Page 75 of Tiers of Joy

He smiles.

“I’m not kissing you. I'm going to prove to you that you can trust me, that I will never break your already fragile heart.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” I ask.

He nods.

“Wow, I'm kinda happy but also annoyed because I want to kiss you right now.” I sulk.

He laughs.

“Do you trust me not to break your heart?” He pleads.

I pause because the truth is, I don’t. Damn it!

“Well it looks like it’s a case of blue balls for you and blue clit for me. Happy days.” I state.

Gaige roars with laughter.

“Come on, let’s get you back to the bakery before it gets too cold.” He takes my hand in his.

We walk back up to the bakery. A few people walk past and they all take note of us holding hands.

“We are the town’s gossip.” I point out.

“Yep. Let them have their fill.”

We reach the bakery and I fiddle with my key.

“Um, do you want to come in for some dinner?” I ask.

He smiles and shakes his head.

“No. I don’t trust myself around you in private. I’d like to take you out tomorrow though?” He asks.

I bite my bottom lip and nod.

“Bye Esme.” He says kissing my hand and walking back to his truck.

I quickly unlock the door and run straight upstairs to ring Sally.

“So let me get this straight, he isn’t going to even give you a little tickle, a fondle, a squeeze, a nibble?! Not even a kiss?!” She asks, sounding perplexed.

“That’s right, no touchy.” I affirm.

“Well I mean I agree with him in the sense that you are messed up and he needs to tread carefully with your heart. But isn’t falling head over heels for a guy helped along by them giving us a few of the big O’s?”

“Well I know he’s good in that department. I’ve already fallen for him. Do I think he will let me down and hurt me again? Most definitely but god damn I just want to kiss him so bad.” I whine.

“I want to kiss him and I’ve never even met him. The guy is a walking wet dream. You need to send me a picture of him.” She sighs.

“Eww no, you’ll use him as wank bank material.” I say, disgusted.

“Hey now, you know I don’t call them that. That sounds disgusting.”

“Sorry, my apologies. Your gallery of happy endings.” I say rolling my eyes.

“Yeah, it’s an impressive gallery. Right my blue clitted friend, I have to go to work. Don’t forget to send me a picture! Speak soon.”