I’m a curiosity if anything. I’m young and fun, an escape. Sure, he loves my ass, my flirty little skirts, and my blue hair. He loves his playtime with me, but does he want to settle down with someone like me? Most likely not. He’s slumming it. The sweet good girl, and the domineering powerful boss. It’s all fun and games, until feelings get hurt.

And I have a feeling I’ll be the one who will get hurt. And that scares me to death.

The man has just been through a divorce. He’s probably not ready for a relationship either. He’s just having fun. And so am I. If we make love, I’ll get attached. I just know it.

No, we can’t cross that line.

“Jeez, Gretchen. You look like you’re trying to solve global warming or something,” Abigail says. “Why so stressed out? Just have fun with it. You deserve a little fun.”

I smile. She’s right. “I know. That’s exactly what we’ve been having. Fun. I don’t think I’m ready for more.”

She breaks off a piece of her muffin, and shoots me a playful grin. “One step at a time, my friend.”