Dirty Game

I heard the wrapper crackle. “All of it.”

“So are you going to call work today or tomorrow and give your notice?” I asked.

There was silence.

“What?”

I leaned up on my elbows. “The job. You’re coming with me to Florida. You have to tell your boss.”

“Blake, I-I can’t just quit like that.”

“Just now, you agreed.”

“We were in the middle of—well—you know.”

“You can’t even say it. My cock was balls deep in your mouth, Sierra. You said you agreed to it.”

Her eyes widened. “Hey, you don’t have to be an ass about it.”

“I just told you I wanted you. I want you to come home with me. I want more than two days. Isn’t that what we were discussing? Two days isn’t enough. Isn’t that what you needed to hear from me?”

“We haven’t even started discussing it.” She placed the biscuit down. “I love my career. What about my apartment? My friends? The life I’ve had in Dallas for eight years? And I’m supposed to drop that and follow you to Florida?” Her eyes pierced the air. “And you’re ready to give up the life you had? Seriously? No more women. All the trips. The parties. That’s just done?”

“You’re getting caught up in fucking details.”

“Details matter, Blake.” She glared. “Summer romance is one thing. A relationship is something else.”

“We had a relationship.” I gritted my teeth.

“Is it always going to go back to that? Maybe you think you can forgive me, but really you’re always going to be mad about what I did.”

“I’m not.” But I could feel the anger in my veins. I clutched my fists. “An hour ago we were fucking like there were fireworks going off in this room. Now we’re arguing?”

“I guess so.” Her voice was quiet.

“Damn it.”

“What now?”

I exhaled. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe the details are too much.”

“I don’t want them to be. That’s not what I’m saying.”

I had cut myself off from feelings before. I never let it get this far. Why couldn’t I do it again? Just box her out. Shut things down.

23

Sierra

It was possible I might throw up. The happiness and bliss I had felt this morning was as fleeting as the tide.

I stared at Blake, not sure how we had shared so much but were now so far apart.

“I don’t want my last two days of the summer to be like this,” I tried to explain. “I’m happy with you. I’ve loved this week.”

There was something new in his eyes. Determination. Pain. I couldn’t figure it out.

“Then two days it is.”