“How so?”
Here came the tricky part. “I helped Torre—”
“Still Torre?” Presley asked me eagerly, leaning forward, eyes bright.
“Yeah, still him. Anyway…” I drew in a breath. “His brother had a problem in his restaurant and needed a chef, so I offered to cook. It turned out great, and everyone was really happy, although I know Mike neither likes nor trusts me, but at the end of the night…” I pushed my hands through my hair, the memory of Torre under me, writhing and begging me to fuck him, as vivid and alive as if it happened only moments ago. “I went home with Torre, and we, uh…I spent the night. Again.”
Press stayed quiet, dark eyes brimming with questions, but he held back.
“I know he’s the type to want a relationship, maybe more, but I’m not going to do that.”
“Why?”
Startled, I cocked my head. “You know I’m not interested. How many times have I said it? I don’t want a boyfriend or even a steady lover. Torre and I had a good time, but that’s all.”
“So what’s the problem?” Frowning, Press crossed his arms. “Sounds like your usual.”
It would be, except this was Torre.Hewasn’t my usual.
“That’s what I don’t know. I mean, we had some good times, but I never said it was serious between us.”
“Wait. How many times does that make?”
“A few.”
“Get the hell out.” Presley’s mouth fell open. “Don’t you dare be so nonchalant about it. The man who never looks twice at anyone now tells me he’s been with this one man several times, and you don’t think that means anything? What’s wrong with you?”
“Oh, shut it. Don’t make it a big deal. One time or three, what’s the difference?”
“You’re unbelievable.”
I cracked a smile, the first of the afternoon. “So I’ve been told.”
Press didn’t smile back. He glowered and pointed at me. “You are a jerk.”
My smile faded, and I ground my jaw. “Why, thanks. Glad to know I can always come to you.” I half rose, but he shocked me by putting his hand out and refusing to let me stand.
“Sit the hell down and listen for once. Turn off your mouth, and turn on your brain. I’m going to give you an ugly truth.”
“Does Nate like you all bossy and dominant? Is that where this is coming from?” While I had no intention of taking his advice, I had to confess I was curious. Press had never spoken to me like that. “Go ahead, Freud. Analyze me. Tell me it’s my mommy issues that made me what I am today.” The ugly truth, but I shoved that particular memory aside.
“You think you’re funny, don’t you? And yes. I do think whatever happened at home that you refuse to talk about has everything to do with why you won’t make a commitment. And now that you’ve actually met someone who might be important, you’re scared and running away.”
“I’m not scared, and I don’t run from anyone,” I growled. “I wanted to know how you think I should ease out of the situation.”
“Why?”
Braced for an argument, it took me a second to gather my thoughts.
“What do you mean, why? Because Torre and I had sex, and I know he thinks this is the start of something.”
“So?” Press quirked a brow, a funny half smile resting on his lips. “I don’t see why you’re worried. If Torre is the same as any other guy you’ve fucked and run from, don’t sweat it.”
Hearing Press put it so crudely, I flinched. “Don’t say that.”
“Say what?”
“Why’re you repeating everything I say? What’s wrong? Do you have a memory issue?”
