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“No.” I shake my head vehemently, horrified by the suggestion. “I had a little too much to drink, and it was my idea. He tried to put me on pause.”
“Ha,” she scoffs. “I bet.”
I swing my legs around until they dangle from the seat, pressed into the carpet, sighing.
“I fucked up, okay? I was convinced that Paris would be a one-time thing and that he wouldn’t look at me after we slept together. Honestly, he was acting like that on the plane ride home. Like, perhaps he regretted what happened.”
“Wait, hold up.” Naomi perches herself on the edge of the coffee table, facing me. “I don’t understand how this all unfolded. I thought he was just some rich dude looking out for you because you remind him of his little sister or something, and I assumed him punching Ricky out today was him just acting like a cool big brother, albeit a hot one. But now you’re saying you slept with him, liked it, and you’re hoping it might turn into a relationship?”
She gestures with her hand alongside her temple that her mind is blown. This is precisely why I didn’t want to tell Naomi any of this. I was afraid she would make a big deal about it, and I was right.
“I didn’t say anything about wanting a relationship, okay? Hell, I barely know him. I can’t even tell when he’s serious or playing games with me. He saysIused him, and I think he may actually believe that.”
“Then we’ll move out. Fuck it. We can find somewhere else to live.”
“No, I don’t think he meant that I used him for this apartment. He insinuated that I used him for sex and said that we’re far from finished, whatever the hell that means.” I mutter that last part.
“Got it.” Naomi makes a slight sound of understanding. “So your tall, dark, and sexy boss, who’s also way older than you, wants your ass.”
“You think so?”
“He doesn’t believe for one second that you were using him for his body. He’s just fucking with you.”
“I don’t know, Naomi. Hunter doesn’t often say things that he doesn’t mean.”
“I’m telling you this is all a seduction. And how do you feel about that? What did you tell him when he said you two were far from over?”
My head springs up. “Of course, I said no. But I don’t think anybody has ever said no to him. And whenever he gets his hands on me, it’s as if my brain stops working. I don’t know what to do. As you said, he’s my boss and our landlord, and evidently, he’s acting as my personal security.”
Naomi laughs. “That man is trying to be your sugar daddy. Actually, he ain’t trying. He already is. Look at how quickly your life has turned around since you met him. You’re a nightclub manager, we live in this luxury apartment, and you’ve spent the weekend in Paris!”
“I don’t want a sugar daddy and–” My voice stutters to a stop as Naomi studies me.
“And what? What else is stopping you from enjoying whatever is happening?”
I rub a spot on my chest that has been throbbing every time I think of Hunter.
“I’m afraid of falling in love with him, Naomi.” I bring up my knees to my chest, hugging them. “I’ve never had a man treat me like this. I’ve never felt so protected by a man I’m attracted to. Every time I have a problem, he’s ready to fix it. I practically melt into a puddle whenever he stands close to me. Not to mention that he smells delicious at all times.”
Naomi chuckles, “I’m jealous.”
“But I’m not under any delusions about who he is,” I continue. “Hunter lives in a dangerous world, and that kind of anxiety is the last thing I need. Working at the club is drama enough.”
The words are pouring out of me, and Naomi envelops me in a hug. “Okay, you’re panicking, honey. Breathe in and out. It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”
Her voice is soothing as she hugs me tighter, forcing me to relax. Naomi doesn’t talk much about her family but has alluded to having difficult relationships with some of them. Living her life on her own terms is a motivating force for her.
“Why haven’t you said anything to me about this?” she asks, not letting go. “You’re clearly worked up over this.”
“I don’t know,” I sigh, pulling away from her to look at her face. “You know what The Blue Whiskey is like. Remember, I told you that I’d rather not share all the stuff that happens there to keep you safe?”
She has no idea what happened to Steve.
God, I can never tell her what I suspect.
“But this is about you and Mr. Middleton, not the club.” She frowns. “This is about something personal, and you should be able to tell me anything. What if something happened to you? I wouldn’t have had all the information I needed to help.”
“You’re right.” I give her a small smile. “I guess I was reluctant to share because I feel like I’m way in over my head. I try to be respectful around him because he’s my boss, but he’salso this man I’ve been intimate with. When he took me to Paris, he was like this whole other person, and for a moment, I forgot that he was my employer. When we were there, he was just Hunter.”
