Chapter Twelve
What a week!
First, there was all that drama with Easton and Claire, which has thankfully been cleared up. Then, a day later, I sold an eight-million-dollar house. Yay! That’ll be a nice commission. But best of all, the whole time Lennox has been gone, we’ve kept in touch by texting and talking on the phone.
Everything is so effortless with him. It’s amazing. I am really starting to like him a lot.
Not only is he hot, hot, hot, but he’s so fun to talk with. I feel like we can share so much. He just freaking gets it.
When I told him about selling that house, he was so amped for me. It was actually adorable.
He also seems to enjoy sharing info about his games—the good, the bad, just all of it. I want to hear it all too.
But now I’m getting kind of worried.
I love how we get along so beautifully, but I don’t want a real relationship with him. I’m just not ready to settle down in even a boyfriend-girlfriend sense, let alone something that could become more serious.
Yikes!
I like my freedom far too much. I’m into fun. I love that our meetups have been secretive and filled with sex. I just don’t want things to get all “heavy.”
It’s actually been a blessing that we’re keeping shit on the down-low so Claire and Easton don’t find out. It sounds weird, but I’m happy Lennox can’t take me out on dates.
That would feel too relationship-like.
I can’t have that.
That’s it, decision made—it’s time to have a talk.
Since the guys got home from their road trip late last night, Lennox should be around.
I pick up my phone and shoot him a text.
ME: Hey, can I come over later?
LENNOX: Yeah, sure, absolutely. I was hoping to see you soon anyway. By the way, wear something sexy.
Oh, this is good. He’s clearly still focused on sex, not like he missed me or some shit.
ME: Oh, I will. But on a side note, there’s something I want to talk with you about.
LENNOX: Nothing bad, right?
ME: No, no, not at all. I think you’ll actually be on the same page anyway.
LENNOX: Okay, cool. Want to get here about nine?
ME: Perfect. See you then.
Setting the phone down, I feel better already. We can get this talk out of the way, then get naked.
I’ve chosen a super-hot outfit for tonight—a lacy white bustier with the strings loosened, showing off some massive cleavage, along with a black leather miniskirt and thigh-high black boots.
This is definitely sexy, so it should be a hit with Lennox.
Arriving at his front door, I ring the bell and count the seconds it takes before he opens it.
One, two, three, four, five—
And here he is.
That was fast.
Taking me in from head to toe, Lennox murmurs, “Wow.”
“Hey, you said sexy,” I remind him.
“And you nailed it, babe.”
Yeah, this outfit is a winner for sure.
I chose wisely.
Since he’s still mesmerized, I ask coyly, “Can I come in?”
Snapping out of it, he chuckles and says, “Of course, of course.” He steps aside, making room for me to pass. “It’s just that outfit, Madison. Again, wow.”
Smirking, I step inside.
Turning around as he closes the door, I ask all innocently, “You really like it that much?”
“Fuck, babe…” He takes a step toward me. “I love it. It makes me want to do this.”
His lips are on me then, and we kiss and kiss and kiss. I could spend hours making out with this man.
But I do want to talk with him about my concerns, so I slow down the kisses and gently pull away, taking a step back.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, his brow furrowing.
“Yes, everything is fine. It’s just…” I wave my hand around. “Remember how I mentioned there was something I wanted to talk with you about? I figure we should just get it out of the way first.”
“Sure, sure.” Folding his arms over his broad chest, his black tech tee tight against his muscles, he says, “I remember. Go ahead. Hit me with whatever it is you want to talk about.”
“Er…” I glance around. “Is there somewhere we can sit down?”
“Uh-oh,” he says, looking worried. “I thought you said it was nothing bad.”
“It’s not,” I assure him. “But I think we should be a little more comfortable for this discussion.”
Still appearing to be concerned, he says softly, “Okay, let’s go talk in the living room.”
“Perfect.”
Once we’re settled on the sofa, I twist toward him and cross my legs.
“Okay, so, as I said, it’s nothing bad. I just thought before we continue with our little trysts here, we should establish some ground rules.”
“Rules?” He scoffs. “I don’t like that word, Madison.”
“Neither do I,” I reply. “And that’s the whole point—I don’t want this becoming something more than what it is.”
“And what is this?” he questions, waving his hand between us.
“It’s two consenting adults having a good time, enjoying each other’s bodies, just having fun. Nothing more, nothing less. You’re free to see other people, Lennox.” Now it’s my turn to raise a brow and hold his gaze. “But so am I.”
Am I imagining it, or is he bristling somewhat?
Interesting.
Clearing his throat, he says, “That’s fair, and I agree. But I do feel that if one of us does decide to see someone else, we should make the other aware of it.”
I think about it for a beat, then tell him, “I can do that.” Blowing out a breath, I add, “I know we mentioned something during a heated moment early on about both of us being”—I make air quotes—“‘healthy.’ But I also want to let you know, for when the time comes, that I’m on birth control.”
“Okay.” He nods. “That’s good to know.”
It’s suddenly a little bit awkward between us, which is unusual.
We’re both quiet for a minute or two.
Finally, smacking his hands on his jeans-clad knees, Lennox says, “Okay, let me see if I got this. Just like from the beginning, the bottom line is that neither of us is looking for a relationship, but we’re definitely down to fuck.”
That breaks the ice.
Laughing, I crook my finger and say, “Come here, you.”
He leans in to kiss me, just a few sweet pecks that then become longer and more intense.
The next thing I know, I’m on my back on the sofa and he’s between my legs, just where I want him.
Game on.