Love Drunk (Love Me Duet 1)

“Well, you look like you just woke up from the best sex dream ever. Ha! Look at your hair.” She grabs a piece, pulling it. I walk to the microwave to see my reflection, and sure enough, it’s everywhere.

“Best sex. Definitely not a dream.”

May’s eyes roam around the apartment. “Is he here?”

“No.”

She rolls her eyes. “Damn.” Sitting on my sofa, she pulls her legs up under her. “I sure did pick good, though, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did.” I take a sip of the coffee walking to sit next to her.

“So, is the sex epic? Or is he a dud? I mean you said you had epic sex, but was it with Mr. Dark and Steamy?”

“Oh yes, it’s epic, all right. And he’s the only man I’m sleeping with.”

“Are you the only woman he’s sleeping with?”

Oh shit! I didn’t think of that.

“That look tells me you haven’t discussed that part of the equation.”

“He doesn’t believe in love, and he doesn’t do relationships. How am I meant to ask him to not fuck other women?”

May waves her hand around. Her hair is done perfectly. I check the time. Shit! I haven’t slept in this late for so long, I didn’t know I could anymore. I guess a sex coma can do that to you.

“What’s that, on your neck?” May moves my dressing gown and gasps loudly. “You weren’t joking about the choking?”

I give her a look of disbelief. How could she possibly know about that? Reaching for her phone, I pull up the camera app and sure enough, my neck is covered in black and purple bruising. Yeah, that shit’s going to be hard to hide, I think to myself.

“It was consensual.”

“Oh Ev, you don’t need to sing approval to me. You look royally fucked and happy. I don’t care how you get off.” She winks. “If choking’s your thing then that’s good. I like to be spanked every now and then.”

I laugh and pull the gown up covering my neck. I’ll have to dig in my closet and see if I have a turtleneck to cover it for work.

“So, you don’t know what you two are?”

I shrug. “I think it’s just sex. Is it easy? Just sex?” I ask her. She likes to just have sex with the men she meets, and not form relationships. I, on the other hand, usually form relationships.

“I don’t think for you. Sorry, Ev.” Her hand lays on mine. “But maybe he’ll change his mind?”

“No, he won’t.” I don’t doubt that statement, but I also don’t know how long I’m willing to put up with it. How long until I fall and there’s no coming back? That’s what I don’t want to happen.

Maybe no more dating, just sex.

“I’ll be back.” I run to my room to grab my phone. Pulling up his number I text him.

* * *

Me: No more dating, just sex.

* * *

“What did you do?” May asks looking at the phone in my hand.

“I made a decision.” I show her the text and she laughs while shaking her head.

“I don’t know if you can stick to that. But I do hope so for your sake.” She gets up to leave so I can get ready to head to the café. “I’ll be in later to take some photos.” She kisses me goodbye, and when she leaves, I dig through everything I have to find the turtleneck sweater. It’s completely nineties, but I can pull it off. I did once. Throwing up my hair in a nice high ponytail, and pairing it with some tight jeans and a long coat with heels, I leave.

It doesn’t take me long to arrive at the café. I moved closer to the location for this exact reason, so if I’m running late it won’t affect me too much. When I walk in, the manager has opened and it’s busy with the morning rush. I help her until things calm down and then get to cooking.

Suddenly, the hairs on my neck stand up. Turning slowly, I spot him. Standing at the door but not entering. He’s watching me watch him. Gunner’s dressed much like he always is, in a designer suit. This one, though, is dark blue with a light tie. He looks incredible as always with his hair pulled back.

Finishing up an order I walk over to him. His eyes track me the whole time, not leaving me until I reach him. When they flicker to my neck, which is covered by my turtleneck, they come back to me. He doesn’t move from his position.

“Hi.” I give him a small wave and instantly regret it. He makes me feel like a schoolgirl with a gigantic crush. “What are you doing here?” I finally manage to get out with a straight face.

“No dating?” he asks, raising one eyebrow waiting for me to respond.