Page 48 of Off the Post

Goddamn. She looks so beautiful. Mein Sonnenschein.

“Don’t forget the golf tournament next weekend. You’ll be partnered up with a new friend, Nicolas.”

I wink back. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

And I mean it. I’m excited to meet this little kid and give him an experience I hope he’ll cherish for the rest of his life.

I also am looking forward to another reason to see Ali.

The first thing I do when I grab my things to change in the bathroom is pull out my phone and text her.

Me: I might need to meet up with you before the golf tourney to learn more about this kid.

Me: If you’re free tomorrow night?

23

Ali

Exhaustion from the party ultimately sent me to bed early, but I was unable to sleep much, leaving me in a zombie-like state as I desperately try to get some work done this morning.

The culprit? That incredible and highly unexpected orgasm Soren gave me. I thought about it all last night. And possibly it was also the illicit nature of our stolen moments together in my room and the secrecy of our hookup.

That encounter was unanticipated and exciting, with the promise of possibly future encounters, followed closely by my disappointment when Soren left abruptly. When I’d finally worked up the nerve to jump in the pool, I’d wanted to find a covert way to be closer to Soren. To flirt a little and even offer fleeting touches under the waterline. But then he just up and left.

The party wrapped up around ten, and Tanner and a few of his buddies decided to go out to a club. With all the keyed-up energy I had from my hookup with Soren, I ended the night cleaning the kitchen and tidying up before I went to bed. Lord knows Tanner wouldn’t have thought of it.

That’s when I found the texts Soren sent me. According to the receipt time, he sent them right about the time he left.

Knowing he wants to see me again helped to buoy my spirits.

I didn’t want to come across as hopelessly needy, so I managed to wait until this morning to reply. Now, as I stand idly in the office breakroom, waiting for my coffee to brew, I type out my response.

Me: I’m glad you’re so interested in learning more about Nicolas. I’d love to get together and give you the rundown of what I know.

Me: Tonight works. Where and when?

I hold my breath and reason to myself that he may not even be awake yet. After all, Tanner was still in bed when I left for work.

Just as I lift my coffee to my lips, I see the dots indicating he’s typing me back. My heart soars with anticipation.

Soren: I have workouts with my trainers today. Done by 3pm.

Soren: Dinner? My place?

Nerves somersault in my stomach when I think about the alone time we’ll have together.

Me: Yes to both. Send me your address and I’ll come after work.

Soren: I’ll make sure you do.

Soren: Come, that is. That’s not a question. It’s a fact.

I place my hand on my throat and feel the warmth of my blush spread like a wildfire from my face down to my chest. I glance around surreptitiously, hoping no one takes notice of my reaction.

It’s this side of Soren that intrigues me the most.

Usually, he’s relatively quiet, stoic, and, dare I say, introverted. Even during the party yesterday, Soren stood out as the most reserved of all the guys.