Page 12 of Playing Flirty

“We will, babe. We will when I get back. I found out today, but I have to fly off tomorrow morning. I’ll be gone for about five or six days, one week max.” He paused, waiting for my reaction.

“That’s really exciting.” I almost choked out the words. “Can’t wait to hear all about it.”

His face relaxed into a comfortable smile. “I should get home. I still have to practice my presentation a couple times before tomorrow’s meeting.” He took a pained breath and tried not to smile at the mention of his presentation. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Hoping to reassure him, I stood on tiptoes and kissed him on his lips—something he often shied away from in public.

His body stiffened, and not in a good way. He pulled away, his widened eyes searching the room to see if anyone had noticed my unacceptable public display of affection, but Shaun and Neema were watching TV and William’s focus hadn’t veered from his game.

Quickly, he made his escape, as if to avoid another surprise kiss.

As soon as I closed the door behind him, William turned toward me, a curve playing on his lips. “You must be a terrible kisser.”

“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.”

His smile fell, and for a second, another expression crossed his face. Before I could place the look, he glanced back at his screen and cursed out loud.

Again. And again. And again. He had been attacked by a screaming witch.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy that.

Round 5

For the next few days, I third-wheeled Shaun and Neema more than usual to avoid my incessant overthinking. However, watching them adore each other was counterproductive, fueling the thoughts I’d been denying.

And when I wasn’t thinking about Patrick, I was thinking about my Board-Game-in-Progress.

Which wasn’t necessarily a good thing either.

I rubbed the growing ache between my brows.

“How are you holding up?” Neema asked, taking the other end of the couch and curling her legs underneath her.

“It’s only a week.” I shrugged, breaking eye contact.

“I miss Neema after a day.” Shaun walked by and patted my head as if I were a dog. “Remember when I went on that hike and you had to deal with her?” He sat on the other couch and turned on the TV.

“Oh, I’ll never forget.” I laughed. “For three weeks, she practically followed me into the bathroom.” It was the summer when Neema bought us matching vibrators. I returned mine—in the packaging. “You were so horny, it was ridiculous!”

Neema stretched out her leg and poked me with her toe. “Three weeks of no sex is nothing to joke about.”

I chuckled, though I wasn’t sure she was joking. Was three weeks really that long? I had no idea what was normal because I’d only ever been with Patrick. Before I could stop myself, I asked, “What’s the longest you’ve gone without…” I hesitated and glanced toward William and Shaun.

William was in his corner and was scolding into his headset with a game ofDoTAacross his screen.And Shaun was scrolling through his drum and bass collection.

“… without being intimate?” I whispered the last words. My cheeks flushed at saying it out loud.

Neema, my sex-positive best friend, teased me. “Dear girl, I am a virgin flower, only to be plucked on the eve that I have been wed.”

Shaun spun toward us. “What now?”

“Never mind. I hate both of you.” I dropped my heated face into my hands.

“It was those three weeks,” Neema said, looking at Shaun.

He nodded and pinched his mouth up on one end. “So, how long’s it been?”

I covered my face and curled over the cushion I held, embarrassed about discussing it and embarrassed at my answer.

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