respects her, I hoped he would at least make sure you didn’t get yourself killed. I didn’t exactly think he would begin this thing with you and I don’t want you to get the idea that this is anything more than what it is right now. That’s just not his way.” Bailey’s concern for me was truly touching. Since we hadn’t known each other long, I figured her interest stemmed from her loyalty to my family.
“I appreciate your concern, Bailey, but it’s unnecessary. It’s actually better that Corey’s reputation is what it is, because I am not looking for permanent.” Of course, I was inwardly torn about that. I had to be strong and deny I wanted anything deeper. No—I couldn’t allow that.
Bailey sighed and muttered, “That’s what they all say.” The words were said in merely a whisper, but I still caught every one.
“I’m being serious, Bailey! We talked about it this morning and I, for the first time in my life, am completely satisfied with exactly the kind of relationship I have embarked on.” Satisfied was putting it lightly; that man gave me far beyond pleasure—that’s for sure.
“Well, that’s all that matters then.” There was doubt in her voice but she pasted a reassuring smile onto her face.
If Bailey had the slightest idea of what I have been through in my life—she would have believed me without a doubt. I was more confident with my decisions made concerning Corey. After the way Bailey portrayed him, I felt more comfortable with my choice in keeping him just as my friend. Corey was a great guy—I knew that—but even if my own feelings betrayed me; I could count on him to want nothing more. That was the kind of person I needed in my life. Not that I needed to, but I was determined to prove to Bailey and to myself, that I knew what I was doing.
* * * *
The week went by slowly but without trouble. Every day I found myself more and more pleased with the staff my grandmother had established here. A few times during the week Corey wanted to get together to—well—get together. When I told him I was just too busy he didn’t seem irritated or bugged by my rejection. I vaguely caught myself wondering if that was because he had someone else that was willing to get the job done. However, I absolutely refused to let myself have any sort of emotions about the situation—well, admit to them at least. If Corey chose to call up one of the other women in his little black book, that was none of my business.
During our texts back and forth though, we were able to decide on a time I would go to his bar for Sanders’ test run on Friday. My hopes were high for the kid, mainly because I didn’t want to be the one to tell Corey he wasn’t allowed to work weddings, without proper training. Sanders was obviously very important to Corey, definitely more than just another employee. If that test didn’t go well, something told me all could be over for Corey’s and mine extremely enjoyable playtime.
I knew of course, there were many other men out there. I would be able to find another one that could fulfill my needs. Except Corey was very good at what he did and there hadn’t been one guy since well—ever—who knew how to make my body respond the way he did. To lose that now would really suck. There were no words to describe the loss that would be. Not only physically, but emotionally too. Since I didn’t have Gabby around, I already found myself latching onto Corey as the companion I was missing. From the start I was comfortable with him, I didn’t need to pretend to be someone I wasn’t, even if I wasn’t sure who the hell I was.
Friday, I decided to work until a little after one in the afternoon, before going home to get ready for Sanders’ test. Since it was still a business affair, I wanted to look presentable, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dress to impress. So after my nice long shower and my hair twisted into big loose curls, I carefully selected an outfit—a pair of my curve-hugging jeans, black dressy tank top that scooped across the top of my chest, and black knee high leather boots that curved to my legs. After throwing on a couple accessories, I called a cab