Page 78 of Phoenix

“The easy answer is yes, because I know that’s what Mom always wanted. The hard answer is a bit more complicated.”

“Isn’t that always the way?”

“I’ve always loved writing and the dream would be to make that my career, but it’s just not realistic.” She sips her water.

“Why isn’t it realistic? You can do anything you want in this life.”

“It’s not an easy career to begin. I’m settled in my job. Yes, it’s hard at times—really hard—but it’s what would have made Mom happy and it’s what I went to school for.”

She says it so matter-of-factly. I can’t just let that slide. “Your mom would have wanted you to be happy, and if you’re running off to Georgia to take a break, I can guarantee you aren’t happy.”

She immediately tenses up and pulls her hand away from mine. “Please don’t talk to me like you knew my mother or like you know what I want.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I hold up my hands in surrender. “I just want you to do what makes you happy. That’s all.”

“Why do you care so much?” she asks.

“Because I like you, Nora. A lot,” I admit.

The way her body relaxes and the way her lips turn up in a smile makes my heart beat a little faster. I really fucking like this girl.

“I like you too, Case. You’ve made this trip even better than I could have asked for. It’ll be weird to go back home, that’s for sure.”

And there it is.

The looming endgame we can’t avoid.

***

Two hours, a bomb-ass dinner, amazing conversation, and a bottle of wine later, Nora’s riding me to her second orgasm in the comfort of my bed, with her hands plastered on the wall behind my head.

I bend my legs and pump upward until I meet her on the ledge and follow her over, bucking and groaning out an orgasm of my own. I slide my hands from her hips, up her back and to her shoulders, so I can pull her down to steal a kiss from her lips.

She is panting to catch her breath, and she rolls off of me and curls against my body under the blankets.

“Never gets old.”

I unroll the condom and drop it to the floor by the bed, then turn to face her, pushing hair from her sweaty forehead. “What doesn’t?”

“This. You.”

She licks her plump lips and I have to move in for another kiss. She splits my lips with her tongue and finds mine for a soft dance.

“Good. I’m making a lasting impression. That’s what any man wants after he’s had you. To be the one you compare all future lovers to.” Even as the words leave my lips, I hate them. The thought of her with someone else makes me want to rage punch a hole in the wall.

She pulls away and runs her hand through my hair. “Trust me. You’ve set the bar high.”

I try to pull her in again, my cock growing between us, but she pushes me back, causing a groan to escape my throat.

“I need to go. It’s late,” she says, rolling to get up.

“Stay the night.” I reach out for her.

“You know I can’t do that. That’s not what this is.” She stands and starts to get dressed.

“We both know that’s bullshit.” I sit up with only the sheet bunching at my waist.

“Regardless, Case, I’m leaving next week. It’s easier if we just call a spade a spade.”

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