Our Way

I just can’t.

But then…

“What’s your favorite hobby, Nathan?” someone else asks. This is like a really bad dating app. Who cares about his hobbies?

“Horse riding,” he answers without missing a beat.

I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. He’s never been horse riding in his life.

He raises his eyebrow across the table at me, and I know he means sex.

I smile against my glass. That’s actually true. Sex is definitely his favorite hobby.

Three hours later, Nathan has talked to everyone in the club, and his friendliness is at an all-time high. I’ve never seen him trying so hard to be nice. He’s standing at the bar, ordering drinks, and I go and stand beside him. I’ve had more than enough of his top shelf margaritas, and I’m feeling very relaxed.

“So, Mr. Mercer.”

“Yes.” He gives me a slow sexy smile. “That’s my name.”

“Are you going to tell me your plan?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Well, you have to agree to it before I tell you.”

I laugh. “Do you really think I’m that stupid?”

“I’m hoping so.” He takes a sip of his drink.

“Tell me the plan.”

“Well…” He inhales sharply, as if he’s steeling himself. “You only want to be friends?”

“Correct.”

“But I only want you. ”

We stare at each other as the air crackles between us.

“So… I’ve come up with a compromise, so to speak. I think this will suit us both.”

“Which is?”

“I’m really not sure how you are going to react to this, and it could completely backfire here.”

I roll my eyes. “Just spit it out.”

He hesitates for a moment. “How would you feel about being friends with benefits?”

I stare at him, dumbfounded.

“But you know it would just keep me… well, both of us, really… physically satisified while you…” He trips over his words.

“While I what?”

“Decide on our future.”