Page 47 of Stroked
“Okay, that’s it. You just quoted Katy Perry. I feel like I need to call Lucy.” He waved his arms wildly before a hand landed over his mouth, his eyes wide in disbelief.
“I know. Lucy had this chat already. But I can’t help it.” I bit my lip and peered up at him. “Am I being stupid?”
“Listen, I am in no position to give advice. It’s just not like you. What about the whole closeted thing? I just worry about you, hun. You seem so…happy.But if she’s not out, and you’rewayout, how will that work?”
Leaning back again, I rocked the chair back. “She’ll come around. And until then, we’re just having fun.”
James stood and walked around the desk, crouching in front of me. He took my hands in his and looked up at me with those deep brown eyes set under perfectly sculpted brows. “Are youjusthaving fun?”
I shrugged, biting my lip again.
“Amy, she’s nearly your age and hasn’t come out. I don’t know if she’ll do it anytime soon. Just be cautious is all I’m saying. Just having fun is one thing, but it seems like more than that. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
“I’m not big,” I quipped.
“Your body may not be, butyouare.” James kissed my knuckles, then stood and quietly left my office.
Turning to the computer, I shook my shoulders, trying to shake the conversation. Still, the words he and Lucy said kept playing in my head.
Was this too fast? What if they were right and she never changed her mind? But I couldn’t stop my emotions. It was ridiculous for anyone to say people were moving fast. How the hell were you supposed to control how you felt?
Expelling a huge sigh, I started typing again once I got my focus back to work. Not long had passed when the phone alerted me of a text.
Valentina: I miss you.
My chest filled with a tingly warmth as I read the text more than once.
Me: I miss you. When can I see you again?
Valentina: I thought maybe we could hang out this weekend? Next weekend, I have a band playing at Lucy’s club and another gig downtown I need to show up for.
Me: My place?
Valentina: Yes, and maybe we can go to the club for a bit. It’ll be good to test the waters before next weekend.
I nodded although she couldn’t see. Did she mean she was testing whether I could respect her boundaries before the band was there? Pushing down the thought, I replied.
Me: Sounds good to me. Meet me at my place Friday night?
Valentina: Can’t wait to see you!
She didn’t mean anything by that. It’s just new for her. And for me. I’ve never had one of my ladies at the club. And she’s never been with a date in public.Wow. We are a two peas in a fucked up pod.
Chapter 26
Valentina
It had barely been thirty-six hours since I saw her, yet my body ached to be near hers. The skin of my hands felt like it was burning until I could touch her.
We finally met at her place Friday night and then went to the club for a while. Lucy was inviting and made sure we were fed and never had an empty bottle. I hadn’t drunk much beer, but I enjoyed the Blue Moon. It was not as sweet as a mixed drink but not as strong as liquor. Although it did loosen me up more than my normal mixed drinks, so I found it difficult to keep my hands off Amy.
Most of the touching could pass for innocent. Plus, it was a Friday night. My parents would most certainly not be around. But all of my touching and Blue Moons loosened her up as well and she leaned into my neck a few times. As much as I wanted her lips on my skin, I instinctively pulled away. She smiled through the night, but her eyes showed she was hurt.
“Jason, you remember Val, right?” Lucy asked as her fiancé came to collect her for the evening.
Jason extended his hand. “Yeah, last time your band was here it was packed. Lucy said they’re coming back out. And you have another one the following weekend, right?”
I shook his hand, nodding in response. “Yes, next Saturday. Should be another packed house. We appreciate the opportunity.”
