Page 60 of C is for Comfort

“Hopefully not.” He inhales. “I know we agreed to no-strings sex, but I thought maybe we could re-evaluate that decision.”

My heart thuds fiercely. “Oh?”

“I’d like to get to know you better, Corey, spend more time with you.”

“You would?” I’m not sure how I feel about it. He’s amazing, but do I have time to have a real relationship with someone?

“And Lexi if and when you’re ready to take that step.”

I try to step away from him, but he catches hold of my hand and gently forbids me from running.

“I’d like to take you out on a date, sweet boy. Not tonight, obviously,” he adds with a smile. “Tomorrow, after you’ve finished work if you’re free?”

“I…” My mouth has gone dry. I swallow a couple of times. “I’m a mess, Spence.”

“I disagree.”

“And I’m crazy highly strung. I snap at people for no good reason. I’m always busy and stressed. I’m a painter who doesn’t paint. I’m—”

He steps close again and kisses me. “You’re amazing, sweet boy. One date, that’s all I’m asking.”

One date will change everything between us. We won’t be able to go back to just being fuck buddies. Hell, I’m not sure if we can even go back to that now that I know he wants more. What I don’t know is what I want. For years now, I’ve told myself I can’t have anything resembling a relationship. I don’t have time. I’ve got a daughter. I can’t bring men or women back to the house and parade them around in front of her. It would be too confusing for her. I’ve got too much work to do. I’ve got too many responsibilities to swan off on dates.

And yet there’s an amazing, caring guy standing in front of me, asking me out, and even though I know I shouldn’t, I really, really want to say yes.

Even though it’s just been sex this week, it’s been wonderful. Spence has made me relax in a way I hadn’t thought possible. The way he calls me sweet boy makes my heart quiver, and it’s so easy to call him Daddy.

“Corey?”

“I’m sorry… You surprised me, that’s all.”

“Think about it?”

I nod.

“Would you like a full-body massage?”

I know he’s changing the subject now, probably in an attempt to remove the huge elephant that’s manifested between us.

“Where would we go?”

Spence smiles. “On our date?”

I nod.

“You leave that to me, sweet boy.”

“A surprise?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” I roll my shoulders back. “I’d like to go on a date with you, Daddy.”

His fingers glide through my hair, and he kisses me so hard my limbs turn to liquid. His hands cradle my lower back, keeping me from falling to the floor as I become intoxicated by him.

“I need to check with Archie and Blake to see if one of them can look after Lexi on Monday.”

He lets me go, smiling as I use my phone to send a text. Thanks to Archie, we have a group conversation, which is far easier than messaging each of them separately.