but my cock responds immediately. Yes, we are where we’re supposed to be right now, cock, fear not.
“I graduated Julliard last semester. I’m the assistant to the assistant of the CEO of Silver Enterprises. I know, I know, all that money for a degree that I’m not even using. My mom says I’m throwing my life away, but I’m climbing the ladder, you know? Everyone has to start somewhere. I want to run things one day,” Rosy says, finally meeting my gaze. Her eyes are light brown, a liquid amber color. They’re the wrong color. I close my eyes when Lainey’s face comes to mind. I remind myself that wrong is what I need. It’s right.
I rub the stubble on my chin with my thumb and forefinger. I should have shaved. “You’re right. Sometimes parents don’t know best,” I say. My aunt and uncle raised me and it’s been far too long since I’ve seen them. Everyone had a hard time adjusting to my non-death. For me it was easier to throw myself in work than stick around and lament with them about the time when I was a different man. Although it’s what they would have preferred, I’m sure. Talking about it makes it real and I’ve developed the ability to mask it.
Like right now. “I can’t believe what you’ve been through! I followed it on the news for weeks. It’s so crazy! Are you okay? I mean, of course you’re okay. Look at you. But are you okay, really?” Rosy asks, though she has no fucking right. This would have pissed me off, usually. She’s young. She can’t help it. Twenty-somethings have the tact of the cast of reality TV stars. Zero. Humor her, Cody, my cock whispers.
“It was pretty crazy,” I say, trying not to let my sarcasm rear. “I’m okay. Everything worked out. Some say the hard things in life are the ones that build the most character.” Also, it depends on what you deem ‘okay’. It was indeed crazy, and I’m also a little bit crazy. Insanity is character so it’s not a lie. How did she flip this around? She’s supposed to be talking about herself.
Our food arrives and we both dig in. She can’t possibly know that I haven’t eaten in God knows how long, that I’ve been developing code that will sell for more than most people make in a lifetime. I want to attack my plate, but I hold back.
“Where are you from?” I ask. It’s a relevant question for her age and status in life. She probably just moved from there before attending college here in the city.
She blushes a little, swallows her food, and then says, “Virginia Beach, actually. My parents just bought a house by the water. Their dream home. It’s so beautiful. I’m happy for them. I met Molly when we crossed paths in Virginia Beach. I guess you could say I’ve been a fan of yours for quite some time now. A fan of all Navy SEALs, actually.” Oh, great. A young frog hog. I wonder if any of the other guys have tapped her yet. Molly despises women who seek out SEALs. The fact that she set me up with one should give me a clue about what she thinks about me at the moment.
I nod my head, pull my cap down a little lower, and take another bite of my food while she continues on about the house. The waitress fills our water glasses and leaves again. “So, you’re a fan, huh?” I ask in a lull during her praise and worship for my former career path. “I’m not in the Navy anymore, though. You still wanted a date?” I’m half joking.
She looks mollified. “Of course. I mean, not with just anyone. With you.” I’m special. How sweet. My dick agrees. “Molly said you wanted company.” Now we’re going somewhere.
“Did she? What type of company?” I keep my voice low, discreet.
Rosy looks left and right then says, “A friend? Someone to hang out with? You’re lonely in the city. She said you would probably be dirty and depressed from sitting in front of the computer for days on end.” Truth. The former Cody Ridge would never fuck a woman after the first date. Probably not even after the second. But then again, the former Cody Ridge was always in love with one woman. He still is. It doesn’t mean the newer, dirtier, and jaded Cody Ridge can’t come out to play for the night.