“Although we’ve all had those. Even you.”
I nodded. “I have. I’ve already experienced a range of relationship variations. Casual dating. A long-term relationship. A difficult breakup. A failed marriage. Even a fling once that lasted all of a weekend.”
“I remember him,” Everly said. “Oh my god, we were so young then.”
“Indeed, we were. So, you can see that I’ve amassed enough first-hand knowledge of how relationships work in my life to determine that I don’t need to try another one.”
“Yeah, but you can change your mind,” Sophie said. “Especially for the right guy.”
“She certainly can,” Jensen said, smiling seductively at Sophie. “For the right man. Or perhaps the man who’s right for now. Could you use a right now man in your life, darling?”
Nora smacked his shoulder again.
“This is so different from anything I’ve experienced before,” I said. “I’ve always followed a more traditional relationship progression. The customary coffee date, followed by outings of increasing duration that would allow us both to assess whether we’re compatible. And if the relationship developed from there, it would naturally become physical.”
“That’s the most boring description of dating I’ve ever heard,” Jensen said. “No wonder you decided to stay single.”
I ignored him. “But everything with Corban has been backwards.”
“Maybe that’s what you need right now,” Nora said. “There’s nothing wrong with some no-strings sex if you’re both enjoying yourselves. There’s no rule that says you have to saddle yourselves with labels and commitment.”
“That’s true.”
“I like to see you letting loose a little,” Nora said with a smile. “It’s good for you. And I think his cock is good for you, too. I was starting to feel the tension of all that repressed sexual energy.”
“Nora,” Everly said. “Do you have to say that so loud?”
“What, repressed sexual energy?” Nora asked.
“No, the other thing.”
“Cock? What’s wrong with cock? We’re all adults here.”
“I know, but…” Everly’s cheeks were pink and her eyes darted around. She’d always been easily embarrassed.
“At least she didn’t call it a penis,” Jensen said, enunciating the word.
Nora grimaced. “That sounds terrible when you say it.”
“Isn’t it odd how the proper terms for body parts are so unsexy?” Sophie asked. “Until a second ago, I thought you could say anything and make it sound hot.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Nora said.
Jensen angled himself toward Sophie. “I take it you prefer the term cock. How about I use it in a sentence? I’ll thrust my hard cock—”
“Really?” Nora asked, interrupting him.
“Back to Hazel,” Everly said quickly. “If you’re happy with things the way they are, maybe Nora’s right.”
“Of course I’m right. Let’s be honest, you need some good orgasms in your life right now. And if it makes for a more pleasant working environment, even better. It’ll run its course and you can go back to not-dating.”
I nodded slowly.
“Or, you know, you’ll fall for him.”
“No. I’m not falling for Corban.”
Nora held my eyes for a long moment, like she was scrutinizing me. If I hadn’t known it was demonstrably impossible, I would have wondered if she was reading my thoughts.
Jensen raised his glass again. “My lovelies, I propose a toast. To friendship with benefits, and the cocks who are worthy of it.”
Nora lifted her glass but cast him a sidelong glance. “I suppose you think yours is worthy.”
“Oh, I’m an excellent friend.”
She groaned again, and we all clinked glasses.
Friends with benefits. That was a positive change, and seemed fitting. The lack of hostility in our relationship hadn’t diminished our physical attraction, nor had returning to our normal environment. In other words, it hadn’t been our rivalry, nor had it been the hotel room.
Maybe Nora was right. Maybe this was what I needed in my life right now.
28
Corban
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” ~Albert Schweitzer
I got home from work and put my keys down. It had been a good day, even for a Monday. Hazel and I had spent most of the afternoon going over my grant proposal together. I’d also cornered her in the lab when no one else was around and kissed her. It was too bad I couldn’t get away with that more often. Those lips of hers were so kissable.
My phone rang, the noise startling me. It was Hazel.
“Hey, you.”
“Corban, I apologize for bothering you, but I need help and I didn’t know who else to call.”
My back straightened and I grabbed my