“Fun at first, I’m sure, but painful once the chaffing sets in,” I commented.
She pouted at me.“Fine.Over-enthusiasm in the bedroom might be a con if you’ve already progressed to cobweb coochie.”
I snorted.
“Second, they’re very attentive outside of the bedroom.Hungry?They’ll make you dinner.Thirsty?Not a chance.They’ll make sure you have a glass on hand at all times.Bored?They’ll take you wherever you want to go.They’re there for you, twenty-four-seven.”
“Sounds smothering.”
Miranda huffed out a breath.
“Third, they’re protective.”She paused and gave me a questioning look.
“So’s a handgun, but you don’t see me running out to get one of those.”
“You want me to tell him all your responses, don’t you?”she said.
I grinned.“You’re smart and beautiful.Are there any other perks?”
“Well, you already said you didn’t like money, but your mate would want to provide for you, too.They’ll want to give you the world and be your world.”
“I’m content being my own world,” I said.
She sat back and considered me for a long moment.“I know you are.But I think we’re the same.Being our own worlds is nice.Peaceful, even.But sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have a partner who would completely have my back, no matter what, no matter when.”
I smiled a little.“That’s why I have you and Wrenly.How much do I owe you for the burger, by the way?”
She lifted her handbag to stroke it lovingly.“The debt’s been settled plus some.And you’re right.I’m here for you.Whenever.However.Except the bedroom.I’ll find you someone worthy if you have the need, though.”
“No need yet,” I said.
She sniffed and smirked.“But you’re thinking about it, aren't you?”
“I take back my nose kiss.”
“Did you ever figure out what your uncle was worried about?”she asked.
“Not yet.He’s not the kind of person to keep secrets, though, so he’ll tell me soon, I’m sure.”
We talked for the rest of my lunch break, and I returned to my desk for the afternoon.It went quickly, with more to do than sit and watch someone else work.
“It’s five,” Whitney said, standing.
Surprised, I glanced at the time, then back at the form I’d been filling in.
“Should I finish this, or can it wait until Monday?”I asked, pointing.
“It can wait,” she said.
I quickly saved it and grabbed my purse.
“Plans?”she asked, watching me.
It was the first time she’d shown any interest in what I did outside of work.
“I’m helping my uncle tonight.Thanks for everything today.”I waved and hurried to the elevator, feeling a little lighter just because of that simple interaction.
For whatever reason, it made me think of Konni.Since I’d started at Lunar Pulse, he’d come in almost every night and always tried to talk to me.Sure, he’d hit on me, but what if that hadn’t been his full intent?What if he just wanted someone to talk to?I thought back to his comment about my gender not mattering and wondered if a simple need for friendly conversation was why.It made the most sense.
