Page 104 of The Rules Of Attraction
“Why?” Eilesh’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. “Why shouldn’t you? He’s not Tom. I understand that you’re hurt and bitter about what’s happened, but does that mean you should make yourself more miserable. The man is practically throwing himself at you. God, can’t you just use him for sex?” She laughed.
I had to laugh too. “Right, Eilesh, I’m supposed to use my one night stand guy who happens to be my boss for sex.”
If that didn’t sound like digging a hole for myself I didn’t know what did. Add the fact that I liked him, and he knew it was a time bomb.
“He’s not though. He’s not a one night stand. A one night stand doesn’t go looking for you to make sure your safe, spoils you rotten, flies you around in his plane, and calls you his angel.”
I pressed my lips together and held my breath.
I hadn’t really thought about him in that way, or maybe it was more like I was trying not to for fear that I would see more of what I wanted and indulge on the desire I felt when I was with him.
“Shall I continue?” Eilesh asked with another giggle knowing she’d made a good point.
“No, don’t. Eilesh, I don’t want to like him too much. Fun is fun, but feeling is different.”
“I totally get that, and I know you don’t want to risk heartbreak but that doesn’t mean you have to walk on egg shells for the rest of your life avoiding anyone you may feel for.”
Subconsciously, that was actually the plan.
“I could try.” I sighed and hugged my knees to my chest.
“Summer, you’re a smart girl, and I’m your friend. You can’t live like that. It’s not a good way to be. You like him. There’s nothing wrong with exploring that and becoming closer.”
“Being closer changes everything.” It felt stupid to say that since Alex and I had gotten as close as we could get. “And then there’s Ashfords.” That had been at the back of my mind, but very much there.
“That is so not even something you should be worried about. Plus, I don’t think he’d care about that. I was concerned in the beginning, but now that you guys are close it’s different. It’s just work. Nothing more, and not anything to worry about.”
I heard the front door open and close. Alex was home.
It was nearly eight. He’d been busy all week which was perfect for my avoidance tactics but he still came in to check on me before going to bed.
My eyes darted towards the door and I moved the phone slightly away from my ear so I could listen out better.
“He’s back.” I muttered.
“Good. I’ll dash then.”
I could hear him coming up the stairs, then his footsteps sounded near the door.
“See you tomorrow for lunch?”
“Yes, let’s try that new pizza place. They do a great garlic and herb base.”
Sounded good.
“Sure.”
“Oh, Summer. Remember what I said. Also I’ll just highlight that most women would sign up to be in your shoes right now. I mean the part about living with an uber gorgeous man who’s begging you to be his.”
I sighed at that, unable to argue. “Noted, Eilesh.
Alex knocked on the door.
“Stay strong, and remember safe sex.” She giggled and hung up before I could answer. That little minx knew exactly what to do to shock me. I felt my damn cheeks turn red.
“It’s open.” I called out and twisted around in my chair to look at him as he opened the door.
He’d had his beard trimmed and his hair looked sharp like he was going out.
