Page 12 of The Tryst List
I cross my arms in a flare of annoyance at his remarkable perceptiveness. “Why poke the bear? He either didn’t remember me, or if he did, he didn’t deem me worthy enough to say anything.”
“Maybe you should keep an open mind. You’re a fierce, intimidating woman.” Merc fixes me with a look. “It could be he was as shocked as you are. Let. Go. Of. The. Grudge.”
“There’s no grudge. I simply hate people like Peter. They don't change. Their bullshit deepens with age.” I open the door to leave. I love Merc, but I’m over this discussion.
Merc grips my shoulder. “I get you’re hurt, Jordan. But maybe this weird twist of fate is your chance to rewrite the ending. Don't you think it's time to finally move on?”
“Uh…” I ponder his words for a moment and shake my head. “No. This isn’t a romance novel. This is real life. And in real life, guys like Peter Vander are best kept at arm’s length. Look, I’ve gotta go meet the ladies.”
Mercury nods. “Alright, I won’t push it. Whatever you decide to do about him, I’ve got your back.”
I manage a small smile, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Merc.”
On the Uber ride over to the Gemini Room, I’m finally able to relax. Peter Vander may have walked back into my life, but he’s not going to shake my world. I won't let him. There's a reason I broke it off with Cameron to go live life on my terms. Nothing's going to sway me. Not even the hot Vegas asshole.
By the time I arrive, my almost sister-in-law, Alex and two of the other LTZ wives, Zoey Rainier and Fiona Rocks are sitting in oversized silver-grommeted chairs in the main lounge sipping their drinks. The atmosphere is quiet and reserved, perfect for a night of gossip without prying ears. I give the server my order and settle in.
At first, the discussion centers around LTZ’s new truncated touring schedule. Everyone in the band has kids. Two-year mega-tours are a thing of the past, thank God. Fiona gives us an update about the opening of her restaurant, Gus, and its sister nightclub, The Mission.
I try to pay attention, but my mind keeps wandering to my encounter with Peter.
“So, spill it, Jordan. Who are you fantasizing about?” Alex playfully pokes my arm, jarring me back into the conversation.
Argh.
Divert. Divert. Divert. “Okay. Fine. You’re all happily married, so remember I’m recently single. Tell me what you think—I started a thing for my own amusement. A Tryst List.”
“What’s a Tryst List?” Zoey eyes widen. She’s married to LTZ’s sex-god lead singer. By all accounts, she and her husband are world-class trysters.
“Okay. Hear me out. After years of lackluster sex with Cameron, I made a list of sexual adventures and experiences I want to try.” I swirl my cocktail. “My plan is to do everything on the list before I settle down again. Merc says I want plug buddies. I looked it up and apparently it’s a thing.”
Fiona leans in, her interest piqued. “Plug buddies…sounds intriguing. I’m into this idea, big-time. Tell us more.”
“I need to shake things up.” I can’t help but think about the intense sexual connection Peter and I shared. “Get my groove back. I think it’ll be easier if I find some well-hung dudes to have sex with and avoid the obligations of a serious relationship. Merc thinks I’m not cut out for it, though.”
Alex leans back, smiling. “I wasn’t either. Exploring my options was my entire gameplan for my first trip to Europe. Your stupid brother thwarted it, though. Ruined me for everyone else with his big dick…uh, energy.”
“Ew.” I point at Alex. “I’ll confess something to you ladies. A long time ago in Vegas, I hooked up with an architect I met at an LTZ show.” I flick my eyes nervously to each of the ladies. “Best sex of my life. A lot of talk about destiny and seeing each other in Seattle but he left the next morning and ghosted me. Coincidentally, the ghost walked into my shop for a tattoo today.”
Their eyes widen in unison.
“The same guy? After all these years?” Zoey’s astonished.
“Yep, and he’s a total player.” I touch her hand. “While I don’t want to revisit anything with him, I do want toe-curling sex. Hence, the Tryst List. My inspiration to find plug buddies.”
Alex regards me skeptically. “Jace isn’t going to like the idea of his big sister having sex with random guys. And if I tell him you’re calling them plug buddies, I don’t even know what to say.”
“Excuse me?” My jaw drops open. “First of all, this is sacred girl space. You aren’t allowed to tell him anything. Second, my brother has no room to talk, he banged—”
Zoey holds her hand up. “Nope. Gotta stop you.”
We all laugh, but I’m mortified I almost snarked about my brother’s whorish rockstar days in front of his fiancé. Clearly, my mind's a noodley mess. “Sheesh, sorry. Uncalled for.”
“Zaney and I agreed to do something similar when LTZ first went on the road. I couldn't go through with it. His dick ruined me for life.” Fiona waggles her eyebrows. “Sexual freedom sounds empowering, but be careful. Merc’s right. You’re a relationship girl and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Please don’t worry. I’m determined to keep my emotions out of it.” I suck in my lips.
Everyone looks at me like I’m a cute animal in the petting zoo.