Page 20 of Breaking the Rules of Love

“I’m not sure,” I say, removing my hands from her waist. I stand and begin putting my clothes on.

“You’re…not sure?” she asks. I can hear from the tone in her voice that she’s off-balance. That’s definitely not the answer she was expecting to hear.

I nod, keeping my eyes on the floor like she was doing moments ago. There’s a moment of silence, and only once I’m fully dressed do I look up at her.

“I’ll let you know.”

14

Sadie

I don’t knowwhat to think of the way the grass looks now. Everything looks perfect. It looks like my house is ready to be put on the market now. I can’t remember the last time it looked this nice. I had to cancel the landscaping service after Howard left me, and I don’t know how to operate one of those weedwhacker thingies. It took me weeks to learn how to manage the lawnmower.

But the fact that Jake is the one who cleaned things up and made them look so nice, and now may have rejected my offer, has me feeling…well, I guess strange would be one way of putting it.

Another way of putting it would be embarrassed, hurt, upset, rejected.

How many guys turn down a girl’s offer of casual sex? Because I’ve never heard of that. All I’ve ever heard from guys is that that’s their perfect scenario. Sex with no strings attached.

But apparently, Jake isn’t interested in that.

Apparently, Jake wants more.

“I’ll let you know?” I say again as I look out at the well-landscaped front lawn. It looks so nice thanks to Jake. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

I guess I should be flattered. That means he wants to actually date me, but what was he thinking saying what he said to me? Reminding me I’m no longer a twenty-year-old? That sounded exactly like what my mom says to me.

If I was some kind of conspiracy theorist, I’d wonder if the two of them were working together to try and teach me a lesson or something.

Still, he did apologize, and I appreciate and respect that. But that doesn’t change the fact that he still said hewasn’t sureabout my offer.

“Wasn’t sure,” I scoff, throwing myself down on the couch. My discussion with my mother comes pouring back over me like an invading army marching into my brain.

Was she right? Should I have listened to her?

I thought it would be easy to find a great guy and start something casual with him, but the first time I try, this happens.

“No!” I grumble. I have gotten in enough arguments with my mom lately that I am not willing to accept that thisonesingle setback is enough to prove her right and me wrong.

I’m sure there’s still hope for Jake and me. After all, he hasn’t saidnojust yet. All I have to do is convince him. I just have to make a stronger case and show him what he’ll be missing out on if he decides to turn me down. After all, heissingle right now.

It’s then that an idea comes to mind, and a smile crosses my lips. I get up off the couch and go up to the bedroom to get fully dressed. I’m only wearing a pair of tiny sweatshorts and a loose sweatshirt—hardly an outfit to go out in.

Once I’m finally dressed and have done my hair, I get in the car and drive down to Chelsey’s. It’s a very classy lingerie boutique downtown, or so I’m told. I’ve never actually been, of course. By the time I’d heard of it, my marriage to Howard was already an airplane with both its engines on fire heading for the ground, but I’ve always been curious to see what it’s like inside.

So I guess today is finally the day!

I park out front and walk to the door. Several lady mannequins styled in different ways pose in the window. One is wearing a basic white set of white panties and bra, but one green set with a garter belt and stockings catches my eye. There’s something so sultry yet classy about it at the same time.

For some reason, my heart rate is up. I’m a grown woman; why should I be nervous going into a lingerie boutique? It’s not like I’m a minor sneaking into an adult toy shop or something. Still, I have to take a deep breath before I pull the door open and step inside.

There’s a very pretty woman, younger than me, sitting behind the counter who looks up when I come in. She smiles in a very friendly and unintimidating way and instantly puts me at ease.

“Hello!” she says. “Welcome to Chelsey’s.”

“Thank you.” I smile.

“My name’s Trish. Are you looking for anything specific, or just browsing?”

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