Page 60 of Happy Endings

“Wait, did you do something kinky?” Zoe’s eyes grew bigger. “I mean, if that’s what you like, but I didn’t know that about you.”

“No, not like that. When we were dating, he always had to be in charge of how we had sex. Even if I’d initiated it.” Trixie chewed her lip, trying to find the right words. “I guess it never bothered me before.”

“How was it different today?”

“We had a moment where he tried to take control again, but I wasn’t feeling it. So I challenged him to do whatIwanted.”

“That’s my Trixie! Don’t you say at your shows, we should tell our partner what we want in bed?”

“I’m surprised at myself. Giving the advice and actually doing it was different.” Trixie realized that she hadn’t challenged forcontrol consciously. She knew what she wanted at that moment and demanded it. “I liked being in charge during sex.”

“You’ve really come into your own since we’ve met. I’m so proud of you.”

“I’m proud of me, too.” A few months ago, Trixie would’ve brushed off the compliment. Yes, she was happy about her job and her vision for a boutique. She’d thrived in DC with a “fake it till you make it” attitude and the support of the Boss Babes. By standing up to Andre and later confronting him about how he’d dumped her, she’d proven to herself that she didn’t have to feign confidence and success. She’d already succeeded simply by going after her heart’s desires.

“What was his reaction when you took charge?” Zoe set her elbows on the table and leaned in closer. “I’m guessing by that giant grin on your face that he didn’t mind.”

“Not only did he go with it, he became playful. As if the weight of the world disappeared and he was—happy.” She wondered if Andre realized how he’d changed in that moment. It was as if he was relievednotto be in charge. That he trusted her to take care of him. After all, he’d spent the past two years or so taking care of everyone else. The idea both thrilled and scared her.

“Wow.” Zoe was wide-eyed, her smile filling up her face. “Sounds like you two really connected.”

“Yeah.” Trixie sighed.

“There’s abut?”

“After today, I could see myself with him again. DMV Andre is sensitive, if broody. He loves his sister and his neighbors. And he still cares about me. But I can’t take it if he breaks my heart again.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Zoe rubbed Trixie’s shoulder. “Those are normalfeelings. But since I’ve known you, I haven’t seen you this happy outside of work and the Boss Babes. You’ve been working so hard. It’s okay to have fun. Enjoy the moment.”

“You’re saying I’m overthinking this.”

“No, I’m telling you to take it one day at a time,” said Zoe. “You two agreed to have fun with no strings attached. There’s nothing wrong with that. No expectations for it to become more.”

“You’re right.”

For the past two years, everything Trixie did served a purpose: to find her true life’s calling and prove to her parents she could be successful without their guidance. It felt strange to do something that was just for fun. Just for herself.

Yes, she’d have fun and break things off before her heart got involved. Trixie had everything under control.

Chapter 23

Trixie was in total control when she found herself in Mama Hazel’s kitchen the next day. Today’s visit was purely professional. Andre invited her over to taste some new dishes that he’d been working on. How could she say no to free and delicious food?

“Close your eyes and open your mouth.” His voice was low and sensual. He held a bowl behind his back.

“Why are you being so mysterious?” Trixie tried to see what was in the bowl without any success. Being spoon-fed was too sensual, too intimate. Not keeping things professional. She crossed her arms. “I’m a grown woman. I can feed myself.”

“You think I’m trying to seduce you with food?”

“What am I supposed to think when you talk to me in that voice?” she shot back.

He blinked innocently as if he didn’t realize the effect he had on her.

“I promise not to seduce you right now. Scout’s honor.” He held up three fingers.

“You were a Boy Scout?” Instead of feeling annoyed that this was yet one more thing he’d never shared about himself, she was excited. Yesterday had unlocked a gate, and now he spoke freely about himself and his past.

“Nope.” He snorted. “But I wanted to be one.”

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