Page 38 of Filthy Dirty Dom
“Oops, time for me to go!”
Leslie laughed. “Thought so.”
“Actually, the real reason I called was to see how your date went with Doctor David. Did you enjoy the night?”
Leslie’s stomach clenched at the reminder. She’d forgotten she’d told Rachel she and David were going on a date. “Turns out, David and I don’t see the world eye to eye. I won’t be seeing him again.”
“Really? What happened? He seemed so nice. And cute. And super sexy. Just not a good fit?”
“That thing you said earlier about secrets and lying? David did both.”
“Want to share? I’m not prying, I’m just letting you know I’m here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on or a confidant,” Rachel said gently.
Leslie grabbed the scissors lying on the table and jammed them into the drawer where they belonged. “No, but thank you. I’m grateful. I’m not wounded, just disappointed. And a little pissed off.” And a little relieved.
“I get it. Other fish in the sea, though, right?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “There are other fish in the sea.”
For a long moment, silence met her statement. Then Rachel’s voice came back on the line, soft and sweet. “If you’re thinking of Alex—”
“My turn to go,” Leslie said softly.
Rachel sighed. “I get it. If anything changes and you need someone to talk to, you know I’m always here for you. That’s what sisters do.”
“Love you, Rach. Hugs to Roe.”
She hung up and glanced around her studio, which was once again tidy and neat.
She headed upstairs to make herself a cup of tea, staring at the kettle as she waited for the water to boil. Staring at the flames that came from the gas burner.
Fire.
It fascinated her and she knew why.
Because of what Alex had told her about people using fire to different degrees during sex.
Even now she could recall the way her neighbor’s lover had lit candles one by one. Then proceeded to pick up the candles and—
Her phone pinged. When she picked it up and saw she had a text from Alex, her heart started to pound.
Alex: How’s your day been?
She almost laughed at how disappointed she felt at the innocuous question. At the same time, the casual message landed a significant impact. Because it hinted at something deeper. It was just like the text she’d sent earlier, teasing him about Zumba. It was a testament to their bond, their shared history, their unbreakable friendship. It was an unspoken pledge that no matter what she’d offered, and no matter Alex’s decision, he would always be there, checking in on how her day had gone, caring about her well-being and safety.
Leslie: I’m good, Alex. How about you?
Alex: Distracted.
She smiled. Good. If he’d been thinking about her offer even half as much as she’d been, it would only be fair.
Leslie: Maybe you should just decide and end our agony.
She was only half-kidding.
She saw the three dots dance on the screen as Alex typed his reply.
When they kept dancing, she held her breath.