Page 25 of Two Sticky Nuts

“If I don’t grow the hell up and learn to love someone else, I’ll end up playing the role of the old curmudgeon. Alone. No one to pass off his empire to, along with his wisdom and superior genes.”

I feel mixed emotions—somewhere between barfing and trying to be the open-minded person I aspire to be.Did I just hear him say he wants a woman so he’ll have kids to pass his genius to?

Would it be illegal to push him from a moving car on the freeway?

But just when I think I never want anything to do with him, he says something that breaks my soul apart. His words are like a key that unlocks my heart. Every questionable thing he’s said dissipates like a wisp of steam, forgotten forever.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

I show Carter around my new place, and he’s quiet but observant. I can tell he’s taking it all in.

“I, uh, see the appeal,” he says as we finish up the tour in the kitchen. “But what’s with your furniture?”

I laugh. “Remember? The fire? I mentioned it in Jamaica.”

“Oh, yeah.”

I don’t think he actually remembers, so I say, “All my stuff was destroyed, and I’m still waiting for the renter’s insurance payout.”

“How much do you think you’ll get? You have a lot of rooms to fill,” he adds.

“Who knows? My claim was for twenty thousand because I had a few rare books, some very high-end furniture, and then there were my clothes and electronics.”

“You had twenty thousand dollars of stuff at your place?”

“Why? Does that sound excessive?”

“No. Just surprising. If you had that sort of cash to spend on creature comforts, what took you so long to buy a house? Or why not invest it and get a return on your money?”

I hope he’s not about to ask me to invest in his film, because I’d say no.Awkward.But I believe finances should always be kept separate unless you’re married. Otherwise, things get complicated. It’s not my job to take care of him or him of me financially. Not until we both decide otherwise.

“It’s actually a great question,” I say. “I’m not sure why I waited to think about buying a house. Maybe I was waiting for the right one?” Sort of like a husband. I wantthe one, not anyone. “All I know is that I never genuinely thought I could afford a house until I found this place. Must be fate.”

“But what if it’s not?” He steps in closer, taking my hand. “What if your fate is traveling? With me? Never having a permanent home?”

I’m mesmerized by his blue eyes. No, wait. I’m not that shallow or easy. I’m mesmerized by the intense way he’s looking at me, and how I’m just now realizing that no guy has ever really looked at me like this before. It’s a strange feeling. I like it, yet I know deep down that I haven’t earned it from him. Not yet. Not that kind of intensity.

Is he playing me?

Stop. Stop. Stop. Just let the night happen, Mila.“Whatever comes, Carter, I’ll be ready.”

He smiles. “How about takeout?”

I chuckle. “Yep. I can handle that.”

He leans in close and plants a lingering kiss on my lips. “Followed by dessert.”

My guts squish together.Oh shit. Oh shit!He wants to get kinky. I’m not ready for this. On the other hand, that’s why he’s here. I want to have a new experience. Don’t I? I just know I have a steep hill to climb. He’s a fetish porn star, completely open sexually.

The only way to do this is to jump in with both feet. No easing into things. If I try to work my way into his comfort zone, I’ll lose my nerve. Tonight is the time for boldness.

“How about I order us dinner and some groceries for later?” I say. “I can whip up some sticky treats. I’ll make you a vegan, keto, paleo sundae.” I’m sure there’s a recipe online somewhere.

His eyes light up. “I like mine with carob chips.”

I smile tightly. What the hell is a carob? “Sure. Anything for my guest.” And for Mr. Sticky Nuts.

He pokes my nose. “I’ll take a shower while you order everything. Want to smell nice for our romantic dinner.”

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