“You’re making a face,” I surmise.
She rolls her eyes. “Of course I am. We have yet to discuss the big development. Not that you getting a small-business loan isn’t huge. Congratulations yet again. But”—she rolls her tongue along her back teeth, as if waiting for me to dish, and when I don’t, she practically bounces out of her seat—“Sebastian! Hello? You promised me details. It’s been two weeks since you’ve decided to be a couple. Between my work schedule and you being busy, cooking or out with Sebastian, I haven’t been able to get the juice.”
I drop my shoulders and look to the side before smirking back at her. “You know you’ve gotten plenty of gossip from Shawn.”
It’s been one of those weeks where I’ve been running all over town and I miss my bestie when she stops by the kitchen.
“Yes, but he leaves out all the good details. You can’t just disappear in a lust-filled haze without filling me in.” She widens her eyes, like she’s waiting for me to spill my guts.
I laugh out loud and set down my latte. “I guess it has been pretty amazing.”
“Pretty amazing?” She drops her head back like she can’t believe I just said that. “Girl, this latte is pretty amazing. My new shoes are pretty amazing. You hooking up with that Adonis of a man is way more than pretty amazing.”
“Okay, fine.” I feign ignorance and then allow the biggest smirk to grow on my face before I place my hands on the table and lean in. “It is mind-blowing, drop your head back, curl your toes, laugh in disbelief afterward because the sex is so good. Is that better?”
She eyes me suspiciously. “Seriously?”
“Cross my heart and vow to never lie about the love of a good man.”
She sits back and sighs. “I’ve never been romanced that good.”
“You will. I promise. When you find the right one, you will.”
Charity sits back up and picks up her sandwich and asks, “Is that all you guys do then? Hump on every surface possible?” before she takes a bite.
“No one can have sex that much. But that’s what I’m liking. It’s not just about the naked times. I enjoy just being with him when I can. He works like a dog, which is great because it gives me time to focus on my business. I’m through with men who want me to drop everything for their needs.”
“You do have a track record for picking losers,” she states matter-of-factly.
I lower my gaze to her. “Watch it. Now, you’re starting to sound like my siblings.”
She makes a face like that was the biggest insult I could have ever given. “Well, clearly, you’ve redeemed yourself because you are with a true romantic hero now.”
“He’s just a normal guy, Charity,” I explain. “He leaves his socks on the living room floor and squeezes the toothpaste from the top instead of the bottom, which is completely annoying.”
“Yes, must be the worst,” she drones sarcastically.
I giggle. “When he’s slammed with work, I don’t get to see him, but he always calls or texts. It’s sweet. We’ve spent quite a few nights at his place because my futon is way too short for his six-foot-two frame. Lady Featherington and Duke get along great. I’ve even been leaving her there during the day, so the two can keep each other company.”
“Even your dogs are getting along? This is too sickening.”
I tilt my head with a sigh. “You’ll find someone. Don’t give up.”
“You have to tell me something bad about him. There’s got to be something. He’s a lawyer. Is he a total control freak?”
I shrug. “Kind of. He’s bossy, for sure. Sebastian likes to lead any situation whether it’s at work or what we’re watching on Netflix. He makes comments about my living choices, as he’s not a fan of me showering in the gym. And he’s brutally honest. The other day, I asked him if he liked this dress I’d just bought, and he told me it wasn’t flattering. I almost died because, usually, guys just nod without even looking, but he eyed me up and down and suggested I change it for another color. He was right. Plus, he’s over the top. Like, when we go out, it’s always to the best restaurants, and he pays. A girl like me doesn’t want to be taken care of.”
“Again, not painting a bad picture here. A man who wants to take you to nice restaurants, cares for your safety, and actually tells you the truth is not a bad thing.”
“I know, but I’m trying to find bad things for you because he’s kind of perfect.” I gnaw on my thumbnail and smile. “We hang out for a few hours after work. Have dinner and whatever else feels right at the time—”
“Sex.”
I laugh. “Yes, but then we chill for a little while before he grabs his laptop and gets some work done while I curl up next to him and read.”
“You’re like the cute, old married couple. I know I sound bitter, but I’m not. I’m truly happy for you.”
“I know you are.” I hear my phone ding with a text message from Sebastian that fills me with absolute joy. I turn back to Charity. “And I’m glad because he should be here any minute to join us. I told him where we’d be and to stop by if he had time. Looks like he has time.” I hold up my phone to show her his text.
“If he’s going to crash my date with you, he’d better be bringing me a friend of his as well.”
I raise my eyebrows and tap my finger on my chin. “That’s a good idea.”
I take a bite of my sandwich and daydream about how great it would be to find a handsome attorney for Charity. Not that she needs a professional, but like me, she has gone through a few duds and is due for a nice, reliable man—someone who treats her good. He has to be funny though and up for spontaneity.
I swallow. “I’ll have to ask if he knows of anyone at the firm who’s single and can join us next time.”
“Are you already trying to get me to bring another guy for Charity?” I hear the sexiest male voice say behind me—deep, rhythmic … mine. Sebastian leans in to kiss me before holding out his hand to Charity. “I don’t think we’ve officially met, but I’ve heard all about you.”
She meets his gesture as they shake. “Only the good things I hope.”
He gives her a smoldering grin as he takes a seat beside me. “No, Amy has only revealed the deviant behaviors of her best friend, including a time you went streaking in front of the Liberty Bell.”
She puts her palm to her face and feigns embarrassment. “I blame it on the booze. You know I can’t handle a beer flight.”
“A beer flight is a tasting. You had pints after that,” I explain.
With a flick of her hand, she takes a faux bow. “No one can blame me for being boring.”
“That’s for sure,” I say and then look over at Sebastian.
He’s debonair in his gray suit and no tie. It’s his style for days when he’s not going to court, and it just happens to be when I find him the sexiest.
“I hope you don’t mind me crashing,” he says to Charity. “I only have a second, so I wanted to stop by to say hello.”
I hold up my sandwich to him, and he takes a bite. When he pulls back, he’s got a spot of mayo on his lip, and I rub it with my thumb before taking a bite myself.