Page 106 of Obsession

“So, what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that you can’t compartmentalize people like that. He is a complicated person. And now that we’re back from that fantasy trip, I thought things would return to normal, but they haven’t. He keeps trying to push his way into my life in the most wonderful damn ways. I don’t know what will happen if I give in now and get my heart broken later on.”

“Why are you so sure that he’ll break your heart?” Naomi asks quietly.

This time, my smile is a little sad.

“Because that’s what men like him do to women like me. I am nowhere on equal footing with him. He’s the one who holds all the power: age, wealth, and experience. Even when I try to keep my distance from him and tell myself that this is not going to go anywhere, there he is. Mr. Wonderful. If he keeps this up, I won’t be able to push him away much longer.”

My friend studies me and then sits down beside me, flinging her arms around my shoulders. “Thank you for sharing that. I know that was hard.”

“I should have told you sooner. You’re my sister.” I rest my head on her shoulder. “If not by blood, then by choice.”

“Yeah.” She presses a firm kiss on top of my head. “Listen, I know your head and heart are at war, and you also know I never give good advice.” I snicker in agreement. “But I’ve never seen you talk about a guy like this. And as for him, you have to mean something to him, even if he doesn’t know it yet, because no man will go to the extremes he has for no reason. He wouldn’t keep you next to him unless there’s something else there. He can have meaningless sex with anyone.”

The thought of Hunter having sex with anyone else makes my stomach churn.

“I suppose that’s true.”

“So my advice is don’t look for love. Don’t hope for love. Enjoy the physical. Enjoy the gifts.” She twirls around in our state-of-the-art kitchen to make her point. “Enjoy sweaty sex and the steamy kisses and whatever the fuck else you guys do. If you get your heart broken, that’s fine because I’ll be right here to pick up all the pieces and put you back together. I’ll set you up on so many first dates that you won’t even remember Hunter Middleton afterward. Just live in the now and enjoy it. You’re young. You should have at least one hot, forbidden relationship under your belt by now.”

I absorb her words, and while I know they come from a place of care, Naomi doesn’t see the harm in taking risks, but I’m fearful of them. The riskiest thing I’ve ever done was take a job at that club.

“But I recommend you talk to him upfront about your job, this place, and his expectations if that worries you. Don’t beat around the bush. This is your peace of mind we’re talking about.”

My friend has made some excellent points tonight, and I burrow myself into her, grateful to have someone like her in my life. I didn’t grow up with any friends so it’s finally nice to find a good one.

“Fine, I’ll stop worrying incessantly. I’ll talk to him.”

Just then, there’s a knock on the door, and I stand.

“I’ll see who it is.”

When I open the door, I see Parker standing there with a few rectangular boxes in his hand.

“Um, hi.”

“Who is it?” Naomi calls out, but I don’t reply because I see Parker taking in my pajamas. When he grins, I blush in embarrassment.

“I got these on sale. Stop judging me.”

“They’re cute,” he chuckles. “Here, this is for you. The boss sent them.”

I look at the large boxes and then back at him. “What is it?”

He shrugs. “Not for me to say.”

I extend my arms to take them, but he shakes his head no.

“Where do you want them?”

“Put them there.” I point to the coffee table.

He enters the apartment, and Naomi waves from the kitchen.

“Heyyyy.”

“Naomi, this is Parker. He works for Mr. Middleton,” I introduce them. “Parker, this is my roommate, Naomi.”

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