Page 95 of Stanton Adore

I fake a smile. Shit, do I really want to know this.

I nod as my heart rate picks up speed. “Fire away.”

“The day I arrived in Sydney my friend Carson sent me around a housewarming present to the house.”

I frown. “Who’s Carson?”

“My friend from LA.”

I nod and frown again. “So how do you know her?”

He blows out a breath, obviously hoping I will fit the puzzle together.

I frown again. “Am I missing something?” I ask.

He frowns and rubs his hands through his hair. “She was the housewarming present.” Horror dawns. Oh fuck, this is worse than I thought. You could knock me over with a feather. I sit back on my chair as I process what he has told me.

“She’s an escort?” I gasp. He hangs his head and nods.

“I see.” My eyes must be the size of saucers. He comes around behind me and cuddles me. He’s right. I really want to kick his sorry ass out right now…deep breaths…deep breaths. Why did I promise to not get the shits when I so clearly have a reason to?

“So, you can see I have no feelings for her and don’t need to worry, baby.” He’s talking way too fast…deep breaths.

“How often do you see escorts Joshua?”

He winces and goes silent. “Don’t call me that,” he whispers.

“It’s your name, isn’t it?” I snap.

“Yes, but you only call me that when you are shitty if you haven’t noticed.” Hmm, I hadn’t noticed, actually.

“Josh, I told you I won’t get the shits, but I need to know what I’m up against here.”

“You’re not up against anything. You know I only care about you. Please don’t make any more of this than it is.”

I look at him deadpan. “Answer the question.”

“I don’t like to date, Tash, and you know I have a…high sex drive.” He swallows and is tripping over his words. “It’s not something I can control, the sex drive thing.”

“Why don’t you like to date?”

“You know why.”

“No, I don’t.” My voice drips with sarcasm. “Please elaborate.” He starts to run both hands through his hair. I know he is feeling out of control of this situation.

“Women I date always get…attached and well…. My heart is already taken…by you.” He reaches for me and I pull my arm away instinctively. I am not supposed to be getting emotional here…deep breaths…deep breaths.

I put my head into my hands. “How often?”

“Tash, please, baby, it doesn’t matter. It is in the past.” “Joshua! So, help me. Answer the goddamn question or I am going to be wearing your balls for earrings.”

He stifles a smile and raises his eyebrows. “Really. Earrings?”

I do wide eyes at him. “Really. Don’t push it. I’m great with a butter knife.” I pull out the drawer. “And I have a few handy here you know.” He smiles again. “Please, Josh, just tell me. I thought we discussed honesty. I need the truth.”

He looks down and tics his jaw. “At least once a week.”

FUCK…. I was hoping for once a year.