chapter Nine
Emily
I didn’t want to wake up. Waking up meant facing real life—and leaving behind the fantasy world where I slept with a guy after a few dates and spent the night. I kissed Jake’s lips lightly before untangling myself from his arms. He groaned, said my name, and rolled over. I knew he had work, but I doubted he needed to be up at five thirty in the morning.
Dressed and ready to go, I decided to leave a note. If the real world me were writing it, it would have said something about needing to go. I decided to be fantasy world Emily for a moment longer.
Dear Jake,
I won’t question your stamina again.
-Emily
I left it on the nightstand next to his bed before letting myself out. It wasn’t until I was on the road that I let myself think back on my night. It was hands down the best sex ever, but it was more than that. I was falling for Jake, and I wondered how he was going to fit into my life. He was literally my dream man. It was like I’d conjured him up myself, and something about that scared me. It also made me mad. Why should I get a taste of something so good just to have to give it up? Why couldn’t I just have it last?
Sitting at a stoplight, I checked my phone. I had five missed calls from Mel telling me to call no matter what time it was. It was close to six, and she’d probably be getting ready for the gym.
“Em?” She answered on the first ring without even a hint of sleep in her voice.
“I just did something crazy.”
“The last time you said that, you gave your number to a patient. I’m guessing since you never called me back and went to see Jake last night, this is crazier?”
“I’m driving home from Clayton Falls.”
She made a tiny squeak, but tried to compose herself. Her voice was even when she finally spoke. “How was it?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes. Not only am I curious if the heart throb from my high school is good in bed, I also want to know everything about you finally ending your two year sex drought.”
“It turns out there isn’t something wrong with me.”
“Wait. Did you? You finally had one, didn’t you?”
“Maybe.” I was glad no one was in the car to see my smile.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. Maybe all of those rumors about Jake were true.”
“What rumors?”
“His sexual prowess was pretty legendary.”
“Oh. That’s a buzz kill.”
“What?”
“Hearing about his reputation.” Obviously I knew he had experience, and I wasn’t a virgin, but I still didn’t want to think about it.
“It was high school, Em. You’re the one he was using it on last night. The real question is whether you’re going to let him do it again?”
“Maybe.”
“Why don’t you sound happier? Did I really just ruin it for you?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just, what happens when I tell him about Noah?”
She didn’t say anything for a minute. “I don’t know. But you can’t assume it will be bad.”
“Well, it was worth it either way.”
“That’s good to hear. Life’s about taking chances. You took a chance and had a good time. If you get something more, it’s just icing on the cake.”
“You’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now I need to hit the gym. Call me later?”
“I will.” I hung up and pulled into my parking spot. As much as I wanted to push away the negative thoughts, I couldn’t this time. But at least I’d have the memories.