Chapter Fourteen

Cat

Well it's done. Not sure how I feel about it. The back yard looks amazing, but it doesn't feel amazing. The usual joy and pride I feel is blocked by sheer embarrassment. He walked out. I was ready to give it up, and technically, it's been so long, it's practically like giving him my virginity, and he left. I did not want to come here today and face him after his rejection. What kind of game is he playing? Did he think he was making a mistake?

That’s all my boggled mind can come up with. He wanted me. After my dress came off, the intensity charging through the air when his eyes landed on me was enough to set the place on fire. I mean, I sucked his dick, even swallowed—he wanted me.

I want more than anything to ask him why he ran out of my house faster than the speed of light, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe I fear his answer too much. Sometimes it's best not to know.

I snatch up the rest of my tools and load my truck. Down the sidewalk, Cooper and Booker come into view, ambling their way toward the house. They’ve become quite the friends, and that thought alone worries me more than my own issue with Booker. He’s leaving soon. I’ll have to explain to Cooper to not get too attached. Maybe I should tell myself that too.

“Hey,” Booker says as they walk up to me. “All done?”

“I am,” I reply, going into professional mode. “We can do a quick walk through before I go.”

He rakes his teeth over the bottom lip I bit last night. “Okay, sure. I've got a contractor stopping by in a little while about the final repairs.”

Ugh, final. I don't like that word; it’s so final.

“Grab your things,” I tell Cooper. “Grandpa’s going to take you out on the boat today.”

“Cool,” he says, running inside.

“Let's do it,” I say to Booker, turning to walk toward the back of the house, internally cringing at my choice of words.

Obviously, we’re never going to do it.

Once we’re in the back, he stands appraising the bright flowers, new lighting, and new patio. Close to the edge of the yard, the potential new owners now have a special area, shaded by the hemlock tree, with built in seating to enjoy the view.

“Looks great,” he says.

I smile, but it takes a lot of effort. “I'll just email you an invoice.” I hold out my hand. “It was great working with you.”

He flicks his eyes to my hand, then back to me. “Really? A handshake?”

“Well, um, I wasn't offering a handjob.”

Unphased by my surliness, he takes my hand. I give a firm shake. “That's a strong grip you have there,” he says, not releasing my hand. “Listen, I’m really sorry I left last night.”

Call me a coward, but I can't bring myself to ask why. “Well, it was for the best,” I lie.

“Ready to go,” Cooper calls out, putting an end to whatever Booker was going to say.

I free my hand. It instantly feels lonely without his warm one encasing it.

“Tell Booker bye,” I say, hurrying Cooper along. If I stand here any longer with Booker’s eyes searing through me, I just might convince myself he feels something too. Which is preposterous, considering.

Booker says his goodbyes just as the contractor shows up, awarding me a quick escape. It's awkward, and I give him a quick wave and beeline to my truck.

On the drive to the marina, Cooper fills me in on their walk. And even though I don't really want to, I give him the talk.

“Cooper, he’ll be leaving soon,” I say, gently. “So, don’t get too attached.”

I glance over at Cooper’s face. His honest brown eyes shine in the fading sun. “I know. But, we’re best friends.”

I wipe my brow with the back of my arm. “Well, sometimes friends leave.”

He smiles. “Mom, it’ll be ok. I can handle it.”

I give a little laugh. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

I'm not so sure, but who knows, maybe he will be able to handle Booker leaving more than me. Maybe it’s me who’s getting too attached.

After dropping him off with my dad and being convinced into a sleepover, I drive over to the little strip mall on the outskirts of town to see Tristan’s new store. She was so in love, she signed the lease the next day. No thinking and analyzing for weeks with her. She's the carefree one in our relationship. I’m more… boring. When I try carefree, men run, apparently.

I knock on the glass storefront. Tristan appears from the back, wearing black yoga pants and a white t-shirt, and walk-runs in excitement across the tile floor to let me in.

“What do you think?” she practically squeals when I step inside.

I survey the large empty space and try to envision it filled with colorful penises. “It's perfect,” I tell her.

“I was thinking I would have a display case here,” she points to the left side, “with dildos and what not. And over here,” she points to the right side, “sexy lingerie, CockadoodledOOO panties, etcetera.” She walks to the back. “This will be the checkout and accessories: lube, cock rings, nipple clamps.”

“They'll love it,” I say, remembering Booker clamping down on my nipples with his teeth.

She crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes at me. “What's wrong? You look a little droopy.”

I laugh. “Nothing. I'm excited for you.”

“Is it the kiss guy?”

I sigh. That's the real disadvantage to a best friend, they are psychic. “Well,” I can't even look her in the eye, “we did some things.”

“Catherine,” she nearly shouts, “why are you withholding this type of info?”

“It was last night,” I close my eyes briefly, “and it ended badly. And now the job is done.”

“Badly how?”

“He left before sex took place.”

Her eyes widen and she closes the distance, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You almost had sex. I'm so proud of you.”

“Yeah, well, didn't happen.”

She drops her hands. “Why did he leave?”

I shrug. “I don't know. Cause he's just here to sell a house and not get tied down to a single mother who clearly doesn't learn her lesson?”

“Oh my god,” she says. “is that what you think? Okay,” she says, moving in to distract Catherine from self doubt mode, “we’re going to have a few drinks and forget all about men tonight.” She walks over and grabs her purse and keys from the corner. “Girl time.”

For once, I don't make excuses to stay home. I'm all about forgetting.

***

So much for forgetting. After leaving Tristan, I rushed home and took a shower, even put a little makeup on. Curled my hair into soft waves. These are things I don't normally do, because even if I wanted to, why? I felt pretty sexy when I left the house in my best fitting jeans, off the shoulder lavender top, and strappy heels.

I was ready for girl time.

Except, girl time was foiled, because Eli and Austin were at Old Miller’s Pub. And, of course, they joined us. And now, solidifying there will be no forgetting, is Booker standing by our table, looking more unforgettable than ever, in soft jeans and a black Pink Floyd shirt.

“Can I join you?” he asks, not waiting for a yes and sliding into the seat beside me.

Austin signals the waitress for another round.

“Austin and Eli, this is Booker,” I introduce them.

“I think we all met at Cooper’s birthday party,” Austin says, reaching a hand across me to shake Booker’s.

After the beers have arrived, I take a substantial guzzle of my Hop Venom Double IPA, very conscious of Booker’s thigh brushing against mine.

He takes a pull of his Guinness and sets it back on the wood table. “How’s that beer, any good?”

I scoot my pilsner closer to his hand. “Try it.”

He lifts the amber filled glass and takes a drink. If drinking can be sensual, this is. Especially, the slow swipe of his tongue across his full lips. And I can’t stare at anything else.

“It’s good.”

A slow song starts as he sets the glass down.

He glances over his shoulder at the small dance floor. “Wanna dance?”

This is a fork in the road. One path, rife with brambles and uncertainty, has no clear destination. The other, neatly trimmed and safe, leads me right back to where I've always been. Obviously, I pick the one that requires the most work, because, well, I do love Pink Floyd. Against my better judgement, I let him take my hand and lead me to the dance floor. He pulls me close against his solid chest, and the rest of the world fades away.

It’s just me and him. His warm touch holding me close. Closer than we should be, but not close enough. Until I met this man, I never realized what true attraction felt like. His soft breath grazes over my ear and down my neck, causing shivers to course straight through me. His lips are so close.

“You feel so good in my arms,” he whispers, trailing his hand down my back. His fingers slip inside the waistband of my jeans.

And I hope this moment with him never ends. I can’t bear the thought. But it does end, and we both return to the table.

“Wow, you two are hot together,” Tristan whispers, leaning close to me. “I felt like I was watching porn.”

“I’m going to get another beer,” Booker says. “Need anything?”

I shake my head no. Just a reality check. “I’ll go with you.” Austin says, standing.

“Where's Eli?” I ask Tristan when they are gone. She flicks her eyes to a dark corner of the bar where Eli stands with a leggy blonde.

“He’s an idiot,” I say.

“Who? Eli? Yeah, well, I guess.” She takes a sip of her beer and watches them a bit more.

“He is, Tristan,” I stress. “Maybe you should move on.” Like me.

She shrugs, setting her beer down. “Listen, I have a new business and so do you,” she says. “Let's be happy and forget about men. They kind of suck.”

“Yeah.” I lift my beer, my eyes roaming to the bar where Austin and Booker stand engrossed in conversation.

Her eyes follow mine over to the two men at the bar. She turns to me. “Cat, you deserve the best. Don’t get too hung up on a man who’s leaving soon.”

“I know. I just wasn't expecting to feel this way.” I circle my finger around my glass. “Or am I just horny?”

“Listen, I am not one to give advice,” her eyes flit once more to Eli, “because clearly I have issues, but that's what friends are for, to encourage you to do what they can't do themselves.” She points her finger at me. “You need to be my example.”

I laugh.

“What's so funny?” Austin asks, interrupting us.

“Nothing,” Tristan answers. She stands. “I think I need a water.” I view Booker at the bar, sitting on a stool as he nurses a beer. Once again pulling me in only to pull away.