Page 45 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Ouch. So, I’m not funny.”

“You’re not.”

“So then, why are women excited to be with me?”

“I don’t know any women who are excited to be with you.”

I giggle loudly as his expression changes.

“Okay. I guess it’s just my devastatingly handsome good looks.”

“I suppose because it’s sure not your money.”

“Ouch. Is this because I’m not a billionaire?”

“I don’t care if you’re a billionaire or not, Rafe.”

“Good, because I’m not.”

“Well, good. I’m not looking for a billionaire.”

“Well, good. I’m not one.”

“I’m not looking for you either,” I say quickly, lest he think I’m saying I want him.

“Okay.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “So, are we watching a movie? Are we going to argue back and forth about whether or not you want me, whether or not I’m a billionaire, whether or not you’re going to give me a lap dance, or whether or not you’re going to wet your T-shirt and shake your boobies at me? Which, if I may say, you have beautiful breasts.”

I lick my lips nervously. “Why are we talking about my breasts?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they crossed my mind, and I wanted to compliment you. I am allowed to give you compliments, aren’t I?”

“You can’t compliment my breasts.”

“Why not? I’ve seen them.”

“Yeah, but what about your comments is appropriate? Plus you didn’t see them for very long. I bet you can barely remember them.” I don’t know why I’m having this conversation. I feel like I just can’t stop myself. Maybe it’s because I get a secret thrill of pleasure any time we have a conversation. No matter how naughty it happens to be.

He leans forward. “If you think I’m lying, show them to me again, and I’ll give you a more accurate rating.”

“I mean, I’m in the light now, so what? You’re trying to say you didn’t see them properly last time?”

“I’m trying to say that I’d like to see them again.”

“You said in the car that you wouldn’t do anything I didn’t want you to do.”

“Looking is not touching. You know that.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to look. Or maybe I want to look at you.”

I watch as he quickly pulls off his shirt, and my jaw drops.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought you just said you wanted to look at me.”

“I said that maybe I wanted to look at you, and I only said that because … oh my gosh, Rafe.”

I feel exasperated, and he just chuckles.