I think you know the attraction between us is genuine. And you could never hate me more than I hate myself for hurting you.
Nicole: I wasn’t hurt. Not really. How could I be? I hardly know you. I just feel silly.
I had hurt her. I wasn’t exactly sure how I knew that, but I knew it was true.
Me: Don’t. I thought we agreed not to regret it.
Nicole: That was before I knew you were Damian Lancaster and a man-whore.
Me: Which was worse, me being Damian Lancaster or me being a man-whore?
I definitely couldn’t change the fact that I was Damian Lancaster, but I might be able to eventually convince her that I was not a man-whore who got drunk until I was out of my mind and made having sex into one big party.
Nicole: Being Damian Lancaster, I think.
Okay, then I was well and truly fucked.
Me: Why?
Nicole: Because I poured my heart out to you, Damian. I sat right there and told you about my presentation. And then I even told you about my sex life. I told you almost everything about myself, and you told me nothing except a few facts. Do you really think I go around sharing my entire life with everybody?
Me: No. I know you don’t. But would you have told me all that if you’d known I was Damian Lancaster almost from the start?
I didn’t get an immediate answer.
Finally, she texted back.
Nicole: I don’t really know. Other than the whole creepy reading my texts behavior, and that bossy thing you do, I kind of liked you. I’m not sure how I would have felt if I’d known who you were from the start.
Me: I should have told you. Can we just start over? Hello, Nicole. I’m Damian Lancaster, CEO of Lancaster International. Yes, I realize that whole orgy situation doesn’t look good, but do you think you could hold off making judgments until you actually get to know me? My cock has been painfully hard since I saw you sitting in the seat beside me, and I’d very much like to shag you until you’re screaming my name in the throes of your first orgasm while having sex with a guy.
Nicole: Now you’re just being nonsensical.
Me: Did it make you laugh?
Nicole: Yes.
Me: I would have said that if I could have. It’s the absolute truth.
Nicole: You have to stop saying those things if we end up working together! You did say it would be business only.
Me: You haven’t said yes to my offer yet, so we’re not working together. Does that mean you’ve made up your mind to take on Lancaster International?
Nicole: No. I’ll call you tomorrow morning.
Fuck! I really didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.
Me: Let me call you. Are you still in your office? Maybe we could have dinner together. A business dinner, of course.
Nicole: I’m still in my office, but I’m getting ready to leave. I have plans for tonight.
Me: A date?
It was Friday night, so it made sense that she might have a date. With another guy. A male who might actually…touch her, kiss her.
Oh, hell no!
Nicole: I guess you could call it that. Look, I’ll seriously think about taking on Lancaster International and call you tomorrow morning.
Jesus Christ! Did she really think I was just going to go on with my night and not think about her out on a date with somebody who wasn’t…me?
My voice of reason suddenly reared its ugly head:
Of course she thinks you’ll go on with your night without thinking about her. She doesn’t believe you’re even attracted to her, and even if she did, the woman thinks you’re a man-whore and a liar. Pull your ass together, Lancaster. You had one amazing kiss, and that could very well be all you’ll ever get from her. It’s none of your business if she’s got a date. There’s no reason it should ever bother you. It’s not like she’s yours. So get a damn grip, man.
I took a deep breath, and tried to listen to that rational voice, even though I hated that little bastard.
Me: Nicole?
Nicole: Yes?
Me: Be careful, and call me early, okay?
Nicole: Around 8 am?
I wanted to tell her to call me when she got home from her damn date because I knew I wouldn’t be sleeping.
Me: Fine.
Nicole: Have a good night.
I tossed my mobile back on the table, closed my eyes, and beat my head against the back of the lounger several times.
What in the fuck am I doing? I’ve never had a single