“You got it. I’m here for you and Nan. Whatever she needs.”
“But it’s during your store launch.” She looks at me like I’m speaking in tongues, so I clarify. “I promised to help you, and I?—”
Shaking her head, she holds a hand up and I stop short.
“Have you already talked to Nan about it?”
“Yes.”
“Well then I know, sure as shit, if you’re asking me, Nan already gave the go ahead. I’m in. I’ll help you on your quest to seduce your boss.”
I scoff. “That is not why I’m going.”
“Oh, yes it is.” Kara fakes a swoony sigh and practically sings, “Late nights a little booze, under the California moon. You two are gonna bang.”
“We are not.”
“I’d bet next month’s rent that you will have him sexed up and down by the end of the trip.”
“That is both offensive to me and a terrible bet for you.”
“Lottie. I know you. I know you know how sexy he is and how sexy you are. The two of you are going to realize this, and sexy hell will break loose.”
“Do you also know that he’s my boss?”
“For like, three more months. That isn’t going to feel like much when you’ve had a drink or two.”
I roll my eyes. She’s not wrong, but the more I get to know Noah, the more I know he is not for me—even on a casual level. Never mind the fact he hasn’t produced an ounce of interest, he’s everything I tend to avoid in partners.
While I could potentially wrap my head around having a hot fling, the annoying fear of needing anyone else—a parting gift from my last ex, Axel, and the year we spent spiraling intoa codependent sludge—isn’t going anywhere. The only thing I need from this relationship is my paycheck, and while I respect the sugar baby hustle, it’s not for me.
Besides, Noah has made it clear he only spends time on the best of things. One weekend away with me and he could maybe learn I’d sweep in the category of best sex he’ll ever have, but that’s about the extent of my merits when it comes to dating. It’s a bad idea all around.
However, Kara’s stakes, while insulting and teeming with her disbelief in my self control, give me an idea.
“I’ll take that bet.”
Kara—distracted by her cuticles—startles, a wily smile growing across her face.
“What bet?”
Extending my hand, I settle in. “I bet my half of next month’s rent that I won’t sleep with Noah.”
Kara slips her palm against mine and shakes.
“You’ve got a deal.”
“Easiest rent-free month I’ve ever managed.”
“I think you’re underestimating the seductive nature of business class.”
Two hours later, I’m sitting at my desk, clenching my hands and waiting for Noah to be available so I can let him know I can accompany him. All morning, I’ve been sweating under the knowledge that I actually made a bet with my roommate about not sleeping with my boss. It feels like it’s stamped across my forehead and at any moment someone will call me out for it.
I stare at Noah’s phone line, the little red dot blurring into a streak as I contemplate going away with him. Or, traveling withhim. Going away makes it sound like a whirlwind honeymoon weekend, which it certainly is not.
There’s little doubt we’ll fly first class, given Noah’s insistence at only experiencingthe best, and I suppose I should be grateful for the extra space. Maybe I can convince Shawna to reserve us seats across the aisle, or better yet, in different rows. Hell, I’ll slum it in economy if it means avoiding Kara’s teasing about joining the mile high club.
The red dot blinks a few times before flicking off and I push up from my desk. Noah is engrossed in something on his computer screen when I pop my head around the corner.
