Page 92 of Unexpected Hero

“Your lying face. Lettie, why are you lying?”

I hate that she knows my tell.

My exhale is a trembling fluttery release of nerves coated with a thin layer of shame. “To be clear, that wasn’t a total lie. I was and am happy to get a job. Money has been tight, and I need gainful employment. The job seems like it will be exciting.”

“But?” she prods.

From behind the shield of my hands, I blurt out my truth. “By getting the job, my chance to explore the connection with James is kaput.”

“Lettie bear, we done plowed this furrow clean down to the bedrock. It’s time to rest the mule.”

Southern translation: We’ve talked it to death and need to move on.

And yeah, we have.

The picnic with James was ten days ago. Since then, Stella and I have discussed it ad nauseam. I don’t hide shit from her if I can help it. And I needed her shoulder to whine on.

“If mother earth wants you to be with James, a path will clear in the forest.”

I close my eyes and groan. “That was the most ridiculous thing you’ve said to me all week.”

“Oh look at you. Exercising your right to be snarky.”

I laugh at our silly banter, grateful for the moment of levity. “Am I making a mistake, Stella? I can’t help but think he’s worth losing out on the job. A man like him doesn’t come around every day.”

“I can’t argue with that. He does sound pretty great. Especially the way he took care of you and your broken toes.”

Ah, that reminds me. Although I told him I already did it, I keep forgetting to add the urgent care visit to my list of shit to pay him back for, as well as the hundred and twenty bucks worth of groceries he stuffed into my buggy the next day. I’m starting to wonder if he’s wealthy or just reckless with money.

The whole experience left me as confused as a fart in a fan factory. I hate being dependent on someone or needing a handout, but I also loved how he insisted on caring for me. He’s a sexy guardian angel who kisses like the devil.

Stella snaps me back to the moment. “If the James situation didn’t exist, would you be happy about this job?”

“Oh my gosh, yes. The vibe there was incredible. I loved it. And the people were so nice. Plus, it’s exciting and a bit naughty, which is perfect for my rebellious era.”

“And you felt safe, right?”

She’s asked me a few times about safety precautions. Apparently, not all clubs are alike.

“Yes. The owner was explicitly clear about how I can expect to be treated. He went over the rules in detail, and all the members must sit through a class on club etiquette. And according to James, all the Doms will be looking out for me.”

“Okay. Let’s look at this objectively. Box up your emotions for a hot minute.” She gives me a stern glare. “You’re going to be earning money like a big girl. And you’re working in a safe place that’s exciting, fun, and a little naughty. So there’s nothing to be nervous about, right?”

My lips bunch over to one side, and I nibble at the inside of my cheek. “Well...”

“Well what?”

As much as I wish I could avoid this topic, I need to tell her this. She’ll help me deal with it.

“James will be there tonight.”

“And? You said he’s looking out for you, so that should be a good thing. You’ll already have a friend there.”

“But he’s not working tonight.”

Her mouth opens in a perfect O shape. “Oooh.”

“What if he has sex with someone else?” My tone spikes up an octave. “Or whatever else he does there? Spanking a woman or tying up a hot naked chick? Getting a BJ? Oh my gosh. I can’t, Stella. I can’t.”

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