I shook the growing pulse between my legs away. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t my type. We were just too different. She worked with her hands, I worked with my brain. She built things and saved lives, I built brands and saved careers. The two were like oil and water and would never blend seamlessly together. It just wasn’t a possibility.
Still, I couldn’t hide my body’s reaction to her, as much as I tried to. I kept scrolling for a little longer, until I saw a video of her snuggling with the cutest black pug I’d ever seen. I clicked on it to get a better view. She was laying in what I assumed was her bed and only showed her collarbone up, which told me she was shirtless. A shirtless woman snuggling an adorable dog was not the image my ovaries needed right now.
I tried to pause the video, but instead, I somehow liked it. Oh shit. Oh shit! I immediately unliked the video. The last thing I needed was for her to know?—
A ping coming from my phone stopped my breath. I glanced up to see a new text message… from Vera:
Vera: Are you stalking me, princesa?
“Oh my fucking god!” I groaned. This was so humiliating. I clicked on the message to reply when a notification came through, telling me I had a new follower.
Me: I don’t know. You tell me, new follower…
Vera:
Vera: Did you like the video for me, or my dog?
Both, I wanted to say. The dog was adorable, and my favorite breed, but knowing what was beyond the camera? Jesus! If I ever questioned my sexuality, I’d just need to look at that picture again, or think about our night together, and I’d get my answer.
Me: The dog, for sure. They’re my favorite breed.
Vera: Another point for me, yes! And his name is Onyx, but he goes by Nyx. He says thank you for saying he’s cute, and says you’re very beautiful. He especially likes the picture of you wearing no makeup and cuddling up in a blanket with your hair in a messy bun wearing a silk robe and holding a mug.
I’m glad she couldn’t see my smile.
Me: I’m glad he likes it.
I chuckled when a notification that she liked the post had come through.
Me: While I’ve got you, I have a favor to ask. Feel free to say no! I know it’s last minute and you’re probably really busy.
Vera: For you? I can make it work. Whatever it is. And you’ve got me for as long as you want me, Cara. What’s up?
I smiled again. Dammit! I needed to stop doing that. She was trying very hard to worm her way into my life, and I couldn’t let her. We could be friends who were pretending to date, but that was it.
Me: So, tomorrow, I have this pickleball game with Drea and Blair. Kaia is taking care of her fiancée, who is sick, so she had to cancel. Anyway, Drea told me to ask if you could fill in? Again, feel free to say no.
Vera: Yes I know them. They are all lovely. I’d love to join. I’ve never played, but I’m a fast learner. After all, I learned what you like rather quickly.
“Stop that, vagina! Come on, legs, clench together.” She really needed to stop reminding me of that night. Not that she could even if she tried. Every time I saw her I was reminded of it.
Me: You’re breaking a rule! And really? You’re not already busy?
Vera: What time is it?
Me: Not until the afternoon, like 4.
Vera: Nope I’m free. I work at the station until about 2. I can shower and you can meet me there?
Me: The fire station?
Vera: Yes… is that a problem?
Me: No, not at all. I’ll be there. Is 3 okay?
She sent me a thumbs up emoji and confirmed the location of the station. I took a deep breath and got off social media. The last thing I needed while feeling a little turned on, was to look at more pictures and videos of the person who was making me feel that way.
I needed to focus on the facts. Tomorrow was our first outing as a fake couple. Not a big deal. We’d be so busy, we wouldn’t even have to interact that much. It’d be fine.
