Page 78 of The Naughty List
Oh.My. God.
Last night really happened.I really spent all night talking with Wyatt. I really kissed him. And I really ran away. My gut reaction is that this is too good to be true. That last text though, about me being his… Possessive? Yes. Hot? Hell yes.
As I’m trying to contain the myriad of feelings bouncing around in my head and heart, another text comes in.
Wyatt:I want to see you again, angel. Will you go out with me tonight?
With that,my stomach drops to my feet. He wants to take me out on a date? No way. This isn't happening. The last time someone way out of my league took me out, things ended horribly. I was humiliated. Even though it was four years ago, I haven't lived down the shame. I haven't been on another date since.
Some part of me knows Wyatt is nothing like Devin. But tell that to my anxiety. As if the universe hears my protest, another text comes in, this time from my bestie.
Casey:Ok, so don’t hate me, but I gave Wyatt your number. Before you freak out, you should know he’s the real deal and he’s very much interested in you for all the right reasons. And a few naughty reasons too ;)
I let outa frustrated sigh and decide I have some replying to do.
Me:What’s with all of these early morning texts? I’m not a fan.
Casey:Are you saying Wyatt text you too? That’s so sweet! You should go for it.
Me:I don’t think so.
Casey:Why not? What happened last night? Did he try something with you? Did he hurt you? I will rip his balls off if he made you uncomfortable, boss or not.
I can't helpbut giggle at her over the top response. She's a good friend, alright. The best, actually. We met my freshman year and her junior year in college. Casey was with me throughout the whole Devin incident and the fallout afterward. If anyone knows me and my hesitation when it comes to letting guys in, it's her.
Me:Nothing like that. I kind of ran away from him after we kissed.
My phone ringstwo seconds after I hit the send button. I roll my eyes but answer as I get out of bed and walk over to the closet, picking out my clothes for the day.
“GIRL! Spill right this second!” Casey practically squeals over the phone. I have to pull it away from my ear. It’s too early for all this excitement.
“There was mistletoe. We kissed. I ran away.”
“Em, that’s not even close to the amount of detail I need. Did you like the kiss? Did you like Wyatt? You two were practically cuddling and giggling together all night. Why did you run?”
“Why do you think?” I snap at her, a little more harshly than I intended. I ignore her first two questions because they don’t matter. None of it matters. I’m not going to see him again.
“Ember,” Casey says, her tone much softer now. “Wyatt is not that worthless piece of shit who manipulated you. He’s a man, not a stupid, immature frat boy, for starters. And for another thing, he has nothing to prove to anyone. The man is a gorgeous billionaire, after all.”
I sigh. She has a point there. “But—”
“Nope, I’m not done yet, little lady,” Casey interrupts me. “I get why you’re skittish, I do. And I haven’t pushed until now because you never seemed interested in anyone before. But I saw you two last night. He made you laugh and blush, he was sweet with you, and looked at you like you were the most precious thing in his life.”
I can’t deny everything she just said. He did make me feel special and seen. He warmed me up, and not just because of all the lustful thoughts he inspired throughout the evening. I felt lighter than I have since before my mom died, which is a pretty big deal. And he didn’t seem to be bullshitting me. Then again, neither did Devin.
“I can hear your thoughts over the phone,” Casey interjects.
“Cannot,” I grumble, though somehow, I know she totally can.
“Just give him a chance, Em. You’ll never find the love of your life if you don’t at least open up a little bit.”
“Who says I’m trying to find the love of my life? I just lost my mom. I’m grieving. The last thing I need is a relationship.”
“Or maybe that’s exactly what you need. Someone who can bring back your smile and show you that it’s okay to live life again, even after your mom’s death. Just tell me, do you like him?”
Tears gather in my eyes, but I manage to hold them back after a few deep breaths. “I do,” I whisper. “A lot. Too much. Definitely more than I should after one night. It’s crazy.”
“Maybe,” Casey agrees. “But you know who would love a good holiday whirlwind romance?” She asks with a smile in her voice.