The annoying voice in my head notes those words sound like vows. I rub the back of my neck, willing my goosebumps to subside. These are not vows. It’s a friend accepting help from another friend to experience something in a safe environment. In return, I get a taste of the forbidden fruit so I no longer crave it.
“One last thing,” I add. “You don’t look for other men.”
Her brows arch so high, it’s a miracle they don’t shoot right off her forehead. “I don’t?”
I shake my head, my voice firm. “No one touches you except me.”
“I don’t think that’s how friends-with-benefits works, Cal.”
I know. I simply don’t give two shits what the norm is when it comes to Alia. I abhor the idea of someone taking advantage of her vulnerability.
“We make our own rules, Tots. This part isn’t negotiable. We need to be exclusive.”
“You’re supposed to be a player.” She sounds bewildered, unable to believe I’m suggesting this. I’m surprised as well.
“Yep. But you’re my friend and I happen to like you, so the player rulebook has been thrown out the window.” I wink at her, all calm and nonchalance on the outside while mayhem churns within my gut.
“It’s unfair you can be charming in a conversation like this. How does anyone say no to you?”
“I don’t care about others, as long as you don’t. So, do we have a deal, gorgeous?”
I know I’ve got her when she exhales a laugh, still shaking her head. I want to celebrate. Preferably by kissing her again.
“Deal. And don’t worry, you can still be a player. I won’t cramp your style.”
“Meaning?” I cock my head curiously, waiting for her explanation.
“Meaning I don’t have the same condition. You can be with whoever you want.”
This is the kind of jackpot of which any guy would be envious. Instead, disappointment threads through my chest, irritating me.
“Did I kiss you so well your brain glitched?”
Her brows furrow as her cute nose scrunches in question. With a low chuckle, I step into her space, reaching up to fiddle with the ornament on her forehead.
“If I expect you to be exclusive with me, I won’t be looking at another woman either.”
Drawing my thumb down the side of her jaw, I enjoy her blush at my casual touch.
“It’s just you and me, now.”
Another vow, the voice in my head whispers dangerously before I shut it off, bending down to fuse my lips with hers.
21
ALIA
Me:
I’ve been thinking.
Hockey Boy:
Did you change your mind?
Me:
In the hour since I last saw you? No.