“Really?” she bit. “And why is that?”
“Because maybe I’m haunted by the feel of your thighs on my ears and the fact that I didn’t even get you off.”
She stammered, taken aback. “What would I be getting out of this arrangement? To me, it just seems like a big risk with no reward.”
Her words stung. “I’m not that bad, Annie. I’d make sure you were taken care of. I didn’t even really get a chance that first night.”
Her eyes finally met mine, concern passing over them. “I know. You’re a sweet guy, Nick. If things were different . . . you know. I just got here, though. I can’t lose this job. We can’t be involved.”
“We can, Annie. It doesn’t have to be about feelings. Lord knows I’m not thrilled with you at the moment.”
Disgust ruled her face. “Which is it, Nick? You like me, or you just want to use me for my body? You really need to work on your delivery. I’m going back in there to talk to people who aren’t propositioning me for my body. Have a good night.”
I caught her by the elbow as she turned to go back inside. “It’s friends with benefits. I still care about you, angel. Not just your body. I’m upset you talked about me and didn’t talk to me or tell me you were moving here.” Her eyes rounded and her brow furrowed. I could have chosen to play games, but what was thepoint? May as well just tell her how I felt. “Just think about it. Please.”
Her brow furrowed again, looking down at where I held her elbow. “I’ll see you next week.”
* * *
“Show her who’s boss,” Leroy said. “Chicks eat that shit up.”
I groaned. “The last time I took your advice, I ended up covered in alcoholic beverages.”
We were in the locker room after morning skate. I was trying to subtly get advice on my Annie situation without mentioning Annie. I lied and said I had a date and it went well, but she was standoffish.
“You can’t force yourself on someone, Jack. That’s gross,” Stelle said.
“I’m not saying force yourself. But you know, give her a chance to back out. Put her to the test,” Leroy said. “If you think she’s that hot for you, make her put her money where her mouth is.”
“There is some merit to being crystal clear what you want,” Sorrento agreed. “But don’t be a jackass about it.”
“You gotta sexface her,” Mikey chimed in. “That’s how I hooked Jessie. She was being all bratty and I got her up against my door and told her she didn’t need that little asshole boyfriend of hers.”
Stelle sighed. “Extreme circumstances there. Not a playbook.”
“Up against a door, though,” Sorrento said. “That does have an impact.”
Chapter 18
Annie
OCTOBER | Balance: $50,262
I sat at my desk, a lump forming in my throat looking at the next meeting on the calendar.
2 p.m. Nick Oberbeck transition
My coworker Dev appeared in the doorway. “Ready? I booked us the conference room.”
“Yep. Let’s do it.” I stood and straightened my skirt. Jessie had tailored it to fall perfectly. I liked feeling feminine and powerful in skirts, but my office ran cold. I’d added some tights with a line up the back that morning to give myself an extra confidence boost. When I’m having what should be a mental health day, I like to dress better than I feel. It lifts my mood.
Nick was coming down the opposite hallway, led by our receptionist, Retha. “Can I get you anything to drink, Mr. Oberbeck?”
“Just water’s great,” he said with a polite smile. Why did he look so good? He was business casual: a polo and some nice slacks with a stylish fall jacket. He carried a large paper shopping bag.
Dev and I waited at the conference room door to usher Nick in.
“Mr. Oberbeck, great to see you,” Dev said, shaking Nick’s hand.
