AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What do you want to do with me?”
“On a date?”
“In bed,” I ask.
“Why, Alex, are you insinuating that you and your boss might be falling into bed together?”
“I think we both want it.”
“There are things you don’t know about me, Alex. There are things that might change your mind about me.”
“I don’t care,” I say. And I don’t. There are skeletons in my closet, but most of them surround my brother’s disappearance and the loss I feel from his absence. Most of my skeletons don’t involve large amounts of money or copious business scandals. Those are the things I assume Alex is talking about, since those are the things he deals with on a daily basis.
“You might,” he says.
“Well, then, try me.” I jut my chin out. It’s a habit I developed as a kid. Back when I was standing up to my stepdad to protect Aaron, I’d always do this. It always pissed him off more than he would admit. Even my mom didn’t know just how much my stepfather hated me jutting my chin forward. It was a nonverbal sign of defiance, and we both knew it.
“I’m broken,” he says softly.
“I don’t think you’re as broken as you say.”
And for some reason, I have the feeling this isn’t something that Ryan often shares. I get the feeling he’s a little surprised he’s sharing this with me now.
“Maybe, but there are a lot of things that make me a poor choice for a partner.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m not looking for a partner,” I say. “I’m just looking for a good time.”
This is both true and false. I do want someone I can fall in love with. Everyone does. I want the person I can grow old with. I want someone who knows everything about me but loves me anyway. I know there are plenty of things about me that are unsavory. I’m too clumsy, I’m obsessed with books, and I don’t get out on a social level very much.
But right now, I don’t really want to worry about that. I’m more concerned with whether Ryan is going to lower his camera and let me see what else he’s hiding.
What does he have down there?
Abs?
Boxers?
Nothing at all?
Is he completely naked while he’s talking to me?
“Is that so?” Ryan smirks a little, and I find myself nodding.
“That’s so.”
“You’re asking me for a good time.”
“No strings attached,” I say.
“It could be a bad idea.”
“Maybe. It probably is.”
“Why don’t you care? If this goes sour, work will be very awkward.”
Luckily for Ryan, he’s only hired me on a temporary basis. This is supposed to be a job that lasts until Damien returns with the potential for a longer-term role, but that’s just something corporations say. I’m still applying to other places and trying to find a job as a teacher. One day, I want to make a difference in the world. I just need someone to give me a chance.
“Then it’s a good thing I’m only a temp employee,” I say. “Now tell me: are you naked?”
