Page 12 of Bold
She faced her meal and not me. “I have to be honest with you, though.”
My heart sped up. “What?”
She put her silverware down and played with the white collar of her work shirt. “For what you did for my sister, I don’t feel I should have even suggested the kissing rule. The truth is, you can dictate everything, and if you want me… sexually… then I’m in no position to say no.”
My eyes widened. The last thing I wanted to offer was emotional blackmail. Part of my soul wanted her to always think I was good because despite my protests earlier, she made me feel better about myself, as if I wasn’t just a pointless finance wizard.
I took a deep breath. “Let’s not discuss that ever. That’s not why I helped your sister, and I told her the same thing. I have nothing but respect for you, just as you respect yourself.”
She pressed her hand to her forehead. “Oh God, she asked you that?”
I laughed. “Yeah. You two think alike.”
She picked up her fork. “But I was nervous to even mention it to you.”
I nodded. “I’d never ask or want you to do that.”
She let go of her utensil and sucked in her lips. “Oh no—that’s even worse.”
I tensed and met her gaze. “What is?”
She tugged on her shirt. “I offered sex, and you said, ‘That’s a nice offer but no.’”
My eyes widened, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. Then I said, “I didn’t mean it like that.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I’m still mortified.”
I took her hand. “We can go back to my place, and I can show you I’m into it.”
She gripped my palm. “It’s okay. I’m not going to throw myself at you for pity sex now. We’re here to settle rules on pretending to be each other’s plus-one. Is there anything you need from me at this wedding?”
We both ate some of our meal. I finished my first few bites. “You’re going to have to sell it because I’m not the one people expect surprises from.”
She smiled. “I can do that.”
“Good.” I wasn’t sure what else would happen, but we were going to tell people we were an item.
As we finished our meal, I poured us some wine. The waitress brought baked flan.
Once we were alone again, Avril held up her glass. “So, let’s toast to our new beginning.”
I blinked. “What?”
She spoke into her red wine. “Look, I get that I’m not the type of woman you’re into. I’m a big girl, and we want who we want, but I am happy we’re friends, and if you need anything from me, extra, just ask.”
I pressed my hand on my chest. “That’s your toast?”
She shrugged. “Do you have a better one?”
“To both of us getting what we want,” I said and clinked glasses with her.
“Sounds good.”
We both drank, and I realized that whatever happened next was probably exactly what I needed. I had to stop playing it safe all the time, and besides, Avril needed my help. So I was here to stay.
Chapter Six
Avril
