Page 52 of Beyond Expectations

This time, she couldn’t help her giggles.

“Well, he isn’t exactly a normal guy. Plus, whenever I’m around him, it’s like he’s this sex god that my body feels automatically synchronized to. He makes me want to lose my inhibitions and pounce him.”

“That’s a no-brainer. Most women who have met him or just seen a picture of him would want to jump him. And yet here you are trying to deter that? I love you, S, but you’re nuts.”

“Hey, I am in the room, you know. I’m not nuts. I’m being cautious. The man loves being in control, deciding when, where, how, and who. But so do I. You know I can’t give up total control. It needs to be give and take.”

Ruby had been my biggest support after what happened at college. Whether it was sending me care packages, coming on surprise visits, or just listening as I cried over the phone, she knew how much it knocked me. My self-confidence. My self-worth. And especially being able to trust a man. And given that my ex and Rhett came from similar backgrounds and lifestyles, I knew she’d understand my apprehension deep down.

“So, the last time you saw him, how did you put out the flames? I can’t see him giving up on you. Especially after you told me how your date ended.”

In a vain attempt, I tried to hide my embarrassment by taking a large sip of wine.

“Something happened! You’ve seen him. Spill.”

“Well, on Wednesday, I had a crazy, hectic day at work. It was gone seven before I noticed everyone in the office had left, and it was only me and the cleaning crew. So, I’m preparing my final notes for my meeting the next morning when I get his call.”

Ruby leaned in, eagerly waiting for me to continue.

“Anyway, he called to ask if I had any plans for the evening. To which I responded that I was finishing up at the office. So, he asked if I would like to go with him to this jazz bar, as there was a band he loved playing that night. At first, I was apprehensive to say yes, but I knew I could do with a drink, and I didn’t have Rhett tipped to be the jazz bar kind of guy. So, I was intrigued.”

I readjusted myself, getting more comfortable on my corner sofa.

“Oh, my gosh. If you don’t get on with this story, I swear to God…”

I couldn’t blame her because I knew I was dragging it out, but it was more so I could re-live it again. Putting her out of her misery, I gave her a thoroughly detailed run-through of the evening.

“So, you left him hanging again?”

“I didn’t leave him hanging. We had a nice evening, and we kissed goodnight. Wouldn’t consider that as being nothing.”

“I’m starting to feel sorry for the guy. You’re going to give him the worst case of blue ba?—”

I cut her off before she could say it. My body had also screamed at my brain as I lay in bed that night. But I needed to make sure that the next time I slept with him, my head and my body were as one.

“So, when are you seeing him again?”

“He asked me to dinner tomorrow night.”

“At his place?”

“Yep.”

My body began to feel hot. And I was guessing by the look on my face Ruby could tell what I was thinking.

“You’re so going to get laid,” Ruby said almost in a singsong-like tone.

“Depends on how the night goes, I guess.”

I smirked as I emptied my glass of wine.

“Oh, come on, it will depend more on what you wear. So, what have you decided on?”

“Who says I’ve decided on anything?”

“Serena Parker, if I was the saleswoman at Nordstrom, I might believe your answer. But I am not. I have been your best friend since we were babies. Now spill, what have you decided on?”

“The red lace dress we brought for my birthday last year that I didn’t wear.”

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