Page 14 of Playing Mr. Perfect

As I stand, Clay grabs my hand and says, “Save me a dance.”

Such a simple request should not make my heart race, but as Sable and I head to the dance floor, I’m practically vibrating at the thought of being in his arms again. “Thanks for saving me from further mortification with that drinking game.”

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about. I never understood your need to keep your sex life private until Kane and I got together. I get it now.”

We find a spot on the dance floor and begin dancing. “Does that mean you no longer think I’m a weirdo?”

“I never thought you were a weirdo. I just didn’t understand why other people’s opinions mattered to you so much.”

“It’s not about anyone else’s opinions. Sharing private moments belittles them.”

“I understand that now. Sorry if I ever made you feel bad about it.”

“Thanks.” It feels good to hear that. Sable isn’t one to make me feel bad about anything, but I like that she cares enough to apologize just in case she ever has. “How does it feel knowing you’re just a couple of weeks away from the end of your tour?”

“Bittersweet. How does it feel knowing you’re maybe an hour away from an incredible orgasm?”

Laughter bursts from my lungs. “Sable!”

“Don’t pretend you’re not thinking the same thing. I’m surprised you haven’t dragged his ass up to your room yet. I’ve never seen you so into a guy.”

“I’m not—”

“Save it. We both know you want him.”

I dance closer so I don’t have to talk so loud. “I was going to say that I’m not the kind of person who drags a man into my hotel room, but I kind of wish I were.” Sable is one of only two people I can be this honest with. She knows most of my secrets.

“Then become that person. And you’re welcome for my Never Have I Ever turn.” She’d said Never have I ever had an STD, and nobody had done a shot. “Now you know he’s okay to sleep with.”

“That’s why you said it?”

“Why are you surprised? I’ve always got your back.”

“Thank you for that, but I don’t know how to go from being me to doing that.”

“You just do it,” Sable says, like it’s easy. “Look at me. I never thought I’d settle down, and there’s nothing I want more than a life with Kane. Clay’s a good guy, Pep. I’ve been watching him. He’s looking after you, and he makes you laugh and blush and want.”

“That he does, but he’s also an athlete, and you know I don’t date athletes.”

“Yes, and for good reason when you were in college. But Clay’s not a stupid college kid, and who said anything about dating? You’re having fun. You’re in Paris. If ever there was a time to cut loose and enjoy yourself, it’s now. Nobody’s going to know what you do except you and him.” The song ends, and we start dancing to a faster song. “When’s the last time you’ve felt like this about a guy?”

“I don’t know. Never. He makes me feel rebellious and like I want to rip off his clothes, which is so not me, and knowing it’s not me makes me want to hide. But I really don’t want to hide.”

Sable laughs. “Girl, you’ve got it bad.”

“No kidding. But, Sable, he’s got loads of experience.”

“Which means he’ll know how to make you feel good.”

“Sure, but what if I throw caution to the wind, and I don’t make him feel good?”

“You’re overthinking. Everything feels good to guys. They’re not that complicated.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

“You can, and you will. Trust me. When you’re with someone who really turns you on, it all comes naturally. Even the confidence.”

I cling to that as we dance, hoping it’s true, and try to lose myself in the music. But between the alcohol and Sable’s encouragement, all I can think about is getting up the nerve to be with Clay.