Page 56 of Never Till Now

“I hope you spent your birthday balls deep with Mr. Tall, Built, and Handsome.”

I sigh, filling her in with the restaurant and limo details.

“Sounds like your arrangement is going well.” There’s a long pause before she continues. “Have you guys taken your relationship to a personal level?”

“Personal might be an understatement.” Not only did I wake up today from my nightmare, but I also filled Rachel in for the next ten minutes about the breakdown that surfaced from seeing Mabel at Fisherman’s Wharf.

“Flipping fucks, Lauren. I’m glad you didn’t leave him hanging without some sort of answer.” Her voice drops to a pained whisper. “And he just let you be? No telling you to lean on him or get help?”

“Unfortunately, he’s becoming everything I want him to be.”

“That doesn’t seem unfortunate, girly.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope our arrangement works forever.” I mean that with every ounce of my being. “What we have is amazing. He doesn’t push me or shy away when I think I’m too damaged or decline when I only need him for a quick bang.”

“Are you saying you think you’re ready for a real relationship?” Hope fills her voice. “There’s nothing wrong with a boyfriend.”

“He doesn’t want a relationship. You also know my heart won’t reach out for love.” I sigh. “We have been over this.”

“I am just saying that there is nothing wrong with a label. You two act like a couple, and I could see the sparks in his eyes whenever he looked at you. If he’s checking everything off your dream list and fictional character chart, what’s so wrong with having a lasting deathbed memory?” I bite my lip hearing her use my own words against me.

“Rachel.”

“Don’t Rachel me. You and I have fucked-up pasts, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying a boyfriend, or three.” This time I laugh. “If you and daddy Viking don’t work out, you should consider a real-life version of a reverse harem.”

“He’s not my boyfriend. He just gets me the same way I get him.”

“Okay, whatever. Enjoy your forever arrangement. But sometimes it’s worth risking the heart.”

After we hang up, I order Chinese and consume a tub of ice cream.

The next morning, I walk down to my favorite coffee shop. The foggy mist is still lying low and the chill in the air calls for a hazelnut latte. My phone starts to buzz as I round the corner.

“Good morning, Charmer.” I answer in front of the coffee shop.

“How is my beautiful Blondie?” His voice is a groggy rasp shooting right to my lady region.

“I’m not yours. I’m out grabbing a latte.”

“Can we meet up at some point today? My dumbass brother is in town later tonight.”

“I can stop by now. I’ll bring you a coffee.”

“I’ll stay in bed and wait for the pick-me-up.” His voice was laced with hope.

“Hmm, that thought of yours will have to wait until I am well caffeinated.”

“See you soon.”

I’m grateful he sent me his elevator code so I could let myself up. I make my way through his ridiculously fancy palace, I mean place, and see him lying in bed. He’s shirtless with both arms tucked behind his head, displaying his mouth-watering muscles. I nearly set down both lattes and take up his suggestion to ride him as a pick-me-up.

“You purposely pulled the sheet that low, didn’t you?” I narrow my eyes and mentally trace his V lines with my tongue.

“I figured you could use some sunshine on this gloomy morning.” His eyes roam my body as I see his dick spring to life. “Love your attire.”

“I should probably give you this hoodie back now. For some damn reason, it’s much comfier than all the ones I own.”

“You can keep it if you come over here.” He licks his lips.