Page 119 of The Path to Loving Him
“Because if it wasn’t for you encouraging me to have a one-night stand with Ryland, I never would have known howamazing in bed he is or how delicious his kisses are, how . . . how undeniably . . . full he makes me feel.”
She cracks a smile. “You know what? I’m not going to apologize. If anything, I’d like to find a time machine and go back in time where I’d encourage you to stay a few more days and spend more time with him.”
“That is not helpful.”
“Pretty sure your vagina would thank me.”
I chuckle. “See, this is what I need, you here all the time. Can’t you move already?”
“I’m not moving unless I see what this town has to offer.”
“Sure, why don’t I just take you around, show you the town,” I say sarcastically.
“You know, humping a foul pole has really ruined this weekend.”
“I was not humping it,” I say. “I was sliding down it.”
“You should have slid down Mr. Hunky?—”
Knock. Knock.
We both still, then look toward the door.
Whispering, I say, “Oh God, that must be him.” A large smile spreads across Bower’s face. “Don’t embarrass me. I swear I’ll never be your friend again.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t embarrass you,” she says. I don’t believe a word.
She pushes off the couch and heads to the door, where she opens it.
“Hey, you must be Gabby’s friend,” I hear Ryland say. I glance over my shoulder to find him standing in the doorway wearing black athletic shorts and a gray T-shirt. He’s wearing a baseball hat and didn’t shave this morning, so he’s looking all kinds of hot.
“Dear God.” Bower presses her hand to her chest. She then turns to me and says, “This is the man you’re going topractice friends with no benefits with?” She shakes her head in disappointment. “I honestly don’t think we can talk anymore. You’ve clearly lost your mind.”
And here I told her not to embarrass me.
“Bower,” I say through my clenched teeth.
She rolls her eyes and then turns back to Ryland. “I’ve been told not to embarrass her, so here is my attempt. Hi, I’m Bower, I’m Gabby’s friend and I think you are both fools for playing this game of not pressing privates together.”
Ryland lightly chuckles. “Well, Bower, it’s nice to meet you and I appreciate your honesty.”
“If anything, I’ll tell you how I see it.” She pauses and studies him for a moment. “You realize you’re incredibly attractive, right?”
“Bower, can you not harass him?”
“I’m not harassing him. I’m pointing out the obvious. I think it’s a compliment.”
“He doesn’t like compliments,” I say.
“Oh, if that’s the case.” She looks him up and down some more. “I think your shorts should be shorter, as those are too long. Man thigh is in now, millennial.”
“Oh my God,” I say as I start to get off the couch, but Ryland is in the apartment and walking over to me before I can even attempt to get up.
“Don’t fucking move,” he says, holding his hand out. “She’s fine.”
“She’s offensive,” I whisper.
“Not anything worse than what my sisters would say.”
