm paying that I should, at least, spend a few nights a week there."

"You could also move in here with me," he said cavalierly. My insides roiled, and panic arose.

I looked at him, dumbstruck. "I know you feel comfortable saying these things, but you really shouldn't. I'll pretend it was never said." He held me closer when I tried to pull away from his grip.