“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked.
He was handsome, well-dressed. And he seemed nice enough. Still, I wasn’t interested and not just because I’d promised Hunter exclusivity. More and more lately, I found myself uninterested in anyone but him.
And while I should’ve shut down this man immediately, I didn’t. Because I wanted to see if any hint of the spark I had with Hunter existed with someone else. I wanted to reassure myself that this thing with Hunter was just sex. Because lately…it felt like more. And I didn’t want more; I wanted sex.
At least that’s what I kept telling myself.
“No expectations,” the man added. “Just a drink.”
“Mm-hmm.” I crossed my arms over my chest, wanting to mess with him a little. “That’s what they always say.”
He chuckled, covering his face with his hand. “I’m not making the best first impression, am I?”
I grinned, unable to help myself. “I think you’re doing just fine.”
“I’m George.” He held out his hand to shake.
“Lauren,” I said, placing my hand in his. “Though you probably already knew that.” I gestured to the decorations behind me.
“I did,” he said. “But I liked hearing it from your lips.”
We talked for a few minutes, mostly small talk. He was nice, handsome, flirtatious. So, when he asked if I wanted to go back to his place, I wasn’t surprised. But I also wasn’t interested. There was no sizzle, no spark.
And thinking about Hunter had a new feeling blooming in my chest—guilt.
Even if it was just an experiment on my part, I knew I wouldn’t be happy were roles reversed. I tried to tell myself Hunter could do what—and whom—he wanted. At least when this ended. But the idea of him talking to another woman, kissing another woman, fucking another woman…had bile rising up my throat, regardless of whether we were together or not.
I stood. “Thanks for the drink, but I should get back to my friends.”
George nodded, sliding a business card across the bar. “Call me if you change your mind.”
I palmed it and wished him a nice evening before walking away.
“Holy shit,” Juliana said when I returned to the group. “Did you just turn down sex with a hot stranger?”
I rolled my eyes. “It does happen.”
She held a hand to my forehead. “Yeah, sure,” she said, though I knew from her tone she didn’t buy it. “Are you feeling okay?”
I shook off her touch. “I’m fine. I’d just rather hang out with my friends.”
She glanced at the bar then back at me again, her eyes wide. “All right, what’s wrong with him?”
“Nothing.” I rolled my eyes. “Okay?”
I just wanted her to drop it already.
Juliana turned to Alexis when she approached. “Lauren passed up a night with the sexy stranger at the bar.”
Alexis jerked her head back before turning to me with wide eyes.
“What?” I shrugged, taking another sip of my drink. “What is the big deal?”
“You never turn down sex with a hot stranger,” Alexis said. “Unless… Oh my god. You have a new lover.” She drew out the word “lover” with a sultry tone.
I laughed, though it was an awkward, uncomfortable laugh.
“You do. Right?” Alexis turned to Harper for confirmation.
