Page 72 of The Bad Girl

“Was it that obvious?”

“It was so obvious. Everyone knew. I was actually proud you were able to just go for it like you did.”

“Well, my boldness came with regrets. I ran back to my apartment, and I didn’t talk to you for six years.”

“So, I guess this is where we catch up. Tell me about all the men you’ve dated.”

“Gosh, well it took me a whole year to get over Tom’s rejection—”

Allison’s brow draws inward. “Tom’s rejection?”

“Ummm…yeah. Tom really did a number on me.”

“We were kids, but I get it.”

“Sophomore year is when I really came out of my shell and started dating. Lost my virginity in a frat house, which wasn’t nearly as slimy as it sounds. Developed a taste for bad boys that still stands to this day, and now I’m here, single.”

“Are you dating anyone?”

I downcast my eyes.No, I’m not dating anyone, but there most certainly is a man in my life.

Instead, I say, “It’s complicated.”

“Tell me. After all these years, you know you can trust me.”

“This is going to sound crazy, but recently, I was caught up in a hostage situation of sorts.”

“What?”

“My boss had to meet some businessmen on a boat, and one of the men found himself in legal trouble and kind of took us all hostage. It will be on the news shortly.”

Allison’s hand flies to her mouth. “Holy shit!”

“Yeah, and while it was all going on, I didn’t know if I was going to live or die, or what. Me and my boss were told to stay in a cabin, and…“ I bite my lip, unsure of how to divulge that I fucked my boss without looking like an opportunistic slut.

“So two ridiculously hot people were put in a small cabin while their lives were in danger, and the obvious happened?”

“Yeah, except now…I don’t know what to do. He’s my boss.”

“So what? He’s your boss. It doesn’t mean he’s not attracted to you.”

“Aly, this man hashundredsof contacts in his Little Black Book. He dates supermodels. He’s the freakin’ head of a billion-dollar corporation.”

“What you’re saying is that he’s been with enough to know what he likes, and his girlfriend doesn’t have to be rich, because he is.”

“No! I’m saying he would never want me.”

“Naddy, you have no idea what he wants, and you won’t until you specifically ask him. I know nothing about the man, but if he doesn’t want a relationship with you, I guarantee it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him wanting to be single. Ya fuck a supermodel five times, and it turns out, it’s just like fucking anyone else.”

“Wow, how many supermodels did you have to fuck to figure that out?”

“You know what I mean. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a catch.”

“Yeah, or at least I’m trying to be.”

“You should invite your boss to my wedding! He can be your plus one!”

I let out an awkward laugh. “Ummm, maybe I would, but I actually might be going with Tom. I’m surprised you don’t know.”