by E. L. Todd
“I’m trusting you not to tell Rhett, and especially not Aspen.”
“Well, if I’m as trustworthy as you are, then you’re in for a surprise.”
“Harper.” My voice came out serious. “I know I can trust you.”
She finally turned her head my way.
“You were right about me and all the girls—or lack of girls.”
“Yeah?” she asked.
“The truth is, I haven’t been with anyone in a really long time.”
She stared at me in silence, heartbeats of time passing.
“I just…I don’t want to.”
“Why?” she asked quietly.
“I’m not really sure, to be honest. I know I have intimacy issues. It’s hard for me to be open with someone. Any time conversations become too serious, I say something stupid and ruin it. And opening myself to someone in that way…it’s just too difficult for me no matter how meaningless it is.”
“It didn’t seem like you had a problem in the pool,” she noted.
“I know.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “And that gives me hope.”
“Hope that what?” she whispered.
“That I’m finally getting better and I can start sleeping around again. You know, be a normal guy.”
“Why do you have to sleep around?” she asked. “Why can’t you just date and have another relationship?”
“No,” I blurted. “Never. I’ll never do that again.”
She looked out the window.
“That was a mistake and I’ll never do it again.”
“Just because one woman didn’t value you doesn’t mean another one won’t. You’re very sweet, Troy. I think there are a lot of great qualities in you, and if you gave someone the opportunity to love you they would.”
Her words meant nothing to me so I didn’t comment on them. “I’m sorry if I pissed you off and crossed the line. I call you a Perfect Ten because I really think you’re a Perfect Ten. Obviously, I’m very much attracted to you.”
“Do you want to sleep with me?” she asked bluntly.
“Theoretically, yes. In reality, no.”
“Can you explain that?” she asked calmly.
“You’re hot. Obviously, I’d fuck you. But you’re Aspen’s friend, whose Rhett’s woman. It would be a really bad idea and I don’t want to make things complicated for Rhett. If I slept with you and never called again, it would make things tense.”
“I’m so glad my feelings were put into consideration…”
“And that too,” I said quickly. “My point is, I’m sorry for my behavior and I would really like to be friends. I’ll keep my lips to myself.”
“And your junk in your pants.” There was a slight smile on her lips so I knew she wasn’t mad.
I turned to her. “So, we’re cool? Because I think you’re really awesome and I don’t want to lose this friendship because my dick likes you too much.”
She released a faint laugh. “A lot of dicks like me.”
“I believe it. So?”
“I would love to be your friend, Troy.”
“Sweet.” I nudged her in the side playfully.
She nudged me back. “Are we going to be those awkward friends that inappropriately touch each other after every pun and joke?”
I nudged her again. “I hope so.”
Harper
“What do you think?” I stood in front of the mocha colored leather sofa. “I can get a really good deal on it plus my discount. It’s practically a steal.”
He walked around the couch then sat on it. He reclined then put his hands behind his head. Then his eyes closed and he sat absolutely still for several moments. When his breathing became deep and steady, I knew something was off.
“Wake up, Troy.”
He stirred then blinked his eyes quickly. “Yep. This couch will do.”
I tried not to laugh. “It’s in your budget?”
“Yep.” He put the recliner down then got up. He moved his fingers through his hair like he just woke up. He was naturally sexy without even trying, and a group of passing girls noticed the same thing I noticed. Kissing him was pretty terrific. I wasn’t going to deny it—except to him.
“Then let’s do it.” We walked to the counter and purchased the couch. The other knickknacks were already at the house. I just had to do the final decorating but I didn’t want to start until the big things were in the house, like the couches, beds, and rugs.
Troy put everything on a credit card and we walked out of the store.
“Everything is finally ready,” I said with excitement. “Now I just need to set up.”
“I can help,” he said. “You want to go there now?”
“No, it’s okay,” I said immediately. “It’s what you’re paying me to do.”
“I don’t mind helping,” he said immediately. “Unless you’re scared to be alone with me.” He nudged me awkwardly in the side.
“Yes, you caught me,” I said sarcastically.
“Come on,” he said. “We’ll make lunch and make a day out of it. Then we’ll hit the beach.”
I gave him a pissed look.
“In our swimsuits, of course,” he said with a laugh.
“Okay, that’s better.”
***
There were stacks of boxes everywhere. I had a lot to do and so little time. It was probably a blessing in disguise that Troy offered to help. He had the muscle and size to move tables and chairs. And he could reach high places with his height. My short stature limited my mobility sometimes.
“Damn, you bought a lot of shit.” He walked around the boxes and had to jump over a few.
“But this place will look amazing.”
“It better.” He opened a random box. “I don’t know where any of this stuff goes…”
“Just take care of the big stuff.”
“Like?”
“The table.” I pointed to the big box. “You have tools, right?”
“Do I look like a construction worker to you?”
“No. But you don’t look stupid either.”
“I have a screwdriver.”
“That should be enough.”
We worked in comfortable silence. He assembled the large furniture while I decorated the house with paintings and assembled lamps on the different end tables. Within hours, the place started to look brand new.
Troy got hot so he took off his t-shirt. He didn’t look at me when he did, lost in his own world.
But I looked at him and noticed the chiseled muscles of his chest and stomach. He clearly hit the gym and often. He had a small build like a soccer player, but he was ripped in the arms, chest, and stomach. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to Troy. But I didn’t want to date him or sleep with him. I didn’t mind fooling around with different men, but Troy was off limits. Besides, he’d become a good friend recently and I liked having him around. I didn’t want to give him a reason to leave.
By the late afternoon, we were only about halfway done.
Troy wiped the sweat from his forehead then leaned against the wall. “I think we should call it a day and come back some other time.”
I was tired too. “Yeah, maybe.”
“There’s not much daylight left. If we hit the beach we should do it now.”
“But let’s eat first.”
He snapped his fingers then pointed at me. “Good call.” He walked into his kitchen and searched the pantry. “PB&J okay?”
“That sounds perfect to me.”
He pulled out the bread and made two sandwiches. He handed me one before he sat on the counter and ate his. Like he was in a daze, he stared at an empty spot on the wall, clearly exhausted.
I ate slowly, almost too tired to do that.
“Can I ask you something?” He turned his gaze back to me.
“I suppose.”
“Did you not feel anything when you kissed me?”
Why was he asking? “What does it matter?”
“Becaus
e I felt something. I find it hard to believe you didn’t.”
I kept eating then averted my gaze, trying to seem indifferent.
He gave me that smirk I’d come to love. It meant he had me and he knew it. “Your lack of response tells me all I need to know.”
“Look, kissing a hot naked guy in a pool would make anyone feel that way,” I said defensively.
“You think I’m hot?” His smile widened.
“No, I’m just saying…”
“Nope, you said it.” He fist-pounded the air. “Perfect Ten thinks Eight Inches is hot.”
“We sound like porn stars.”
He laughed. “That’s pretty hot. Maybe we should make one together.” He winked at me.
“What happened to just being friends?”
“We are just friends. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy making out.” He finished his sandwich but remained on the counter. “And I like teasing you. Your cheeks turn red and it’s really cute.”
“Cute?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“That’s the first time I heard you use that word.”
“Well, you’re the first cute thing I’ve seen.” He jumped off the counter then headed to the patio. “We’re heading to the beach or what?”
“I need to change.”
“Or you could change out here.” He wiggled his eyebrows then walked out. “I’ll be at the beach.”
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me then changed into my purple bikini. Then I walked across the sand to where Troy lay on two beach towels. He wore swim trunks without a shirt.
I sat beside him then put on my sunglasses.
Troy whistled loudly. “Purple is a good color on you.”
“Thank you.” Would it be vain for me to say I liked it when he complimented me?
He propped himself on his elbows and looked out to sea. It was a perfect day and a cloudless sky. The ocean was a bright blue just like the heavens, and the sun took up the sky.
“It’s a nice day.”
“It is,” he agreed. He stared at the beach before he turned back to me. Then he looked away again.
“What?” I asked.
“I didn’t say anything.” He squinted his eyes because of the sun but he still looked hot when he did it.
“Then why did you look at me?”
“Friends or not, you’re hot. I like to look at you.”
“Do you ever censor your thoughts?
“No,” he said. “I’m a very honest person. That might be annoying sometimes but at least you know what you’re getting from me. There’s never any room for misinterpretation.”
“I guess that’s true.”
“You, on the other hand, I never know what you’re thinking.” He leaned toward me. “And I’d give anything to know.”
“You seem to think my unknown thoughts are interesting.”
“I’m sure they are.”
“Not really,” I said.
“How about we both be brutally honest with each other from now on?” he asked. He lay on his back and rested his hands behind his head.
“Why?” I rested my elbows on my knees and dug my toes into the sand.
“Because that’s what real friends do. They’re honest with each other.”
“A hundred percent?” I asked.
“Aren’t you that way with Aspen?”
“Not a hundred percent. Are you that way with Rhett?”
“No.”
“Then why should we be that way?”
He shrugged. “Because I like you a lot, Harper.”
I lay back and rested one hand on my stomach. My hair cascaded around me and the sun felt warm on my skin. “Why do you like me so much?”
“Well, you’re really cool. But you’re also a little pessimistic. You know, you aren’t bubbly and talking about rainbows and unicorns all the time. It’s refreshing. I hate it when people are too over-the-top happy.”
“That makes sense. So, you like me because I’m depressing?”
“Depressing is too strong of a word. Normal is better.”
I closed my eyes and felt the sun beat into me. There was a slight breeze so I wasn’t too warm.
“So, honesty from now on?”
“Sure.”
“Cool,” he said. “So, are you attracted to me?”
He didn’t waste any time. “I just said you were hot a few minutes ago, didn’t I?”
“So, you meant it?”
I sighed. “Troy, would you be an escort if you weren’t extremely attractive?”
“Being attractive is subjective,” he said. “My friends will point out girls who they think are perfect tens and they look like shit.”
I released a laugh. “Well, that’s mean.”
“I’m just being honest like I said I would be.”
“Yeah…”
“So?” he pressed.
“So what?”
“You think I’m hot?”
“Why do you want to know?” I countered. I adjusted my sunglasses on the bridge of my nose.
“Because I want to know if you’re just as attracted to me as I am to you.”
So, he was being completely honest. “Yes.”
A stupid grin stretched his face. “Awesome.”
I kept my eyes closed and enjoyed the sun.
“So, you did like kissing me?”
I sighed. “Troy, why are you asking all these questions if all we’ll ever be is friends?”
“Because I’m curious—very curious.”
“Fine,” I said with a sigh. “I’m going to save you some time and tell you everything you might ask about.”
“I’m intrigued.” He propped himself on his elbows again.
“I’ve been attracted to you since the moment I saw you. But since you’re an escort, I’ll never be interested in dating you. Aspen is a trusting person because she is sweet and…fucking weird…but I’m not like that. I’m more of the jealous type. If I had a boyfriend, I don’t want him touching anyone but me.
“When we kissed, I felt something. It was hot, and you’re a great kisser. I love your body, and I even love the stupid smile you always make, like the one you’re making right now.”
His grin stretched wider.
“I’d sleep with you if there wasn’t obvious complications. But honestly, I like having you as a friend anyway so it works out.”
He processed my words for a long time. “So, why wouldn’t you kiss me again?”
I shrugged. “The moment was gone.”
“Would you want to kiss me again?”
This was going to dangerous territory. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
He stared at the incoming waves. “Why don’t we be friends with benefits?”
“I thought you weren’t sleeping around anymore.”
“Well, that’s the thing,” he said. “I’d like to try. You’re the first girl I’ve been this attracted to in a really long time. What if we…fool around? We won’t tell anyone. It’ll be our secret.”
That was tempting. “What’s your end game?”
“To finally move on and be with other women.”
I thought about the story he told me about his ex. “You aren’t over her, are you?”
He quickly looked away like he was ashamed. There was nowhere for him to hide. He was the one who wanted to be honest. Now he had to face the music. “I…I’m not sure. But I don’t think I am.” His voice came out weak, like it took all his strength to speak. “Does that bother you?”
“No. As long as you’re honest about it.”
He sighed then lay back down. “I hate myself for feeling this way…she won’t go away no matter what I do. I’m doomed to suffer this forever. I’m so pathetic.”
I rested my hand on his arm. “That doesn’t make you pathetic.”
“She left me for some other guy over a year ago,” he said quietly. “You’d think I’d be over it by now. I had the ring and everything…then she left.” His vo
ice was full of emotion. He sounded like a completely different person.
“Its her loss, Troy. You’re an amazing guy, despite all your attempts to hide it. It may not seem like it but it’s the best thing that ever happened to you. You’ll realize that someday.”
“Maybe…maybe not.”
I moved close to him and rubbed his shoulder. “So, you want me to help you get over her?”
“Yes.” His voice was full of shame.
“Well, there’s something I want in return.”
“Name it.”
“I want you to escort me.”
He turned to me, confusion in his eyes. “Why?”
“My sister’s wedding is going to be a disaster. I’ll be a talking point for everyone there. But if they think I have a serious boyfriend, they’ll stop riding my ass.”
He nodded. “Well, I can’t accept payment for it. Since we’re sleeping together…we just can’t. But I’ll gladly do it privately.”
“Yeah?” I asked with a spurt of joy.
“Yeah. I’ll make everyone think I’m more in love with you than your sister’s fiancé is with your sister.”
“Well, that’s impossible.”
“Psh,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for years. Leave it to me.”
“Then it looks like we have a deal.” I extended my hand to shake his.
He looked at it but didn’t take it. Instead, he nudged me in the side. “Deal.”
***
I arrived at the restaurant last, unfortunately. My family was already seated at a table, and I did my best to walk with grace as I approached them. Wearing a fake smile and doing my best to seem pleased to be there, I sat down and said quick hellos to everyone. “Sorry, I’m late.”
“It’s okay,” Kara said. “We know things are hectic right now.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“But you could have called ahead,” Mom said.
I clenched my menu but didn’t say anything. Never hit your mom.
Mom and Kara finished their conversation about the centerpieces for the wedding. I wasn’t sure why they were planning ahead so early but that was their own prerogative.
“Well, we actually didn’t ask you guys to meet us here to discuss centerpieces…” Kara turned to Sebastian with a smile on her face. It was a look of encouragement, of excitement.
“Then what’s your news?” Mom asked. “Did you find a dress?”
“No…” Kara was practically squirming in her seat.