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So adorable.
“We’re going to need to check your teeth for cavities from how sweet you’ve been the past couple of days.”
Nico brushes one of his fingers over mine. The tattoo on his bicep tightens as he journeys up the trail of veins on my inner arm. “I’ve never been there either. It’ll be a first for us both.” Nerves pebble my skin. “But be honest, is this your attempt to get me in some of Aphrodite’s love-filled waters so I can finally change your mind about rule four?”
“You think I need to make that much effort to get you to sleep with me?”
It’s rumored the Greek goddess of love’s birthing place has magical powers, but no myths will get me to break my rule.
No sex.
“You’re right. I’m waiting for the green light.”
Gah. Nico’s confidence is enough to send me swimming headfirst into the pool of warmth in my shorts. I’ve been desired a lot in my life, but knowing he’s eager to please only tempts me more.
I pull my arm away from his trailing fingers. “Two months is a long time to wait for one good night.”
“If I wanted one good night, you wouldn’t be sitting here now.” He winks.
The outside of my knee swipes against his inner thigh. “Where would we be?”
“Do you want to find out?”
Maybe. Even the part of me that dreads the inevitable crash and burn of our arrangement.
Would it be the one time? Or would we not be able to stop?
What happens then?
Nothing.
Nothing can happen because there is absolutely nothing between us except for physical attraction and a platonic friendship.
Besides, Nico lives in California, and that’s the least concerning part of the situation. I do not do long-term situationships. He barely has a clue how to care for someone. Sure, he’s made a big effort the past few days. But I’ll be surprised if he keeps it up. The only thing we could ever turn into is awkwardness. Or worse, pain. The walls shoot up around my heart again.
“No,” I lie.
“I’ll buy our tickets tonight.”
My friend’s obviously well-off, but I can’t help feeling bad about how much he’s been paying for everything lately. Even if a little spoiling is the bare minimum apology for abandoning me.
“Fine, but I’m keeping my promise and giving you cash for half of everything.”
“Sure.”
He calls over the bartender, who pours us two tequila shots. We clink the glasses together.
“To the factyou’vemade a whole plan,” I say.
“Wemade a plan,” Nico corrects me and we send the stinging, smoky liquid down our throats.
I’m spending the rest of the summer traveling with Nico Navarro.
My friend. My fuck buddy. A man who wants to make an effort to grow out of his flaws simply because I make him happy.
I gulp.
Each tune of anxiety I’ve felt over the past month sings through me like an uncoordinated orchestra.
