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“Sure. Sure. But do you mean the type of friends that gossip about boys or the type of friends that have secret, sexy sleepovers?” I tilt my head to side and smile.
Silence. Complete silence. If anything, he only succeeds in averting his eyes. Bryce glances at me, grinning wide. He knows what I’m thinking. They definitely were together in the latter. Austin sits next to Bryce and drinks more of his coffee, not giving away anything.
“Hey, so some of the guys are getting together tonight at that wing place. They’re bringing their women along too. You want to go with us?” Bryce grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. He knows it’s a big ask to get me to go back there.
“Um,” I hesitate only because I remember last time and big-boobed Jessica. But then I also remember what Bryce did for me. Finally, I nod. “Okay. Yeah. Sure.”
Then, I look at Austin. “So, is Vicki going?” I smile. No one says anything for a couple of seconds. Bryce and I simply look at Austin. We hope our glares can break him down so we can find out what’s going on with him and Vicki.
“We need to go.” Austin says, breaking the silence. He gets up, turns to leave, and goes to the squad car. I break out in a laugh.
“See you later, Kitty Kat.” Bryce leans over the table and kisses me.
“Stay safe.” I call out as he walks out of the shop. My smile is still stretched across my face, but seeing him leave makes me feel like a piece of me has left too. I can’t wait to see him again.
About an hour later, I decide to text Vicki to see if I can get her to crack about Austin. They’re really cute together, even if he can be a bit of a dick on the personality meter. He obviously doing something right because Vicki wouldn’t be sticking around for seconds if she didn’t like him.
Me: Hey. What are you doing?
Vicki: Nothing. Just some laundry. You?
Me: Romance story. It’s actually a well put together manuscript. Hey, been meaning to ask you… What’s going on with you and Austin?
Vicki: Hold on, calling.
No sooner than when I read the text did her picture pop up on my phone.
“Hello?” I answer.
“I don’t even know what to say about that man. Kat, he is absolutely a god in bed. His dick … It just does everything right.” She audibly swoons.
“Okay, well, I don’t see a problem. Why are you guys not dating or whatever officially then?”
“He doesn’t date, or at least that’s what he tells me. He doesn’t want to get tied down. No marriage, no kids, nothing. So, that’s fine and all. I’ll just fuck him till his dick falls off.”
I burst out laughing, because I know she’s serious.
“Look, it is what it is. He wants nothing but my vagina. Right now, I’m okay with that. When Mr. Right comes along, I’ll drop Austin like a bad habit.” She lets out a heavy sigh.
“Habits are hard to quit, Vic.” Something in me tells me that Vicki and Austin won’t be able to keep doing what they’re doing. They’re both invested in each other; they just won’t get on the same page.
“Yeah, but people have quit things before. So, when that time comes, it’ll happen. I like him, but he doesn’t want to commit. So, whatever.”
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Vic.” Vicki has had a shit time with relationships, but she never does casual. That’s why I don’t understand why she’s doing this casual thing with Austin. I know she’ll get her heart all wrapped up in him, and she’ll end up broken.
“Okay, I’m going to get back to my adulting. I call you later, Kat.”
“Bye, Vic.” I end the call and pack up my things. I need to get ready to go out tonight.
I’m really nervous to be around these guys and their significant others. Other girls don’t really like me. It always ends badly or spitefully. I never had girl friends in school, and when I thought I did, well, it was just to torment me more.
Once I get home, I jump in the shower, then try to find something to wear. I find a black sweater and some skinny jeans. I throw on some knee-high boots and call my outfit complete.
When my hair is dry, I throw on a little eyeliner and some mascara. I’m not one for a ton of makeup on my face. Actually, I would prefer not to wear it at all, but seeing how we’re going with some of his cop buddies, I want to make an impression. Or at least try to. Just as I finish getting dressed, I hear the front door open.
“Hey, sweetheart. It’s me. You ready?” Bryce calls out as he walks across the apartment to my room. He comes through the door and stops dead in his tracks.
“Damn. Kitty Kat, I don’t know if we’re going to make it out of here tonight.” Bryce rushes up to me and crushes his lips into mine. “You look beautiful. Fucking beautiful,” He pushes me back onto the bed and crawls over me. Bryce nibbles on my lower lip, and I part mine in response. He accepts the invitation and explores my mouth with his tongue. Reluctantly, he pulls back, both of us gasping for breath.