Page 49 of Never Say Never

“You really want to know the details?”

“Hello?Of courseI want the details. Start from the beginning. Don’t leave anything out.”

I fill her in on everything that happened in Tucker’s parents’ backyard. From stripping in front of him to being spread wide open on the edge of the pool to sucking him on my knees. I didn’t get intotoomuch detail but gave her just enough to get the gist of what happened between us.

“Sex outside in his parents’ yard. Scandalous. How was it?”

“His parents weren’t home, I’m not that insane. But it was good.”

“Good?”

“Okay, it was great. Incredible. So great that I want to do it again soon.”

“That’s more like it!” She smiles, pulling her legs underneath her on the couch. “Is he still on board with all of it? The pact? He wants to sleep with you again?”

“The pact stands. We are keeping it a secret.” I give Briar a pointed look as she brings a forkful of rice to her mouth. “That means you have to keep the secret too.”

“Bible.” She holds one palm up as if she’s taking an oath. “So, when are you getting it on again?”

“I don’t know, but I hope soon.

“You’re already so into him.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Dais, I love you, but you know you’re playing with fire, right?”

“It’ll be fine. I know what I’m doing.”

“You really believe that don’t you?”

I nod, but deep down I’m not sure I’m buying it either.

“The longer you keep hooking up with him, the stronger your feelings are going to be. And Tucker isn’t the type who’s looking for a relationship.”

“Neither am I.”

“Right. I know you tell yourself that, but I’m not so sure it’s the truth.”

“I mean it, Bri. I’m not expecting this to turn into anything. I’m just expecting to use his dick for the next two months.”

“For fucks sake, Dais. I almost spit out my chicken. Warn me next time before you say shit like that.”

I laugh. “Are you getting excited for your trip?”

Briar is quiet for a moment before she sighs. “I still need to pack, so I guess I’m not ready but I’m really looking forward to seeing my mom and brother for Christmas. I really miss them.”

“Hard not to miss them when you’re as close as you three are.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” she says, nodding. “Dais, you know I just worry about you, right?”

“I know. And I appreciate it. Love you, Briar.”

“I love you, too.”

Briar smiles and then gets up from the couch to take her empty plate to the kitchen. I follow her, rinsing off my plate and depositing it in the dishwasher. I’m desperate for a shower and a nap, but more than anything I am missing Tucker. I know I can’t have all of him, but I’m willing to settle for what I can get.

Briar’s right, though, I need to be careful and remember what this really is: just a silly pact where no one gets hurt.

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