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“No, we didn’t exchange numbers.”
“Wait, back it up. What happened in the morning?”
“I snuck out before he woke up.”
“Addi!” Leigh laughs. “Why? I mean, I’ve done that shit before, but that’s when the guy is a douche, or the sex is just plain shitty. Was he a douche?”
“No, but I don’t want anything serious, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t either.”
“Did he say that? Not all men want just hookups, you know. Hell, some want marriage on the second date. Run from those, trust me.” Leigh’s serious face has me in a fit of laughter. I try to catch my breath, so I can speak again.
“It’s just the feeling I got. It was easier to take off in the morning before he woke than to do the whole awkward morning thing or a walk of shame. Gossip travels fast around this little beach town, and people don’t need to see me walking out of his little house, which, mind you, is on the other end of this beach.”
Leigh raises her eyebrows. “Makes sense. But be honest with me, Addi. You know a small part of you wants to fuck him again.”
“Of course, I fucking do! Are you crazy?”
We both giggle. “Why not just fuck then? A friend with benefits type thing?”
“You know I’m not cut out for that type of shit. I get too attached to one. I think I need to wham, bam, and thank you, ma’am out of there. Like Cole. A one and done.” I sip my water, the plan making sense when I say it out loud. Why does it never sound right inside my head?
“A one and done, huh? I like the sound of that. What’s he do for work?”
“He runs a surf shop down the other end of the beach, opposite end from where he lives. Cleans boards, gives lessons, that sort of thing.”
Leigh’s face lights up. “I know the one! Surf n Sun?”
I nod. “Yep, that’s it.”
“Oh girl, I know exactly who you’re talking about. It’s all clicking together now. I thought he looked familiar. But damn, he is a fineeee specimen. Mmm mmm. Like Greek god material.” She smacks her lips. “And his two friends are fucking smokin’ hot, too.”
“Two hot friends, too? That shop is dangerous.”
“Yeah, dangerously hot. Let’s go take a walk.”
“What? To the shop? No fucking way.”
Leigh tosses her head back, her curls bouncing all over. “Why in the fuck not? You can catch up with Cole, and I’ll finally meet his hot friends.”
I shake my head and laugh. “I don’t want to see him. It was a one and done.” Such a lie, Addi. Don't you remember suggesting to help at his shop in order to sell your paintings?
Shit, that's right. I did offer that.
I sit up and bring my knees to my chest. If I see him, I definitely won’t be over him anytime soon. But at the same time, I need to sell my paintings and get my name out there. What better way than in a shop right on the shoreline?
“Whatever you say. I’m going to tan my back, then.” Leigh rolls onto her stomach and undoes her bikini strings. “I'm seeing Joe again. I'm not missing out on knock my socks off sex. Shit is hard to find.”
I chuckle to myself. She's right. It is hard to find, just another reason not to let go.
Watching the waves crash along the shore, my eyes follow the figures walking the beach. I scan the shoreline but don’t see him. I was hoping he’d be out surfing by now, wanting to catch a sneak peek.
What a liar I am. A one and done.
Ha. Who in the hell am I kidding?
If we work together, it's bound to happen. Staying professional is hard when you've already crossed that line. The feelings are there, developed, and well past the ignore stage.
It has to be work only. More than once leads to empty promises and broken hearts.
