Page 36 of Hooking Up

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"That was…" She takes a long sip. "It was the best sex I've had in a long time. I'd like to do it again."

"That's it. We meet up. Do it again."

"Then?"

"Whatever we want."

"But is it this—" She motions to the table and the coffee. "Or is it—" She puts her hand in the shape of a phone and brings it to her ear. "Hey, Iris, babe, want to come over? I've got an appointment at three, but I can squeeze in a few orgasms.We do our thing, then I go home, and I call you the next time I'm in need of satisfaction?"

"Like this."

"Sounds like dating."

I shake my head.

"Okay. We can make that a rule. No dates."

"A rule?"

"Rules are good. They help you outline your boundaries."

I can't help but smile.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"I sound like a shrink, don't I?"

"It suits you."

She sticks her tongue outno thanks. "Fine. We won't call them rules. We'll call them—"

"Call it what it is."

"Okay. It's a rule." She stirs her drink with her straw. "No one else."

I nod. "Of course."

"And we… we can hang out as friends. But no dates. No roses or moonlit walks on the beach. No romance."

"I don't do romance."

She must believe me, because she nods. "We can call it off whenever. No questions asked. No explanation required."

"Sounds fair."

"Okay. I, um. I'm not sure how you seal this kind of agreement."

I nod to the bathroom.

She laughs. "Let's stick with this." She offers her hand.

I shake.

Her eyes go to the clock on the wall. "You're gonna be late."

"I know." I pull my cell from my pocket and slide it to her.

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