Four Weddings to Fall in Love by Jackie Lau

Author:Jackie Lau [Jackie Lau]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jackie Lau Books
Published: 2023-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Kim

I haven’t dated since I was twenty-seven.

I have my reasons, and looking at the sharp lines of Max’s face in the shadows? That doesn’t make me forget those reasons; it would be hard to forget them after tonight.

“If you have to think about it,” he says, “that’s fine. I’ll give you my number, and you can text me your answer. I won’t bother you again until you contact me.”

“No Instagram DMs?”

“No.”

“But why me?”

I’m not fishing for a compliment; I’m genuinely a little confused.

“What do you mean, why you?” he asks.

“For starters, I’ve slept around a lot.”

“And?”

“Some men don’t like women who’ve slept around. Especially guys who…” I don’t know how to say it, so I gesture vaguely in his direction. I imagine him marrying a woman who’d be the perfect little daughter-in-law, not…me.

He leans even closer. “I’m not those men, Kimberly.”

His voice has an arousing edge to it, and I squeeze my thighs together. I’ve never cared for my full name…until now. When those three syllables fall from his lips, it feels like he’s caressing my skin.

“You know what you like,” he says. “I appreciate that you’re…boldly sexual, for lack of a better term.”

It’s not surprising he’d enjoy that for a night; it’s just surprising he’d want someone like me as a girlfriend, but that seems to be the case.

“Though to be clear,” he continues, “I have no interest in a non-monogamous relationship. I’m not assuming anything about what you may or may not desire, or your ability to be faithful. I just want you to know where I stand.”

“Would a single date constitute a relationship to you?”

“No, but for future reference.”

I tilt my head to view him at a slightly different angle, as if that will help me understand him. “Given our history, it would be easier to ask out someone else.”

“It would.”

In the silence that follows, I search his face for traces of doubt, but I don’t find any. He’s sure about what he wants.

“Are you at all concerned,” I say, “about your ability to satisfy me in bed?”

“A little, but like I said, our night together didn’t really play to my strengths, and I’m quite good at taking instruction.”

I find myself smiling, but his expression is still serious. He cups my cheek and strokes his thumb over my skin. I lean into his touch.

I’m not used to this sort of gentleness, and it’s nice. He hasn’t done anything big tonight, but he’s been quietly attentive. For the first time in five years, I believe there’s a chance that a new relationship—with Max—could be different from my past experiences.

“Do you think you could do a good job if I invite you up tonight?” I ask.

“No. I’m bloated and tired.”

I bark out a laugh. That was honesty I definitely didn’t anticipate. I admit to being a touch disappointed, but I try to shove that feeling aside.

Max smiles faintly at my amusement. “You think about it. Text me this week. I’ll give you my number—”

“I’ll go out with you,” I say.

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