Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“You should have talked to me first. You had no right—”
“Maybe,” he says, interrupting me. “But it’s done. Are you going to break things off?”
I hesitate, my anger faltering. “No,” I admit grudgingly. “But only if you agree to keep this casual. If you can handle that, then I’m willing to keep having sex with you.”
North snorts and then laughs heartily. “Fair enough. But Farren, you know I’m not giving up, right?”
A reluctant smile tugs at my lips and I’m glad he can’t see it. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll see about that.”
“Just so I’m clear, what does casual mean to you?” he asks.
I rest against the counter and realize I honestly don’t know exactly what it means, so I say the first thing that comes to my mind. “It means I’m my own person.”
“Why wouldn’t you be your own person?” he asks.
Good question. “I don’t identify as being part of a couple. I’m me, and you’re you. And we fuck. It’s that simple.”
“It’s becoming clear now,” he says, and I can hear the amusement in his words. “So you’re you, and I’m me, and we fuck. Can we fuck other people?”
“Of course not,” I nearly yell into the phone but catch myself. “We’re monogamous.”
“Agreed,” he says, and I know he didn’t really have any intention of not being monogamous. He’s yanking my chain a bit because I think he finds me a little preposterous. “Do we have to keep this a secret from the team?” he asks.
That’s a more difficult question, especially since I do hang out with them. “I don’t want any public displays of affection,” I say primly. “But I suppose it doesn’t hurt if they know we’re seeing each other.”
“Got it. No PDA but we can make it known we’re dating.”
“Casually dating. No commitment,” I remind him.
“Other than we’re monogamous,” he says.
“That goes without saying.” I pause and let the teasing nature of this conversation go on a little longer. “But seriously, North… don’t look for a future with me. This is day-to-day, and you know I’ll run if it gets too serious. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I don’t want you to hurt me either, Farren. But I know what I’m signing up for.”
“You know,” I drawl softly, tapping a finger on the counter. “I have to say, this is nice… being up-front about my boundaries. Freeing in a way.”
“I’m really glad,” he says so genuinely, it makes my heart squeeze with affection for him. “I only want you to be happy.”
I’ve never depended on a man for that, and yet undeniably, those words he just said cause a flush of joy to sweep through me. I revel in the sensation, taking note of just how much I like it.
I won’t run. Not yet.
“What are you doing the rest of the day? Any plans?” he asks.
I should be looking for a job because at some point, Rafferty’s going to threaten to kick me out, but I find myself being absolutely irresponsible. “No plans,” I reply. “What do you suggest? Spend all day in bed?”
North laughs. “While that sounds lovely, I’ve got something else in mind. Be ready to go in half an hour.”
He hangs up on me and I can’t contain the smile both on my face and warming my insides.
CHAPTER 14
North
I sit in my truck outside Rafferty’s building, fingers drumming the steering wheel as I wait. The morning sun has burned off most of the frost, leaving behind a pale, clear winter sky. There’s more snow in the forecast for tomorrow and I wonder if I can talk Farren into another snowball fight.
It’s currently cold but not the bone-deep cold of Calgary that Farren is used to. Still, I’ve got the heat blasting because as I’ve gotten to know her, I expect she’ll step out in just a hoodie, claiming she’s “fine” while secretly freezing her ass off.
I check my phone. She’s running late, and I don’t know if that’s typical for her. That’s part of me still learning her, and now that she’s relented slightly into a more open and conventional dating arrangement, I’m eager to figure her out.
Finally, the condo lobby door opens, and she steps out, confirming my guess. She’s wearing black leggings, sneakers, and an oversized gray hoodie. No coat, no gloves. Her dark hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, a few strands escaping to frame her face. She’s carrying a water bottle and looking at her phone as she walks, completely oblivious to my presence.
I reach over and honk the horn, startling her. She jumps and glares at me, but a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.
“Real mature,” she says as she climbs into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut behind her.
“Good morning to you too.” I grin, cranking up the heat even higher. “You forgot your coat.”