Page 18 of Four-ever Single

“I wish that wasn’t such a huge part of my life right now. That I wasn’t labeled as something just because of the work I do. It’s not like I’m a sex worker or anything. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a sex worker,” I added, now stumbling over my words. “I just wish that people didn’t feel the need to judge and label anyone to begin with. Just mind your business and do whatever makes you happy.”

“So, what does Jones think of all this? Is he okay with you guys not telling anyone about it right now?”

“He says he is. He’s been great about all of it, and the funny thing is that I don’t get that same vibe from him that I get from other guys.”

“What do you mean?”

“With Jones, everything just feels different—but in a good way. I feel like I could work at a fast-food joint, and he would still treat me the same way. He doesn’t act like it’s a big deal that I do what I do. The only thing he’s gotten mad about so far was a toy I had from Dark Vibes.”

“He doesn’t like your toys?” Lia asked with a frown as she held her spoon in front of her, too consumed with this news to take a bite.

“No,” I said with a laugh. “He doesn’t mind the toys. We’ve played with a few of them already. He got upset with the pierced dildo and said he had never been so jealous in his life as he was over a toy that was making me moan like that. Then he insisted on proving that he could make me come better than the toy.”

“And did he?” Her eyebrows lifted as she waited.

I closed my eyes and nodded, remembering exactly how incredible he had been in making me come harder than I ever had before.

“You’re so fucking lucky,” she said with a heavy sigh before setting her spoon down and lifting her bowl to drink the milk from it.

“I’m not going to lie; it’s been pretty great having the most incredible, mind-blowing sex of my life,” I admitted.

“At least one of us is. I’d be lucky to find someone to give me mediocre sex, let alone someone who can locate my clit. I swear, if some of your toys start going missing, it’s not my fault. But don’t worry, I’ll only steal the new ones.”

“Want me to shop Dark Vibes for your birthday?” I offered, joining her at the sink as we washed our dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

“I won’t say no to that. Maybe when I have a few hours free, I can use them for stress relief while working 80 hours a week and with someone I despise.”

“Consider it done,” I said with a laugh.

“Alright. I’m going to go shower and clean up. Text Jones and invite him tonight,” she said over her shoulder.

“I don’t know,” I objected, pulling my lower lip between my teeth.

“Why not?” She paused in the doorway, frowning.

“I just don’t know if it’s the best idea. We’re keeping things casual between us, and if I invite him, won’t that give him the wrong message? Like I’m interested in more than that if I ask him on a date?”

“This guy is giving you the best sex of your life and makes you feel something no one else has, Bella. Don’t you think that alone is enough to get out of your head and allow yourself to date him?”

“It’s hard,” I admitted. “I’m scared to do that.”

“Why?”

“Because if I lower my walls and allow this to be something real between us, I’m the one who is going to get hurt. It’s happened so many times already. What if making this a real relationship makes the magic I’ve felt with him disappear? I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”

“What if it only makes it better?” she countered.

I worried my lip between my teeth as I considered that.

“Look, I’ve known Jones for a while, and I can tell you that men like him don’t come around often. If you like him the way you say you do, then you owe it to him to give this thing a chance. What if he’s just as worried about getting hurt as you are, Bella? And the fact that he is okay with keeping this thing between you guys a secret because that’s what you want should prove to you that he’s not worried about people knowing he’s dating a lingerie model. He’s not like the other guys, so please stop treating him like he is. Give this a chance, or you’re going to regret it when he realizes he deserves someone who really wants to be with him and walks away.”

She smiled softly and then walked away, leaving me to process her words.

Eleven

Jones

I was cleaning up breakfast when I heard my phone buzz on the counter. I folded the towel I had been using and set it on the side of the sink before grabbing my phone.

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