Page 13 of Emily: Hello Kitten
He doesn’t get to be jealous. We’re a hookup that can’t be more. He’s my professor. That’s not something he’s willing to risk, and I don’t want to spend a whole semester looking over my shoulder and hoping we’re not caught… even if that sounds insanely hot.
“Oh, good!” My mom squeals. “I have a guy that I think you’ll love. He’s a little older, but he’s funny and muscular. Honestly, if he were any older…”
“Mom,” I sigh.
“I know you don’t like being set up, but you’ll like him. He’s from a good family. He’s successful, has a good career. He could really give you some direction. I showed him your picture and—”
“You showed him my picture!” I screech.
“Yes, and he’s eager to meet you. I’ll just tell him yes and—”
Adrian takes a hard step forward, his arms crossed over his chest. I almost want to say yes to my mom just to make it clear that he and I can’t do this.
We have to have boundaries between us. Because if I even give in a tad, I know I’ll fall hard for him.
“Emily?” Mom asks.
Adrian keeps watching me, his green eyes so dark and ensnaring that I can’t escape. My body heats as he closes the space between us, making me swallow.
Needing something to make my mom back off, and Adrian, I say, “As good as that sounds, Mom, I actually am bringing someone.”
Adrian’s gaze threatens to burn me alive.
“Yeah, I met him recently, and I’ll bring him even though I think it’s a little much for a new relationship,” I say.
“Really? So, I shouldn’t ask Trent to come to the wedding?” she asks.
“No. I can handle my own dates. Thanks. It’s really early, so I’m going back to bed. Love you and talk to you soon,” I say calmly before hanging up.
“And who is the guy?” Adrian demands.
“None of your business,” I remind. “You don’t get to be jealous. One night. That’s what we had.”
“Funny that you were drunk texting me instead of him, then.” Adrian steals my phone away. “Who is he.”
It’s not a question. I swallow my sass when Adrian grabs my chin, refusing to let me look away. I can’t help it when honesty slips out. “A made-up guy is better than anyone my mom can recommend.”
“Lucky you, I have weekends off,” he says before walking to the bathroom and getting in the shower.
What the hell did he just decide?
seven
My fingers trail over the dresses as my mind stays on Adrian. You would think when your sister gets married, you’ll be a bridesmaid. But no, she only wanted one bridesmaid and I didn’t make the cut.
“Okay, so you didn’t go home with a rando?” Danielle asks as she looks at dresses and tosses one to me. “Try this one.”
“Nope,” I answer and leave out that Adrian kind of came to get me, even though I didn’t want him to, while putting the dress over my arm.
“And now your ‘hookup’ is going to be your date to your sister’s wedding?” Beth asks, thankfully not using our professor’s name.
“Hell no,” I groan and walk to the changing room. “He just said, ‘Lucky you, I have weekends off,’ but I didn’t give him anything. The moment he got into the shower, I got the hell out of there.”
“Wouldn’t it be great if you take him? You said the hookup was the hottest of your life. That’s not really something to complain about.” Danielle giggles. “I mean, if he hit all your buttons in all the right ways, you should be thrilled at the idea of having him for a whole weekend.”
“Yeah, but it was supposed to be a one and done,” I say while trying on the first dress. “I don’t want to see him again.” I sigh. “I should put the phone away when I pull out the tequila.”
I shake my head at the dress and take it off, hanging it on a new hook for ‘no’.
