She shoots me athis better get good, fastlook.
"Because I don't want you to screw with your relationship to help with mine."
"Ollie respects my friendships with men. Besides, you're obviously into Imogen. You're welcome, by the way."
"I am?"
"Who sent her to you?"
That's true.
"I could see you two together," she says. "She's like you in certain ways. Withdrawn and serious, but with a lighter side too."
"That sounds more like Oliver."
"Oh no, we have the same type." She laughs. "Good thing we're both straight."
"Yes, that's the only thing stopping us from dating the same people."
"I know." She laughs and lets the mood shift back to lightness.
I go with it. I meet her for takeout and reality TV. We don't talk about much, really, but the next morning, the situation is clear: I want to see Imogen again, whatever that means.
Patrick: I like fun. How do you want to start?
* * *
A few hours later,my phone buzzes against my jeans. My fingers itch to read, but this time my temptation is physical.
Imogen.
I'm home, working on a mockup for a client. Plenty of time to talk. Or invite her here to not talk.
Imogen: Tea and cookies. What do you think?
Patrick: Romance a guy.
She sends a picture of her legs stretched over her dark-pink sheets. The color is perfect against her tan skin. Gorgeous and sexy and erotic as hell.
I'm already picturing her naked in those sheets.
And I'm picturing myself waking up next to her in those sheets. Luna was right. I like her. I really like her.
Patrick: Should I come over?
Imogen: I have homework.
Patrick: Should I stop distracting you then?
Imogen: I could use a break.
Patrick: But not that much of a break?
Imogen: That will put me out of commission for too long.
Patrick: I wore you out?
Imogen: Don't let it go to your head.