“Come on, live a little! When was the last time you did something truly exciting?”
I think about my recent online encounters with WinterWatcher, but of course, I can’t tell Sloane about that. “Fine,” I sigh, unable to resist her enthusiasm. “But if I say I want to leave, we leave. No questions asked.”
Sloane claps her hands together, beaming. “Deal!” Her eyes narrow, and I recognize the mischievous look immediately. “You know... you could always invite fireman Jack to meet you. Maybe he can show you his naughty and his nice.”
My cheeks flush at the mention of Jack. “Sloane! No way. I barely know him. Besides, I don’t think he’s the type for that kind of scene.”
Sloane shrugs, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You never know. Sometimes the quiet ones are the wildest behind closed doors.”
I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the guilt that runs through me at the thought of Jack just minutes after thinking of WinterWatcher. My thoughts have become a two-timing whore.
“Speaking of Jack,” Sloane says, her eyes glinting with curiosity, “you never did tell me how exactly you ended up in his shirt this morning. Spill the details, honey.”
I sigh, knowing Sloane won’t let this go. “It’s really not that exciting. I was rushing to get coffee before work, not paying attention, and crashed right into him. Spilled my entire latte down my front.”
I continue the story, glossing over the fact that my insides were torn to shreds because after my encounter with WinterWatcher, something was off between the two of us. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but something was off. And it wasn’t just the guilt I felt inside.
Sloane’s lips curl into a knowing smirk. “You like him a lot, don’t you? But you feel guilty because of your secret online profile.”
She has no idea how right she is.
My face heats, caught off guard by Sloane’s perceptiveness. “I... it’s complicated,” I stammer, not sure how to explain the tangled web of emotions I’m dealing with.
Sloane’s expression softens. “Hey, I get it. You’re exploring different sides of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
I nod, grateful for her understanding. “I don’t want to hurt anyone, you know? Jack seems like a really good guy.”
“And you’re a really good girl. You deserve to find happiness after everything you’ve been through,” Sloane prompts with a tone that reminds me of my mother’s. Comforting. Warm. Like a loving hug.
I smile weakly at Sloane’s words, touched by her support but still feeling conflicted. “Thanks, Sloane. I just... I don’t know what I want right now.” I rub my temples. “And this hangover isn’t exactly helping. I need to get home and lick my wounds.”
“All right, all right,” Sloane says, her tone softening. “Go home and rest. But don’t think you’re getting out of Friday night. I’ll text you the details later.”
I nod, grateful for the reprieve. “Thanks. I’ll see you then.”
As I make my way out of the office, my phone buzzes in my pocket. My heart skips a beat when I see it’s a notification. A message from WinterWatcher.
“Hey there. Can’t stop thinking about last night. I keep logging on in hopes to find another one of your videos. I’m craving... to watch.”