Page 174 of The Bonus

“Nope.” She exhales heavily. “We are best friends who have sex, we always have been best friends who have sex. It was never a carnal attraction. I mean, we only have sex once a fortnight now, and it’s more a closeness thing rather than a sexual thing.”

“Are you still in love with each other?” I ask.

“I guess.” She keeps watching the game as if uninterested in this conversation. “Lately he’s been distant, but I can’t imagine a life without him. I just mean that…” She pauses, as if searching for the words. “Physical attractions like that are not the everyday thing. If you have one with someone and he has it back, it’s worth exploring.”

“But our history . . .”

“Is history.” She cuts me off. “Let it go.”

Jack walks down along the front of the grandstand and we both watch him. He’s wearing his uniform and has his super-white socks pulled three-quarters up his shins.

“You have been on how many dates with Jack?” she asks.

“Five.”

“And you haven’t even kissed yet?” She raises an unimpressed eyebrow.

I shake my head.

“That’s weird, don’t you think?”

“I’m just not feeling it.” I roll my eyes, knowing she’s right. “There’s something wrong with me, I’m sure of it.”

Jack looks up and sees us, his face lights up and he waves.

“I’m going to go down and see him.” I stand.

“And do what?”

Ugh, I hate it when Deb gets all sensible and hard-hitting on me.

“Talk to him, what do you think?” I shimmy across the row of seats and make my way down the stairs to meet him on the concourse at the side of the stadium.

“Hey you.” He smiles. “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

“Hi, Jack.” This is why I like Jack, he’s so uncomplicated…talking about the weather and stuff, this is what I need in my life.

Good, supportive, weather-loving people.

“You didn’t call me back last night?” He frowns.

Oh crap, I didn’t even know he called.

“I didn’t have my phone on me,” I tell him. “I’m sorry.”

Fuck.

“Hello,” a deep voice purrs from beside me. I look up to see Gabriel towering over us. His dark hair has a wave to it, he’s wearing sunglasses and the heavenly scent of his aftershave wafts around me. Wearing black jeans and a gray sweater, he looks like a walking orgasm.

Damn it.

“Gabriel.” I swallow a nervous lump in my throat as I look between the two men. “Hi,” I stammer in my high voice.

What the hell is going on with my voice box when I’m around him?

He holds his hand out to Jack. “Gabriel Ferrara.”

“Hello, I’m Jack Spalding.” Jack smiles and shakes his hand, I nervously glance between them. “Isn’t it a great day today?” Jack continues. “The sun is shining and life is good.”

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