Page 12 of Books and Hookups

“It’s late. Lie down.” I circled to the other side of the bed, shrugged out of my robe, and slipped under the covers.

After switching off the lamp, he rolled to my side of the bed and tucked me against his chest. “This okay?”

“Yeah, but I usually have trouble sleeping. I might toss and turn for a bit.”

“Toss away. I don’t mind.”

My heavy eyelids closed. The orgasms had done their work— that or his warm breath on the back of my neck. I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

4

Just Another Hookup

Blue Hawaiian

Mix 1 part coconut rum, 1 part blue curaçao, and 2 parts pineapple juice. Shake and pour over ice.

DANNY

Idreamed about Malibu rum. Specifically, I was behind the bar at the White House, making a thousand Blue Hawaiians for a state dinner the female President was hosting for all the female heads of state. I dropped a curl of shaved coconut into a nonalcoholic drink for the Pakistani prime minister when my eyes opened with the smell of coconuts still in my nostrils.

Rumpled sheets and a pillow with a head-sized dent in it met my bleary gaze. I grabbed the pillow and buried my face in it, taking a whiff of Lucie’s coconut hair products.

“Hey.” It was still dark outside the blinds, but Lucie was dressed in black slacks and a black sweater. “Want a cup of coffee before you go?”

That was Lucie. No “good morning,”no “how’d you sleep,” no “wanna get a drink later,” justget out of my place so I can go to work.It was fair. She’d surprised me by letting me sleep over.

I sat up. “Want me to make it?”

“No, I’ve already started a pot. Here’s your shirt. Good thing you don’t have to go far in it.” She tossed the pink T-shirt on the bed next to my boxers and jeans, then walked out of the bedroom.

I had to remind my twinging heart that this had been another hookup, nothing more. I’d gone into this fully aware thatmorewas never an option with Lucie. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and slipped on my boxers.

My eyes fell on the wastebasket with the tissue I’d balled up around the condom, and my stomach clenched. I pulled on my jeans and tugged my shirt over my head. “You sure you don’t want me to run out for that emergency contraception?” I called. “I can leave it in a bag on your doorknob.”

“No, thanks.” She came in with two cups of coffee. Hers was already in a travel mug. “I’ve got it.”

“You sure? I bet you’ve got a busy day at work, and I don’t start my shift until four.”

“Danny.” Her lips were a flat line. “I don’t need your help. I’m fully capable of taking care of my body. Go find some little old lady or a child to help. Or, better yet, go live your best life. Don’t worry about me.”

“I was?—”

“Taking care of everyone else instead of yourself. I don’t want that. I get plenty of that from my mom. Here’s your coffee.” She handed me the mug. “You can leave the cup outside my door later.”

I set it on her bedside table, toed into my sneakers, and stuffed my socks into my pocket. “I don’t need coffee.” I had a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Fine. See you later, Danny.”

“See you.” I strode out of her bedroom and past the spot inside the door where she’d blown me like she cared last night. I closed her door gently but took out my disappointment on the stairs, stomping down to the second floor. After I stepped inside my apartment, I leaned on the door. Why did I do this to myself? Why had I gotten my hopes up? Lucie Knox was way out of my league.

Besides, it was a terrible time for me to date. I needed to focus on getting my finances together to buy the bar and get it running smoothly. Then I’d find some nice woman to settle down with and try to forget all about Lucie.

5

Unencumbered

My legacy is the children who have discovered the magic of books through our foundation. Education is the key to unlocking a child’s potential. Fostering a love of reading is one step on that journey. Literacy empowers people, and that’s the difference I hope to be remembered for.

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