“Sort of,” she hedges. “The doctor just…presented a possibility that I wasn’t expecting. It was a surprise.”
“So, are you healthy?” I ask.
She snorts sardonically. I don’t understand the bitter twist of her lips as she answers.
“Completely,” she says. “Just a little nausea and some fever.”
I stare at her. None of this is making sense. If Amanda is completely healthy, then what’s been causing this odd behavior?
“Are you sure?” I press. “Because…”
“I’m fine!” Amanda snaps.
I rear back. Okay, something is definitely wrong. But it’s equally clear that Amanda does not want to talk about it, especially with me. I hope she’s at least talking to Marie or, god forbid, Alan about it all.
“Okay,” I say. I sit back and nod. “Alright, I understand. Look, Amanda, I think you’ve got some things to work through. Do you want me to go? I can definitely go; maybe it might help you.”
She stares at me.
“Why the fuck are you so perfect?” she whispers.
That shocks me into silence. She scoots closer and I catch a whiff of her floral perfume. Lavender, I can’t help but think. I’ve always loved that scent.
“It’s not fair,” she continues. “How the fuck am I supposed to make hard decisions when you’re making offers like that and reminding me why I like you so much in the first place?”
“I’m…sorry?” I try.
She’s closer now. It’s hard to think when I can see the way her lips are slightly open and the barest hint of the curves of her breasts through her shirt. I swallow, my Adam’s apple bobbing up and down my throat. Her eyes shoot down to watch it, and then her tongue flicks out to briefly lick her lips, wetting them so that they’re glistening.
The sight of it sends lust straight to my groin. I tense. Shit, this is so not the time.
“Um…well, if you don’t want me to leave, we can talk?” I suggest. I’m uncomfortable; my pants are quickly tightening and I really don’t want her to notice. It’s a completely inappropriate time to be so turned on. “I have some things we need to talk about…”
“Fuck that,” she says abruptly. “I want you to fuck me.”
She grabs the collar of my shirt, tugs me toward her and presses her lips against mine. I try to remember that it’s really important that I talk to her and tell her the truth. But the thought flees my mind.
It’s fine, I decide as heat rushes through me. I can tell her later.
Chapter Fourteen
Amanda
When Lyle suddenly appears in my apartment, I’m furious, both at him and at my mother for letting him in. How could she do this to me, after all her talk about me getting to choose what I want to do? Admittedly, it has been a few days since then, and she’s started dropping hints that I need to at least talk to Lyle before I make a decision.
I was getting there. At my own pace.
Though, apparently not fast enough for either her or Lyle.
“Lyle,” I say when I see him standing awkwardly next to my dining room table. “What are you doing here?”
“Your mom let me in,” he explains, shifting. “I wanted to see how you were.”
“Oh,” I say. Okay, I do not want to deal with this. Still, now that he’s here… “I’m okay. Sorry I haven’t messaged. I’ve had a few things on my mind.”
He shakes his head.
“It’s fine, you don’t need to explain yourself,” he says to me. “I know you’ve been unwell. I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”