Page 34 of The Singles Club

I could have sex anytime. There were plenty of handsome men more than willing. But Justin was different. He was looking for a life partner, not a passionate affair or a lovers’ tryst. I had already made that mistake with Lucas, and I’d be damned if I made it again.

And in the end, I’d only get on that plane to Paris and break Justin’s heart.

I headed up the stairs, thankful to be home… even if “home” looked like the inside of a stuffy library. I changed into yoga pants and a T-shirt and took out my pint of chocolate low-fat frozen yogurt. Probably not the best idea after caving into that saltimbocca, but I promised myself I would burn it off tomorrow with a Tabata workout. My phone buzzed on the table, and my heart nearly came up my throat.

Please don’t be Justin.

I breathed a sigh of relief when it was from Isabella.

I: When should I bring over my Hermès bag?

V: You mean my Hermès bag? You can give it to me during our Singles Club meet tomorrow night.

A sad-faced emoji popped up followed by another text.

I: So how did your date go?

V: You know it wasn’t a real date.

I: Good.

I set the spoon inside the pint cup.

V: What is that supposed to mean?

I: You know what it means. He may be my boss, but I do care about him. He’s a good guy.

V: Well, you can sleep soundly. There’s nothing going on between Justin and me.

Except for that kiss that never should’ve happened.

Another text chimed through. I switched over to find Justin’s name highlighted with an unread message.

Oh no.

J: So that kiss tonight… was that a selling point for your dating coach services?

Honesty. How to respond without lying?

V: If it was, I obviously failed to close the deal.

J: I think I could use a little work in that department. Consider being my kissing coach?

I let out a giggle I couldn’t hold back anymore.

V: Funny.

J: In all seriousness, I was thinking about your offer, and I’ve decided to take it.

I froze, wishing I had never made that offer to begin with. Before that kiss, I thought I could handle it. Just another experiment to prove my theory… but now, my dopamine levels were getting out of whack.

V: With this project, and my move coming, maybe I spoke too soon…

J: I understand. To be honest, I doubt even your skills could help me in that department.

A twinge of determination nudged at me. A challenge. I dropped the phone from my hand like it was about to catch fire.

Don’t do it. Just accept it and walk away.