Bought (His For A Week)

She narrowed her eyes. “I take it it’s not new for you?”

He held her judgmental stare. “I asked you first.”

“I may have had a one-night stand or two—back in college. When I was a horny eighteen-year-old.”

“Are you saying you’re not horny anymore?”

She bristled. “Sex just isn’t as big a deal anymore.”

“That’s too bad.”

She bristled even more. “I’m busy now. I’ve got a career and rent and student loans to pay.”

“Luckily, you’ve got this week to make up for your abstinence.”

“I didn’t say I was a monk and haven’t had any sex since college.”

“Good to know.”

She shook her curls in indignation. It was almost too cute.

“Your turn,” she snapped. “You’ve had a lot of one-night stands with strangers?”

“That wasn’t the original question, but yes, I’ve had one-night stands with strangers. I don’t know if your definition of ‘a lot’ is the same as mine. But, like you, I’m busy. One-night stands are easier. I’m not looking for a relationship right now. I take it you aren’t either.”

“Of course not! Especially...”

“Especially what?”

“Especially with guys who pay for sex. I mean, it’s obvious men who pay for sex aren’t looking for a relationship—not the healthy, loving sort, anyway. This is just a business transaction, right?”

“You sound like you have a problem with that.”

“I do—I mean, I don’t.”

“You said that if a guy has a right to buy sex, a woman should have the right to sell it.”

“Sure, but that’s just to be fair. Something about it doesn’t feel quite right.”

“That’s because, throughout history, men have defined morality. And it suited our purpose to have women value chastity.”

She stared at him with her mouth agape. She had such lush lips, lips that he wanted to crush beneath his.

“Did you grow up in California?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“I take it you’re pro-choice.”

“Damn right.”

“Your body, your choice.”

“Right, you’ve said that before.”

“Shouldn’t you get to do with your body whatever you want?” he pressed.

“Yes, but...sex has been used for so long as a weapon to keep women down, to cheapen and objectify us. You’re suggesting prostitution is somehow empowering?”