Page 89 of Torrid Passion
“How many video chats have we had this week?” Stella demands. “You’ve conveniently avoided talking about the tall, dark and handsome hunk every time we brought him up.”
“I had a packed schedule,” I say. “I was representing Mom. My head was crammed. There was so much to keep track of.”
I almost convince myself.
“Great performance, but not worthy of an Oscar,” Hayden retorts.
“Are you going to connect with him?” Stella asks.
I let out a long sigh. “I’ve thought about it so many times, but I’m afraid my rash judgment might’ve caused a rift between us,” I admit. “I kind of walked out on him and to make matters worse, I made sure he couldn’t contact me. Why on earth would he want to talk to me?”
“You may be too chicken to see him again, but the guy deserves a call,” Stella insists.
Yeah, I’ve been flip-flopping on the subject.
“Clear the air between you. Hear him out,” Hayden says. “As you wallow in self-pity, you forget this awkwardness between you two might stain your relationship with Harlow.”
Trust me, it’s crossed my mind.
“Right now you’re in limbo, making up stories in your head when you haven’t got the slightest clue how the guy feels about you after a night of kinky sex.” Stella goes for it. “Kyla, women like us are always wondering if the guy wants us for us or for what Daddy can do for him and his career. You never have to worry about that with Loki. And again, he came after you.”
“Yeah, but––”
“No buts, Kyla!” Stella is adamant. “Tomorrow is Friday. Call him! Hell, Google the location of his studios and go see him in person. Ask your dad for his dad’s contact. Whatever. But do something.”
I stare at Stella in shock.
She’s usually the lighthearted one.
This is so out of character.
“I couldn’t agree with her more,” Hayden chimes in. “A few days ago you said your encounter felt forbidden. It’s normal to a certain extent, but you’re going overboard in your mission to find reasons why you should deny yourself to push this further. Loki is your best friend’s big brother. It’s not like he’s your stepbrother.”
“You forget he’s—”
“Stop harping on Naughty Loki!” Hayden snaps. “Hardcore bad boys don’t give a shit. Loki clearly does.”
I’ve grasped at Loki’s playboy reputation in an attempt to tame the fear of wanting more. A passionate one-nighter is easy. Unrequited interest is unbearable.
“If I were in your shoes, I’d jump in with both feet,” Stella echoes. “So, this kinky little debauchery won’t lead to marriage, but for God’s sake stop making this more complicated than it has to be and just enjoy the hunk of a man. I know I would.”
“He rocked your world,” Hayden says. My body tingles at the memory… like it has a thousand times in the past week every time I’m transported to last Thursday’s steamy encounter.“He taught you what it felt like to be desired, thoroughly kissed and properly sexed up.” She pauses, her gaze slides to Stella before landing onto mine again. “I wouldn’t give up on that.”
I’m at a loss for words—mostly because they’re right.
