Page 28 of Sexting the Don

I shake my head firmly, my tone reassuring. “No trouble, Mom. Just a stroke of good luck. Please, just take it and do what needs to be done. We can talk about the details later.”

She hesitates, clearly torn. “I don’t know if I can accept this. It feels wrong.”

I sigh, my frustration growing. “Mom, for once, just trust me. I’m trying to help us. This money is clean, I promise. It’s a chance for us to catch a break. Please, take it to the bank before Jimmy comes back and blows it all on God knows what.”

She looks at the cash again, then back at me, finally nodding. “All right. I’ll do it. But we will talk about this later.”

“Fine,” I say, relief washing over me.

Mom clutches the money to her chest. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

I give her a quick hug, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Go on, hurry.”

A few moments later Mom heads for the door, and I watch her go, praying this will give us the breathing room we so desperately need.

I head up to my apartment, hoping to be able to calm down a little bit before getting ready for my day, a flicker of hope lifting my spirits when I realize I have a text. It's Natalie confirming our appointment for four. Sighing with disappointment, I answer yes.

I was really hoping Enzo wanted to see me again and was texting to ask me out. I laugh as I look in the mirror while putting my hair up in a ponytail. As Jimmy would say, I already gave up the goods. I’ll probably never hear from him again.

As I dress in yoga pants and a tank top, hoodie over both, my mind drifts back to the sex. As a virgin, I had no idea what to expect, but it sure as hell wasn’t that. I couldn’t even give myself orgasms like that.

My pussy tingles at the memory, a mix of excitement and longing.

“Get a grip,” I mutter to myself, zipping up my hoodie. “You’ve got more important things to worry about.”

But as I head out the door, my thoughts are still on Enzo. If he doesn’t call, fine. I’ll handle it. But if he does ... well, I just might end up falling deeper into whatever this is between us.

I chastise myself, grabbing my gym bag for work. As I sling the bag over my shoulder, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever again find someone who can make me feel like Enzo did or if Enzo will come through and ask me out again.

Wishful thinking, I tell myself as I lock the door behind me. I make sure to lock the extra bolt this time, the one my father doesn’t have a key to.

Focusing on my day, I head out into the fresh air. The gym is waiting, and my appointment with Natalie later will help kick my butt into gear. Maybe a good workout is just what I need to clear my head and stop obsessing over Enzo Martelli.

Besides, if he wants me, he knows where to find me.

Chapter 12

Mandy

The sun is setting in typically beautiful LA style as my Uber pulls up to Natalie Winters' gorgeous beachfront house. It’s modern and nice but not over the top—just right for an up-and-coming actress.

I’ve been in knots all day, and I’m ready for a fun workout to take my mind off things.

I hop out of the Uber, taking a moment to stretch and breathe in the ocean air. As I approach the house, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever have an LA home like this or if I’m doomed to spend the rest of my life in a dingy apartment above my parents’ garage.

“One step at a time,” I mutter to myself, shaking off the negativity.

I reach the front door and ring the bell, adjusting my gym bag on my shoulder. Within moments, Natalie answers, a bright smile on her face.

“Mandy! So glad you could make it,” she says, pulling me into a quick hug.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I reply, grinning back. “I need this workout more than you know.”

Natalie laughs, leading me inside. “Rough day?”

“You have no idea,” I say, glancing around at the tasteful decor. “Your place is looking gorgeous, by the way.”

“Thanks,” she says, beaming.

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