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I gape at him, confused. “They’re coming here? What’s the occasion?”
He shrugs. “You said you like getting your nails done when you have a bad day.”
“I mentioned that weeks ago.”
“I remembered.”
“Okay, now I’m really getting concerned.” I say with a frown on my face as I go to him. Cupping his face between my hands, I turn it to the left, then the right as if looking for something. “Who are you and what have you done with Rogue?” I ask, laughing.
Grabbing my hands, he twists my arms behind my back and grips them with one hand while the other goes to cup my jaw.
“It’s as much a gift for me as it is for you. I want to feel these nails digging into my back next time I fuck you.”
“That can be arranged.” I say, getting up on my tiptoes to kiss him. He deepens the kiss and we stand there for a couple minutes before he pulls back.
His thoughtfulness surprises me. Coming over yesterday with a period first aid kit had been unexpected and lovely. Him booking this appointment because he listened to me and remembered, because he knew it’d make me happy… that stirs feelings in me I haven’t felt before. Feelings that I’m afraid of, because they already feel unmanageable in their strength and power.
He’s the one who’s been clear about what this is, or rather what it isn’t, but then he does things like this. If he keeps these small attentions up I’m afraid my feelings will snowball into something I can’t control.
“I’m going out of town for a fewdays. I’ll be back Sunday night.”
Startled and pulled from my thoughts, I follow him out into the kitchen. “Where are you going?” When he throws me a look over his shoulder, I add hastily. “You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“London and Geneva. My grandfather’s inheritance includes his shares of Crowned King Industries, so I’m about to become a major stakeholder. I have to wine and dine the board and reassure them that the succession plan is still intact.”
“Sounds intense.”
“Not really. It’s mostly letting them pour me Macallans in their private burlesque clubs while they talk at me about the ‘good ole days’.”
“We really do lead different lives.” I say, my stomach turning at the thought that he might hook up with someone else while he’s gallivanting across Europe. We never said we were exclusive, so he’s fully within his right to do so.
My heart is in my throat just thinking about it.
“Well, bye then.” I say lamely.
He wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me against him. He kisses me hard, his voice husky when he pulls away. “Bye.”
???
On Friday, I text him a photo of my nails. He gives it a thumbs up but says nothing else.
By Saturday evening, I’m frustrated that I haven’t heard from him since. Six catches me checking my phone for the umpteenth time, hoping I’ll find a text from him.
“I’m sure he’s just busy.” She offers helpfully.
“Yeah, busy having sex with someone else.” I say, dolefully.
I didn’t expect to feel his absence as much as I do. The fact that he doesn’t text has the dual effect of making me miss him more and making me realize that he doesn’t even think about me.
“Alright, that’s it. I’m stepping in.” Thayer says, jumping to her feet from where she was laying on our living room couch. “I’m not letting this pity party go on any longer, B. Who cares what Rogue is up to? It’s Saturday, let’s go have fun somewhere ourselves. Why don’t we get glammed and go dancing? There’s got to be somewhere cool near here, right Nera?”
“There’s not much in Aubonne, but we could go to Baroque in Geneva.”
“I actually know the owner! I can text him and he’ll definitely get us in tonight.” Six adds.
“Look at this plan coming together.” Thayer cups her hands in a plea to me. “Come on, B. Let’s go dancing tonight, it’ll get your mind off Rogue.”
Nera looks up from her phone. “I just checked their IG. It’s Latin night tonight.”
