Page 43 of Mother Pucker

And while I wait for her response, I question my conversation with Rowan. I’m sure he picked up on my reluctance to get into anything serious, given that I’m a single mom and his PT, but he showed that same reluctance, too . . . didn’t he? Now I’m not entirely sure . . .

Jeena

Well, he said he wants to take it slow. If he didn’t have hopes for anything serious, then why take it slow?

Shit. I hadn’t really thought about that.

Does that mean I need to make things more clear before anything happens between us? Is this another stipulation in this relationship, like they put in the romance novels I read? Something like the ‘No falling in love’ or ‘No dreaming about happily-ever-afters’ clause?

I almost snort-laugh because everyone knows that’s not happening. One attempt at a happily-ever-after was plenty for me.

Me

I’m not worried about it. This is a strictly fuck-each-other-out-of-our-systems sort of arrangement. But if feelings start to blur whatever this is, I’ll amend our agreement or get out.

A little annoying voice in my head chimes in with a,Sure, honey, whatever you say, but I give it a mental eye roll.

Jeena’s response comes in a minute later.

Jeena

If he’s as gorgeous, persistent, and sweet as you’ve described him, it’s not going to be easy for you to avoid feelings. Sometimes feelings develop before you even realize that your heart’s been in play the whole time. I can tell you this from my own experience with Wayland. He was simply supposed to be my fake date for a party . . . and now, I’ve popped out two of his demon-spawns.

This time I outright laugh. The thought of this thing between Rowan and me being anything more than what is, is hilarious. I’m about to respond when another message from Jeena vibrates in my hand.

Jeena

I can hear you laughing.

Me

Yes, I almost gave myself a stomach cramp. Believe me, this is NOT the same situation as you and Wayland. I’m feeling’d out for the rest of my life, so I have none to spare.

Jeena

If you say so, but how about we chat after you’ve boinked him at least three times this weekend? My bet is, by the time I see you, you’ll be singing a different tune.

I roll my eyes, exasperated with how much she wants to romanticize this, but also giddy about the prospect of seeing one of my closest friends this weekend.

Me

Why three times?

Jeena

It’s the way of the universe. It’s why they say the third time’s the charm. Anyway, I bet the first and second time you guys fuck will be to get it out of your systems, like you said, but I’m willing to bet that third time will change things.

I shake my head, knowing there’s no point in arguing.

Me

You sound like Dylan with your talk about the ways of the universe, but I’ll keep you posted. Excited to see you in a couple of days!

Jeena

Prepare to be squeezed to death, woman! See you soon.

I’m still thinking about Jeena’s text twenty minutes later, when Kai and Rowan make it back out of the rink, seeming to bedone for the day. I rise to help Kai get his skates off, but Rowan beats me to it, crouching in front of him.

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