Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“You alive?” I say the minute I answer. “I’ve been texting you.”
“Yeah, I’m alive,” Sloane’s voice comes through, sounding a bit groggy. “Sorry, I crashed hard last night. Didn’t even hear my phone.”
“Hot night?”
“Jesus no,” she groans. “When you went off with sexy masked man, I was left with this guy who kept trying to impress me with his crypto portfolio. I swear, if I hear the word ‘blockchain’ one more time, I’m going to scream.”
I laugh, picturing Sloane’s exasperated face. “Oh no, that sounds awful.”
“It was. I ended up faking a phone call and bolting. How about you? Did Mr. Mysterious live up to expectations?”
My cheeks flush hot as the memories flood back. “He, um . . . he certainly did.”
“Ooh, spill the tea, girl! I want all the juicy details.”
“Let’s just say it was intense. Very intense. And very public.”
Sloane gasps. “You didn’t! You fucked right there at the club?”
“Not quite, but . . . close enough. God, Sloane, I don’t know what came over me. I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“Hey, no judgment here.”
“I know, I just . . . I feel so conflicted. It was amazing in the moment, but now I’m questioning everything.”
“That’s totally normal,” Sloane reassures me. “First time experiences like that can be overwhelming. But hey, you’re a consenting adult. As long as you felt safe and respected, there’s nothing wrong with exploring your desires.”
“I guess,” I say, still uncertain. “It’s just . . . there’s more to it.”
“More? What do you mean?”
“The fireman,” I remind. “I actually called out Jack’s name as I was getting ready to come.”
She gasps. “You. Did. Not.”
“I covered fast. Or at least I think I did, but yeah. The first name that came to mind was Jack’s. And then afterward, when the night was over, I went to Jack’s apartment.”
“You fucked the fireman!”
“No. But I wanted to. He wasn’t home.”
I can hear Sloane’s sharp intake of breath through the phone. “Oh honey, you’ve got it bad.”
“I know,” I groan, rubbing my forehead. “I don’t know what to do. It’s like I’m losing my mind.”
“Okay, let’s break this down,” Sloane says, her voice taking on that no-nonsense tone she uses when she’s about to dispense advice. “You’ve got the mysterious, kinky guy who clearly knows how to push all your buttons. And then you’ve got the sweet, funny fireman who you can’t stop thinking about. Am I getting this right?”
“Pretty much,” I admit.
“And playing with both is out of the equation?”
“I can’t do that. I’m a one man kind of girl. Look how torn I am now, and I’m not even officially dating either of them. Jack and I haven’t even had a kiss or a real first date yet. And I don’t even know Mystery Man’s real name.”
“All right, all right,” Sloane says, her voice softening. “I get it. You’re not built for the poly life. So let’s think about this logically. What does each guy bring to the table?”
I pause, considering. “WinterWatcher . . . he’s exciting. Dangerous, almost. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. But Jack . . . he makes me laugh. He makes me feel safe and protected.”
“Hmm,” Sloane hums thoughtfully. “Sounds like you’ve got quite the dilemma on your hands. But let me ask you this—which one do you see a future with?”
I pause, caught off guard by her question. It’s not something I’ve allowed myself to consider yet. “I . . . I don’t know. I mean, I barely know WinterWatcher. He could be anyone behind that mask. And Jack . . . well, we’re just getting to know each other too.”
“True but humor me. Close your eyes and picture yourself a year from now. Who do you see by your side?”
I do as she says, letting my eyes drift shut. In my mind’s eye, I see a cozy living room, a Christmas tree sparkling in the corner. And there, on the couch . . .
“Jack,” I whisper, opening my eyes. “I see Jack.”
“Well, there you have it,” Sloane says, a smile in her voice. “Sounds like your heart knows what it wants, even if your libido is a bit conflicted.”
“But what about the excitement? The passion?” I ask, thinking of WinterWatcher’s skilled touch.
“I think having a fireman’s hose inside you is exciting enough,” Sloane says with a loud laugh.
“Sloane! You aren’t helping.”
“Well, here you are telling me that a fireman isn’t exciting. I’m calling you out on your bullshit. Find me a fireman. I want to be a badge bunny or a hose hoe. Sign me up!”
“Hose hoe? Are you kidding me? There are names?” I’m laughing even though I shouldn’t be.
“Oh yeah. Fireflies, bunker bunny. They all want to join the circle jerk. I can’t say I blame them. So see? Keeping Jack is a good thing.”