“You’re done with me,” he finished.
“I’d prefer to say that we shared a delightful evening and parted ways as friends.”
“But the truth is essentially the same,” He pointed out and she colored in embarrassment.
“Yes. I suppose it is. If you were—looking for more than I could give, I’m sorry. I don’t want...”
“Complications,” he said with a nod as he buttoned his shirt. “I understand perfectly,” he raked hands through his black hair and checked his pockets for his wallet, keys, and phone.
“I have to get a cab back to Tamarind to get my car before work,” she said.
“So do I but I’m guessing that sharing a cab is out of the question.”
“No, that would be—practical,” she conceded.
They left the apartment and shuffled downstairs in silence.
“I’d take you out for breakfast but—we’re parting ways, I understand.”
“Yes. Thank you anyway,” she said formally, crisply.
They sat in the taxi, as much space between them on the seat as possible. It was a stark contrast to the way they had snuggled up and kissed in a cab only a few hours
before.
“Thank you for last night,” she said.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, not arguing that he should thank her or that the pleasure was all his.
“It could’ve been a horrible night because of, because of what happened with Kevin. But you rescued me.”
“You rescued yourself. I just sent you a drink. You came to find me.”
“I guess you’re right. You’re the best, Jack. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“Except now you want to sweep it under the rug, forget it all,” he pointed out, not unkindly.
“I don’t want to think of myself as someone who’d pick up a guy and take him home. It was a totally stupid decision. I’m lucky you weren’t a killer or something.”
“Would a killer have eaten your ex’s lobster for you?”
“Maybe, if he wanted to kill me,” she said.
“Like as a trust ploy? Really?”
“Probably. I’m just glad that it was you.”
“I’m glad it was me, too. And not someone else. I’d be jealous as hell if someone else got to spend last night with you.”
“You were so nice to me. I was really messed up over being left and, let’s be honest, from the drinking.”
“You were lovely, Britt. I don’t regret a thing. Except that you can’t say the same.”
“I wish I could. It’s not...how I’m wired. I’m ashamed of what I did.”
“Don’t be. You chose comfort over misery. That’s the brave choice.”
“There was nothing brave about falling into bed with the hot guy who bought me a drink. Easiest thing in the world.”