Page 55 of Something Like That

Not that she’d indicated she even wanted to have sex with him. Maybe she didn’t. Maybe she’d just given him a pity blow.

The disappointment thickened, turning slushy, icy.

His good mood thoroughly squashed, he stared out the window, watching the dark streets whiz by. People always had an ulterior motive. It had been the foundation of his and Lucy’s relationship. She’d been a master manipulator.

Besides, what did he care if Alex considered him a loser? It wasn’t like what was going on with them was anything serious. She’d made her position perfectly clear. Which was the same thing he wanted. A physical, no-strings attached, relationship.

And yet, he couldn’t shake the ache that had planted itself right over his heart.

Alex hummed to herself as she unlocked the door the clinic. For some reason, she couldn’t stop the silly, happy tune from bubbling up inside her. Okay, that was a huge lie. She absolutely knew the reason.

The super hot, not-quite-sex with Nick last night.

Was there anything better than a fantastic orgasm? Watching him orgasm was a close second. Just thinking about it sent heat flooding through her. She couldn’t wait to see him again. Maybe she should call him.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Spending time with him was great and all, but she should probably dial it back a bit. Especially since she was the one who’d insisted things remain casual. Everything with him was shiny and new right now, but she knew the shine wore off pretty frigging quickly. And when it did, she’d be the one left trying to pick up the pieces.

She refused to put herself through that again.

Her phone chirped. She locked the door behind her and reached into her bag. A text message.

Thanks for last night. It was great to get on the ice again. We should really do it again sometime. 🏒

Disappointment pricked her, and she didn’t know why. Okay, another lie. She knew exactly why. She just didn’t want to admit it. Why was this so hard?

She chewed on her lower lip. He was obviously playing it cool, which was perfectly fine. She’d just spent the last five minutes telling herself she needed to keep things casual. Why was she overthinking a stupid text message? She started typing.

Yeah, it was fun. Thanks for being so sweet to the girls. Em has a hockey game tomorrow. Care to join?

She pushed send. Then stood there like an idiot, eyes glued to the screen. Needy much? She slipped her phone back in her bag and headed to her office. With her coat hung on the hook, she tossed her bag into the bottom drawer of her desk and tried not to be disappointed that he hadn’t gotten back to her.

Get a grip, Alex. It’s been like two freaking minutes.

Her phone chirped. She dove for it. Way too eager. And, she was not going to examine that reaction too closely.

Em is actually playing? Did she get her cast off this week? 😮🚑🤕

She laughed.

Nope, she’s still the walking wounded. Cast stays on for at least another couple of weeks. Sorry, that wasn’t clear. 🫣 Em’s team is playing tomorrow and we like to go and be supportive. You in?

She sat back in her chair, kept a death grip on her phone. Watched and waited. She was so pathetic. It would be funny if it wasn’t so tragic.

Chirp-chirp. Her stupid traitorous heart did a cartwheel.

I’ll be there. Dinner after?

Was he asking her out again? No, probably not. He was asking if she and Em wanted to go out after the game.

Sure, sounds great. I’ll text you the details later.

A few heart-stopping moments later, her phone chirped again.

K. Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow. 😊😘

Her heart actually fluttered, like it had suddenly grown wings. Jeez, she was such a mess. It was a cartoon Pac-Man guy making a kissy face. He probably hit it by accident. The keyboard on a phone was super tiny. It wouldn’t be the first time a rogue reaction ended up flying through cyberspace.