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“Oh, protection? I’m on the pill for those heavy—”
“Girl! TMI! Not for me, but have a little filter when it comes to your fuck buddy. I’d consider a condom when dealing with a stranger, if you want my honest opinion, but I wasn’t talking about protection.”
“What are you talking about?” Knowing him, I probably shouldn’t have asked. He had no filter. “What’s the important question?”
“Are you maintained?”
“What?”
“You know.” He motioned toward my crotch. “Waxed, shaved, trimmed?”
“Jay!”
“It’s been a really long dry spell.” He nibbled on a chocolate-covered pretzel a little too casually, considering this discussion. “Sexy Santa appears to be meticulous and well-groomed. You might be jungly. Not that there is anything wrong with being natural.”
“I’m not jungly!” I spoke louder than I should have, but my nerves couldn’t take much more. “I’m maintained,” I whispered. “Satisfied?”
“Perfect.”
“You think I should do this?”
“Yes.” He nudged me off the stool. “You need an adventure.”
“Okay.” I took a deep breath. “I’m going to do this.”
“Don’t forget a single detail. I want you to spill all the tea.”
“I’ll see you later.”
“Hopefully, not until breakfast.” He waved. “My little girl is all grown up.”
“Stop it.”
“Go get laid.” He kissed my cheek. “Forget all about the meeting with the Grinch developer. We’ll figure it out tomorrow.”
“What if we can’t?”
“Then I’ll get a sugar daddy.” He hooked his arm in mine and walked me across the room to the elevators. “It’ll be a hardship, but for you, I’ll endure it.”
“You’re an amazing friend.”
I pushed the button to the elevator, knowing once I stepped inside I’d embark on an unfamiliar journey. My life might be in shambles, but it couldn’t get much worse. One night with an enchanting stranger couldn’t hurt.
I only hoped rock bottom didn’t have a basement.
THREE
Huxley
It had been a while since I had a one-night stand, even though they were more convenient for me. My lifestyle didn’t allow for long-term relationships. Business always came first. I’d go on dates and hook up with women from time to time, but nothing serious.
Tonight, an opportunity presented itself in the form of an awkward woman who wouldn’t tell me her name. I needed an outlet. A few hours to put work aside, and then in the morning I would get back to it.
I’d leave this little obsession behind me.
I tossed my mask on the table by the door before removing my jacket and draping it over a chair by the window. Glancing at my watch as I made my way to the bedroom, I noted that it had been fifteen minutes since I made my proposition.
Is she going to take me up on it?
