Page 22 of Mr. Bad News

The waiter introduces himself and pours us some white wine.

I celebrate internally when he leaves the bottle. I’m going to need so much more than just one glass if I’m going to get through tonight. Percy is quick to order for the both of us. Any other day that would piss me off to no end, but right now I just want to get out of here as quickly as possible.

“You seem nervous.” Percy leans forward, steepling his fingers in front of his face.

“Yeah, I am.” I admit and take another sip of wine, “I don’t usually come on so strong and now that I have I can’t help but feel a little ashamed.” My face blushes.

“You never have to apologize for being true to what your body wants. Especially not to me. It’s sexy as fuck.” He licks his lip before he brings the glass of wine to his mouth and drinks.

“You attached to someone?” I ask while I still have the mental capacity to do so.

“Attached?”

“Yeah, I know you’re not married, but maybe a partner? A girlfriend? Fuckbuddy?” The last thing I want is to be party to any cheating man’s fun.

“No, none of the above. Not for a long time.” He leans back in his chair, his eyes steady and focused on me.

“Long time? Why?”

He tsks before he flashes me another smile, “Ella, we agreed things would be off the record. You’ve already asked your share of questions today. It’s my turn.”

I gulp and play with the fabric napkin that’s in my lap, “Your turn? Okay.”

“Are you attached?” He keeps his face straight, but I can see the small muscle in his jaw jump slightly. Thinking I’m with someone bothers him.

“No, I haven’t been with anyone for about three years.”

“Three years? What about the last time you’ve had sex?” He’s forward with his question. Usually I like that, but today it has me looking around to make sure no one can hear me.

“Five years.”

He does a double take and frowns, “Those numbers don’t add up. You said the last time you were with someone was three years ago.”

“It was a long distance relationship, we were never in the same room to have sex. Yeah we did some phone play, but that’s all.”

He groans and his hand goes under the table, “You haven’t been fucked in five years?”

“No.”

“God dammit, you’re making getting you fed hard as hell.” He stretches his neck from side to side before he puts his hands back on the table.

He thinks this is hard? How the hell does he think I feel sitting in wet panties with a knot of pressure in my core the size of a blimp? I know he says he doesn’t like to rush, but I wish he would. I wish he’d say fuck it to the meal and take me somewhere I could call out his name into a pillow. I’d eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if it’d just get this on the road.

I shift my foot under the table and accidently bump into his.

Hmm, maybe if I take a hint from all the romance movies I’ve seen. I slide my flat off my foot and wait for him to start talking again.

“Why didn’t your relationship last?” He asks as the waiter comes back with what looks like a round of appetizers—a grilled seafood platter.

“He was cheating on me.” I answer quickly.

“Fucking jerk.” Percy grunts out.

I shrug and move as close to the table as I can. I’m not that tall and my legs don’t go very far.

“What do you like to do for fun?” He asks, picking up a scallop and putting it in his mouth.

“Read, trivia, various aerobic exercises.” I answer quickly.

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