Page 50 of His Sunshine Baby

“I prefer texting. And don’t nag if I don’t answer right away.”

He laughs.

“I might be the one not to reply right away, so no worries.”

“Good. Also, don’t come to my territory again. Where should we meet?”

“I can text you the locations, but mostly in my hotels, so I can control who talks or not.”

I notice he doesn’t mention going to his own place, but don’t say a thing. That is probably not what he wants if he doesn’t mention it. Going to hotels feels a bit cold, but I don’t think I would want to see Nate at my apartment either. Especially if Daniel starts seeing Boyan, that might be super awkward.

“What about protection?” I ask.

He looks a bit surprised, but shrugs.

“I don’t mind using condoms, but I would like it better without.”

“We can get tested. I’m on the pill anyway.”

“Alright.”

Funny he doesn’t seem more curious than that about contraception. But then again, we are both adults, and so far, he didn’t make any mistakes.

“What about other partners?”

This time, I’m a bit surprised. I decide to answer honestly.

“I probably won’t have any if I start seeing you. I have my hands full enough as it is. You?”

I hold my breath, waiting for his answer. Somehow, I know I wouldn’t really appreciate being just a name on a list. Did he ask that to see if he can be with other girls? Isn’t he used to one-time things?

But to my surprise, he smiles faintly.

“Same for me. Actually, I would like it better that way; I’m not a fan of sharing. But if you do end up seeing someone else, I would appreciate it if you’d tell me. I’ll do the same.”

Interesting. Why would we need to inform each other? Oh, probably about the safe sex thing. It would become annoying if we start sleeping around. I just nod. It’s not like I have anything to say about that anyway. I doubt I’ll see anyone else for a while if I’m busy with secret rendezvous with Mr. Black.

“One more thing,” says Nate. “I would appreciate it if we could also share more moments like this from time to time.”

I frown, a bit confused.

“You mean, like, dates?”

“I wouldn’t call it dates. More like dinner between friends, once in a while. I feel like it might get boring to only see each other for sex, and I do appreciate spending time with you so far.”

“You do realize our conversations have been mostly about sex, though?”

“I also learned your best friend’s name, what you do for a living, and your aspirations for the future. I don’t mean to pry, but I would like to have someone to talk to who doesn’t actually work for me or my family.”

I stay silent for a while. I did not expect that. Wouldn’t it become more than just physical, though? What a strange requestfrom him. I think I understand what he means. Not just being sex partners, but sex friends?

The waiter comes back to take our empty plates away, while another one brings in our main dishes half a minute later. My steak looks terribly delicious, but for now, most of my brain is focused on Nate’s request. I take my time to think until the waiters are gone again.

“Alright. Actually, I could use someone to talk to as well. But I’m not coming all this way just to chit-chat, okay?”

He smiles like a Cheshire cat.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I have no intention to let you go without touching you.”

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