Chapter 2 #2
Between picking up shifts and helping at nearby care centers on my days off, I barely have time to impress a man, much less let a man impress me.
My mother’s constant demands and my profession as an emergency medicine doctor would likely be a deal breaker for any man, with the former being more of a concern than the latter.
Since my love life is nonexistent, I like to live vicariously through Cassie. If her love life were televised, it would be the number one dating show.
She rolls her eyes playfully. “Because we haven’t really.
Those doubles are killing me. I’m just an RN, and I’m ready to crash out.
I don’t know how you do it. But you do it well!
” She winks at me. “As for my love life, there’s nothing serious on the horizon.
You know me, miss fuck ’em and leave ’em. ”
“Well, miss fuck ’em and leave ’em, you’re going to have to settle down soon. Maybe you should let one of those firefighters take you out sometime. They seem to have a thing for medical professionals.”
“Ha! I don’t think I could handle the constant worry. Dating a firefighter? No thanks.” Cassie pauses, and a thoughtful look blooms on her face. “Although I must admit, there’s something about a man in uniform. Just imagine all the role-playing in the bedroom. Like, come here and take out my hose.”
“Cass, oh my god.” I toss my head back, laughing.
“Seriously! And they are all so strong. Imagine them picking you up and fucking you against the wall. Ugh, the sex probably goes crazy with firefighters. Maybe I should give one a go.” She sighs, looking dreamily across the bar.
I follow her gaze, spotting a group of men by the pool tables.
One person in particular catches my eye.
Captain Montgomery—the living, breathing one, not to be confused with the hero in the framed photo.
He’s not in uniform, but he still manages to stand out.
Tall, dark, and handsome, he’s the classic trifecta.
I feel a flutter in my stomach as I watch him, but I quickly push it aside.
A man like him would never be interested in someone like me.
I’ve seen the women who fight for his attention.
Older blondes and brunettes who appear to have their lives together.
Me, not so much. For starters my hair is black, and my life is truly a shitshow that I sprinkle glitter on to sell the lie that I’ve got it together.
The only time I feel some semblance of normalcy is when I’m sleeping, because at that point, it’s out of my hands.
“Earth to Karina!” Cassie’s voice snaps me back to reality. “You were totally checking out the Cap, weren’t you?”
I feel my cheeks heat. “What? No! I was just… admiring the decor.”
Cassie snorts. “Sure you were.” She leans closer, lowering her voice. “I heard he’s single, you know. Has been single, for a while now. That’s what some of the nurses have been saying. And rumor has it, he’s great in bed. A real pleaser, if you know what I mean.”
“Then I definitely don’t want to talk to him.” I’d rather not get involved with someone who’s done the rounds at my hospital, so to speak. “If he’s been with the nurses—”
“It’s just a rumor. Who knows if it’s true,” she adds. “Besides, no one even knows his first name, so that’s a sure sign the rumors are just that, rumors. I refuse to fuck a man and call him by his title.”
“I’m not interested. I’ve got enough on my plate. The last thing I need is a complicated relationship. And look at him, there’s obviously a massive age gap. Men his age probably want something serious or at least someone with their shit together. I’m a far fucking cry from the latter.”
“Who said anything about a relationship? Sometimes, a girl needs a little fun.” Cassie wiggles her eyebrows suggestively. “Besides, he’s the walking definition of a silver fox. The man is massive, and the dick must be too.”
I groan, my cheeks on fire now. “Really, Cass?”
“Come on. The dick is huge. It has to be. How about you fuck him and let me know.”
“Can you imagine the gossip at the nurses’ station if I were to hook up with him?” I sigh, my gaze drifting back to where he stands, his broad shoulders and chiseled features drawing me in like a moth to a flame. “I don’t have time for casual sex anyway. I barely have time to breathe.”
Cassie leans back in her chair, studying me with a knowing look.
“You know what I think? I think you’re scared.
Afraid of letting yourself feel something real, something that might actually bring you happiness for once.
Even if it’s for an hour or so and might be the best orgasm you will ever receive in your entire life. ”
Her words hit a little too close to home, and I feel my defenses rising. “I’m not scared. I’m practical. Getting involved with someone like him would only complicate my life further. And let’s not forget the age difference, he’s probably looking—”
“You’re thinking too much into this.” Cassie’s voice softens. “Come on, Rina, what do you have to lose? Oh, I know.”
“What?”
“Your voice, from screaming his name.”
“You’re ridiculous. But…” I bite down on my lip. “God, I don’t know. I don’t think I have the mental capacity to go through heartache again. Even if it’s casual, like you’re suggesting.”
“But isn’t that what life’s all about? Taking risks, embracing the unknown? You never know what might happen if you just let yourself go for it. Also, not everyone you meet and get to know more intimately will take advantage of you.” Her hand tightens around the glass.
“You’re right. I’ll take a risk, just not with him.”
Cassie grins, raising her Long Island in a toast. “Here’s to taking risks!”
I laugh, clinking my glass against hers. “Cheers to that.”
“Oh wait.”
“What now?” I eye her suspiciously.
“Have you heard back from that lady… about the date?”
I shake my head. “They probably went with someone else, or it could have been a scam. Because who the hell is paying for someone to date them in this economy?”
A month or two ago, Cassie told me she had heard from a friend about someone willing to pay a substantial amount to find a date.
The details were vague, but I imagine it was some sort of upscale escort service for professionals—though there was never any mention of solicitation, which was the only reason I entertained the idea.
I’m still stuck on why someone would be so desperate, but at the time, I jokingly told her to pass my information along.
I never thought she would do it until I got a call from a lawyer.
We spoke for almost two hours, and she asked me more questions than I’ve ever been asked on an SAT.
After that, I didn’t hear from her again.
Maybe my answers weren’t up to scratch for what her mysterious client was looking for.
It would have been an easy way to make some money, but I wasn’t desperate enough to follow up. I bet the woman who was picked never has to work again, even though the amount was never disclosed. If the client retained a lawyer to do his bidding, he has to be loaded, right?
“True. But damn, that could have been some good money.” Cass nods slowly.
“Yeah, and then my body would be floating in the Hudson River,” I say, only half joking.
As we carry on goofing around, I find my gaze drawing back to the captain. There’s something about him that intrigues me despite my better judgment. A part of me can’t help wondering what it would be like to lose myself in him for just one night.