Page 161 of Surprisingly Us

“Do you want a drink?” she asks.

I nod at the glass on the bar top. “What are you having?”

“Um, a ginger ale.”

“I’ll have one, too, then.”

The bartender takes my order. Once he’s gone, I turn toward Lettie.

“How was your week?” I ask.

It’s a simple question, but after a loaded weekend in Lake George, I’m trying to keep things light. We haven’t spent nearly enough time together this week. Mainly exchanging texts and late-night phone calls.

“It was good. I’m feeling confident about evaluations. I think taking a step back and giving myself time to rest was a good idea.I practiced a long sequence after my Leg-Up class today and my body felt fresh. I’m on track for where I need to be so that’s good.”

The bartender sets my ginger ale down in front of me and I reach for it.

“What about you?” she asks.

“I’ve got a meeting next week with a few current board members to discuss my goals for the foundation.”

“That’s great.”

It’s easy, casual conversation, yet as I watch Lettie’s leg bounce beneath the bar top, I’m wondering what the reason is for her nerves. It can’t be that we’re on a date. I thought we moved past this. And we’re sitting at the bar, not even across from each other.

But then, I realize I’m nervous, too. Maybe she’s sensing my nerves and it’s making her feel on edge. I need to suck it up and put myself out there.

“Can we talk—” I start.

“Rhys, I want you to fuck me.” Her words are loud enough for the guy sitting next to her to look over. The way one side of his mouth pulls up as he scans her body makes me want to knock his teeth out.

I lift my chin in his direction. “You got a problem?”

He meets my death glare, then quickly shakes his head and turns away.

Over our time together, I’ve seen Lettie begin to loosen the reins, allow herself indulgences and breaks. After our weekend at Lake George, things shifted between us. Or at least I thought they did. And now she’s asking me tofuckher.

My stomach sours.

I slam back my ginger ale, wishing it was whiskey.

“Just once,” she continues. “It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”

Months ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated, but I’m not the guy I was then. And Lettie’s not some random woman in a bar I’m picking up.

Had I been mistaken to think there was something more going on here? That she might want more from me than a one-night stand?

My jaw tightens.

“You want me to fuck you? Just once?” I can barely get the words out.

“You know, to get rid of my V card.”

The more she makes it seem like a casual affair, the more my skin prickles with irritation.

Take the offer. That’s the only way she wants you.

If I do it, then what? I fuck her, we continue to pretend to be engaged, then she walks away when she’s done?

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