Page 44 of If It Can't Be Us

“I think it’s obvious based on my history what the odds are of that happening… And based on yours… well, we know the odds are definitely in your favor.”

I clutch my chest. “You wound me. I can go a week without sex.”

“Can you?” She cocks a brow. “I have yet to see it. What if you meet a gorgeous woman in Paris who’s beautiful and chic? You’d turn that down?” she asks skeptically.

“I’d never ditch you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” I say seriously, sensing she might actually believe I would. “But if anyone should be worried, it’s me. You’re stunning, and every man in Paris will be turning their heads, saying”—I attempt my best French accent—“‘Who is this beautiful American woman? I must know her.’”

“Stop.” She chuckles, “Okay, neither of us are getting laid in Paris.”

“Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say that… there’s always the possibility of you and me getting drunk and having a bit of fun together.” The words are barely out of my mouth before I regret them, a flicker of panic setting in.

Her eyes widen in surprise.

I stammer, searching for a way to undo what I just said. “I… I’m joking. Obviously, I don’t really mean that. I even booked a room with two doubles.” I don’t know why I saythat.The hotel doesn’t have rooms with two doubles. They have suites with a king or two twins. There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping in a twin bed, so I booked a king. There’ll be ample space for both of us.

She laughs, “Are you planning toroofieme? Because that’s how out of it I’d have to be for that to happen.”

I give her a smug grin, rolling my eyes. “Three drinks is all it would take to get you into bed with me.”

“Wow. You’re feeling mighty confident about your seduction skills. Three drinks is notthatmany.”

“Well, like you’ve said, based onmyhistory, I am quite successful when it comes to seducing women. I’d have youbegging,Walker.”

“Pff,” she scoffs. “I may not have as many conquests as you, but trust me, if I turned on my sultry side,you’dbe the one begging.” Her eyes narrow with playful challenge, a sly smile curving her lips. There’s a confident gleam in her eye, and her voice drops to a seductive purr, making the air between us sizzle with tension.

I let out a mocking laugh. “Game on, Walker!”

She stares me down, folding her arms. “Gamefuckingon, Leo.”

We hold our stare for a few seconds, both trying not to smile, before the tension breaks, and both start laughing. I’m not really sure what we just challenged each other to, but it’s bound to be interesting.

“Oh God.” Vivian’s laughter subsides. “What movie do you want to watch?” she asks, shaking her head. “Action or comedy?”

“I’ll watch either.”

“Just pick one. I picked the last one.”

“Okay, comedy then.”

“The HangoverorWedding Crashers?” she asks, clearly having thought about it, since they were right on the tip of her tongue.

“The Hangover,it’s been a while since I’ve watched that.”

“Done.” She clears the dishes and takes them to the sink. She’s wearing leggings… again. She’s always in sexy Lululemon athleisurewear at home. Tonight, it’s gray leggings that make her ass look ridiculously good. I almost hate it when she wears leggings. Every time she turns her back, I can’t help but check her out. Her cropped sweatshirt reveals just enough of her toned stomach to get me thinking about what else is under it. Vivian has the sexiest abs—toned and defined but still feminine. This is exactly why I need her to put on some ugly, baggy clothes… although those would be fun to remove too.

I’ve got to get my shit together. The mere thought of her is making me hard. We pour ourselves some wine and settle on the couch—a camel-colored leather sectional. It’s incredibly comfortable.

No big deal; we’ve watched dozens of movies here. But lately, Vivian has been scooting closer, practically snuggling up to me. And at the end of the day, I’m a guy, and it’s tough not to want her this close.

Vivian sits on the chaise part of the U-shaped couch, stretching out comfortably. I sit on the opposite side, extending my legs as well.

“What are you doing over there?” she frowns. “Why don’t you come over here so we can actually watch the movietogether,” she says, patting the chaise.

God, Vivian, because I don’t want a hard-on for the next two hours.

“I’ll come over there ifyou'd like.”

She hesitates, “Well, you don’thaveto,” she says. She’s being passive-aggressive, and my only move is to clearly go and sit by her, where she will be an absolute tease for the next two fucking hours.

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