“What about the sex?”
I wince. “It wasn’t the best. But it was also in the backseat of his Porsche and hurried because we were in public. He did great with his hands in the bar, though.”
“Maybe screw him in his office to see if it gets better.”
I laugh. “How about not? I also worry that if we did date, people would see me as sleeping my way to the top. I don’t want that reputation.”
“Fair. Now… Decker. Where do we sit with him?”
I stare into my wine. He’s the one who creates so much conflict in my head and my heart.
“I’ve loved him since I was twelve. He’s great in bed, but I know how many women he’s had. He’s never really had a girlfriend before, and I don’t know if he’s really looking for something serious.”
“Maybe he just thought you weren’t interested in him. You saw him with girl after girl after—”
“Yeah, I remember. I was there. Which makes it worse. It feels like it was nothing but a game. Do I really want to be with a man who plays games?”
Sipping her wine, she nods at me. “Great in bed, but he’s a classic flirt. You’ve known him since you were teens, but that can cut both ways.”
“So helpful. Is this what you do at work, too? State the obvious?”
She slaps my leg. “I’m trying to be helpful, brat. But we’re not solving this tonight. Let’s distract you instead.”
I narrow my eyes at her. Mona’s ideas tend to be dangerous. “How?”
Grabbing my phone, she smirks as she scrolls through. I know she won’t send random texts out, but I see the evil look in her eyes.
“We’re going to schedule you some dates. In weird categories. Gotta get you the full experience since you’re dumping this app soon.”
My stomach drops. “What’s ‘weird’ to you?”
Grinning, she clicks. “Yes! Vampire!”
“You’re not—”
“Done. I messaged Enoch.”
“You did what?”
I try to grab my phone back, but she holds it out of reach. If there’s anything I know about Mona, it’s that she’s not going to back down. And she can kick my ass if I really push too far.
“He’s free tonight. Go fix your makeup. I’ll find more.”
It’s kind of an interesting idea. “Fine. But if I’m going on these dates, so are you.”
“Done. Ooh—Fated Mates, Celebrity… and definitely someone into BDSM. For science.”
Standing up, I walk into her bathroom. “Great.”
At the bar, Mona claims a seat at the rail while I scan for Enoch. I didn’t see his profile picture, but one glance tells me it’s him: pale face, slicked back hair, and something sparkling under the dim lights.
I walk up, and I smell something. Strawberry and vanilla. Oh my God. He’s wearing stripper glitter!
He smiles, flashing plastic Halloween fangs. “Thank you for agreeing to meet after dark. I have a… sun allergy.”
The words come out garbled thanks to the fake implement in his mouth, but I do have to give him points for commitment. Sun allergy. Original.
“Is Enoch your real name?” I ask, sitting down.
