21 Days (Time for Love 2)

“What could go wrong? We’re both single adults,” TJ encouraged, his hot breath caressing my skin.

I swayed slightly, bringing our lips closer. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on keeping my wits.

“I couldn’t stand it if we were no longer friends,” I whispered.

“Never happen,” TJ responded softly, right before I felt his lips gently brush mine. I whimpered softly and licked my lips, my tongue caressing his as well, causing him to groan deeply.

“TJ,” I croaked, making my eyes open.

“Yeah,” he responded, eyes focused on me.

“You’re too important,” I said regretfully as I leaned back, picking up my wine and putting some distance between us.

“You’re important to me too, Sasha, you know that.” TJ ran his hand through his sandy-colored hair, causing me to wonder what it would feel like if I did the same.

Stop it. Those thoughts aren’t helping.

TJ took a long pull of his beer then said, “You’re one of my best friends. I love you and nothing will change that, but there’s something here.” He gestured between us. “And there always has been. Shit, Red, I’ve wanted you since the day we met.”

I tried to swallow the massive lump that had formed in my throat at his words, but my mouth was too dry.

“I know that we’ve always flirted, and I’ve always been attracted to you too … But what if something went wrong and one of us got hurt. What if we couldn’t get past it? You’re one of my best friends too, my family. I’d hate to lose that over just sex,” I admitted, unsure if I was trying to convince him or myself.

“First of all, whatever is between us could never be just sex. Second, we wouldn’t hurt each other, because we’ll be totally honest at all times. Lastly, no matter what happens between us, we’ll always be in each others lives,” TJ argued. He was making it sound very easy.

Too easy.

“How can you be sure?” I asked.

“Because we’re us, Red, and … if Gaby and Scott could lose their virginity to each other eight years ago, and still be as close as they are, I think we’ll be just fine.”

“How’d you hear about that?” I asked, surprised that the cat was out of the bag on that one.

“Just found out tonight,” TJ said with a grin, taking another drink of his beer. “Couldn’t believe it. I never suspected a thing.” He turned back to me, the grin gone. “But, Sasha, one night won’t be enough for us.”

My body began to throb in all the right places as I absorbed his words. I had a feeling sex with TJ would be amazing, which just made this situation even harder. What if all of the flirting and build up over the last eight years made us expect too much?

“So what are you talking about, TJ? Friends with benefits?” I asked, feeling stupid saying it out loud. “For how long? Would we be exclusive?” Now that his idea began to take root, I wanted to make sure we had all of our cards on the table.

“If you want to call it something, that fits. Yes, we would be exclusive, totally. How long? I don’t know, let’s start with the rest of my time here. We’re down to what, two weeks? Then we can see what happens.”

Once again, everything he was saying sounded pretty perfect, but could I do it? Could I sleep with TJ, then go back to being just friends? I had no problem separating sex and feelings with other guys, but none of them were an important part of my life.

“And we’ll be totally honest about everything?” I asked, needing clarification. “If it gets to be too much, or one of us gets too involved, or … God forbid, we aren’t compatible. We’ll tell each other the truth, no hard feelings?”

“Absolutely,” TJ said, then leaned over to say into my ear, “And, Red … There’s no way we aren’t compatible.”

He kissed me lightly, right below my ear, and I let out a deep sigh.

“Can I think about it?” I asked breathlessly.

TJ pulled back and looked me in the eye. “Just don’t take too long.” He got up and walked back toward his room. I watched until he shut the door behind him.

It didn’t look like I’d be getting much sleep, I thought with a loud sigh, as I took a big gulp of my wine.

Chapter 11 – TJ

Unable to toss and turn anymore, I’d given up on getting anymore sleep. I got up and went to the restroom, brushed my teeth, then laid back in my bed and covered up, picking up my latest Stephen King novel from the nightstand. I still had two hours until I needed to get up and get ready for work, I might as well see what was happening in Derry.