Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
He chuckles, and I’m so close I feel it on my skin. “Not in my case. My father’s will was interesting. But I do not want to think about my dad right now. We need to talk about something.”
And all that lovely intimacy is gone. I know exactly what he’s going to say, and at least one of us is being an adult about this. I should thank him. “This is a one-time thing. I get it.”
He turns slightly so I can see his quizzical expression. “Why? I mean, that’s not what I was going to say, but maybe we should talk about it. Why would you think this has to be a one and done thing? Harper, that was incredible. Do you really think you never want to experience that again? You must have way better sex than I’ve had because the idea of never being with you again is not something I want to contemplate.”
His words kind of shake me. I sit up. There’s some illumination from the window high above us. This level of Banover Place is mostly below the street line, but there are two windows right below the ceiling that let in natural light. Or natural NYC light, which at night is from the streetlights above. It sends a slash of illumination across the room, putting Reid in shadows. “You don’t even like me.”
He shifts so he’s on his side, head propped up with one hand. “I argue with you. That doesn’t mean I don’t like you. I think I was open and honest about liking you from the beginning. We disagree on things, and we haven’t learned each other’s languages yet. You, on the other hand, do not like me. I think I can work with it. Honestly, I’ve had worse relationships.”
We’re in a relationship? Also, that’s super sad. “Reid, we just had hate sex.”
He shakes his head. “Nope. We had inevitable, let the steam out because we’ve been stubborn sex. Hate sex does not end up with the participants cuddling on… Is this an air mattress? We need to get something better if we’re going to do this very often because my legs are hanging off. Hey, I’ve heard there are some tunnels that lead to the hotel across the street. We could get a room and sneak over there when we need to. Think about how much nicer this would be if we could also order room service.”
The truth is I am hungry. A charcuterie board after athletic sex might be amazing. My last boyfriend wouldn’t even spring for Taco Bell because he was worried about his abs.
Reid might be right about the hate sex. I don’t exactly hate him right now. He’s completely adorable lying there. But how can I trust him? Do I need to trust him in order to enjoy being with him for a brief period of time? It’s not like I’m looking for marriage here. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why?” Reid sits up, leaning his back against the wall. This puts his gorgeous chest on display and the sheet is hovering around his hips, dangerously close to showing off that part of him that entirely pleased me not ten minutes before. “I think it’s a great idea. I have zero desire to yell at you right now. I’m relaxed and calm in a way I haven’t been in forever.”
“It’ll pass.” I take the top blanket with me when I stand. I’m getting antsy again and it’s all about the fact that I don’t want to get up at all. I want to stay in that too-small bed with him. “I understand what happened was exciting and spectacular, but you have to know it’s not the kind of thing that can last. We’re a flash fire. It might be hot in the beginning, but it’s going to burn us both in the end.”
“It doesn’t have to.” His tone has gone soft.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I mean a flash fire can be contained,” he replies.
At least he’s getting my metaphor. “Yes, by dosing it with a ton of cold water—which in this case is reality—and being put out entirely. Which we did. We gave into the temptation, and we don’t have to do it anymore.”
A brow rises. “Really? I don’t think so. I think you’re going to wake up tomorrow and want me every bit as much as I want you right now. As I’ve wanted you every minute of every day since I met you. I didn’t say you put out the fire. I said if the fire is dangerous, you tame it. No one wants to live without warmth in their lives. I know I don’t, but the truth of the matter is I’ve been afraid of it. I think that’s why I end up with the women I date. I watched my father go through woman after woman, and every time he was excited and passionate about the new lady. Obviously, since he often forgot he had children. It always died out, and he cheated on the woman he was so passionate about with a new woman. So the flash fire scares me because I know where it leads. But what if it doesn’t have to?”