I hold back an annoyed groan. Of course, he’s going to pretend we’re pals and that we’ve never shared a moment of strife. Anything to get laid, right? The fact that he called me probably means all his other options turned him down. No surprise there.
Kami’s words last weekend echo through my head.Friendship, understanding, comfort, and acceptance? Girl, that’s what the other people in your life are for. Your family and friends, your coworkers…and even that hot-as-hell boss of yours all care more about you than any guy you fuck. Don’t think of it as turning off your emotions but fulfilling your base needs. That way, you’ll never be disappointed.
Maybe that’s the real reason to continue my agreement with Jonathan. Could marriage these days be the exception and not the rule? Do I even need a relationship to be happy? If I can find emotional gratification from the people I actually love—who love me back—why should I regret a healthy sex life?
Maybe it’s time I grew out of fairy tales and accepted what relationships these days really are.
If I don’t, I’ll never know screaming O’s. More importantly, I’ll be stuck in this place in life forever, wanting something that doesn’t exist.
On the other hand, I have standards, and the asshole on the other end of the line is beneath mine. I don’t have to let just any guy touch me, especially not one who disrespects me and can’t be bothered to remember my name.
“Chris, I want you to listen closely.” There are many things I’d like to say, but I’d rather end the call and be done with him. He isn’t worth my time. “Don’t call me again.”
I hang up the phone with a smile. Damn, that felt good.
Tuesday, May 10
Jonathan
“The destination is on your left,” the GPS on my car indicates as I drive up to an unfamiliar Mexican restaurant. The parking lot is crowded with people and cars.
A few hours prior, Kiera had emailed, saying she’d like to talk over lunch. On one hand, her response has me hoping she took my advice. On the other, I worry I pushed her into calling off our agreement. If she changes her mind, life would return to normal…but I’d always wonder what could’ve been. If she says yes…
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. One step at a time. She has to tell me what’s on her mind.
I walk into the small, crowded restaurant, scanning the room for my beautiful brunette.
She’s not yours, dipshit.
It’s possible she will be for six weeks. That will be more than enough.
“Jonathan.”
At the sound of Kiera’s familiar, feminine voice calling me, I turn to the corner of the restaurant and make my way past the tables and booths to her.
Today, she styled her hair into a large, loose braid that hangs over one slender shoulder. Small strands have broken free to caress the side of her face, making my fingers itch to brush them away. Her luscious pink lips are curled into a smile. Compared to other women in the room, she glows. What wouldn’t I give to grab her face in my hands and claim her sexy mouth or tug her elegant braid free while sliding balls deep inside her.
God, the selfish bastard in me hopes she says yes.
I sit across from her at a table for two.
“Thanks for meeting me. I thought talking here would be more private,” she murmurs.
“Good idea.”
Kiera pops a chip covered in salsa into her mouth. Her eyes close as she softly moans. My dick hardens. She looks gorgeous. What would it be like to wake up in the morning and her face is the first thing I see?
It’s never going to happen.
If she says yes, it might—at least once. Maybe that will be enough.
“Do you always moan when you eat?” I ask.
Her eyes flare wide, and her face turns red. “I’m sorry. I just love their chips and salsa.”
“Clearly.” I find it kind of adorable. “I take it you like Mexican food?”
She nods. “We’ve had a lifelong love affair.”