Page 16 of Only You

“Are you calling me a man whore?”

“No, but your dating methods are a little lax, to borrow your word.”

Jack shifted uncomfortably.

Kayla shoved a spoonful of rice into her mouth to prevent herself from saying more. Over the past two years, Jack had shared many stories about his active sex life, and Kayla knew he wasn’t into long-term relationships. As his friend, she didn’t pass judgment on him, but as his girlfriend …

“I’m not going to sleep with anyone while you’re living here,” he stated emphatically.

“You already said that.”

“I’m not sure you believe me.”

“Can you really hold out that long?”

“It’s only six weeks. I’m not going to shrivel up and die.”

Kayla chuckled at the vision of Jack wilting like a flower from lack of sex.

“Anyway, my mom is so excited I have a girlfriend she might not even ask about our story,” Jack said. Then he picked up his empty plate and carried it to the sink.

While his back was turned, Kayla eyed him curiously. Had she offended him? The stiff set of his shoulders indicated she might have. She brought her dish to the sink.

“Just set it down, and I’ll take care of it,” Jack said without looking at her.

Kayla didn’t argue. While he took care of the dishes, she wiped off the table and stored the leftovers in the refrigerator. After they finished cleaning up, they eyed each other with uncertainty.

“I didn’t mean to offend you,” Kayla said.

“I don’t want you to think badly of me.”

“I don’t. Your love—sex—life is none of my business.”

“It is for the next six weeks.”

“That goes both ways. I had an opportunity the other day, but I turned it down.”

Jack raised his eyebrows. “What happened?”

“I ran into another pharmaceutical rep at an appointment, and he took my bag out of the car for me.”

“Is that all?”

“I could tell he was interested, but I blew him off.” Kayla left out the part where she’d referred to Jack as her boyfriend.

“Did you get the guy’s name?”

“What for? How would I explain that I’m taken for the next six weeks?”

Jack chuckled. “True. I’m sorry for putting you in this position, Kay.”

She liked it when he shortened her name. It sounded intimate somehow. “No problem, but you owe me big time!”

He nodded. “For the next six weeks, all your meals are on me.”

“I was thinking about something on a grander scale.”

“Like what?”