Page 47 of The Plus One Pact

Is that real? Or is this some game they play with all their… clients?

I try not to read into it. After all, Romeo isn't my real boyfriend. He's my fake boyfriend.

I need to have fake feelings for him. That's the only way to keep my heart safe.

Because real feelings…

They almost destroyed me last time.

"Still." Sasha turns to me, triumphant. "I'd like to do a little better than, 'I guess.'"

I'm not sure I can do much better. Love is too overwhelming, as a concept, at the moment.

That's the other reason I'm here. Because I can't talk about love on the show anymore. Because I can’t handle the topic of love anymore.

Because I have to focus strictly on sex. And that means exciting stories.

I don't want to kiss her. Not in particular.

But I need the practice. And I need the material.

This could be an episode. The time two sex workers taught me how to kiss.

Who wouldn't listen to that?

"I could use the reminder," I say.

She smiles and sets her teacup on the table. "Watch and learn, lover boy."

Romeo rolls his eyes.

Sasha stands and offers her hand.

When I place my palm in hers, she pulls me to my feet and guides me towards her.

Her hands go to my hips.

Her eyes go to my eyes.

She smiles, a little shy, a lot affectionate. "You look gorgeous today, baby." She brings her hand to my cheek and brushes a stray hair behind my ear.

She draws a line over my jaw with her thumb.

She moves closer.

My eyelids flutter closed.

My lips find hers.

She kisses me softly. Gently. With tenderness.

Her lips part for my tongue. An invitation, not a demand.

When I don't answer, she pulls back with a soft smile. She looks at me, all hazy and in love, then she steps back, and snaps to attention. "Not bad. Not perfect. But not bad."

"Are you judging your kiss?" Romeo asks.

"Did you believe it or not?" Sasha asks.