Page 43 of One Week Wingman

“She has this whole theory,” I jump in, explaining. “Marriage equals the death of sexy.”

“It does,” Nita insists. “The minute you say ‘I do,’ you’re pulled into the gravitational field of traditional gender norms and domestic drudgery. So not sexy.Husband?” she says, shuddering. “Ew, no. A fiancé, on the other hand… Well, that’s sexy and exciting.”

Piper blinks. “Okaaay,” she says slowly. “But what about—”

“Just roll with it,” I interrupt her. “It works for them.”

Piper wisely sips her margarita. “So, no fling with Sebastian then?”

“No,” I say, determined—and just a little bit regretful. “Is this what getting older is all about?” I ask. “Making mature decisions, even if the guy’s kisses turn you into a puddle on the floor?”

Piper’s head jolts up. “Wait, there was kissing?”

“Fake kissing, you know, to sell the act.”

“Did it feel fake?” Nita asks knowingly.

“No,” I sigh. “And boy, did I feel it.Everywhere. The man can kiss, OK? And I’m sure he can fuck for England, too. We already know, he’s had plenty of experience,” I add, rueful.

“Which would him perfect for your fling,” Nita agrees. “Ifyou weren’t so busy talking yourself out of having one.” She grins, and I toss a tortilla chip at her.

“You’re not helping.”

“Sure I am,” she grins. “It’s just you’re not ready to hear it yet.”

“If you’re so set against having a good time, can we find me a hot fling, instead?” Piper asks, looking hopeful. We laugh. “I mean it, I’m tired of being mature, bring on the bad decisions! The only thing I get to hit are the books for my MBA. Plus, Dash and the other guys have a habit of scaring off every man that dares get within a two-mile radius of me. Because I’ll be his little sister forever, even if I am a grown woman now.”

“A horny grown woman,” I smirk.

She laughs. “Takes one to know one!”

She’s right. Because I am. And I can’t help remembering how Seb felt pressed against me.

And what it would feel like to be under him.

We catchup on gossip for the rest of the evening, talking about Piper’s plans to move to the city after she finishes her MBA, and Nita’s debate over repainting the bookstore. By the time we’ve consumed our body weight in chips and salsa, and Nita’s dropped me back home, I feel fortified. Recharged. Just about ready to resist Sebastian’s charms.

And then I open my bedroom door, and all that resolve flies straight out of the window.

“Good night?”

I yelp at the sight of Sebastian, shirtless. Again.

God, how am I going to share a room with him and not jump his bones? Particularly now that Piper and Nita have got me thinking about hisskills.I’ve seen his hands on wine bottles, his lips on the rim of a shot glass. What would it be like to have him touch me, taste me, like that—?

“Uh oh, do I need fetch the aspirin again?” Sebastian continues, giving me an amused look. “Can you walk in a straight line?”

“I’m fine!” I blurt. “Totally sober.”

At least, I was before I walked in the room. But now, seeing the way his sweatpants hang low on his hips… I’m not quite so steady. “But you know what? I’m going to get some water,” I say, backing out of the room again. “Be right back!”

I scurry downstairs, open the refrigerator, and despair. How did I ever think this was a good idea? I should have just spent my life savings on an official, vetted, non-sexy fake date.

Or, you know, been honest to my family about my romantic failings.

I stare blankly at Tupperware containers, but all I can think about is Sebastian’s body. His shoulder muscles rolling as he pushed that car. The feel of his fingers pressing into my back.Where that line of dusky hair leads…

“Not seeing anything you fancy?” Sebastian asks from the kitchen doorway, making me jump.

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