Page 3 of Pretty Obsessed

“Why is that?” He turned, angling his body towards mine despite what was going on below his belt.

I almost found it weird, talking to a guy while he was getting a blow job, but he had chosen to sit in public, and considering where we were, she was most definitely being paid quite well for the service.

"I don't know. I had writer's block for months and my friend" —I nodded behind the bar— "invited me here to loosen up for the night. I think he was trying to get me out of my head but whatever it was, it worked, and the magic only happens here. I can't explain it."

Not quite magic, but something. Words were happening, and I desperately needed them to.

"What do you write?" His gaze penetrated like I was the only thing in the world that existed to him at that moment.

I don't know how I felt about it. Flattered, I guess. Since I was being awarded so much attention.

I laughed, screwing up my face. "This is going to sound horrid."

"Hit me."

"Young adult fiction, but I swear to you it has nothing to do with the current environment. I promise I'm not corrupting the youth."

"I do that enough for the both of us." He winked.

What did he mean?

"Just avoid thanking the club in acknowledgments," he said when I didn't reply.

"Ha, I wasn't planning on it."

"I bet you'd end up on a banned book list if you did. You'd have parents up in arms, which might be more lucrative for your career. Maybe you should do it." He came off quite thoughtful.

"It might help me sell books."

"That's what I'm saying." He laughed, leaning forward to rest his chin on his palm.

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable with how close he'd brought us.

"Do you want me to leave you to this?" I refrained from gesturing at the whole person between us.

He stayed quiet for a moment. Was he contemplating something? Maybe trying to come up with a way to explain he liked to be watched. After a month of being here, it wouldn't surprise me. Nothing would.

"I'm not judging…" I hedged. "Promise."

"No…it's not that…"

I lifted my brows, waiting for him to explain.

"I was going to ask you if you were staring because you recognized me or if you were staring because well… I'm getting a blow job in public."

I studied him. "Neither…"

"What?"

"I've been coming here long enough the public sex doesn't get a second look…usually."

"And you don't recognize me?"

"Should I?"

A genuine smile took his mouth, amusement hiding in the crinkle of his eyes. "Either you're indulging me or you aren’t, but either way it's kind of nice."

I had no idea who he was. Not even an inkling of familiarity. "I'm glad I could be of service?"

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