Page 57 of Hide and Keep

“Then I’ll have what she’s having.”

The cashier says, “Of course,” but not in a professional way, in an apologetic way.

Ever’s lips pull down at the sides as she taps her credit card on the tablet, then presses the button for a custom tip. She types so fast I only catch her entering two zeroes at the end, in front of the decimal point. She tipped at least a hundred dollars on a fourteen-dollar order.

“Maybe you’re not so bad after all,” I tell her when we make our way to the other end of the counter. The pickup area clears out almost instantly.

“Or maybe I’m worse. Maybe I’m trying to give my father a heart attack,” she deadpans, without an ounce of emotion. Or humor.

Even though no one’s within earshot, I drop my voice to ask, “Is that why you act out so much? To get Daddy’s attention?”

“I act out because letting someone’s son make me speechless is a lot more fun than talking about my feelings in therapy.”

Speechless myself, I study her profile for a full minute until our drinks are set in front of us.

“You’re the horniest chick I’ve ever met. You’re basically a guy.”

She swirls her green lemonade vigorously.

“It doesn’t sound like you’ve talked to any of the women you’ve ever met. If you had, you would’ve learned they’re probably all just as horny as I am. Guys aren’t hornier than women, they’re just more open about it because society expects them to be.”

“That’s…” Somewhat accurate. I know from experience the part about society not only allowing but expecting men to be super sexual at all times, is true, but the first part is…not inaccurate. I don’t talk to anybody enough to get to know them like that.

Maybe Ever’s sex drive is normal.

Still, she should be able to go a day without getting fucked. Right?

Unless her professor’s the one I saw in the pool house.

“Are you in a relationship with your professor?”

Ever barks out a laugh, making the entire café go silent.

“I doubt her husband would like that very much.”

“Her? But you said ‘heprefershisoffice.’”

“Maybe I’m trying to send you to an early grave, too.” She chuckles again, her blue eyes sparkling. “You make it too easy, Major. I was annoyed by your insinuation that I can’t go three hours without having someone’s dick in me, so I bit back.” One of her eyebrows quirks as she glances down at the hand she bit yesterday. “This time verbally.”

“Brave considering I told you I bite, too.”

“You did when you compared me to a man. Worst pain I’ve ever felt.”

“I thought pain was nothing to you,” I counter, feeling some of that block of ice between us melt. Actual honesty but some joking mixed in there, too? I can do that.

But then Ever says, “Physical pain,” and I’m not sure which category that falls into.

“If I’ve caused you any pain, physical or…otherwise, I’m sorry.”

Her eyes search mine before she whispers, “Thank you. And same.”

She didn’t hurt me, but I appreciate the sentiment.

“Can we start over?”

“I’d be okay with that.”

“Yeah?”

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