“Sure. You can’t fuck when you’re full of cake.”
“Exactly.”
He rolled his eyes, and she pretended not to see that.
“But the games were fun. He’s really smart, funny, and a worse sport than I am.”
“Ah. I see. You’re hooked on him because he’s mouthy when he wins.”
“Well, yeah.” She grinned. “And he’s worse when he loses. I snagged me a bad boy. Jeff, he came back later that night and showed me how amazing he is in bed. I mean, just…wow.”
“Nice.”
She sighed. “Yeah. So great. He might have ruined me for other guys.” She ignored the feeling of distress at his inevitable leaving. “But man, what a terrific holiday treat.”
Jeff studied her.
“What?”
“Oh, nothing. Seems like you’re being pragmatic about it. I know you said you wanted some fun and to not get hurt. Enjoy him and say goodbye with good memories. But if you like him, why limit your time to just the holidays?”
“Um, because he lives in Portland? Because he has a life that takes him on the road all the time?” One way more exciting than life in a small town.
“On the flip side, maybe keep him around because he’s hot, funny, sexy, and loaded?”
“You know I don’t care about money.”
He snorted. “Duh. You’re a teacher. I doubt you know what the word ‘money’ even means.”
“Laugh it up, doc. You’re not exactly rolling in it either with all your student loans. Does this new love of yours make bank?”
“Well, a little. We’re probably pretty even when it comes to finances.”
She nodded. “And you’re sure he’s into you? As much as you’re into him?”
“He told me he loves me.”
“Oh my God. Really?” She glanced his wide smile and starry eyes and felt so happy for her best friend. “You’ve never been this gaga for any of your boyfriends. Ever.”
“I know. I told you. This one’s different. We were friends for a long time first.”
“No kidding. What do you know of his family? I mean, if you’re planning on forever, maybe even some I Do’s, then you need to know if you can tolerate his family.” She grimaced. “Ben’s parents were—are—assholes.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t really love Ben, did you?”
“No, in retrospect, I didn’t. I tried though.”
“I know you did, sweetie.” Jeff patted her shoulder then smacked her in the back of the head. “I like Damon. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot with him.”
“Hey, just because you found somebody doesn’t mean we all will. I’m content not to force things.”
“Fair enough.”
“But this guy of yours. I’m warning you now. If he doesn’t pass muster with me, you’ll have to drop him.”
“Like a hot potato, isn’t that what your mom likes to say?”
“Yeah. How come you’re so chummy with Mona lately?”
