Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
I chuckle. “Nothing like that. It’s just that I’m curious. Have you done something like this before?”
“Like what?” he asks, brows furrowed.
“Sorry. I’m talking about that first night. When you kissed me in the closet?”
His lips form a straight line, and for a moment, I think he’s going to refuse to reply. “Are you sure you want me to answer that?”
“I’m just curious.”
“Would you believe me if I told you it was my first time?”
I tap my chin, faking contemplation.
“I wouldn’t believe you. Not a chance.”
He chews on his cheek. “I’ve done a lot of things in my life. Some I’m proud of and some I’m not. Since I’ve chosen in the past not to get involved long-term with women, things like that tend to occur more. It’s safer.”
“Safer?”
I’m treading into unsafe territory. The further we go down this hole, the more jealous I’m beginning to feel. It’s an odd sensation. One I have to admit I don’t particularly like. The truth is, I don’t want to think about him with anyone else.
“Those women were looking for a good time. They weren’t looking for Prince Charming.”
I nod, getting what he’s saying but mostly keeping myself busy so I don’t combust.
“With you, it somehow felt . . . different. I feel almost like it was serendipitous.”
I smile despite the pit in my stomach. He’s managed to remove the jealousy by making me feel special. “I feel like that, too.”
“Tell me about the last relationship you had,” he presses, turning the subject away from himself . . . again.
It occurs to me that this is how it always goes. A little bit about Charles and a lot about me. I want to push back, but I’m afraid to ruin the night. It’s not often we have uninterrupted alone time, and the last thing I want to do is push him.
“I’ve been single for a while.” It’s all I offer.
“Why?”
“I was concentrating on finishing my degree. I didn’t have time to date.”
“You haven’t dated at all in the past year?”
“I mean, I went on a few dates, but nothing serious. The last serious guy I dated was during undergrad. Sophomore year. We were together for almost two years.”
“Two years? What happened?”
“He moved to a different state. Different college. We tried to keep it going, but it all just fizzled out after a few months. I don’t think either of us minded. It was one of those relationships that had died long before it officially ended.”
He grunts as if he knows all about that.
“Neither of us knew how to end it. His moving just gave us an excuse. How about you?”
But Charles is saved by the bell.
The doorbell.
It rings, and we both jump in surprise.
“Expecting someone?” he asks.
“No.”
This is strange. I never get random visitors, and of all nights, it has to be tonight.
I peek through the hole to find Asher on the other side. The very last person who I had expected. He’s holding a bottle of wine in one hand and the biggest smile I’d ever seen as I swing the door open.
“Asher? What are you doing here?”
“I thought . . . you said,” he stutters over his words. “We agreed to talk tonight. Remember?”
“Oh, shit! I completely forgot. Please forgive me. I’m the absolute worst. Can we talk tomorrow instead?”
“Sorry, did I interrupt something?” he asks. He looks me up and down. “You look nice. Going somewhere?”
“Uh . . .” I murmur again. I have no idea what to do, so I just stand there, looking like an idiot.
Asher peers in and sees Charles sitting in the living room with a glass of wine. I’m suddenly very aware of the scene in front of me. Even the lights have been dimmed.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m sorry, Ash. I forgot and invited Charles over for dinner.”
“Your boss?” His tone is sharp.
“Yes.” I shut the door, stepping out into the hallway with Asher.
“Why can’t I come in?” he asks, narrowing his eyes. “Am I interrupting more than a work dinner?”
“No. I just . . . shit,” I say, opening the door back up and swinging my hand forward to motion Asher in.
“Asher, this is Charles. Charles, this is my best friend, Asher. Wait . . . you already met in the cafeteria. Never mind, I forgot,” I say, completely flustered.
Asher looks at me. “Is something going on between you two?”
His question hits like a dagger to the heart, catching me off guard and throwing me backward. This is not how I wanted things to play out with Asher.
I’m not even sure how to answer that. We’d decided to keep things on the down low, and with Charles sitting right here, I’m not sure I can be honest.
“Uh, well . . . It’s just . . .” I trail off.
Asher raises his eyebrows at me. “It’s just what, Raven?”