Page 6 of Through You
“Hi.” I raise my hand to greet him. I’m about to walk past him when he grabs me by the arm and stops me in my tracks.
“Hey, there, wait.” He turns me around so I can face him.
“You’re mistaken if you think I’m going to let you get away this time.”
I free myself from his grip.
“I’m really busy right now.”
“Why aren’t you taking my calls?” This was the conversation that I wanted to avoid. “I get that you’re playing hard to get, but ignoring me for two months is taking it too far, don’t you think?”
Ugh, Daniel.
In short, what happened with Daniel was too much alcohol mixed with pent-up sexual frustration, resulting in a one-night stand. He plays on the same soccer team as Ares. And he is fucking hot. And though he’s a bit younger that I am, he is incredible in bed. And the sex was amazing. But that’s all it was. Sex.
And yes, I am quite forward and honest about both my sexuality and my needs.
Women should be free to sleep with whomever we want, whenever and however we want. Society can go screw itself. As long as I’m careful and play it safe, what I do is no one else’s business but mine. Some people may judge me, but frankly, I don’t give a damn.
I’m not interested in relationships. However, on occasion, I happen to enjoy sexual intimacy with a man who is attractive and knows what to do. Is there something wrong that? My life is mine to decide what to do with. This doesn’t mean I disagree with people who prefer to commit to more serious relationships or that I disapprove of those who think sex is sacred. I respect the beliefs of others, and hope to receive the same respect in return.
“Daniel, you’re very handsome.”
He smiles.
“Thank you.”
“But it was a one-night thing. Please, leave it in the past.”
The smile vanishes from his face and a look of confusion takes its place. “What . . . ?”
I rub my face with frustration as I stand surrounded by all these people. I worry that Mrs. Hidalgo will find me again not doing my job.
“Daniel, it was just a night of sex, okay?” I say curtly. “I’m not playing hard to get, I just wanted to sleep with you. I did it, and it’s over.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Why not?”
“Girls aren’t interested in only sex.”
“What a terrible generalization. I regret to debunk your theory, but I am one hundred percent certain that I only wanted that and nothing more.”
“I’m not sure what kind of game you’re playing with me, Claudia, but stop. You don’t need to make it harder—I’m interested in you.”
Why is it difficult to believe that a woman could only want sexual gratification and nothing else?
“I’m not playing any games and I just—”
“Something wrong here?” Ares joins us.
I smile at him. “No. I was about to leave.” I rush away before Daniel can say anything more.
The party proceeds without complications. When the reception is over, Gin and the rest of the hired staff help me clean up.
After I check that my mother is sleeping, I return to the kitchen and make sure everything is in order. I rub my face with my hands and let out a deep sigh.
“Tired?”
