Page 49 of Mad Love

“Did you have any desire to see my sister again after your night together?” My heart starts pounding like crazy. I don’t know why I’m bringing this up, and I’m not sure what I want him to say.

He leans against the kitchen counter. We’ve gotten all of Caleb’s things from the basement and paused to get a drink of water before taking them up.

“Honestly?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes, please.”

“No.”

I look down at my water bottle. “Why not?”

“We had fun at the party…we drank, we danced and fell into bed together. The next morning we didn’t share numbers, we didn’t kiss goodbye. We both knew what the night was, just a good time.”

To hear Sasha tell it, it was the hottest night of her life. It’s kind of sad that he viewed it so differently, but I can’t say it surprises me. He could have anyone he wants. There’s also something about hearing this that relieves me…in a twisted way that I’m not proud of.

It doesn’t matter. Who he sleeps with is none of my business.

“Have you ever felt more with someone you slept with?”

These questions keep pouring out of my mouth like it’s my prerogative to know.

It’s not.

But he doesn’t seem bothered by it.

“No, not really. If anything, I’ve avoided women that I might connect with too much. I’ve been focused on my career. Sex has been an outlet, a good time, and anyone I’ve slept with has known that. I’ve never made promises of anything more.” He lifts a shoulder. “But I’m tired of all the partying and sleeping around. I’m not a kid anymore, and I don’t know…maybe I don’t want to have sex just for the sake of having sex.”

I’m finding it hard to breathe fully. I never thought I’d be talking openly about sex with Weston Shaw.

“What about you?” he asks.

“Me?” I squeak. “Uh, it’s been a while for me and I wouldn’t mind having sex just for the sake of having sex.”

His eyes light up as he laughs. “Is that right?”

My face flames. “No, probably not. I mean, yes. No!” I shake my head. “Ugh. Um. I usually find it easier to connect with sex than having a conversation. That probably doesn’t surprise you. I’m not the best at making conversation.” I hold my hand up.“Not that you’re thinking about me having sex.” I put my head in my hands.

He coughs, trying not to laugh.

“How did we get on this subject?” I groan.

He pulls my fingers away from my face and my breath hitches. When I look up, he’s smiling and he’s stepped closer. A lock of his dark hair has fallen over his forehead and I’m tempted to brush it back.

“I’d like to be someone you can talk to easily…about anything,” he says. “I like it when you open up.” He lifts his shoulder. “I’d like to know everything.”

My insides warm. “What do you want to know?”

“Do you have good friends in your life?”

My mouth opens and closes. I wonder if I seem pathetic to him.

“Not many. Sasha was my best friend…and other than my friends at work, I didn’t really spend time with anyone else. I hung out with my boss Kim outside of work occasionally. She’s a good friend. Well…my former boss now. I haven’t told you yet, but I let her know I most likely won’t be going back to Hanson’s. I have a standing job with her whenever I need though.”

“Have you ever wanted to do something besides waitressing?” he asks.

I snort. “Of course. Don’t get me wrong—it’s been a great job. But I would’ve loved to go to school for interior design. It just hasn’t been feasible.”

He’s quiet as he studies me. And then, “Who was the last guy you had sex with?”

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