Page 68 of Mr. Infuriating

Gretchen

I’d had more orgasms in the last thirty-six hours than I’d probably had in the last three years of my marriage. Well, at least with a partner.

And I was not complaining.

Whoever ended up with Gabe was going to be a lucky woman.

I wondered what she would be like, and I felt a pang of jealousy toward this fictitious woman.

Would he be opposed to a woman who already had kids who were older than his kids, or at least their age?

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask as we lay snuggled together in the dark, but then I realized, what did it matter? So, I opted to wiggle closer to his side instead.

I fell asleep wishing things could be different between us, even though I knew that was impossible.

****

Gabe

While I listened to Gretchen’s breathing even out, I kissed her hair and pulled her closer to bask in our post-coital glow.

But as I lay there in the dark, a sudden sadness washed over me.

I was holding the most beautiful, fascinating woman I’d probably ever met, and I wouldn’t be seeing her again after tomorrow morning. At least not in the capacity that I wanted.

She was right; we weren’t compatible.

And that sucked.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Gretchen

I woke up in the morning to Gabe’s arm still around my waist and his bare chest nestled against my back. It was like I was safe and cozy in a little Gabe cocoon.

I found myself wondering what it would have been like if I’d married Gabe instead of Troy. My kids would have an involved dad, and I would have had an attentive partner—how wonderful would that be?

While I had no doubt I wouldn’t be divorced had that happened, I wouldn’t have had Jake either, and I wouldn’t trade that little guy for anything. The shitty marriage to Troy had been worth it because I’d gotten my son out of it.

Thoughts of Jake filled my mind, and I realized that as much as I’d enjoyed living the life of a single bachelorette this weekend, I missed my munchkin. Sticky fingers, potty training battles, and all.

I was sad my time with Gabe was coming to an end, but it was time to get back to the real world and all the responsibilities that came with that.

When I tried to move Gabe’s hand and slip out of bed, he tightened his embrace while murmuring in my ear, “Let me hold you just a little while longer.”

I mean, who was I to argue?

Rolling over, I burrowed my face into his chest and took a deep breath, filling my olfactory senses with his masculine scent. I hoped two days in my bed would be enough time for it to linger. If I couldn’t have him, at least I could hug a pillow atnight that smelled like him. Maybe I’d ask him what cologne he used and spritz the pillowcase when it started to wear off.

How lame was that?

And… this is why I’m probably going to be alone for the rest of my life.

I wiggled closer to him and let out a sigh of contentment when he hugged me tight. Listening to his heartbeat, I couldn’t help but think,I’m not alone now.

And in the moment, that was enough.

****

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