Page 45 of King of Players

“And I felt like I could talk to him about anything without feeling judgment. That’s something that nobody I know can offer. It can also be—and I’m aware of the irony—because of his line of work.”

“Right.”

“But the sex… I mean, yeah, it was good. I enjoyed it. But that wasn’t it. It’s—it was—the effortless comfort that I felt with him. I normally tense up the minute I get naked with a man. I don’t know what he wants, or if he knows what I want. I feel the need to talk, guide… be guided. Is that what chemistry is? I don’t know. Maybe. The point is, there was nothing stressful or taxing about the act with Chad. It all came naturally, as if we both knew exactly what to do and what the other wanted with a look, a sound, a touch. It was just… easy. It felt natural and immensely gratifying.”

“And… just to hammer on that point; that was never the case. Say, even with the man you were almost engaged to?”

“Who—Oscar? God, no.” I giggled, for some reason hiding my mouth with my hand, as if shy. “Oscar and I were good… really good, in other ways. But not like that, not in that aspect, anyway. And obviously, when I figured out that Oscar never wanted to get married, there was no longer a point in talking about it or trying to fix it.”

“I see.”

***

When I got home, I felt completely drained—both physically and mentally. Before I even changed out of my work attire, I texted the group chat that I wasn’t going to make it for ladies’ night. I didn’t feel like drinking, nor did I want to socialize. Ready to call it a day—even though it was only eight-thirty—I left my phone on the nightstand and stepped into the shower.

Drying myself, I walked out of the bathroom to see a blinking light on my phone. Several texts from the ladies trying to persuade me to come out, and a call from Natalie. Dialing her number, I stood in front of the mirror, drying my hair.

“Kaira!” she answered. “Tonight of all nights, you really must come.”

“What’s so special? I had a long day, and I’m really tired.”

“I have some gossip for you,” her mischievous tone sickened me.

“I really don’t care about where Chad Niles is sticking it this week, if that’s what this is about.”

“Geez, Kaira!”

“I’m sorry. I told you I’m exhausted. Work is just getting to me. I really could use some sleep.”

“Well, it’s your loss. And no, it’s not about him. It’s about someone important—well, used to be important in your life.”

“Who?”

“Oscar Rutherford.”

“Huh! Speak of the devil.”

“Really?”

“Uh—Yeah, someone was asking me about him earlier today.”

“Well, perhaps that someone knows that Oscar’s back in America.”

“Ah, I see. No, they didn’t mention that.”

“And I hear he’s back for good, too.”

“Why? Did Switzerland turn out to be too extravagant for his taste?”

“What I heard is that he’d gone to finish his book, and that it’s now finished. Sounds like we can read it for book club as early as Thanksgiving!”

“Oh, good for him. He’s worked on it for so long.”

“I was also told that he’s still single,” she said the last word with a meaningful tone.

“Natalie, Oscar’s goal in life is to remain single. How’s that a surprise?”

“The surprise is that he was engaged last year! God, Kaira, what rock have you been under?”

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