“So,” Kayleigh says, voice sly. “What’s next? Is there a round two?”
I pretend to consider, but the answer is already locked behind my ribs. “He wants me to do it every night. Like, as therapy.”
She whistles, low. “That’s a lot of therapy, babe.”
“Is it wrong?” I ask, the question barely audible even to myself.
Kayleigh shrugs, all mischief. “Who cares? You’re both adults. Plus, he’s not your real dad.”
“Yeah, but?—”
She interrupts, “But nothing. Do you want to keep doing it?”
I stare at the coffee, my reflection distorted in the swirl of foam. “I think I do. Is that insane?”
She smiles, softer this time. “MK, you’re allowed to want what you want.”
For a long time we just sit, the silence between us padded and safe. The espresso machine lets out a blast of steam, the sound rolling through the shop like a wave. I think about last night, about the smell of sandalwood and the way Kent orgasmed beneath my fingers. I loved knowing that I had so much control over a powerful alpha male. I loved how he looked at me after too, not as a kid or a daughter, but as something he needed and absolutely craved.
“Do you remember the virginity bet?” I say, not quite looking at her.
Kayleigh laughs, sharp and sweet. “Of course I do. We just talked about it last time, remember? Both you and I still have our v-cards.”
“I know,” I say softly. “I think I’m ready though. I want to lose it, and I want it to be with him.”
Kayleigh pauses, a little more serious. “Well, you’re definitely headed in that direction. I mean, I don’t think Kent’s going to say no to you.”
I nod, thoughtful.
“But it’s more than that. I want it to be real, and for it to mean something, and I think with Kent it could be really special.”
This makes Kayleigh pause and frown.
“But you know it’s not going to be like that, right? MK, I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but you’re dealing with an older man here. A much-older man with a lot more experience, who’s established and settled. He has responsibilities, and not only that, but your stepdad can probably get any woman he wants, including your mom. I’m not sure that there’s so much emotion in it for him. It’s more casual for him.”
The words make my heart hurt, and I wonder if she means it or if she’s trying to hurt me. But I nod.
“Yeah, I know what you’re saying. I mean, I have so little to offer to Kent. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get attached. No way.”
Kayleigh’s next words are supportive. “Good, that’s my girl. But you want to taste him again, don’t you?”
I blush, but I don’t look away. “I do.”
She nods.
“That’s fine, then. I mean, as long as you know what you’re getting into, MK. He sees you as a hot piece of pussy, excuse my words, that’s going to be the source of hot sex and good times. He’s not emotionally invested, girlfriend. You know he’s not. Divorced dudes who are forty-five are just out for something temporary and fun.”
I nod slowly, although inside, I’m hurt. Is it true? Does Kent just see me as a temporary plaything, a beautiful body to derive pleasure from now that he’s no longer married to my mom? I slump in my chair, my mood suddenly dull. I know Kayleigh is right, and yet I don’t want to believe it.
But my pretty friend tries to cheer me up. “Text me tonight. You’re seeing him, right? I want a full report.”
I promise I will, and I mean it.
She slips on her jacket, then turns, a sly smile on her lips. “You know,” she says, “if you ever want to do a taste comparison, my stepbrother’s coming to town. Maybe I can get him to eat a ton of fruit too, and we could compare notes.”
I choke on my latte, sputtering a laugh. “Maybe we should start a database. We’ll refer to all the different guys with code names.”
Kayleigh winks, and then giggles.
