Page 28 of Pink and Country

“You keep saying that. Believe whatever you want.” No reply. “I’m not done with you, woman,” I said mostly to myself. “No. I’m not.”

I stood in the middle of the room, hoping she’d come back. In vain. A yellow cat neared me and arched its back. I squatted to pat its head. “Hey you. What are you doing here?” The feline purred in response and butted my leg, pushing me. “Okay, fine, I’ll go.”

The cat and I ended up in a staring dual. After a minute, it turned its back on me and followed the direction where my angry neighbor disappeared. I clenched my teeth and pounded through the cabin, my cock still hoping Bubble Gum would change her mind and give it a chance to prove itself. What’s wrong with these people? Wait, did I just consider a cat a person? Fuck. I was more screwed than I thought. With fury boiling in my veins, I let myself out and slammed the door behind me, ready to take my dick out of his misery myself. Yeah, I considered it a person too.

7

April

“W ho does he think he is? He toyed with me, then thought I’d suck his dick like a perfect housewife? While he’s married. Ugh, he’s such an ass. I was right. I don’t care how hot he is. He keeps arguing he’s not a jerk, but he never proved me wrong.”

Saunders snickered.

“I can’t believe you let your hunk of a neighbor finger you. Girl, you should’ve told me all you needed was a change of air. It’s about time you come out of your shell. I’m so proud of you, Bubble Head. My girl has finally graduated from Slutty School. You’re getting your groove back.”

I let wrath slice my words. “After everything I told you, that’s all you have to say, that you’re proud I almost let a complete stranger, one that drives me nuts, fuck me.” I huffed a loud sigh. “Did you forget he’s married?”

“He told you he wasn’t. So, I don’t see a problem.”

“Listen to you. You’re ridiculous. HN acted like a prick. He thinks he can do whatever he wants.” I paused, my body so tense it could rip at the seams. “Not with me. He’ll never get his dick in my precious mouth. Fuck him.”

Saunders giggled, and my anger left me. I slouched my shoulders forward and buried my head in my hand.

“Does he kiss like a god?”

“Better. I’ve never been kissed like that in my life. It was animalistic. He possessed me with every flick of his tongue. I swear I could’ve come only from his lips on mine. And from what I felt, he’s huge down there.”

Saunders whimpered. “Oh, yes, that’s exactly what you need. A big dick to get back in the game. I think your HN is the perfect specimen to help you reach that goal. You’ve been alone for far too long. A real man’s touch will do you good. You need some human connection. Some flesh on flesh. If he fucks like he fingers, you’re in excellent hands, girl. Hang up. Put on something sexy and a thick coat of red lipstick. Go ring his doorbell. And suck his dick. He’s worth it. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

“He’s married, for God’s sake. And stop saying I’ll thank you for everything good happening in my life, Saund.”

“You should. Your publishing contract, the cabin, your hot neighbor. When was I wrong? I’m your voice of reason. Your guardian angel. You need me to push you to do things you’re too afraid to do on your own.”

“Okay, fine. Send yourself flowers. Put the same effort you put in my love life into your own relationship. Stop screwing around with your man. If you love him, move in with him and stop avoiding any kind of commitment. You’re better than this. Take the next step.”

“I know Reed is perfect for me.”

I grinned, glad the focus shifted away from me. “He is. And he loves you. Always has.”

Saunders and Reed met the same night I went on a horrible blind date. They actually met because of my disastrous date. Their love story made this night one to remember.

* * *

Two years ago

“Saunders, I don’t do blind dates. And I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

“Bubble Head, go on this one date. Do it for me. Just put yourself out there for once. I know you’re not ready to date, but meeting new people won’t kill you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get a new friendship out of this. You’ve been pretty lonely since Travis—If you promise to give this guy a chance, I promise to come save you if he’s an arsehole. Deal?”

I forced a breath out through gritted teeth. “Okay. Fine. I can’t believe I’m doing this. This is crazy. I’m so not ready.”

“I know, but you need a first time. The next will be easier.”

I closed my eyes and mouthed to myself, “Sorry, Travis. You know Saunders, she won’t give up. I love you.” I kissed my fingers and blew at them toward the ceiling. Then I brought my attention back to my best friend. “Let me get the details, and I’ll let you know. Not sure I still love you, though.”

“I know. Trust me. You need this.” We hung up, and I threw a pillow through my bedroom.

Why did I agree to have dinner with—? Wait, what’s his name again? Oh yes, Paul. The first time I texted him, tears streamed down my face. Somehow, I felt like I was turning my back on Travis.