Page 117 of Reluctantly Yours

We’re tucked into a booth at the back of a trendy brunch spot in Tribeca across from the independent bookstore we stopped in earlier. The large bag of books we purchased nestled next to Chloe on the booth bench.

“That would be crazy. But I guess we already had sex this morning, so it doesn’t matter how full I get.”

“You realize that means nothing. After watching you devour a plate of blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes with powdered sugar on top, I’m going to want to fuck you again.”

Chloe’s eyes widen.

“Barrett,” she whisper-hisses while squirming in her seat. “You can’t say stuff like that in public.”

I shrug. “You mean I shouldn’t say that I want to fuck you all the time?” I place my hand over hers on the table and rub my thumb over her knuckles. “Don’t worry. If you’re too full for sex, I’ll gladly spend an hour with my head buried between your thighs.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She shakes her head.

My phone starts buzzing again.

“Do you need to answer that?” Chloe nods toward the buzzing sound.

“No. It’s fine.”

“Barrett. You can answer the phone. It might be an emergency.”

“I don’t want to answer the phone.” But, when I take it out of my pocket and see Carl’s name on the screen, I give in.

“What?” It’s not the most welcoming answer because I’m not in the most welcoming mood. This is the second weekend that I’ve spent Sundays with Chloe, no work, no interruptions, and I want to keep it that way.

“Hey, man. Where are you?” he says.

“Getting brunch with Chloe. What do you need?”

“I’m in the office. I thought we’d be going over the final contracts today.”

“No. That’s what Monday is for.”

“Really? That’s never how you’ve wanted to handle a deal like this before.”

“That was before.” I glance over at Chloe studying the menu with deep concentration. I don’t know why she’s bothering; I was serious about getting everything. I was also serious about eating her for dessert.

“So, do you want me to go over it and mark notes for our meeting tomorrow?”

“No, I want you to leave the office now and do something with your Sunday other than work.”

Carl sighs.

“This is a big fucking deal, Barrett. I didn’t want to say anything, but it feels like the last few weeks your head hasn’t been in the game. Until these papers are signed, Fred can walk.”

“He’s not going to. There’s no reason for him to.” I say it with confidence, though I know Carl is right, there’s always a chance something could change his mind.

“Fine. I’ll see you at seven tomorrow,” Carl says.

“I’ll be in late. Make it nine.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

“Goodbye, Carl.” I end the call and turn my phone on silent.

“Everything okay?” Chloe asks.

“You bet.”