I braced for the emotional reaction, and Dakota didn’t disappoint.
“That’s literally the sweetest thing,” she gushed.
“No. It’s not sweet,” I snapped. “What he did was the literal definition of being a cock tease!” I defended my outrage, knowing it would fall on deaf ears.
“I can appreciate that you’re upset over being denied an orgasm.” I could hear the smirk in her voice.
“Don’t patronize me,” I warned.
“Fine, then I won’t. I’ll be straight with you because that’s what you need right now. You both know what’s at stake if you sleep together again. It’s smart for him to be sure that you’re not risking either of your careers for a fling. Because if you do this, you’ll both have to come clean at some point. It can’t stay hidden; that’ll only make it worse when it gets out. Do you think any of those other jerks you’ve been with would care? They’d take what they want and throw you under the bus to come out as clean as a whistle.”
I hummed, knowing she was right but not ready to admit it. Wasn’t I allowed to have my moment to be upset first?
“And let’s take a minute to discuss the level of restraint it took for him to walk away. Especially if penetration was imminent.”
“Can you not say penetration?” I groaned. “It’s weird.”
“Look, I work in words about sex. Everyone wants words wiped out of books, but guess what? For every word that someone hates, someone else likes it. If I compiled a list of all the ick words for every person, I would have none left to use. It’s the technical term based on your description. Deal with it.”
“Ugh, you’ve made your point. Yes, that’s exactly where we were. The man was playing a game of ‘just the tip’.”
Dakota snorted. “Right. Most men wouldn’t be able to stop at that point if you asked them.”
“Oh, is Braxton one of those men to claim that he’s past the point of no return?” I challenged.
“You know he’s not,” she shot back sharply.
Yes, I did know that. The sweetest man alive had once offered to stop once he’d already crossed that threshold with my best friend.
Her voice softened. “And that should tell you everything you need to know about Maddox. He’s a good man. He’s not just looking to rack up the body count in bed or string you along likesomeonewe know. Maybe taking a step back and evaluating what you want from a potential relationship is a good idea.”
Frustration still simmered beneath my skin. I couldn’t sit idly by and wait for him to decide when I was “ready.” How would he know that anyway?
“Or,” I hedged, “I can take a page out of Hannah’s book.”
Her cringe was audible through the phone. “I’m afraid to ask which one.”
An evil grin crept onto my face. “The one where she took what she wanted.”
Hannah had called to explain what had gone on between her and Maddox after the fight, emphasizing that it occurred years ago. Cal had interrupted them before things could progress too far while they were dancing at the club. Yes, Maddox had slid a hand up her dress, but she put it there. And yes, she’d had her hand on his dick, but only over the clothing. Maddox had bolted at Cal’s mention of Hannah’s hockey legend father. He wasn’t willing to risk his career for her.
But he is for you.
Dakota groaned. “The man is trying to be honorable. Can’t you let him have his white-knight moment?”
“I might have been more sympathetic to thatbeforehe got me naked and then had a change of heart. Now, I want him to beg for it. He won’t be able to walk away twice. Guaranteed.”
“So, what’s the plan? You make him beg, then give in? Or is this just a way of getting back at him? You need to really think about whatyouwant out of this. Is it just sex, or do you want more? Because you know where he stands. If you don’t want the same, you’re no better than Nix, using him. And that’s not the Bristol I know.”
Dammit, why did she have to be so reasonable?
“You’re right. I’ll think about it. If I decide I want the same thing—to explore a relationship—then you’re on board to have a little fun with him?”
“Look at who you’re talking to. I love it when a woman brings a man to his knees.If—and that’s a big if—you decide you’re interested in Maddox for more than a little fun between the sheets, I’ll even help you.”
“Deal. Now, enjoy the rest of your night celebrating with your softie of a hockey hunk. Sorry again for interrupting.”
“Eh. It’s not like pausing for twenty minutes will kill him,” she teased. “Never be sorry. You’ve always been there for me, and I will never not pick up when you call. Day or night. Promise.”
