Page 14 of Sexploration

“Well... the thing is, I’ve been out of the dating scene for a long time,” I stammer, pacing in front of him. “It might be a good idea to have someone younger and more experienced to guide me.”

“Guide you?” He scoffs.

“Don’t mock me. I’m being serious.” I come to a stop and cross my arms, kicking his foot. “Someone needs to show me where all the good hotspots are. I have no clue where to go or how to meet new people.”

His lips twist as he contemplates what I said. “What about Parker?”

“You really want me to follow her example?” I challenge. “I need someone around who can help me weed out the bad ones.”

I love my best friend, but she doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to men. For someone who claims to love their single life, she has a knack for falling in love quick and hard for the worst men.

He groans, running his hands through his hair. “Fine, I fold. I’ll be your wingman.”

AUGUST

My head is still reeling from my conversation with Josie. I’ve been lying in bed for hours, just staring at my ceiling. There’s no way in hell I’m going to be her fucking wingman. She’s out of her mind if she thinks I’m going to help her hook up with a bunch of assholes who don’t deserve her. The only reason I agreed to this bullshit was to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The most infuriating part is she wants me too.

Her breath hitched each time I got close tonight, the glimmer of lust behind her stare giving her away. Then, just like the night I kissed her, she shut it all down. I’d be lying if I said the rejection didn’t sting a little, though I managed to play it off.

But it’s clear there’s something holding her back. I could almost see the war waging inside her—mind against body, logic against desire. It’s a fight I’m very familiar with. I’ve wanted Josie for as long as I can remember, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see the risk involved. Like my best friend wanting to kick my ass.

Milo. Fuck, I need to tell him about what happened tonight.

I grab my cellphone from the nightstand and call him, my tired brain trying to calculate the time in Japan. Fourteen hours ahead would make it roughly three p.m. there right now. With any luck, I’ll catch him between meetings.

“What’s wrong?” He answers after the first ring, his sharp tone filled with worry.

“Calm down.” I chuckle. “I just wanted to tell you Tommy came by today.”

“He came to the house?” he hisses into the phone, a door slamming in the background. “Are you fucking shitting me? Bold little bastard, isn’t he?”

I relax into my pillow, an arm propped behind my head. “Well, it was obvious he didn’t expect either of us to be here. He won’t be making that mistake again.”

A smile spread across my face as I think of Tommy’s bloody nose, his eyes wide with fear and disbelief.

“I know that tone.” He snickers. “What happened?”

“That fucker started running his mouth,” I grit, anger filling my veins again. “Now his nose matches his crooked ass personality.”

“You hit him? Good,” he says, pride laced in his tone. “How’d Josie take that, though?”

My lips tingle at the thought of Josie’s soft, plump lips on mine. I’d say Josie was very appreciative. Not that I have any intention of telling him that.

“You know Josie. She gave me a speech on how violence isn’t the key to solving problems and then made me put ice on my hand.”

Josie playing nurse was hot as hell. I nearly lost all my composure. Especially when a flush crawled up her neck, her eyes darkening with lust.

He scoffs. “Sounds about right.”

“I think the visit might’ve affected her more than she let on, though. You should call and check in with her tomorrow. Maybe she’ll open up to you about it. Just let her bring it up. I don’t want her to know that I told you.”

“What did the asshole want, anyway?”

“He brought the divorce papers.”

“Fuck, really? It’s only been a goddamn week,” he explodes.

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