“How do you figure?” She placed the palm of her hand on my chest.
“Our chats in the hospital should add up to at least a few.”
“No, they don’t, but good try.”
“Hey, you’re the one worried about rules.”
“There will be a third date, right?” She actually looked nervous.
“How about we agree on at least fifty right now.”
“Fifty?”
“Yeah, isn’t that a good number?” I kissed the back of her hand.
“And what happens after fifty?”
“We agree to another fifty, or a hundred, or well you get the idea.”
“You’re funny.”
“Am I?” I kissed her hair.
“Yeah.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“I’m not funny?”
“Oh, you are. But you’re more beautiful than funny.”
She picked her head up and kissed me.
“What was that for?”
“I just wanted to.”
“Does that mean I can do anything I want to do?”
“Haven’t you already?”
“Not everything, besides it’s been a few minutes.” I slipped my hand under the sheet so I could run my fingers over her stomach. “This is the first time I’ve had sex completely sober.”
She leaned up on an elbow. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.”
“I don’t know if I should feel complimented or worried.”
“Worried?”
“Maybe you just think you want me again because you’ve finally had sex without an alcohol buzz.”
“That’s definitely not the case. It’s you I want.”
“Maybe it’s a little late to ask this, but are we exclusive?” There was something so innocent about how she said it.
“Of course. I just promised you another fifty dates. Do you think I’m promising lots of girls that?”
“Maybe. I guess it depends on your stamina.”
I cracked up. “I’ll show you my stamina.”
“Uh oh. What did I just get myself into?”
“A sleepless night.”
The look that crossed her face was equal parts panic and excitement. I’d make sure the panic disappeared.
Chapter Nine
Emily
I didn’t want to wake up. Waking up meant facing real life—and leaving behind the fantasy world where I slept with a guy after a few dates and spent the night. I kissed Jake’s lips lightly before untangling myself from his arms. He groaned, said my name, and rolled over. I knew he had work, but I doubted he needed to be up at five thirty in the morning.
Dressed and ready to go, I decided to leave a note. If the real world me were writing it, it would have said something about needing to go. I decided to be fantasy world Emily for a moment longer.
Dear Jake,
I won’t question your stamina again.
-Emily
I left it on the nightstand next to his bed before letting myself out. It wasn’t until I was on the road that I let myself think back on my night. It was hands down the best sex ever, but it was more than that. I was falling for Jake, and I wondered how he was going to fit into my life. He was literally my dream man. It was like I’d conjured him up myself, and something about that scared me. It also made me mad. Why should I get a taste of something so good just to have to give it up? Why couldn’t I just have it last?
Sitting at a stoplight, I checked my phone. I had five missed calls from Mel telling me to call no matter what time it was. It was close to six, and she’d probably be getting ready for the gym.
“Em?” She answered on the first ring without even a hint of sleep in her voice.
“I just did something crazy.”
“The last time you said that, you gave your number to a patient. I’m guessing since you never called me back and went to see Jake last night, this is crazier?”
“I’m driving home from Clayton Falls.”
She made a tiny squeak, but tried to compose herself. Her voice was even when she finally spoke. “How was it?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes. Not only am I curious if the heart throb from my high school is good in bed, I also want to know everything about you finally ending your two year sex drought.”
“It turns out there isn’t something wrong with me.”
“Wait. Did you? You finally had one, didn’t you?”
“Maybe.” I was glad no one was in the car to see my smile.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. Maybe all of those rumors about Jake were true.”
“What rumors?”
“His sexual prowess was pretty legendary.”
“Oh. That’s a buzz kill.”
“What?”
“Hearing about his reputation.” Obviously I knew he had experience, and I wasn’t a virgin, but I still didn’t want to think about it.
“It was high school, Em. You’re the one he was using it on last night. The real question is whether you’re going to let him do it again?”
“Maybe.”
“Why don’t you sound happier? Did I really just ruin it for you?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just, what happens when I tell him about Noah?”
She didn’t say anything for a minute. “I don’t know. But you can’t assume it will be bad.”
“Well, it was worth it either way.”
“That’s good to hear. Life’s about taking chances. You took a chance and had a good time. If you get something more, it’s just icing on the cake.”
“You’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now I need to hit the gym. Call me later?”
“I will.” I hung up and pulled into my parking spot. As much as I wanted to push away the negative thoughts, I couldn’t this time. But at least I’d have the memories.
Chapter Ten
Jake
I rolled over, ready to pull Emily back into my arms. Instead of the beautiful girl I expected, all I found was an empty bed. I felt the anger before I even processed it was happening. She wasn’t the first girl to slip out on me, but she wasn’t just some girl. She was Emily. And that hadn’t just been random hook up sex. It was something more, whether she knew it or not.
Before I could get too mad, I saw the piece of paper on my bed stand. I assumed it would just be a thank you for a good night kind of thing, but it was so much better. I won’t question your stamina again. I laughed after reading it aloud. If it were possible, I’d finally met a girl with the same sense of humor as me.