I blinked more than once, rereading his message. He’d said I was beautiful again.
Kayden: A relationship is nothing without passion. You made the right choice. It’s not always easy, but it’s best to keep your sanity.
I didn’t want the conversation to be about me anymore. I wasn’t looking for compliments and didn’t need to open old wounds that had already healed. I wanted to know about him, about Kayden, and what made him tick.
Me: You’ve given up on dating entirely?
Kayden: Yes, strictly physical relationships now.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that his statement disappointed me for some odd reason. It’s not like I was going to run out and throw myself in his arms, but it would’ve been nice to know it was a possibility.
Me: So…you have sex with strangers? Are you that guy—the type who sleeps with a girl, never to be heard from again?
What other type could he be? Really, I’m not different. I don’t sleep with men I don’t know, but I’ve slept with Gary, and I wouldn’t call him my boyfriend by any stretch of the word.
Kayden: Fuck no, not anymore at least. I’m upfront with each of them.
Each of them?Did that mean he’s sleeping with more than one?
Me: Them?
Kayden: I’m not banging my way through the female population of New Orleans, but I turn to a couple girls I know in my times of need.
A porno clip played in my mind, and he was the star with his rockin’ body and hard cock, doing what he just claimed he didn’t. I fanned myself, heat crawling up my neck because the thought of him fucking anyone turned me on.
Kayden: I’m not a dick about it.
I blinked, being pulled out of my sex haze and realizing I needed to get a goddamn grip. I’ve been basically celibate for so long that a man I’d typically run in the opposite direction from now turns me on.
Me: You sound kind of like a caveman to me.
Kayden: I don’t take what’s not freely offered. They know I’ll never be their boyfriend. They take it for what it is, a night of pleasure…mind-numbing pleasure. The type that makes your toes curl, takes your breath away, and leaves you wanting more.
Every part of my body ignited. I’d never had that…ever.
I wanted it more than anything in the world. The bland vanilla sex in my real life lacked the passion and want of the carnal pleasure I had with my book boyfriends.
Me: OMG. You’re a manwhore.
Kayden: Ouch, Sophia. That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?
Me: I thought it was more funny than harsh. I meant it in the nicest way.
I didn’t blame Kayden.
I’m sure he’d been upfront with them. Some didn’t mind being used in that way, hell, maybe they were using him.
I’d never been a user or let myself be used.
Maybe that was my problem, why my life was navy blue.
I was drawn in by him, a man my exact opposite. He was hundreds of miles away, not looking for a girlfriend, but just messaging him added color to my dreary world.
2
Sophia
Getting to Know You
