Page 58 of Broken Dreams
“What about us?”
I step closer. “Will we be friends? Will you pretend to hate me?”
She smiles. “Of course we’ll be friends. We just say it wasn’t our time or we were better off as friends. I won’t make you out to be a villain.”
I guess that’s one thing going for me. “If it were another time...”
“Grady, stop. I’m fully aware of our arrangement. We don’t struggle with attraction, and I didn’t mind kissing you, but it is what it is.”
“I didn’t mind it either.”
“So, we’re grown-ups, we like each other, there are zero expectations on my part, and we’re going to be affectionate around people. At least we had our first kiss here and not at the bar. If it was bad, that would’ve been awkward.”
I don’t think it could’ve been bad, but I guess she has a point. “It wasn’t bad.”
“No, it wasn’t.” Addison wraps her robe tighter around her, almost as though she’s holding more than just her clothing tight. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For our kiss being...not pity or...fake. I can’t tell you how long I wondered how that first kiss post Isaac would be, and I’m glad it was like this.”
The fact that she’s thanking me for kissing her makes me want to again. “Saying ‘you’re welcome’ feels like it was a chore and not what I wanted to do.” There is a silence between us and I realize it’s almost midnight. I soften my tone, not wanting to upset her. “I should go, it’s late and I need to get home.”
We walk to the door, and I keep trying to think of what to say. How do I explain things I can’t even understand? Do I like her more than I’m admitting to? Why did I rush here to tell her about possibly partnering with Cole instead of going home or over to my brother’s?
I know why.
It was Addison I wanted to tell. It wasn’t even a thought, I just came here because that’s who I wanted to share my news with.
Not because of the fake dating, but because it was her joy I wanted to see.
“Well, congrats on this possibility. It sounds great.”
I nod. “Thanks. I think it could be, but...we’re still on for dinner with the Kopaskeys on Friday, right?”
“Of course. Even if you land a contract with Cole, we still have to keep up pretenses here before the wedding.”
Right. “I know, I’m sorry.”
“Grady, it’s fine. Go home, hug Jett, and I’ll see you in the morning when we drop the kids off.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek. “Good night, Addison.”
“Good night.”
I step out into the cool air and walk down her steps, when I turn back the door is shut, and I wonder if she’s just as fucked in the head as I am.
* * *
The water is cascading down my back, my hand wrapped around my cock, needing to fucking come so bad.
Every muscle in my body is tense as I pump faster.
Her face is all I see.
Blue eyes. Blond hair. And that smile.
God, I feel my cock get even harder.
