Page 93 of Unexpected Hero

Bands tighten around my chest, making it hard to breathe. How awful would that be to have to watch him with another woman? I’ll die, have a heart attack, and puke, but in reverse order.

Stella maintains a calming voice. “I doubt he’d do that to you.”

“Why else is he going?”

She closes her eyes and clicks her tongue. “I know you’re not that obtuse, Lettie.”

“Pretend I am. Tell me why you think he’s coming tonight. I need to hear it because I can’t trust my thoughts about him.”

“He’s going for you, sweetie.”

With a downward jerk of my chin, I bob my head a few times, then shake it out. My head and neck are as wonky as my thoughts. I don’t know whether to agree or refute her assertion.

I want to believe her.

James has been nothing but kind and considerate. Unfortunately, he hasn’t made a move to kiss me again since the night at the beach. And he’s had plenty of opportunities, given how often we’ve hung out.

Turns out our taste in movies aligns, and we seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

When I fell asleep on his shoulder the other night, it was the most relaxing sleep I had. He’d somehow tucked me into bed and left without waking me.

Why does the stupid no-dating rule exist? It’s so unfair!

My nostrils flare with a rich intake of oxygen. I’d hoped for a cleansing breath, but sadly, I live in filth, so it makes me want to gag.

After rubbing one flattened palm over my thigh a few times, I stand. “I hope you’re right, Stella Bella. Because time is up, and I need to skedaddle.”

“It’ll be fine, hun. You’ll see. Call me on your way home.”

I tip the phone toward my face and lean the side of my head close so she gets a view of my ear. “Call you? Like with my voice? Did I hear you right?”

Her answer hitches a ride on a melodic laugh. “Yes. For tonight only, the ban is lifted.”

“It’s gonna be super late when I’m done working. We can talk tomorrow.”

“Fine. But promise me this. If you see him having sex with someone else, you’ll call me so I can talk you down off the ledge.”

“I’m not going to be on a ledge. I’ll be totally chill.” I shrug, attempting to pull off blasé. “You’ve taught me a lot about the kink lifestyle. Sex isn’t emotional for everyone; sometimes, it’s just physical. And if he has sexual relations with someone else, it doesn’t have anything to do with me. None whatsoever.”

“That’s my girl. But call me anyway. Not that I think he’s going to do that. I stand by my earlier comment.”

“I think so too. He’s been caring and compassionate. It’s most likely that he wants to make sure I’m comfortable.”

“Exactly. And don’t forget that you’re a tough chick who doesn’t need a man to complete her.”

I flash a toothy smile and quip, “Tell that to Pastor Ben and my mama.”

“Shush with that. Their opinions are as worthless as gum on a boot heel!” She laughs at her joke, and it makes me smile. “I expect a full report tomorrow and text updates as the night unfolds to hold me over.”

“Got it.”

“If you don’t, I’ll punish you.”

“Don’t make promises you won’t keep.”

“But you won’t like my punishments, hun. It’ll involve tying you down and letting Pumpkin walk all over your chest.”

“Do it, and I’ll kill you, then swear you died of natural causes.”

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