Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19157 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19157 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
"I'm paraphrasing, but yeah. He seemed ... I don't know, kind of relieved to have an excuse to end it before it got complicated."
I stand, unable to sit still with this information churning inside me. This morning, Alex was so tender. The way he looked at me in the shower. How carefully he dried me off afterward. How he walked me to my door.
But also, he never actually said anything about a relationship. What if it was just sex to him? What if I've been building this up in my head?
"I don't understand. This morning was ... it seemed like more than just—"
"Em, I hate to say this, but the card was pretty explicit. You basically offered him no-strings sex. What did you think would happen?"
The words land squarely on my deepest fear—that I'm too much, too eager, too desperate. "I mean, yeah, but we've been talking, getting to know each other—"
"Have you?" Selena tilts her head. "Or has it mostly been ... physical? It's been just a few days after all."
I think back over the past two days. The Valentine's date, yes, but then it escalated quickly. The kiss at my door. Him going down on me that night. This morning in the shower.
Has there been much talking beyond that?
"I'm not trying to be mean, Em, but you have to see this from his perspective. You're the one who propositioned him. He's a guy. Of course he's going to take what's offered. But that doesn't mean he wants more."
I sink back onto the couch, the room spinning slightly. "But he … I thought—"
"I know you did." She puts her arm around me. "And I feel horrible for not warning you sooner. But Em, guys like Alex? They don't usually go for ... I mean, you're great, but you're not exactly his type."
"W-what do you mean?"
"You know. He probably saw you as an easy hookup because you were so available." She winces. "I'm sorry, that sounds harsh, but I'm trying to be honest."
"So this whole time, he was just ... using me?" My voice cracks on the last word.
"I wouldn't say using. But yeah, he got what he wanted. And now he's done." She squeezes my shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Em. I know you really liked him."
Tears well up, hot and humiliating. "I feel so stupid."
"You're not stupid." Selena pulls me closer. "You're just trusting. Too trusting, maybe. You always see the best in people, even when they don't deserve it."
I start crying in earnest now, and Selena holds me, making soothing noises.
"You deserve so much better than some guy who's just looking for a quick fuck," she says. "You're worth more than that."
"I just ... we vibed. I really thought he liked me."
"I know. But at least you found out now before you got in too deep. Can you imagine if you'd actually fallen for him?"
A knock on the door makes me jump. I freeze, wiping my eyes.
"Emily? You in there?"
It's Alex.
Selena's grip on my arm tightens. "Don't answer. You don't need to deal with him right now."
I stand, confused. "Why is he here?"
"Probably wondering if I told you, and if I did, to do damage control." Selena rises too, blocking my path. "Em, please, just don't—"
Before I can decide, the door opens. Alex walks in—I gave him my spare key this morning when we came back from our run, saying it was easier than him knocking when I'm in the shower.
Now, I regret it.
He stops when he sees us both, his eyes immediately going to my tear-stained face. His expression darkens. "What happened, Em?"
Selena positions herself between us. "We were just talking. Girl stuff. You should go."
Alex ignores her completely, his eyes fixed on me. "Why are you crying? Who hurt you?"
I can't meet his gaze. "You should have just told me yourself instead of telling Selena."
His brow furrows. "Told you what?"
"Alex, come on," Selena says quickly. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be. I already told her what you said. You can stop pretending now."
Alex's jaw tightens, but his eyes never leave mine. "What did she tell you I said?"
My voice comes out shaky. "That it was fun but you're not looking for anything serious. That the card made it clear this was just ... physical.” The word comes out as a breathy, deflated whisper.
Something shifts in Alex's expression—a cold fury that makes me take a step back, though I can tell it's not directed at me.
He looks at Selena. "I never said that."
"Alex, don't—"
"I never said that because I haven't talked to you. Not today. Not yesterday. Not ever beyond basic politeness."
Selena's face flushes deep red. "That's not—you bastard, you’re lying to save face—"
"You've been trying to get my attention for months," Alex continues. "Showing up where I am. Inviting me to your apartment every week. I've turned you down every single time."