Page 25 of Faking With You

When I return to the bedroom, Mac has slipped his boxer briefs back on and is sitting on the edge of the bed. I walk up to him, stepping between his spread thighs and wrapping my arms around his neck. We’re closer to the same height like this, and I lean forward and kiss him. His hands find the backs of my thighs, and I want to climb into his lap.

“Ready for bed?” he asks.

I bite my lip. As much as I want to crawl into this bed with him, I didn’t bring anything for work tomorrow.

“I need to head home. I don’t have any of my stuff here.”

Disappointment fills his eyes, but he nods.

“How do you feel? I know that was a big step.”

“Invigorated,” I say almost immediately. “I don’t feel self-conscious with you. You made me feel safe and sexy.” I kiss him again, whispering, “Thank you,” across his lips.

His hand finds the back of my head again, and he tightens his grip in my hair. I melt into him, on the verge of saying fuck it and spending the night. I slowly extricate myself from his arms and find my clothes. He watches as I slip back into my panties and bra and when I pull my dress on, he has me turn and slowly zips it back up. As I step back into my shoes, he puts on a pair of black sweats and follows me to the front door.

“You sure I can’t convince you to stay?”

“I’m sure.”

“Bring a bag with some of your things next time. We need to start placing your stuff around this place.”

It hits me right there. This is all part of our arrangement. As much as it might feel reel at times, this is all a transaction. He helps me with my manifestation to lose my virginity this year, and I play the part of the perfect doting girlfriend. We each get something.

He kisses me and says goodnight before I turn and leave, reminding myself not to forget what this is.

CHAPTER 20

Mac

Watching Eliza walk out of my apartment after what we just did was one of the last things I ever wanted. I also wasn’t going to force her to stay. She’d finally gotten comfortable enough with me that we were able to do what we just did. She was stunning not only because she’s beautiful, but because she felt confident about herself. She didn’t shy away. She didn’t hide she embraced at all. I’ve never been as turned on by anything in my life as I was watching Eliza kneeling on my bed.

I make my way around my apartment, blowing out the candles, memories of the way the light flickered across Eliza'a skin filling my mind. When I finally climb into bed, all I can think about is her. The sounds she made, the way her eyes stayed on me.

Eliza is consuming me in a way I never imagined possible. I thought six months was going to be enough. I’m learning slowly that it’s not going to be, but I’m ten years older than her, and I don’t think I can provide her the life she would want. I’m going to have to realize that all I get is these six months before shefinally has the confidence to go find someone who can give her everything she deserves.

When I wake up the next morning, I should be in a good mood. I had an amazing night, but really it led me to some realizations that I’m not ready to accept. I want to see Eliza again, but I’m not sure if seeing her so soon is the right decision. I send her a text to let her know I’m thinking about her and that I didn’t just watch her get her rocks off and forget about her.

After last night, I know I need to ask her to come to London with me next month. I’m struggling not seeing her again tonight, how am I supposed to go an entire week without? Before I can question myself, I send her another text.

Mac

Will I see you at the game on Friday?

Eliza

Yeah, I’ll be there.

Mac

Bring a bag.

Bubbles pop up and disappear a few times before the next message finally comes through.

Eliza

What should I bring?

Mac