I inwardly cringe at the question. It’s like a check box for a first date—pets, siblings, goals. This is the part I hate. I want chemistry,heat. This conversation should be had in bed after hours of fucking, not over ice cream where we’re both trying desperately to fill in silence.
Fuck. I need to stop being so negative.
“A cat called Friday. He’s a senior cat I adopted and he hates me.” She says, and I smile. “But I think he enjoys hating me, so as long as he’s happy …” We walk through the picturesque little town, and soon it’s midday and the sun is beating down on us. “Should I take you home?”
“God, Ella is so presumptuous to assume you could, I’m sorry?—”
“Ella?” She tilts her head.
Shit. Esme. Not Ella.
“That’s her middle name. It was the name we used most for her when she was younger,” I say. “A ride home would be great.”
We talk a little more in the car, and I ask her to stop at the end of the drive. I don’t need Ella inviting this woman in. She seems sweet, but I want to spend the afternoon swimming with the kids.
“This was nice,” Kate says.
And awkward as hell. “It was. Definitely a memorable meet cute.”
Silence falls. Painful, uncomfortable silence.
“Look …” Kate sighs, the rubber of the steering wheel squeaking in her grip. “I like my life. I enjoy living alone, not answering to anyone, not having to share bank accounts or split chores. My sister keeps saying I shouldn’t be on my own, but honestly, I prefer it. But what I do miss is sex.”
A noise leaves my throat, but I’m not sure what it’s meant to convey. So, I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out.
What the hell do I say to that?
“You’re hot,” she says. “I think you find me attractive. So, I am so down for a make-out session in the car if you are.”
A laugh bursts out of me, and she grins. “Sorry, I’m just absorbing all this. You want no-string sex.”
“Well, no-strings kissing so I can test the waters.” She laughs, too, her cheeks pink. “Aren’t you bored of pretending we need someone? Honestly, if vibrators could cuddle, I’d never date again.”
She has a good point. I am happy with my life, my routine with Fox and my day to day. Am I a little lonely? Sometimes. But that’s more from missing Ella than needing a partner. I was a single dad for so long before meeting Vivien that it never occurs to me to lean on anyone.
I’m available; Kate’s attractive.
So, why do I feel like I’m betraying Lina?
She’s the one who left. She’s the one who promised us everything then disappeared not hours later. I owe her nothing, and she clearly didn’t care, so why should I?
And would it be such a bad idea to have some sex while I’m away? I’m sure Ella will want some time with just Gable and the kids, and Kate seems nice. A no-strings arrangement could work out pretty damn well.
“Am I about to get royally rejected?” Kate asks with a wince.
Fuck it. And fuck Lina.
Tucking my hand behind her neck, I shake my head. “No, you’re not.” Her eyes flutter closed, and I lean in.
Flashes of green eyes and flushed cheeks invade my memory. Of Lina laughing in the car as we shared stories, of her dreamy, satisfied expression after she comes. Can I do this?
“Private property,” Gable snaps as he knocks against Kate’s window. I never thought I’d be happy to see him, but I am. “Get the fuck—” He notices me, and a devilish smirk stretches across his face. “Sorry, Chief. Didn’t realize this was a lookout point. Isn’t this kind of behavior illegal?”
“Fuck off, G…arrett.” Remembering these names is not easy. “My son-in-law,” I say to Kate, and she blushes, nodding.
Gable gives us both a jaunty wave. “I hope you have protection! Don’t be silly, wrap your?—”
“Fuck off, Garrett!”
