Page 26 of Tempted

“It is? I didn’t know that. So, whathappened?” She asks, leaning forward eagerly.

“We talked and then we slept.”

“What did you talk about?”

“My life before I came here.”

“Oh. So, are you going back tonight?” Sheasks.

“I don’t know.”

“Why not?”

“He hasn’t asked. The other night…I was upsetabout Chris.” Without even saying a word, I know Gage expects me tokeep quiet about what happened. I know it’s something I can onlytalk about with him. “And I was tired. I just fell asleep while hewas having church or whatever with the other members.”

“And last night?”

“Last night, heaskedme to stay.”

“This guy’s really into you, Ray. The way heblew up when he walked in and saw you? Shit, I wish someone wasthat protective of me.”

‘Protective’ is not the word I’d use, buthearing from someone else that he cares makes me feel better. “Whatabout you and Ron?”

Her smile returns. “I think I just might getsome birthday sex.”

“Jesus. Already?”

“You forget I’ve known him practically mywhole life.Andit’s been a while. I’m tired of my ownfingers.”

“And he’s the one to break the dryspell?”

“Definitely. He’s just…fun…and I knowexactly what I’m getting with him. Nothing like my boring, loser exwho cheated on me.”

“Like me?”

“Ray –”

“It’s okay. I accept the ‘loser ex’ title. Ideserve it.”

“It’s not the same.”

“It is. But don’t let me interrupt. Tell meabout Ron,” I prod, trying to redirect the conversation.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay...well...hanging out with him and theother guys last night, it’s kinda changed my perspective on theclub.”

“How?”

“I mean, I know they’re not saints, but Iknow now that they’re not as bad as everyone makes them out tobe.”

“Me, too.”

“And Gage…I had my doubts, but you know himbetter than I do so if he’s okay in your book, then he’s okay inmine.”

“Speaking of books, have you checked out myKindle library?”