Page 8 of Truth and Temptation
“Paige, hey.” His tone is low, and his eyes seem to dart around the room, only briefly landing on myself and Mila. If I were to guess, I would say he appears nervous. For what reason, I have no idea.
“Hello again, Wyatt,” I reply, taking in the sudden flush of warmth across my skin. This time, my reaction doesn’t catch me by surprise. After all, I had a similar response when I saw him at the trail. His sweaty shirt clinging to his muscles resulted in a sudden desire to touch him. I abstained, of course, but it was a new and not unwelcome thought. Now that I have finally acknowledged my attraction to Wyatt goes beyond that of mere appreciation for his appearance, I find myself enjoying these newfound experiences of desire.
Not that I plan on ever acting on them, of course. But it has been reassuring to finally feel a small sense of the lustful thoughts I read about in books and hear about from my dear friends.
“Wyatt? Hi. I’m Mila, we met briefly at my café last week. I’m one of Paige’s best friends.” Mila’s interruption breaks my focus just in time for me to realize I had been staring at Wyatt for an uncomfortable amount of time. Any hope that he had not noticed is dashed when I see the small smirk on his face as his eyes dart my way, even while he shakes Mila’s hand. Mortified, I drop my gaze down to the floor as Mila and Wyatt engage in conversation. It’s so easy for her, and my envy creates a pulling sensation in my gut. I try not to dwell on my struggles with social interactions, after all, I’ve learned how to navigate my world — the town and my store — quite well, even incorporating new people into my circle, due to the intimate relationships my friends are in. But watching Mila converse with Wyatt so freely, seeing the animation on both of their faces as they discuss books, I find myself feeling jealous. I want that ease of conversation with him.
“Why are you here, Wyatt?” I blurt out, interrupting whatever they were talking about. They both turn to me, Mila with a curious expression on her face. She can obviously sense my discomfort right now. But Wyatt…he looks anxious at my question.
“Oh you know, I love books, so, when I heard this place was opening, I figured I’d stop by.”
The words may make sense, but there’s an artificial tone to his response. And I can’t miss the way his gaze continues to survey the room, as if he is looking to see who might be listening. Thankfully, before my tendency toward blunt curiosity can force me into an even more awkward position of questioning him further, Wyatt shifts backward on his feet.
“Anyway, I better let you guys enjoy things. I’ll, ah, see you around.”
With a half-hearted wave in our direction, Wyatt turns and heads down an aisle toward the back of the store.
“He’s hot, but kinda weird, am I right?”
“Yes.”
Mila grabs my arm and turns me to face her. Surprise is written across her expression, and I frown, trying to determine what I have said wrong.
“Wait. Are you agreeing that he’s hot, or that he’s weird? Or both! Oh my God, did you just agree with me that you think Wyatt is hot?”
My eyebrows furrow in confusion. “Well, yes, he is, objectively speaking, an appealing man to look at.”
“That’s not what I mean, Paige. Your voice, when you said yes, it was all suggestive and breathy. The way you interrupted us. All of it. You like him.”
“Nonsense. I don’t even know him. How could I possibly like him?”
“Paige, I love you, but don’t be obtuse. You know what I mean.”
That’s the problem, I do know exactly what she means. I simply don’t feel ready to admit it.
“Mila, he is an attractive man. He is also a stranger. There’s nothing more to it.”
“I think there is, missy. And eventually you’re going to have to spill the beans.”
Later that week, I attend a yoga class at Serena’s studio. This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite activities. Led by Summer, I find I greatly enjoy the meditative aspect of the practice. By tuning into my body and my breath, I am able to combine my favourite sensations from when I dance around the store after it is closed with the health benefits of the breathing techniques I have learned from my years of managing my asthma.
Normally, I also greatly enjoy spending the time with my friends. At least two or three of us try to attend each week, if not all of us. And after, we sometimes go to the apartment above Mila’s café that is currently vacant and enjoy some tea together.
This week, however, I find myself not relaxing as I normally do. Because Mila and Serena will not stop talking about the Pleasure Party they have planned for our next book club meeting. Briefly I contemplate coming up with an excuse to miss the meeting, but somehow I know they won’t let me get away with that. Not to mention, I truly enjoy our book club. Even if I do often have to keep the other ladies on task with actually discussing the book.
“Mae is super excited to join us. She agreed to read the book, and she’s bringing a bunch of their new toy lineups for us. Oh, and she said she’s got some prizes and giveaways, too.” Mila carries over some mugs of tea and sets them down on the table, and Summer follows her with the rest. I pick mine up and blow on the steaming hot liquid, letting the fragrance of chamomile waft over me. Perhaps I can use the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy to instil some calm in me to combat this agitation.
“I already told Paige, I’m buying her something to help her find her G-spot.” Serena’s voice sounds triumphant, and I turn a scowl in her direction.
“If I recall correctly, I told you not to waste your money.”
Serena simply blinks owlishly at me. “And I told you, it wouldn’t be a waste if it gets you in touch with your sexy side.”
“I think she wants a certain hottie stranger to get in touch with her sexy side, not a toy…”
“Mila!” I bark out louder than I intended, but it works to get her attention, and she has the decency to look slightly contrite. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to stop Summer and Ashley, the newest member of our group, from being curious.
“Who is she talking about, Paige?” Summer asks in her calm, soft voice. I enjoy Summer. She’s quiet, and easy to be around. Her more relaxed energy fits with me easily. But right now, I am not pleased with her for asking that question.
