But is Logan serious? What if he just wants a sex object to satisfy his physical needs while he’s in New Jersey? After all, I’m the girl next door whom he caught in a compromising position. Not only that, but I’m decades younger than the older man, and maybe he doesn’t see me as a serious companion. I look nothing like the girls I saw in those paparazzi shots, after all.
But then I berate myself. Who cares? I’m a woman who needs it dirty, and this man more than delivered. Even if Logan does just want to use me as a sex toy, the truth is I’m okay with it. The trick is not getting attached to the handsome man, and definitely making sure that I don’t fall in love. Easy-peasy. No problem. I can do it. Right?
7
Emory
This cocktail dress cost me way too much in dog walking hours, but gazing at myself in the mirror, I know it’s a good choice. After all, I’m seeing Logan tonight and my heart’s thrumming with excitement. Ever since the doggie door incident three weeks ago, we’ve been seeing each other on the sly. I sneak over to his place at random hours and then we talk, eat, and of course, make heart-stopping love. It’s filthy, don’t get me wrong because that’s how I like my sex, but the handsome restaurateur more than provides.
But now, we’re going on a date date, which has my heart racing. After all, so far we’ve just been hanging out at his house, ordering in pizza or snacking on whatever he’s got in the fridge while streaming the latest flicks. But tonight, we’re going out for the first time, and not just anywhere. He’s taking me to his restaurant in the city and I’ve wanted to eat there since forever. Going with Logan makes it a million times more special too, since Eat & Co. is his baby. As a result, I’ve gone to special lengths to get ready.
I scrutinize myself in the mirror again before smiling and shimmying my hips with anticipation. The dress is black and fitted, with a sweetheart neckline and a hem that stops about three inches above my knees. It hugs my curves perfectly without making them look obscene, and with my matching black stilettos, my posture is thrust out and forwards. Logan’s going to love it because my man adores my curves.
With another giggle, I smooth my curls and then grab a matching black bag before heading downstairs. Mom and Dad are sitting on the couch in the family room watching re-runs of Frasier when I stroll by, and I pause, smiling. They look so content with their hands laced together on top of a hand-knitted blanket my mom made, and they look utterly comfortable with one another. Of course, I haven’t told them about Logan because they’d be scandalized, no doubt.
But I wave to Esther and Harry from the hallway when I pass.
“Hey Mom and Dad! I’m heading out to meet Janie at the club. I’ll probably stay with her tonight, so don’t wait up.”
My mom frowns a bit.
“But honey, won’t you be cold in that?” she asks, looking at my dress. “You look beautiful, Em, but I’d feel better if you grabbed a jacket.”
I flush because of course, the whole club thing is a lie. I’m just going over to Logan’s house and then we’re getting into a car to head into the city. But my parents don’t know, so I smile and nod.
“Good point,” I say before reaching into the hall closet to snag a shawl. “I’ll wear this. It’s fine.”
“Okay,” Esther nods with approval. “You look beautiful, honey.”
“Be safe,” my dad calls without looking away from their show. “Don’t talk to strange men.”
I titter.
“I won’t. Good night. Love you guys.”
“We love you too,” Esther and Harry say in sync, already turning back to Frasier.
I head out, stepping into the dusky evening before taking a deep breath of clean, New Jersey air. A small part of me feels bad for using my buddy Janie as my alibi, but my parents have known her forever, so I know they won’t question me being out all night. I sigh a bit. Even at twenty-six, Harry and Esther can be protective, but it’s just because they love me. Plus, I’m living under their roof, so we’ve reverted a bit to my childhood days.
But now, on to the rest of the night. I feel almost giddy, practically skipping down the stone pavement of my parents’ home. Normally I would just walk to Logan’s house per usual, but Janie doesn’t live so close, so I need to take my car. I climb into the Jetta and then pull out before cruising literally just down the street and pulling into Logan’s huge, circular drive.
The handsome man meets me outside and opens my car door with a flourish.