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“What is it? The Great British Baking Show or something?”
“I know, right?”
“If I was in charge, I’d make them bake for you, that way you’ll know if it’s worth your while learning from them.”
After a glass of wine, I felt this irritating urge take hold. The urge to share.
"Lily," I began hesitantly, "I need to tell you something that's been driving me mad. Something happened between Cole and me."
Her eyes widened behind her quirky glasses, and she leaned in, eager for details. "Finally! The good stuff!”
"We kissed again. At the barbecue."
Lily gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "In broad daylight? How did I not know about this?”
“We were under the pier. By the ocean.”
“That’s so romantic. What was it like?”
“Annoyingly amazing. This time it was, like, I don't even know. Like he was taking possession of me."
"Never mind romantic, that's hot as hell."
I sighed. "But then, the next time we saw each other, he said nothing more could happen between us."
"Playing hard to get, huh?"
I shook my head. "No. Not really. Honestly, I think he doesn't want it."
"I don’t buy it." She took a long sip of the wine, and I followed suit, feeling the gentle buzz warming my body.
"It's all so confusing, Lils. He has this effect on me. I've never felt anything like it. Being near him makes my heart go berserk and I feel all trembly, like an over-excited butterfly."
"I should take notes! This would sound great on one of our surprise books."
"The way he looks at me, it's like he already owns me. I want him to own me. I feel like an animal. I'm losing my mind, Lils."
Lily pursed her lips. "Well, speaking as a professional romance salesperson, I think you need to get this out of your system before your interview. Your job could depend on it. You don't want to be up there piping cream into éclairs, dreaming about Cole's . . . éclair."
I bit my lip, worrying. "What if he’s attracted to me but doesn’t want to have sex with me?”
Lily frowned. “He doesn’t have a girlfriend. Why wouldn’t he want to have sex with you?”
“Maybe he’s not into no-strings sex.”
“Are you kidding me?” laughed Lily. “Everyone’s into no-strings sex.” Lily was kind of an expert on that, actually. She’d had more one-night stands than me, although I got the feeling she’d always hoped they’d develop into something more.
"What if it's too risky? What if I catch feelings?"
"Just don't," she replied blithely, as if it were as easy as flicking a switch.
"Just don't? That's your professional romance salesperson advice?"
"Remember, it's just a fling. Nothing more."
I mulled it over. Maybe I could handle a no-strings-attached affair. I could let Cole know I was still interested, but I wouldn't push. If I really was misreading those intense signals he was sending my way, and he didn't want me, I'd accept it and move on. Then, no doubt, I'd go home, and touch myself all night long.
After another glass of wine and a good deal of chat, I felt a little more courageous. Lily was right. I was strong. I didn't love Cole. I barely knew him. I just wanted to enjoy some good, old-fashioned, no-strings-attached, grown-up pursuits.
