“Thank you. I think.” Kamal ran his fingers through his hair and then looked at me. “Your thoughts on these jeans?”
I forced myself to not lick my lips. “I agree with what Ross said. The only difference is I think the rides should be at least a hundred dollars. We can’t just let anybody hop on.”
A grin cracked through his dark expression. “I like your train of thought. If I ever need a pimp, I’ll pick you over him.”
“Can I get that in writing?”
He chuckled and headed off.
And I watched him in pure satisfaction. There was nothing like a muscular man, shirtless and in good fitting jeans. And with the way he stalked off, I yearned to tear those gorgeous jeans away.
Ummmhmm. I hope you don’t plan on wearing those jeans around the apartment. And if you do, please have a shirt on.
This morning I woke up alone in the apartment with no one, but Ganesha to keep me company. By tonight, I would have my best friend’s hot brother prowling the space, looking sexy as hell and completely single.
Wait a minute. What the hell is the sleeping arrangement? We never talked about that?
I sipped more of my quarantini.
Clearly, Kamal would take the couch. That was the type of guy he would be. And I would feel completely guilty while he stayed out there. Zora’s couch was small. His legs would hang off the sides. His big body would crowd it up. He’d be better sleeping on the floor.
But. . .I can’t sleep in the bed with him. Do I take the couch?
I would probably be more comfortable than him.
If I do sleep out there, that shit is going to be murder on my back.
I frowned and finished my drink.
We’ll have to figure something out.
I considered other alternatives.
Maybe an air mattress. That might solve it. Either way, we can’t sleep in the bed together.
The last time I had sex with my ex-boyfriend it was a week before New Year’s Eve. It was completely uneventful. Afterward, I decided I wouldn’t be bringing him into 2020. Now it was March and my body was overdue for a good session of hot sex. Lately, I’d been overworking the shit out of my vibrator.
Shit. How am I going to masturbate with him in the other room?
So loud, my damn vibrator sounded like a motorcycle starting up. Back in LA, I lived alone so I didn’t think much of the sound. Now. . .he would totally hear the buzzing.
Damn. This is going to be an awkward seven days.
I set my empty glass on the counter.
“Jade!” Ross yelled for me. “I found some nice pajamas for you and a couple of skirts for that great ass of yours. It’s so big and soft.”
Kamal groaned from the dressing room.
I giggled and headed back there.
“Oh, and you have to check out these new thongs that arrived last week. Crotchless and silk. They’re perfect for you.”
Kamal cleared his throat. “Let’s just focus on the pajamas, Ross.”
“She’s single and sexy. She has all her life to wear boring pajamas. She needs silk and lace.”
Kamal groaned again, confirming that I wouldn’t be the only one doing a little drooling this week.
He and I stuck together. This is going to be crazy! Either way. . .we’ll both behave. It wouldn’t make any sense to. . .do anything out of character.Chapter 4
KamalFlattening the Curve
I told Ross to pick out proper clothes for Jade to cover her body. Somewhere in between his two quarantinis, he sent her home with fitted skirts, tons of lace panties, and silk tops with revealing cleavage. Ross added some other outfits for her to the pile. I hoped they appropriately covered everything. At the cash register, she tried to pull out her card. I slung mine down and Ross took it. According to him, cash carried germs, but platinum only brought joy.
We made it home in time to walk Ganesha.
It had been a long day. After the wine and quarantinis, Jade giggled more. She must’ve been tipsy, but kept her composure well. Instead of unpacking all my new clothes and settling everything, I kept my mask and gloves on and then went with Jade and Ganesha to Prospect Park. It was fun hanging with her, and I didn’t want to be alone.
I walked on her right. “It’s a nice day.”
“It is.”
I wondered if she smiled under her mask. In that moment, I missed looking at her lips.
What am I doing focusing on her mouth? I’ve had too many beers myself.
I turned my attention from her. “Now that the city is going to be on lockdown, will you shorten Ganesha’s walks?”
“Probably, but it was becoming my only exercise. Perhaps it will be okay as long as I stay away from people.”
I caught a couple in front of us pushing a stroller. As soon as they spotted us, they walked across the street as if we might be infected. I didn’t blame them.