“He’s a self-help guru,” Aidan says. “He writes for a male audience, giving relationship advice.”
“So this whole time, everything you’ve done has been an item on a checklist? Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m not kidding,” he says. “It’s a valid technique.”
“Valid technique? For what? What is this, some sort of list of steps to get a woman in bed?”
“Not exactly. Sex is just one part of the overall process.” He shakes his head. “Honestly, I’m baffled. You fit all the criteria from his quiz. I followed the checklist to the letter, and it was working perfectly.”
No wonder everything has felt so forced and clinical. He wasn’t trying to establish a solid base to build a lasting relationship. He was following a fucking checklist.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was not working perfectly.” I grab my purse and head for the front door.
“Selene, wait.”
“No,” I say. “Some online quiz is not going to magically produce the woman of your dreams. You can take your self-help moron and creepy checklist, and find someone who will fall for that bullshit. I’m sure she’s out there, but she sure as hell isn’t me.”
He says something else, but I’m out the door too quickly. He better not follow me. A quiz? Is he fucking kidding? Unbelievable.
I hurry out to my car and drive away. I have to circle around the block to get on a street that will take me home, and just the sight of his building sends a chill down my spine. God, to think I was actually trying to talk myself into sleeping with that guy. Is this what happens when you try to date a nice man? You wind up with a guy who can’t think for himself?
I get home and pull into my garage, remembering my phone dinged with another text before I left Aidan’s. It’s from Ronan.
If your lack of sex tonight leaves you restless, call me. I’ll be happy to provide relief.
I roll my eyes. I’m sure he would. Our agreement stipulates we don’t sleep together.
His reply comes as I walk in the door. Consider it a freebie.
That’s very generous of you. /sarcasm
I’m a very generous man.
I set my phone down on the counter. I’d be lying to myself if I say I’m not tempted. But sleeping with Ronan would be an absolute disaster, no matter what he says about it being a “freebie.” There’s no such thing.
Good night, Ronan.
Good night, Selene. See you Monday.