Page 17 of Accidentally Joining His Cult

I nod as I list off some of the reasons. “The humidity, the crowds, the families traveling, the sand.” Then, I repeat myself slowly to really drive the point home. “Losing. My. Mind!”

“What’s the retreat even for?”

“More of the self-help, New Age bullshit that he taught when he was here.”

If possible, Adrian looks even more confused. “If you know that it’s bullshit, then why do you keep going to the programs?”

“Because he’s there, and I’m an idiot.”

“You’re clearly not an idiot.” Adrian gestures around the fancy office like that proves I’m an intelligent, functioning adult. Ignoring the fact that I mostly got my job because I was born into the right family.

“When it comes to Cody, it’s like my brain just shuts off and hands the controls to my dick,” I admit.

Adrian smirks, clearly amused as I keep going. “You should’ve heard the nonsense I spouted during that class, trying to impress him and act like I was taking it seriously. He’s so good at his job, he even had me believing it for a minute.”

“Do I even want to know?”

“He had me questioning if my lack of relationship resulted from some subconscious need to be accepted by society.” I roll my eyes. “Not because I have no desire to spend extended amounts of time with the same person, don’t trust anyone, and get bored easily.”

Adrian is back to looking confused. “If you do want a relationship with this guy, that's not a bad thing. You know that, right?” he adds skeptically.

“Sure, but I don’t want a relationship. I just want to hook up with him, and then I’ll move on like I always do.”

Adrian doesn’t look convinced but drops the subject, returning to work. After about an hour of us reviewing things that I need to sign or approve for the team, he leaves to get to the Caldwell Center for tonight’s game.

I’ll meet him there later, but he likes to go early, claiming it’s to check in with the players or staff—though I’m pretty sure it’s just an excuse to check out the players in their suits. Not that anyone minds; they all love him.

When I finally check my phone again, I see that there are several missed texts from Cody, and I catch myself smiling down at it.

Goldie

I’m glad that you finally texted me

Goldie

I’ve been trying to hold off all week, worried that you’d think I was harassing you to spend money on the classes

Goldie

But I was bummed when we had to end the night early on Saturday

Goldie

At the risk of embarrassing myself, I had a really fun time hanging out with you. I’m glad that it wasn’t a one time thing *smile emoji*

The smileon my face grows with each new message that I read. This guy is just so fucking adorable. How could anyone not feel happier talking to him?

Salem

Sorry for the delay, I got interrupted with work. That’s not embarrassing. I really enjoyed our time together too and I’m looking forward to seeing you again. In the meantime, feel free to text me whenever you’d like, I know that you’re not (only) after my money haha

Goldie

Hahaha, I guess I am happy that you’ll be taking the classes with me

Goldie

But I’m definitely the most excited to get to hang out again

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