“I’m not mad at all. And the way I see it, you couldn’t pick a better side piece than a pro athlete.”
“Why’s that?”
“They’re tall, incredibly fit, and insatiably horny. They’re essentially human fuck machines who will pound your mind into oblivion.”
I snickered.
“The only downside,” he continued, “is the fact that you cannot possibly expect them to be faithful, because they’re unable to turn down the ass that is constantly being thrown at them from every angle. But consideringyoursituation, that’s not even a negative—if anything, it’s a plus. That’s exactly what you should be looking for in a side piece.”
That sounded so awful—stuck in a fake arranged marriage, with an unfaithful “lover” who could only fulfill sexual needs. That wasn’t what I wanted at all. Why did everyone have such a hard time grasping what I really wanted? Was it really so rare,soimpossible?
I tried not to frown, but Leo could sense my dread.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I murmured. “Anyway, it’s pointless to even discuss, because Dakota’s done with me.”
“Already? How do you know?”
I waved my phone in the air. “I was texting him while you were out on the balcony. He basically told me he’s not interested, because he thinks I’m a lying, crazy, cheating bitch.”
“Why would he care if you’re cheating? Unless he’s in love with you or something.”
I clicked my tongue. “Definitely not that. We only just met today, really.”
“Then he shouldn’t care even if youare‘cheating.’ Most guys wouldn’t care. They just want a warm, gooey, tight hole to stick their dick in, you know?”
“Allguys?”
He nodded in the affirmative. “And I can’t imagine a pro hockey player is any different. If anything, he’s even worse. Athletes are normal guys on steroids. Literallyandfiguratively.”
“Welp. That sucks …”
“Why?” he asked.
“Because I don’twantthat. I want more than just sex.”
“Tavi.” Leo chuckled uncomfortably. “You are aware Dakota was just trying to get between your legs, right?”
I felt stupid and shameful. Of course he was right.
“I guess I got caught up in the moment,” I said with a sigh.
“With a guy like him, it’s understandable.”
“Things were moving pretty fast. I didn’t even have time to think about it, really.”
Leo nodded. “That’s how it is with the really smooth ones. You get swept up in the moment, then he’s inside you, and then bam, he’s gone from your life. Never to be seen or heard from again.”
Disappointment stirred in the pit of my stomach.
“Wow, I can’t believe I almost did that with him,” I grumbled. “I always thought I’d want to get to know the guy for a long time first, and take everything really slowly, you know? But … with Dakota … well, he seemed so confident and knew exactly what to do, which was so sexy and attractive, that I kinda just decided in the spur of the moment that I wanted it. But maybe it’s best to keep waiting? I don’t know.”
“Hold up.” Leo stared at me, his eyes narrowing. “Keep waiting for what?”
I fidgeted with my hands. “Er. You know. My first time.”
At first, Leo showed no reaction—it took a few moments to sink in. Then his jaw dropped. “You’re still a virgin?”
