We entered the bathroom and he dimmed the lights. I don’t think I said out loud that they had been too bright, but it helped nonetheless. For such a large man, he was very gentle as he sat me on the edge of the Jacuzzi. I leaned over and held my head in my hands as he closed and locked the door.
He sounded uncertain when he finally decided to tell me what this was all about. “Ember, last night at the art gallery…” he trailed off, and I peeked at him through my fingers.
“What?” I asked. “If you think I’m going to make a big deal about us having sex, I’m not. It was just a one off. You know that. I know that.” I shrugged. “No biggie.” Yeah, that sounded good. Just what a guy would like to hear.
He scowled. And it was aimed right at me.
Okay, maybe not what a guy liked to hear.
Irritably, he asked, “When did either of us say it was a one-time deal? It’s not like we had time to talk afterwards.” He shook his head while my pounding brain tried to comprehend what the heck he was grumbling about. “Never mind. That’s not what I wanted to talk about right now. I need to tell you something.”
He stared at me like I was supposed to have a response to that. “Okay?”
He sighed and ran a hand over his face. He opened his mouth, then seemed to reconsider, and closed it. He cocked his head and asked, “Are you on birth control?”
Oh!Right. My mind was a little slow this morning. I definitely wasn’t firing on all pistons if I had forgotten about the darn condom breaking. That’s what he was fretting about.
What to say, what to say…
I didn’t want him freaking. That was for sure. I, also, couldn’t take an in depth conversation right now. My hammering head wouldn’t allow it.
So, I lied. “Yes. I’m on the pill.”
His eyes shut and relief practically pored off him in waves. Well, that had definitely been the right answer.
I rubbed my temples, thinking about last night with Brent. Had we used protection? As hard as I tried, I couldn’t remember Brent putting one on. I had only had the one and that had proved useless.
I wondered if Brent would even remember. There was no need to alarm anyone. Stressed out men brought a whole helpin’ of headaches with their nonsense. Besides, if I did turn up pregnant – which wasn’t likely, I would tell them.Oh, so not a thought I wanted to have right now.
Cole’s baby blue opened. And he smiled. Oh, goodness.
But, just as abruptly, his face turned serious and he stepped closer, kneeling in front of me. “Ember, the condom broke last night. I noticed when I removed it. What I told you is true. I’vebeen tested within the last month, with no partners after that, and I have a clean bill of health.” He paused and looked a smidge uncomfortable. “Were you telling me the truth?” He wouldn’t meet my eyes.
I wouldn’t either if I had just asked someone that.
I think I growled.
“Get out.” I pointed at the door. “I may be branded with the word whore, but I’m not one. I would never lie about something like that. My last partners were Brent and Ally five years ago, and yes, I tested afterwards and I’m clean. In fact, you and they are the only people I’ve ever had sex with.” I shook my finger at the door. “Now, like I said. Get on out.” I was furious and it was killing my head.
His jaw clenched. He stared at me.
He could look all he wanted, the big jerk. I wasn’t backing down. What he had asked was uncalled for. I would never lie about the possibilities of disease or death. That was wrong on so many levels.
Stiff as a board, he stood, staring down at me while he spoke coldly, “Ember, what I asked wasn’t unreasonable. We don’t know each other. This is a normal, adult conversation when a condom breaks. You may be from a small town, but you’re not stupid, sweetheart. Asking someone if they were honest where STD’s are concerned isn’t calling them a whore. It’s calling them a liar.” He paused. “I would have thought you more mature with your obvious past. But, I was wrong. You need to grow up.”
He turned to leave, done saying his piece, but now I wasn’t through saying mine. “You hold on there a minute, mister. If I’m offended to have my honor questioned about risking someone’s very life, then that’s my right. I’m not a liar. Or a child, as you certainly found out last night. You don’t know me enough to pass judgment.”
He put his hand on the lock, unlatching it. “That was my very point. I don’t know you. And everyone’s a liar. Don’t fool yourself.”
I gawked. “You’re a cynic.” I was shocked. I’m not sure why, but I hadn’t picked that up.
His eyes met mine. “No. I’m a realist. You should try it. It’ll help you see people for who they really are. What they will do, or say, to get what they want.”
Now, if that wasn’t the story of my life I didn’t know what was.It was almost laughable that I was getting lectured about it. Or evenneededto be lectured about it.
He swung the door open.
And stopped.
