Page 81 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“A client?”
“Yes.”
“Damn, you seemed like love birds rather than professionals.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Are you fuckin’ him?”
My eyes grew. “That is none of your business.”
“Ah… so then, you are.”
“No, I’m not, and still that’s none of your business!”
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Why did you ask?”
“Because he implied that you would have your own private celebration tonight. And because I wanted to know. Honestly, I didn’t expect you here, Naomi.”
“Then why are you here, Christian?”
“Because I want to be here. Why are you here, Naomi?”
Again, I stuttered out a response. “If we’re playing tit for tat, Dahlia seemed pretty assuring that you would be with her tonight.”
“Why are you here, Naomi?” he asked, ignoring my response.
I sucked in a deep breath. “Because I want to be here.”
He stared me down. “Why?”
“Why ask why?”
“You could’ve easily gotten sex from Nathan. I’m sure he was willing. So why are you here?”
I locked my jaw, my nostrils flaring. “You’re upsetting me.”
His eyes widened. “I’m… upsetting you?”
“Yes. Why are you acting like I’ve done something to you?”
“Would you be okay if I were with Dahlia tonight?”
My eyes widened, but I quickly recovered. “You’re an adult. You can do whatever you want.”
He nodded. “Okay,” he slid the shower door open. “Enjoy your night.”
I stepped in front of the open door and stared him down. For a long agonizing moment, neither of us moved or spoke. We stared, one waiting for the other to say something, anything. Or maybe it was just me.
“Can we not play childish games?”
“We?”
“Yes. We.”
“You are blocking my exit, Naomi. I don’t consider this a game. You said you would be okay with me being with Dahlia tonight. It doesn’t matter to you. So why are you blocking my exit?”
