Page 26 of The Best Number
Tom: Glad it helped. Did you have lunch?
The guy can’t help himself. Dominant during sex and obsessed with aftercare afterwards. Usually attentiveness is a turn off for me, but there’s something about the way that Tom does it that slips under my defences.
Me: a massive protein shake when I got back. You?
I turn the tables on him and wait for his reply, which arrives a few moments later.
Tom: Touché. I had a sandwich. And I’ve put in an order with the kitchen for steak for dinner.
Me: *salivating emoji* That sounds good.
Tom: You wanna come by the bar? I can ask them to do enough for two.
I think about it for a moment. No doubt the steak will be amazing. The bar’s chef has skills. But I feel like we’ve already spent a lot of time together over the last couple of days and perhaps I need to cool it a bit.
Me: Can I take a rain check? I just wanna veg in front of the telly tonight.
Tom: No worries. I better get back to it. See you in the group chat, no doubt.
I wonder for a moment if I should have mentioned Duncan’s call and the New York job possibility, but given that nothing might come out of it, I decide against it. I get out of bed and sling on some sweats and a hoody. I gather up my dirty laundry and sweaty gym gear and put a wash on. I’m feeling virtuous after that and grab a soda from the fridge before flinging myself down on the couch and scrolling Netflix, trying to find something to watch.
Chapter twelve
Cassidy
“So, it was everything you dreamed of and more?” Mel asks over the phone, late Tuesday afternoon.
“It really was. I’m sad that it was a one-off.” I sigh as I stare blindly at the computer screen before me.
“But does it have to be? Why couldn’t you go for a repeat? What’s stopping you?”
“I told the guys it was just for book research. And we all agreed it was a onetime thing. Dammit, I wish we’d photographed or videoed the whole thing.”
“Really? You’d watch it back?”
“Hmmm, good point. Not sure I want to see what I look like in the swing of things. Maybe the guys would let me take photos of them together? Do you think they’d go for that?”
Mel chuckles down the line. “Probably, Cassidy. Especially Jack, from how you’ve described him. How’s the book going?”
“The book is going amazingly. I got so much inspiration from the weekend. The words are flowing. And I have the whole thing plotted out.”
“That’s awesome. I can’t wait to read this one. Especially knowing it’s based on real life.” Mel’s one of my biggest book fans. She loves smut and is a sucker for a happy ending. She’s the most supportive person outside of my writing buddies and fans. Although, given Jack and Tom’s recent assistance, and knowing they’ve read my stuff, they’re up there in the support rankings as well. “I know what you’re like when you get in the flow. Have you even left your apartment since the weekend?”
“Jeez, you sound just like Tom. Have you drunk water? Are you taking care of yourself?” I lower my voice, trying to imitate his husky tones, but fail miserably. “I have left the house. I’ve been popping out every day for a coffee to make sure I get some fresh air and exercise.”
“Bumped into either of your two hotties on those excursions?”
“No, but the group chat is pretty active. It veers between hilarious and dirty, which I love. Last night, I told them I was struggling with some dialogue. Both their suggestions massively spiced up this section of the book I’m working on. Tom is totally the king of dirty talk.” I let out a happy sigh.
“I’m so happy for you, Cassidy,” Mel says. There’s a wistful tone in her voice.
“How are you doing? Any activity on the dating apps?” Mel and I have shared our woes when we dip in and out of dating. Neither of us last long. Men can be sourgh.
“Nothing. I was on one a week ago and couldn’t even bring myself to message anyone. I’m just not in the mood.”
“Know any guys that would fulfil some of your sexual fantasies like a threesome? I can wholeheartedly recommend that,” I exclaim.
“Ha, I wish! Maybe one day. I’ll just focus on work for now. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”