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The music got slightly louder and the lights around started flashing different colors, signaling the arrival of the late-night crew.

It was still decent enough for us to talk we just had to raise our voices a little louder. Me dating was not exactly the conversation I wanted to be having now so I decided to embellish a little.

“Yesterday.” Maybe that was too much of an obvious lie.

She frowned. “You had sex on the plane, or was that before you left home?”

Damn, I forgot I was travelling most of the day.

“Yes.” I held back in a laugh.

“You liar, you can’t even make up a good lie.”

“Okay fine, it was a long time ago.” I flicked my wrist, trying to talk it down like it didn’t matter.

“Phoebe, how long?”

I frowned. She wasn’t going to let up if I didn’t give her an answer. A better answer than I couldn’t remember.

“It was just after I saw you last.”

“Eight months?” she hissed.

“Yeah.”

“Phoebe.” She said my name in an exaggerated manner like she was telling me off.

“Mitsuke.”I mimicked her.

“God. I don’t know how you live like that. That’s going to change now that you’re here. I won’t stand by and watch you wither away into some… I don’t know prune.”

I smiled. “Prune?”

A sly expression played on Mitsuke’s beautiful face. “A new man is what you need.”

“No.” I laughed.

“Why? Why not? Phoebe, you’re beautiful, talented, and amazing. Don’t punish yourself. I would never do that.” She grabbed a breadstick and pointed it at me.

“That’s because you’re Mitsuke Maderame.” And she had all the confidence that came with being her.

Nothing was wrong with Mitsuke. She could meet a guy, have a relationship with him if she wanted to, and dream of the prospect for more. I, on the other hand, had limited options. I could do the first part, but getting to the relationship stage would mean telling whoever I was with that I couldn’t have kids.

“And you’re Phoebe Walker. Look, sweetie, I know it’s hard. Remember,I knowwhat’s happened to you, but that doesn’t mean you should swear off men.” Mitsuke shook her head and knitted her perfectly manicured fingers together.

I sighed. “I’m not…”

Something caught my eye.

No… Someone.

Tai just walked in to the club. He bumped fists with the bouncer and started talking to him.

If I thought he looked good earlier that was just a taste of how good the man could really look.

Earlier he’d worn a biker jacket. Now the true masterpiece was on full display in a white fitted long sleeved V-neck shirt that clung to his abs. It showed off every muscle on his mile-wide powerful chest and the peaks and valleys that ran along his torso.

My mouth watered and I had to swallow hard.