The Man I Thought I Loved (Two-Faced #2) - E. L. Todd Page 0,30
now, then you’re going to be really bored at your birthday party on Saturday.”
“Let me guess. Strip club?”
“Private strip club.”
Yes, that did sound boring.
Clint continued to study my face. “Talk to me.”
I shrugged.
“Let’s have some pussy girl talk because that’s obviously what you need.” He grabbed his drink.
“What about your girl?”
“She’ll wait.” He pointed between our eyes. “Let’s do this shit. Come on.”
“I’m just stressed out.”
“Something happen at Clydesdale?” he asked, his eyes turning serious when he thought my company was in jeopardy.
“No. Remember that woman I told you about?”
“You’re still on her?”
“Well, we’re friends.”
“But you broke up like an eternity ago. Why is she still on your mind?”
I wished she weren’t. “She’s doing an article about me, so we’ve been spending time together.”
“And?”
“I read an article that showed just how dangerous her profession is, and since she’s so fearless as it is, I’m afraid something will happen to her.”
“How is that your problem?”
I turned to him, my eyebrow raised. “Because I care about her…a lot.”
“Then tell her to get a different job.”
I shook my head. “Can’t.”
“Why?”
“I have no right to say that to her. And even if I did, she never would.”
“Then get over her.”
“I’ve tried.”
“Bullshit, you’ve tried. You’re spending all this time with her.”
“We’re friends.”
“Okay, but fucking someone would probably help. You’ve been celibate a long-ass time.”
Carson would never take me back, so I did need to move on. I hadn’t actually tried. If anything, I only became more invested in that woman. Being her friend gave me what I’d wanted when we were dating, this raw openness that allowed me to see past her beautiful exterior and to the catacombs of depth beneath.
He looked across the club, and his eyes settled on a target. “Look at that bombshell in the blue dress. Go fuck her.” He patted me on the shoulder.
“She’s not a dog in heat.”
“When she gets a look at you, she will be.”
She was a beautiful woman with long brown hair, long legs, and full lips—exactly my type. My sex life had been stale for almost a month, and I was anxious to get laid, even though my mind wanted other things. But I knew Carson was hooking up with guys, even if she didn’t say anything. That was what she did.
“Go, asshole. And don’t come back.” He pushed me out of the chair.
I straightened my jacket and shot him a glare. “Fine, I’m going.”
“Good. Fuck her brains out.”
I walked into the room at the gym with the basketball court. Charlie was already there with Matt, drinking from their water bottles.
Carson was nowhere in sight.
“Hey, man.” I fist-bumped them both. “Where’s Carson?”
“At work. She’s coming straight here from the office.”
I took a seat beside Charlie, wondering if Carson had told him about Denise. I didn’t ask because I didn’t want to spill the beans if he didn’t know anything. Definitely not my place to share that information.
“She told me your place is a major fuck pad.”
I was about to drink from my water, but I laughed instead. “What?” That sounded exactly like something she would say.
“I guess your folks’ place is super nice or something,” Charlie said.
She should see my place in the Hamptons.
“Yeah, but it’s not really a fuck pad.” My penthouse was closer to that description. “It’s where I grew up, so there wasn’t a lot of fucking going on, at least not from me.” I’d moved out when I left for college, and my sex life hadn’t been incredible at the time. Maybe my parents got it on, but I didn’t.
“What are you going to do with the place?” Charlie asked.
“Why?” I teased. “You want to bring a date there.”
“I mean…I wouldn’t say no to that.”
William walked inside, in gym shorts and a t-shirt. His towel was over his shoulder.
I raised my hand. “Over here.”
William spotted me and walked over. “So, this is the crew, huh?” He took a seat and shook my hand.
“Charlie, this is my friend William,” I said. “He’s gonna play with us today.”
“What’s up?” Charlie shook his head. “This is my friend, Matt.”
“Hey.” Matt waved from his spot on the other side of Charlie.
“Glad you could make it,” I said.
“I’m excited. But this isn’t a scenario where I have to let you win, right?”
“No,” I said with a chuckle.
“Good. Because I’m not gonna throw a game for anyone.”
We left our stuff behind and warmed up on the court since we were waiting for Carson. She almost never took the bench because she was one of the best players.