AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pete blinked, stepping back and holding up his hands. “Whoa, whoa, okay. What’s going on with you today? I thought you needed to get laid, but I’m gonna upgrade it to PMS.”
“And I think,” Brendan said coolly, “you need to remember this is a professional environment and act accordingly. You’re making Mel uncomfortable. I don’t want her to quit.”
Muttering an apology, Pete walked away.
Brendan rubbed a hand over his forehead. As he headed through the office suite, everyone had a question or concern they needed him to deal with. The procession was capped off with Senator Wilson calling him into his office for a “quick” discussion of a press conference coming up on Wednesday.
Forty-five minutes later, Brendan finally made it out to the street. Traffic continued to snarl the road, the chorus of horns raised over the music blasting through open car windows. Sweat trickled under his collar. Everybody wanted something from him, and he felt the sting of Sonia’s words from Saturday night.
There’s nothing inside you.
In a way, she was right. He was drained from firing on all cylinders and giving everything he had. But if he stopped? He’d feel even more empty without his work.
Brendan stared at the red scratch on his wrist. Sonia wanted something from him, sure, but her desire actually felt…generous. She just wanted him to use her, and be honest about whathewanted. Would that be so hard?
The closer he got to Ian and Di’s wedding, the more lost he felt. Something had to give.
Brendan pulled out his phone.
Sonia picked up on the first ring. “It’s you.”
He exhaled. “We’re doing this.”
“Good,” she said briskly. “My safe word is ‘coupé.’”
He blinked. “Is that a dance word?”
“Yes. It means ‘to cut.’”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Please do.”
“Please,”Brendan echoed, with a slow smile. “How many times have you said that in your life?”
“Once or twice.”
“I think you’re going to be saying it a lot more soon.” He thought he heard her breath quicken. “As long as we’re discussing manners, I want you to say hello and goodbye every time we talk.”
“…Oh.” She sounded abashed. “That’s your big fantasy? That’s what matters to you?”
“Yes, Sonia, itmattersto me,” he said with exaggerated patience. “Should we practice? Do I need to call you back so you can try again?”
“Not necessary,” she spluttered. “I’ll give you all the hellos you want next time.”
Brendan closed his eyes. She’d asked for bluntness. No frills, no charm. “That’s right, you will. I’m coming to your place tonight. Nine p.m. Where do you live?”
She hesitated, then gave him the address of a home in Georgetown, which surprised him. Sonia could afford to live in a fancy historic neighborhood? While running a small dance company and teaching studio classes part-time? Maybe her family had money.
“Anything I should do to prepare?” she asked.
“Leave the lights off and be ready to run.”
The words left Brendan’s mouth before he thought twice. He couldn’t believe what he’d just said, or that he’d said it out loud.
There was a pause. “I will. Goodbye.”
7
