Page 50 of Savage Seduction

“Uh, if I do recall, you got in a fight with someone else and left without eating or having sex. That wasn’t a date.” She sits back on the sofa and crosses her arms. “Are we really that damaged that no one wants us?”

“We aren’t anything of the sort,” I say. “We’re just busy… you’re working hard to get your PhD so we can work together at a museum. I’m only now starting my career… so who really has the time?”

“True.”

“Well?”

“What?” London looks confused.

“Tell me about this guy you met on Devoted.”

“I’m not sure if he’s real or not. He said his name is David… no last name yet. He looks either Puerto Rican or mixed like me, which is cool. I’m struggling though.”

“With what?”

“Allowing him to reveal himself at his own pace. I couldbreak into the app without any trouble and find out his full name, address, phone number, and bank account balance in about the time it takes me to finish a glass of wine on a Wednesday night.”

“But?”

“I don’t want to do it. I want to try something new for a change. If I keep doing things the same way and getting the same results, I’d be the crazy one. Right?”

I put my arm around her shoulders and lean into her. “That’s how the saying goes. I would like to think we can break the cycle, but it’s hard.”

“Right. Like you always pine over a guy from a distance but never say anything. We plan how you’re going to ask him out for months, but then before you can… something happens that makes him unavailable.”

Ugh. “You’re absolutely right, and that’s why I allowed myself to go on the date with Dr. Ben. He’s so kind and seems to be understanding.”

“Have you spoken to him since you ran out on the date?”

I shake my head. “Haven’t got the nerve up yet.”

“Why?”

“I think if I ever want to move forward with him, I’m going to have to be honest and tell him about my past. All of it.”

“Very understandable why you would be nervous about it. But I’m telling you this, call him now. Set up the coffee date or you won’t. I know you.” London gives me the look she knew meant she wasn’t making a suggestion.

I stand and look at my phone. “You’re right. I’ll step back into my room for a little bit and be right back.”

“Get you some, Romeo.” She laughs. “Do you want me to get a start on looking up stuff about your stalker?”

“Nah, better wait for me.” I start toward the bedroom but stop and look back. “If the pizza comes, I’ve already paidwith my credit card, but there’s ten bucks on the counter for a tip.”

“Cool.”

I hurry into my room and place the call.

“Hello?” Ben answers.

“Hey, Ben. I wanted to say again how sorry I am for running out on our date. I have so much to tell you, but don’t really want to talk over the phone. Can we meet for coffee in the morning?”

“Uh, sure.” Ben sounds a little cold, distant.

“Is everything all right?”

He hesitates, but says, “Yeah… it’s all good. I think I’m in my head too much.”

I can totally relate to that.“You know what helps me get out of my head?” I use my flirtatious voice and inwardly cringe as I hope it works on him.

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