Page 7 of Worth the Risk

I nod. “Yes. It happened a few weeks ago.” While I was being fucked senseless. “They’ve been dating for a year, he’s a lawyer.”

“That’s wonderful. Send her my congratulations and ask her where I should send the money to ensure she throws you the bouquet at the wedding.” She’s teasing me again.

I stand up, knowing I need to get going if I have any chance of meeting April for smoothies later. Then again, I probably shouldn’t have had a martini at this time of day either. But everything is about balance.

My grandmother follows me as I make my way through her penthouse, past statues and art, until we reach her front door.

“You know I still have contacts at the big department stores if you want an in,” she casually mentions.

“My answer is still no. The future is online stores, and plus, I would be much happier with a boutique anyhow,” I remind her as I throw my purse strap over my shoulder.

We hug goodbye, and I’m on my merry way after I promise to visit again next week.

When I’m in the elevator going down, I smile to myself. Partly because a flashback hits me of being wrapped in a tangled mess of arms and limbs.

Then my mind remembers the way Hudson took me from behind while I held onto the bed for dear life. And fuck me, that man has a mouth that would make a hooker blush.

It was a good night.

A great night.

Excellent.

All the more reason why I hate myself for leaving before he even woke.

* * *

I findmyself watching my friend approach the table.

“Has something happened, Ginger?” Only April can get away with calling me Ginger, a nickname that she insists on. My friend slides onto the seat in front of me. She has two smoothies in to-go cups and offers me the peanut-butter-banana one.

Quickly I sip from the straw before I burst with a reply that’s been running in my head for weeks. “What do you mean?” I pretend that life is completely normal.

April slams her hand on the table, the strength of her amusement causing her blonde hair to fall around her grinning face. “Lately, you’ve been… daydreaming.”

I play with my straw and avoid looking at my best friend until I realize I will never be able to keep this from her. Originally, I said nothing because I wanted her to bask in her engagement and not steal the spotlight from her during our coffee chats.

“I kind of did something out of character a few weeks ago. On one night in particular.” I bite my inner lip and then glance up at her.

April just stares at me, and I wait to see if she connects the dots.

“With someone,” I clarify.

The moment she figures it out, her mouth gapes open. “No way!” I nod slowly. “Like, with a complete stranger?” She’s grinning, clearly invested in this conversation.

“Yes, total. It just kind of happened. It was a long day, and then I went for a drink, which I ended up needing for the liquid courage because that man was something. And let me tell you, he lives up to the cliché of an older man being demanding in the bedroom.”

Her eyes widen. “Older?”

I bob my head from side to side. “Yeah. I mean, he looks younger than he is, but I guess he is old enough to be my father.”

April nearly spits out her smoothie. “What in the world happened to you? I mean, this is like that thirst trap from the Sound of Music because we all know Christopher Plummer as the Captain is probably what’s fueling your need to sleep with an older man.”

My face squinches together. “Although a classic, I assure you that was not my motivation.”

She waves off my notion. “What else do you know about this guy?”

I debate telling her everything, but I know she would play detective in a heartbeat. “Not much. It’s the way it should be when it’s a one-night stand. Anyways, I doubt I’ll be seeing him again.”

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