Page 25 of The Third Girl

Her body is warm against mine, and it’s kinda nice to touch someone. I’m not stupid. Like I told the guys, I miss being in a relationship and everything that comes with it—cuddling on the couch, fucking, sleepy morning sex. But I can’t help but think this woman is too tall. Too thin. She doesn’t smell bad, but she also doesn’t smellright.And her hair is definitely the wrong color. She tips her head back to smile up at me. “Is there always good music here?”

I clear my throat. “If you like what you’re dancing to, then yes. Sometimes there’s live music, too. Usually on Fridays and Saturdays.”

I spin her away from me so I can catch a breath, then bring her back. It’s a mistake. She rotates another half turn so that her back aligns with my front as the music changes to something distinctly… grungier. I think that’s the right word for it. Kinda dirty. Whatever it is, it seems to turn Serena into a bit of a hellcat. She gets into the music, thrashing around and gripping the front of my thighs. She claws at my legs with her fingernails and grinds her ass into my crotch.

And it does nothing for me. Nothing at all. I can’t do this any longer. “Shit. I’m sorry, my phone is blowing up. I’ve got my sister watching my kid tonight. I need to check in with her.”

“Oh. You’ve got a little one at home?” She tilts her head to the side, like she can’t imagine that I’d have a child, and wrinkles her nose a bit.

Fine by me. I tried. This doesn’t feel right. “I do, yes.” I release her and back away as she pouts in disappointment. “I’ll see you some other time if you come back. Have a good night.” I pull out my phone as I turn around because it would look decidedly obvious that I’m blowing her off if I don’t.

Thereareactually a few texts there—ones I’ve read multiple times since last night, and I don’t quite know why.

Skylar:Checking in—all is well. Sailor’s sleeping fine.

Skylar:Have a good night. I’ll text if anything comes up.

Skylar:Hey, Sailor is safely with Lucy.

Just reading her words again has my heart pumping blood to places it shouldn’t.Yeah.It’s not any woman or even a warm body I want. It’s Skylar.

I’m so fucked.

---