Page 15 of The Fun Part
Yes.
And yes!
And yes, yes, yes!
The man is bossy in the bedroom. The faster I surrender, the greater the reward. So hot.
Every night is better than the one before.
No one has to know.
5
Cal
Coffee time. I whistle as I walk down Catoonah Street toward Main Street. I’ve been pulling some late nights with Mackenzie. Not complaining. With Gabe, the retiring lawyer, away on a third honeymoon (I had no idea that was a thing), work doesn’t start for another week. Mackenzie comes over every night on her own initiative, texting me to ask if the coast is clear. She’s a wonder—open, enthusiastic, sensual. Clover Park has beenverywelcoming to me so far.
For a small town, it’s really got everything. All roads lead to Main Street. My favorite spots so far are the bookstore, Something’s Brewing Café with the best coffee on earth, the ice-cream shop, the pizza place, and Happy Endings, a bar and restaurant. Away from the main business district, there’s a few churches and Ludbury House, the historic mansion where Hailey works as a wedding planner. Nice lady. She texted me this morning to see if I needed anything.
I told her that her sexy daughter was filling all my needs, thank you. Kidding!
Mackenzie has sworn me to secrecy about our meetups, especially from her mother, who told her to avoid me because I’m a commitment-phobe. I wouldn’t say that’s exactly true. I was with Rayna for a year. She didn’t mind my dedication to my career, as she was passionate about her own. It worked. Until it didn’t.
Though Rayna often complained I wasn’t expressive enough, or was it open enough? I hear that a lot from women, that I’m emotionally distant. Maybe I don’t have deep emotions anymore. I had to shut them down or drown. It was them or me.
Deep, true love isn’t worth the risk. Dad never recovered from the loss of Mom. His life ended the day she died of ovarian cancer. He lost his job as an architect because he couldn’t focus anymore. Now he only leaves the house for work at a warehouse. No friends, no life.
I was a freshman in college when Mom died. I lost her, the Dad I used to know and, a year later, my serious girlfriend Brenda. Car accident. I had to push all that grief into a tiny box to be dealt with later so I could function. And it worked. I graduated college while playing at the top of my game, leading to minor league baseball recruiters scouting me.
And now, after this latest in a series of relationships that ended with me disappointing a woman in the emotional-availability department, I guess I’m at a point in my life where I can accept being alone.
That’s what’s so great about this casual thing with Mackenzie—there’s no pressure, no expectations. A woman who only wants the fun part. Amazing. I don’t know why I ever attempted relationships before. This is the way to go.
I pull open the door and breathe in the delicious scent of fresh-roasted coffee. Hailey let me know you get double points on your reward card on Fridays at Something’s Brewing Café,but only until ten a.m., so I came over as soon as I could drag myself out of bed.
The café is a warm cozy space with dark wood tables, deep red walls, and golden sconces around hanging lights. I get in line, eyeing the pastries in the glass case while I wait—scones, banana loaf, pain au chocolat, and some intriguing cookie bars with chocolate and cherry. I’m not as strict with my diet now that I don’t need to be in top athletic form.
A few minutes later, I take my cappuccino and banana loaf (hey, it has fruit in it) and turn to find a table. I freeze. Mackenzie’s sitting with a guy who looks like a damn movie star. Her lips part in surprise. We haven’t covered what to do for the random public encounter.
Maybe he is a movie star. Short dark hair, piercing blue eyes, chiseled jaw. Hailey told me that Mackenzie’s aunt is Claire Jordan, and Mackenzie’s close friends with Shayla Adler. Clearly, she has Hollywood ties.
I clench my teeth, my feet frozen to the ground. Mackenzie can have coffee with any guy she wants. We’re the definition of casual.
Nod and be on your way—
To her table.
“Don’t you have work today?” Not my smoothest greeting butcome on.
She gives me a bright smile. “Oh, hi, Cal. I remember you from the Valentine’s dance. How’s lawyer life?”
So we’re playing it that way, huh?
The guy offers his hand. “In case you don’t remember, I’m Nathan. I’m sure Hailey and Mackenzie introduced you to a bunch of people that night.”
I relax. I remember him now. He was there with a date, not Mackenzie. “Right. Too bad everyone wasn’t wearing name tags for my benefit.”
He smiles. Mackenzie lets out a high-pitched laugh like she’s nervous. Is she afraid I’ll spill our dirty little secret? I’d never kiss and tell. Nathan gives her a strange look.
