Goodnight Ed,
Xoxo
I put my head back against the wall as the sweat runs down between my breasts.
I’m in the sauna at the work gym, it’s 8 p.m. on Wednesday night.
This week has been long and I just want it to be Friday already. I’m not even going to the stupid Christmas party tomorrow night—not feeling very jolly.
This time of year is always shitty. Christmas is the climax that reminds me of what I don’t have. But I get solace knowing that I’ll wake up the day after Christmas Day and the weight of the world will be gone and I’ll feel myself again; I always do. I just wish I could blink and be at that day.
The door opens and Elliot walks in wearing only a towel. “Hey.” He takes a seat opposite me.
Shit.
“Hi.”
He stays silent and I feel the air around me begin to circle with energy.
There’s a sexual chemistry between us that I can’t deny.
He inhales and puts his head back against the wall, and from my peripheral vision his muscles begin to taunt me.
Shit.
For fifteen minutes we sit in silence.
He’s acting completely cool and normal, as if we didn’t have those kisses in the club.
As if he’s forgotten all about the things he said to me. Did it even happen or did I dream the entire thing?
With every minute that passes, my anger rises inside of me, until I can’t stand it anymore. My inner rubber band snaps in a spectacular fashion.
“What is your problem?” I spit.
He gives me a slow, sexy smile . . . Damn it.
He won.
“You know, I don’t care if you win this stupid fucking game,” I whisper.
He watches me intently.
“And I don’t care if you slept with ten models on Saturday night.”
Amusement flashes across his face.
“Because I certainly don’t want to sleep with you.”
He raises an eyebrow.
“And what is that look? Don’t give me that look, Elliot, because I know what you’re doing.”
He smiles and puts his head back against the wall as he closes his eyes. He’s completely unfazed and I internally kick myself.
“What am I doing, Kathryn?” he asks.
Kathryn . . . I’m Kathryn again.
“You’re trying to fuck with my head,” I snap.
“Your head has nothing to do with it. I want to fuck your body.”
My mouth falls open in horror. “Do you have to be so crass?” I whisper angrily.
He shrugs casually. “It’s who I am. If you’re looking for romance, move along.”
I stare at him—where’s the dreamy guy from online? Is it even the same person?
I like Ed a lot fucking better.
“I am moving along,” I say as I tighten my towel.
“Why?”
“Why?” I scoff. “How is that even a question?”
“I have something you want, you have something I want. We could help each other.”
“You mean, be each other’s booty call.”
He smiles as he closes his eyes again. “No.”