Page 22 of If It Can't Be Us

His laugh.

His muscles.

The V-shape.

His sexy voice.

My body tingles with anticipation, and I can’t help but whisper, “Oh my God, yes,” as the waves of pleasure take over, leaving me breathless and satisfied. I lie there, catching my breath, a mix of satisfaction and amusement washing over me.

Yep, I just got off to my new neighbor.

What is my life?

* * * * ** * * **

Three Days Later

I love my new office. It’s bigger than my old one in Utah and has a wall of windows overlooking the city, flooding the space with natural light. It’s right off Michigan Avenue, just a ten-minute walk from my house. I came in a few times last week to get oriented, set up my office, and let my boss bring me up to speed. I’ve only met a handful of people, but so far, everyone has been incredibly welcoming.

I have my first official meeting with a prospective client in fifteen minutes.

I haven’t had much time to think of Leo today, but the weekend was brutal. I kept hoping he’d text me. The constant thinking about it makes me feel like I’m in middle school. The worst part is that I’m reacting as if I’m actually dating him, and he hasn’t called, when in fact, that is not what it is at all. I shake my head and take a deep breath. I don’t have time to think about this now.

My phone rings, and I see it’s the receptionist. “Hi Carrie,” I say, pressing the button to connect the line through the intercom.

“Hi Vivian, your ten o’clock is here.”

“I’ll be right out.”

I bring my clients back to my office, a couple in their mid-thirties, Matt and Jessica Marioni. The meeting goes well. We go over their vision, goals, budget, and timeline. They are very likable, and I’m excited to start drafting up some plans for them.

Finishing up early, I realize I don’t have another meeting for an hour, so I walk across the street to get food and bring it back to my office. I’m halfway through my steak bowl when I get a text message. My heart skips a beat.

Leo:Hey Walker, are you free for lunch tomorrow? You know, as friends…

There it is. The proof of friendship. My last name and an invite, specifying strictly friendship. I guess I don’t give a shit because I check my work calendar and respond immediately.

Vivian:Hey you, I’ll make you a deal…

Leo:I’m listening. What’s the catch?

Vivian:Lunch for 3 questions. You answer them all, and you pick the place to eat,and I pay. If you pass on a question, then I pick and you pay.

Leo:Damn. I was hoping articles of clothing would be on the line… Loser sends nudes?

Vivian:Ha. Ha. Ha. NOPE

Leo:Ah c’mon, Walker. Make a guys dreams come true. We WILL play that version one day. Ask your questions.

Vivian:What kind of therapy do you practice?

Leo:Marriage and Couples, mostly. I can hear your laughter from here, Walker. The irony is not lost on me. I’m a bloody good therapist though.

Vivian:#DEAD

Vivian:I thought you were going to say you were a sex therapist… you’re so good at that.

Leo:Why thank you, I think I’m rather good at it myself. I can show you sometime if you’d like.

---