THIRTEEN
Jade
Back at the apartment after my dinner with Cooper, I wondered if I should have invited him over. My phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Max’s name. Ugh.
“Hey, Max,” I answered. “What’s up?”
“You never called me back about our second date. You’re not backing out on me, are you?”
“No, I’ve been busy with work and stuff.”
Tell him about Cooper and get it over with!
“How about tonight? We could grab a bite to eat.”
“It’s late,” I said, walking into my kitchen. “I’ll call you later in the week, okay?”
“What’s wrong? You didn’t like our first date?”
“It was fine, but I’ve got a lot going on right now.”
“Yeah, that’s what you said.”
Both of us fell silent for a few seconds.
“I’m going to go,” I said. “I’m getting ready for bed.”
“Alright. I’m not going to stop trying to get that second date.”
“You can keep trying, but I’m not making any promises.”
“Later on, Jade.”
He ended the call before I had a chance to say anything. Max had looked me up a week earlier, and I had gone on a date with him out of curiosity, wanting to get information on Cooper.
Now both men were interested in me, and I didn’t know what to do. In Afghanistan, I had leaned toward Cooper, but maybe that had been a mistake? Max was much easier to read.
After pouring myself a glass of water, I retired to my bedroom. It was early, but I did have to make it to work early the next day. My skills as an editor were in high demand.
I worked for a publisher of trashy romance novels, which was as far away from journalism as one could get. While I told myself I didn’t care what other people thought, none of my friends or family knew about the job.
As I laid under the covers, memories of that night in Afghanistan flooded my mind. We had been so close to fucking, taking our relationship to the next level. Had I been too hasty?
The look on his face after the explosion would always be etched in my memory. Why had both men come back into my life so suddenly? Was it a sign I should be with one of them? Which one?
I had slept with one man on and off over the last year, one of the few male writers of romance novels, but I had broken it off with him a few months earlier.
He was okay in bed, but I couldn’t stand him the rest of the time. It was hardly worth the trouble.
Cooper had stoked my fire by arriving out of the blue. Or maybe it was Max who made me so horny? No, he’s so annoying. I should call Cooper.
When the thought hit me, I reached over and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. I turned on the screen, tapping and swiping until I saw his name in my contact list.
Should I call? It’s so late…
My finger tapped the screen and it started ringing. I put the phone to my ear, my heart beating faster.
“Hello?” he answered.
“Hey, it’s Jade.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, it’s fine, but I thought it could be better.”
“Huh?”
“You know, the night I left Afghanistan. What we were about to do.”
“Ohhh,” he said, drawing it out. “Fucking. What about it?”
“Are you really going to make me say it?”
“I’m on my way,” he said then ended the call.
What have I done?
I sat up and threw the covers back. After getting out of bed, I rushed to the bathroom. Am I making a mistake? I barely know the man, but that night in Afghanistan had been so special, even if we were interrupted.
As I looked at my reflection in the mirror above the sink, I swished mouthwash back and forth and decided I would have fun with him for a night. After that, we would see where it went.
I’m still young. This is no big thing.
I spit into the sink before washing my hands.
What should I wear? Why did I do this?
I decided to stick with the two-piece pajamas I was wearing. They were soft and comfortable and a bit sexy. Maybe if I unbutton a few buttons…
After baring a bit more of my cleavage, I went around the house, making sure everything was in place. Should I light candles? Start some music? Pour some wine?
I heard the buzzer.
This is it. Calm down and enjoy yourself.
I took a deep breath then pressed the button to open the security door downstairs.
Oh, shit! What if Max calls or decides to come over? I should have gone to his place. For being a past reporter, I really don’t think sometimes...
I walked over to my front door and opened it an inch, hoping Cooper and not Max walked in.