Page 24 of Pretty Obsessed

“This is how someone gets to know someone else but it’s not usually so—sexual at first,” I said, my voice getting lower feeling like all the eyes in the room were on us.

“I suppose you’re right, or maybe less so in a time of dating apps. I can’t be sure. I don’t think any of my experiences are normal.”

“I would say so,” I agreed.

“What do you mean by that?” River asked.

“I mean a blow job in a public setting, while making out with someone else, isn’t the usual for most people. I don’t mean any judgment or offense by it.”

River stayed quiet for a long moment. “Your words have merit. I’m not disagreeing, but last night was the exception not the rule. Not my usual practice.”

“I’m not judging, I promise. I participated, how could I?” Octavius’ words rang in my head.

“I didn’t think you were.” It looked like there was more he wanted to say but he quieted himself.

“Did you come back to see me?” I asked.

“Yes, I was hoping to find you here. You did say you’d been working here. I was hopeful.” There wasn't a hesitation. He wasn’t embarrassed by wanting it.

“Kiss me again?” I asked, bolder than I’d ever thought I would be.

“Gladly.” He reached for me, and I expected his hand on my throat again, but this time he slid his long fingers around the back of my neck.

We kissed until my lips were red and aching. He slowly fucked his tongue in and out of my mouth, more sensual than sex had ever been. It felt like all the things he wanted to do to me. I shivered.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked, our mouths still connected, faces close. Words coming in gasps.

I hesitated, my answer on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t make it go further—all the things Octavius had said hitting me from every direction.

“It doesn’t have to be anything more than this,” he said when I didn’t answer.

“Yes.” No promise. No expectations.

Could I have a one-night stand with a rockstar?

River grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my seat with him. “I have a car waiting.”

“What about your friend?” I said, fighting his pull but only enough to not kiss him again. “Let me get my bag.”

“He’ll want to stay,” he said, glancing over at the bar. “Is that wise?”

Octavius scowled. He didn’t like that we’d gotten up, probably assuming. I knew what he’d say. He’d tell me I was being stupid. But I wasn’t being stupid. I wasn’t one of those people who thought a rockstar would pluck them out of obscurity and fall in love with them. I knew what this was. I knew what last night was. It was flattering for him to come back and want to be with me. But it still amounted to the same thing. This was a fling. It would only ever be a fling.

If River settled down with anyone, it would be a celebrity and they’d have a really public divorce at some point. My life wasn’t destined for such things.

“It will be fine. I can’t leave my bag.” I was leaving in the morning and needed it.

He released me and stood back.

I approached the bar, ready with my defense. “I’ll catch you later.”

“Is that a good idea?” Octavius asked.

“I’m entitled to my fun. I’m not expecting anything.” I squared off against him, my posture as defensive as I felt.

He nodded, pressing his mouth into a line.

“Please don’t look at me like that.”

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