“My place?” I ask, because surely I heard her wrong. I mean…yes, we’re headed toward a bed sooner or later, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.
“For a drink,” she says with a meaningful look. “Let’s start with a drink and see what happens. Maybe it will be just a drink. Maybe it will be something more. Didn’t we agree to play this casual and we could make what we want of it?”
“We did,” I agree, then level her with an apologetic grin. “But all I have is beer at my place.”
“Good thing I like having a pint now and again,” she replies with a laugh.
“To my place then,” I reply, putting the car in reverse and trying to ignore the hammering of my heart.
CHAPTER 9
Emory
Jett’s car is really nice, and I have no clue what it is. Never much paid attention to those things, but I also know he makes millions and can afford whatever he wants. And in the weeks I’ve known him—since that first day he hit on me and I coldly turned him down—I’ve never had the need or opportunity to even consider his wealth.
But now we’re in what’s a very expensive vehicle, heading to his downtown condo, which I’m betting is posh and only for the elite of Phoenix, and wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.
Sex, Emory.
That’s what you’re getting yourself into.
A tiny giggle escapes me, because I’m nervous and this is so awkward.
“What’s so funny?” Jett asks, his tone curious and filled with good nature as he glances at me.
I snicker, softly at first, then snort as I turn my head his way. He frowns, probably wondering if I’ve managed to go crazy in the two minutes since we’ve gotten in his car.
“Emory?” he asks hesitantly, before putting his eyes back on the road.
I fumble at the opening of my purse sitting on my lap and reach in, pulling out a small box of condoms. I hold them up for him to see. His eyes come back my way, see the box, and then his eyebrows climb right up his forehead.
A second passes, then two, before he says, “You certainly are prepared.”
I laugh again, shoving the condoms back down into my purse. I clamp down tight, forcing myself to stop this unholy chortling sound, then end up coughing.
“I’m sorry,” I finally say, shaking my head. Another snort, and I clap my hand over my mouth.
I risk a glance at Jett and his eyes are crinkled in amusement, perfectly full lips quirked. “Nervous, huh?”
“Oh, am I ever,” I drawl as I remove my hand from my mouth. Then I ramble. “I mean… lost my virginity my senior year in high school. That was an event I hardly even remember because it was that unremarkable. Then there was the proverbial partying and a few one-night stands in college, and then… well, I met Felicity’s dad and that’s all there was. Just him.”
I sneak another peek at him, and while he’s looking back at the road, I can see understanding in his expression. “I’m guessing it’s been a while for you, huh?”
Nodding, I admit, “A long time. A long, long time.”
“Well, you’re not getting graded on this assignment,” he assures me. “And we don’t have to do anything but have a drink.”
A sigh escapes me, my body’s way of saying just calm down. “I know. But…”
The silence is heavy as I go super shy all of a sudden.
“But what?” Jett prompts.
“It’s just… it’s hard to explain. Being a parent—especially a mom, no offense to dads—especially a single parent, you put yourself last. Everything else is put ahead of your own wants and needs. So, I’m rationalizing that I’m finally taking something for myself, and that’s good. I deserve it. But at the same time, the thing I’ve chosen to take—”
“Which would be me?” he interrupts with a grin.
I nod with another giggle. “That would be you, and a casual type of fling… well, it’s just awkward. I’ve chosen to do something totally out of my comfort zone and I’m out of practice and what if I’m awful—”
Jett takes my hand and squeezes it, the move so sudden my words cut off. “You can’t be out of practice,” he assures me. “It’s like riding a bike. And if you are out of practice, I’ll give you plenty of opportunities to practice. It won’t be a hardship on me.”
The snort comes again, and it sounds awful, but I also feel the tension seep out of my body along with it.
“It will be fine,” he says, giving my hand a squeeze before releasing it. He does this as he slows down and turns on his signal to pull into a parking garage beneath a building that can’t be more than ten stories tall. I assume it’s his condo building, as evidenced by the numerous outdoor balconies I see studded up the side of it.