Are you still interested?
By the time his answer arrives, I’ve returned to my office and am already hard at work.
Ladder Guy
I am. But just as a reminder, I don’t do dates.
I should give myself more time to think about this, but all it will do is make me change my mind. Staying in my comfort zone clearly didn’t serve me well. This is something I need to do if I want the life I’ve been working so hard for.
So, after a deep breath, I ignore my trembling thumbs and send another text.
Me
This won’t be a date. You got the job, Mr. Clarke.
My heart is racing in my chest, and I can’t help but wonder if I’m making a terrible mistake. But what’s the worst that can happen? Ladder Guy turns out to be awful in bed? That would be a waste of my precious time, but nothing critical.
Just to ensure that nothing bad can actually happen, I send another text to remind him of my ground rules.
Me
I’ll need a copy of your STI test results. We’ll meet at The Plaza again on Friday, same time. Don’t be late.
Missing after-work drinks with my colleagues again should be alright, and I’d much rather cross out this item. At this pace, it would take me two years to go over all fifty questions, so I need to swallow back my worries and woman up.
Ladder Guy
I can’t wait to fuck this bossy attitude out of you, red. Though, I must admit it turns me on.
His reply is so bold that I feel my face heat up. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t qualify as sexting, but I’ve never sexted before, so it feels very close to it. Something tells me he isn’t even aiming for that effect.
I’m practically squirming on my chair as I type a reply.
Me
You can definitely try, but I’m afraid it’s a default setting.
Ladder Guy
I’ll try and succeed, even if it takes me the whole night. Can’t boss anyone around if you’ve been fucked so good you can barely remember your name, can you?
Something pulses low inside me, and I cross my knees under my desk. Alright, I’ll be sorely disappointed if he turns out to be all talk. But then, he wouldn’t be the first man to over-promise and under-deliver. If there’s some justice in this world, Ladder Guy will be good enough for me to enjoy some of it, if not most of it.
But ultimately, that doesn’t matter. I’m in this to make that bucket list my bitch, and prove to Edward and Larry they are wrong about me.
I’m not a block of ice with a hole in it.
Chapter Six
Jake
I’m ten minutes early this time. No way I’ll fuck this up again.
I could barely believe it when Jessica texted me on Tuesday. The silence that followed our encounter left me quite certain the kiss ruined my chances with her. But here I am, sitting in the fancy bar of The Plaza, waiting for her to arrive. I still don’t look the part and attract some curious side glances, but just like last time, I don’t give a shit.
The beer is as good as it was then, but the knowledge that I might get lucky with the sexy redhead tonight makes it taste even better.
When the large wall-mounted clock strikes seven, a grin tugs at the corner of my lips. Look who’s late now…
