Page 22 of Love Me Like It's Real
I bite my lip and nod. “Even if I wanted to avoid it, everyone’s talking about it,” I say, trying to shake him.
“They are?” He smirks, as if he’s proud.
Of course. He’s not only a gym rat, he’s a narcissistic bad boy. A recipe for disaster. And yet…my body doesn’t care if the goose bumps all over my arms and back of my neck are anything to go by. Or the throbbing in my groin that’s desperate for attention.
“Of course. Everyone loves a clown,” I say and he gasps dramatically before cracking another arrogant smile.
“Clown huh?”
I nod with a smirk and he purses his lips.
“Say, I’ve been watching you work out all morning and I’m curious. Do you need a workout buddy?”
I stop walking and turn to him.
“A workout buddy?”
What is he talking about?
He nods with narrowed eyes and a sneaky sideways smile makes its debut.
“Yeah, you know. Someone to get…sweaty with?”
I raise an eyebrow and get off the Air Walker.
“Are you asking me to be your fuck buddy? I thought love is bullshit and I should run away.”
“Well, loveisbullshit and youshouldrun away from it, but sex is wonderful. Want to do it with me?”
I can’t help but laugh. A, because it’s funny andveryvery forward and B, because if I don’t laugh I might do something stupid, like say yes.
“Wow. I really must be a clown if I’m making you laugh that hard.”
I stop and control myself before I answer. “Don’t flatter yourself, Jack.”
“All my friends call me Hayworth,” he points out.
“Like I said, don’t flatter yourself, Jack. You’re notthatfunny. And I don’t have time for those kinds of activities. I’ve got kids.”
“I didn’t know parents didn’t have sex.”
“It’s widely known. Have you not watched any movies or TV this century?”
“Nah. I’ve been too busy having sex,” he answers and damn it he’s making it really really tempting to say yes. I don’t know what that says about me if that kind of talk is making me horny and needy but, whatever.
“Great. Then you won’t miss me!” I say and tap his shoulder before I walk away from him.
I’ll probably regret that, but I’m here, in this town, for the girls. I can’t risk it by doing naughty things like sexy hunks as if I have no care in the world and no responsibilities.
I’m a dad first and foremost. And the only thing that matters right now and for the next twelve years until they’ve both become adults is my kids’ happiness.
Ergo, no fun for Felix. And that’s a promise.
SEVEN
HAYWORTH
“Ugh. Every damn year!” Wells turns away from one of the lantern-holding cherubs dotted around town square with a disgusted face.
