Page 85 of Can't Get Enough

“I think it’s time for an update.” Soledad sits beside me and tucks one leg beneath her. “The last time we discussed Mr. Bell, he was firmly in the ‘just friends’ category.”

“Yeah, about that.” I fold my lips in and recall the way Maverick sucked them like they were the sweetest delicacy. “So last night, he came into town.”

“Okay.”

“And then we went to the Waffle House.”

“Interesting choice for a man who could buy out Waffle House,” Soledad says. “But continue.”

“And then we came back to my place. Here. And we…”

I bury my face in my hands, cheeks heating not with embarrassment, but with the memory of those moments when I gave myself over to the passion that consumed every rational thought.

“We may have, you know, done some dry-humping.”

“Dry-humping?” Soledad places both feet on the floor and leans forward.

“Is it still considered dry-humping if you come?” I risk a mischievous look at my friend. “’Cause lemme tell you, it was one of the best orgasms of mylife.”

“On this couch where I’m sitting?” Soledad leaps to her feet. “Ewww, Hen. I need to disinfect.”

“Girl, sit down.” I grab the belt loop of her jeans and pull her back to the sectional. “There were no fluids released on this couch so calm yourself, Mrs. Mayer.”

“So not just friends, huh?”

“We are. I really want us to be because he…” I swallow and eye the card on the coffee table. “His friendship has come to mean a lot to me. I love talking to him, but it can’t be more than that.”

“Because of Zere?”

My eyes fly up to meet hers. “Of course because of Zere. I mean, maybe she is dating, but I think she’d feel some type of way if anything happened with Maverick and me this soon.”

“And if she wasn’t a factor?”

I don’t even want to speculate about that. I can’t allow myself to entertain any reality where I could give in to this.

“But she is, and I won’t endanger Chapel’s chances, or my chances for that matter, at getting this TV show made. She’s worked hard and she deserves this opportunity.”

“You deserve it, too,” Soledad says softly, “but you are someone who deserves all things, not just one.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, almost afraid to hear her explanation.

“I know you don’t want kids, and that’s fine. I get it. I respect it. I believe it.” Soledad pauses. “But you’ve never said you don’t want a partner.”

“No, because I do. Therightpartner, not just settling for someone because everyone thinks there’s a clock ticking.” I suck my teeth. “Fuck that. I’m not interested in spending one day with someone not worth my time, much less years.”

“Guess I’m a cautionary tale on wasting years with a trash man, huh?” Soledad looks down at the slim fingers settled serenely in her lap.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Sol.” I reach over and grab her hand. “Iknow Edward wasn’t like that when you first met. And he hid so much from you for so long.”

I hate the thought of Soledad feeling even an ounce of shame when there’s no woman I admire more, considering all she has achieved and how far she has come on her own.

“Honey, I’m fine,” Soledad laughingly assures me, bringing my knuckle up for a quick kiss. “I got my man now, the right one. And let me tell you, ain’t nothing like the right one.”

I nod my agreement as if I understand, but if I’m honest, no one has ever felt right.

Not until…

No one except…

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