Page 11 of Just the Wrong Twin

Better late than never.

They finally left the club together, each carrying a meal kit, and Sonia didn’t care who noticed. Nate also had a laptop bag that Jimmy had given him, probably for his new job. It was a reminder that he’d be leaving town for good, but Sonia didn’t want to think about that. Boston wasn’t that far. They could keep in touch if they both wanted to.

Outside, Nate put the food boxes in the trunk of a new lime green Mustang. It was parked at the curb close to the doors and shone in the sunlight.

“This is your car?” Sonia was surprised. She’d been sure Nate had a sensible car, an economy sedan that was a few years old. This seemed too flashy, like it was borrowed from his evil twin.

But it did match his new look.

“This is my car,” he said with satisfaction. “Always wanted one, so it was time to indulge. The Corolla was ready to give it up anyway.”

“Living in the moment?”

His grin was quick and wicked enough to make her heart skip. “Something like that.”

He swept open the passenger door for her and Sonia got in. The interior was black and still had that new car smell. She hesitated only a moment before she took off her mask and put it in her purse. It felt good to be without it.

She felt a little nervous as she watched Nate walk around the back of the car. She hadn’t ever taken a guy back to this apartment and she hadn’t initiated a hook-up in years. It would have been more nerve-wracking if she hadn’t been completely confident that she was safe with Nate.

He got in and started the engine, then did a double-take when he noticed she’d removed her mask. His gaze lingered on her lips. “Pink, of course,” he murmured, which made no sense to Sonia, then started the car. He took off his own mask and tossed it on the console. “Going wild?” he asked in a teasing tone. “Or do you trust me?”

“Both. There’s no social distancing in the car, and youarecoming to my place where there can’t be social distancing. It’s only six feet in any direction.”

He laughed a little. “I remember it being a bit bigger than that.”

“But not much. I’m double-vaxxed,” she added. “Aren’t you?”

Nate nodded as he pulled away from the curb. “Of course. And tested weekly for the job at my uncle’s place. Interacting with the public, you know.”

“Lucky you. I’ve been self-isolating formonths.”

Nate grinned and she was glad she could see his mouth again. He had a great smile and the sight of it, combined with the mischievous glint in his eyes, made her heart skip. He was so handsome. How had she missed it? “Why does that sound important?”

“Because it is.” Sonia raised her hands. “It’s the key to everything.”

She was referring to her new attitude—and her shoes—but Nate’s smile faded.

“I thought so,” he said, sounding grim as he put on his sunglasses.

“What does that mean?”

Nate frowned and drove. She wished she could see his eyes. The streets were almost devoid of vehicles and he hit the gas when they turned onto Fifth Avenue. The car’s engine roared as they raced down the street. They were going to be at her place in record time, so if she wanted to talk, the moment was now. Sonia watched his left hand on the wheel, admiring his strong fingers, and noticed how deft he was with the Hook.

She didn’t want to be surprised when they got naked and inadvertently hurt his feelings, so she stole a look at it. Would he take it off? Was it cold? Nate had always worn a prosthesis, for as long as she’d known him, and he didn’t expect anyone to treat him differently because of it.

She wished a bit late that she’d never traded places with Katia on Valentine’s Day. She and Nate might have gotten together months ago.

“It means,” he said finally. “That I’m driving you home and that’s it.”

Sonia was startled. “But I thought…”

“You invited me in and that’s great. I’m flattered, but here’s the thing, Sonia, I’m done with sympathy sex.”

She bristled. “I’m not offering sympathy sex.”

“Sure you are. You don’t mean it that way, because you’ve never had to put up with it, but you don’t owe me anything. You don’t have to make any amends for what Katia did on Valentine’s Day…”

“I amnotoffering sympathy sex,” Sonia repeated.

---