Page 21 of If It Can't Be Us

“Yeah, that conversation is not happening.” She pauses. “How old did you turn?”

“Thirty-five. How old are you?”

“Twenty-nine.”

“Hey,” I say, nudging her, “do you see that guy over there?” I point up ahead. “He’s glanced your way twice. Do you want me to snag him for you? Get you a good shag?”

She scoffs, “Okay, Leo, I get it. I need to get laid. I’m well aware. Let’s leave this topic here for at least a few days.” She’s firm, but not angry. We walk comfortably in silence as we approach the line of townhouses.

“I’m sorry,” I say as we near her townhouse, “if my questions were too invasive. I hope I didn’t offend; I just really like winning.” I flash her a smile.

“I’m not offended. You played fairly. My problems are my problems. The discomfort is… good for me, it forces me to grow.”

We stop at her door. “Spoken like a therapist,” I say, admiring her insight. “Could we swap numbers?” She nods and gives me her number. I send her a text that saysLeo Weston aka Boss.

Smiling, she reaches for the handle. “I had a really great time, Leo. This was good for me. I’ll see you around?”

“Definitely. Friends, remember?” I say with a wink as I back away and turn toward my house.

Chapter 5

VIVIAN

I close the door behind me, and immediately grab my phone to text Sarah.

Vivian:OMG Sarah I just had dinner with my super hot neighbor!!!

I add three red, hot, sweating-emoji faces.

I’m giddy with excitement as I see Sarah’s message turn toread,and dots appear, showing that she is typing.

Sarah:OMG! Shut up!!! How did this happen? I need all the deets… NOW!

Vivian:Totally random. Ran into him at a restaurant. My GOD, he’s super cool and fun. I had a great time!

Sarah:That’s fucking fantastic, Viv! What’s he like?

Vivian:He’s a psychology professor and a therapist like you. He’s funny, witty, flirty, and did I mention he’s sooo fucking HOT? #beavertingles lol. Oh! Annnnnnd he’s British. His voice…. #hotdamn

Sarah:Hahaha beaver tings!

Sarah:STFU! British? NEED a pic ASAP. Are you going to see him again?

Vivian:I mean, he lives next door so I’m sure I’ll see him around. Idk… it wasn’t a date or anything… just had fun getting to know each other. It was flirty but friendly. I laughed so much! I haven’t laughed that much since… well, since.

Sarah:Hell yes! Glad you had a great time. Can I call you tomorrow or Sunday and we’ll chat more? Soooooo stoked for you!

She sends aSchitt’s CreekGIF of an excited David, which makes me laugh.

I’m exhausted. I like her last message and head upstairs to get ready for bed, my evening playing on repeat in my head. I can’t help but think about Leo. He’s definitely a man of mystery, and I feel excited to slowly uncover more about him. Psychologist, business owner, funny, British, extremely handsome, wealthy, and doesn’t date, which is unfortunate for me. He may be the most intriguing person I’ve ever met, and I’m pretty sure we just friend-zoned each other.

Lying in bed, I replay him looking me up and down, whispering in my ear about me being down one bra, even the memory turns me on. I had been so aroused, I had to excuse myself to regain composure. I toss and turn, thinking about his smile, voice, dimples, laugh, his muscles, the V-shape…

“Ugh!” Frustrated from not being able to fall asleep, I rummage through my nightstand for my vibrator. My fingers finally grasp it, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Settling back into bed, I prepare to find some much-needed release.

I think of Leo’s smile.

His dimples.

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