Page 23 of One Night Stand After Another
“Yes?”
“But I think it’s time for a more important question. When are you going to start trusting yourself? Because I’m fine with giving you my opinion, but I don’t want the responsibility for your life. That’s on you.”
“But we always joke that—”
“Yeah, we joke. Girl, I’m smart as hell, but so are you. You aren’t going to get blown off course. You achieve goals with terrifying intensity. How many parties have you missed so you could bank the cash? What’s your plan? Tell me again.”
“I’m going to get an accounting job with Fiber Kingdom so I can eventually sell my designs to the Fiber King and make money with art while having a stable job.” Having a stable job was the only way she could function as an artist. Her father had made sure of that.
“Are you doing that?” Britt asked.
“I’m going to try.”
“And what about this little adventure is freaking you out? I’m assuming he’s hot.”
“So hot.”
“Good company?”
She thought of their easy chemistry. “Totally.”
“Then what’s the real problem?”
Clara thought for a long minute. “When he looks at me, it’s like I’m the only woman on earth. Nothing has changed. It’s like we were never apart. The thing that made me kiss him despite the fact I’d been broken up with Jack for like five minutes is still very much in effect.”
“You like him?”
She’d always liked him. “I do.”
“If liking a guy sends you into a panic, then I definitely failed you as a friend. I should have dragged you to parties, gotten you laid, helped you make terrible decisions, so you could practice navigating these waters. If you want my opinion, then I think you should go for it.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear…and it scares me.”
“Then take it one day at a time.” Britt’s chuckle was naughty. “Or one night at a time. How many times did you come last night?”
“Britt!”
“If you don’t have time to give me any juicy details, then just give me a number, and I’ll fill in the blanks until you have more time on your hands.”
Clara started counting. Lost count and had to start over using her fingers. “Car, on top, face-down, shower.” She paused. “Shower, bed, morning.”
Brittany said nothing.
“C’mon, woman! Speak!” Clara implored.
“You should give him another night. Ask him what his personal record is. Make him beat it. Jesus, the fact that you’re even asking me if you should spend another night with talent like that has me doubting your sanity. If you actually move to California, send him my way. I’ll tap that ’til I’m dead.”
She watched Zane shoulder open the convenience store door and hold it for the guy behind him. Britt was still talking. “He’s going to feed you, too. I bet he’ll find all the best places. And if he mentioned yarn, then he’s not only a giver in bed, he’s a goddamn saint, because there is nothing more boring than watching you look at yarn. I’d rather watch paint dry, and I love you like a sister.”
“He’s coming,” Clara broke in.
“Yeah, he better be. It sounds like you owe him a few.”
“Thanks, Britt.”
“Love you. Be safe. Have fun.”
Clara ended the call and watched Zane walk across the parking lot.
