See Me After Class(73)

“Sorry to break it to you, babe, but if chocolate is just as good as an orgasm, you’re not having sex with the right guy,” Gunner says.

And that couldn’t be more true.

“I’ve had chocolate and sex at the same time,” Romeo interjects, “and it’s not the same. Chocolate is great, but an orgasm is mind-blowing.”

Gunner leans in closer, staring me down. “What do you really want, Greer?”

“What do you mean? And how did this turn into a relationship conversation?”

Gunner points to his chest. “Remember, currently in a relationship, which means I want everyone in a relationship.”

“He’s been on my case, too. You’re not the only one,” Romeo mutters while bringing his beer to his lips.

“We’ll get to you in a bit, but I want to know what you want, Greer. You said relationship. Is that what you’re looking for?”

I think back to my notebook, the feelings I wrote down, the emotions I was thinking. My mind wanders to this “thing” with Arlo and how exciting it is, but how it’s missing something for me. And I know exactly what it is. Intimacy—that I crave desperately.

I stare at the wood grain in our table and say, “I’d like something intimate. A relationship where I not only feel special, but where I make someone feel wanted, needed, cared for. I want to be able to go on dates, hold hands, take long walks at night under the stars. I want passion and spontaneity, but I also want reassurance that there will always be comfort and routine within a relationship. I want something sweet. Something naughty. Something that rocks my world and changes the colors around me. I want . . . love.”

Gunner sits back in his booth, his shoulders slumped forward. “Damn.”

Romeo drains the rest of his beer. “Yeah . . . damn.”

“Is that too much?” I ask, feeling self-conscious.

Gunner shakes his head. “Nope, it’s exactly what I want too.”

“Hell, I think I might want that too,” Romeo says.

And then we sit there, in silence, considering my words.

Yeah . . . that’s exactly what I want, and not what I’m getting from Arlo. I don’t need him to love me. But these peek-a-boo orgasms and heated moments aren’t going to fulfill me.

I want the promise for more. And I know it’s not a possibility with Arlo. So that draws a proverbial line in the sand.





“Thank you for inviting me out,” I say as we step outside the bar. I drove over with Gunner, so I called an Uber to take me home.

“I’m glad you came. I liked getting to know you better,” Gunner says, pulling me into a hug. He’s such a nice guy. If I didn’t know he’s emphatically obsessed with his girl, Lindsay, I’d consider flirting with him.

Romeo comes up to me and pulls me into a hug as well, my cheek pressing against his well-built chest. Hell . . . if Stella EVER considers anything with Romeo, I’ll have to tell her about his hugs, because this is nice, really nice.

“It was a blast, Gibson,” Romeo says, pulling away. “I feel more connected to you than ever.”

Gunner grips Romeo’s shoulder. “Now I have this overwhelming sense to find you a man.”

“Why do you say that?” I chuckle.

“Because, you’re a good girl.” He reaches out and boops my nose. “And after that whole speech about wanting someone to lean on and hold your hand and be your person, you deserve that.”

“She does.” Romeo clutches his chest. “Shame Arlo is such a douche. They would be perfect together.”

My breath catches in my chest, the mere mention of Arlo’s name putting me on high alert.

Gunner shakes his head. “Nah, he would never. Not because he doesn’t find you attractive, but because he’s too closed off. Greer deserves better. Let me ask around, I’ll find you someone. I’ll talk to Jason.”

“Oh, that’s not necess—”

“Don’t worry.” Gunner holds up his hand. “We’ve got you covered. Now go home and get some sleep. We’ve some practicing to do this weekend.”

He winks, and just as I go to say something, my Uber pulls up behind me. Gunner opens the door and helps me in. With a quick wave, I’m being taken back to my apartment. And although it was a great night with the boys—total sweethearts—I feel a pinch in my chest about their last words.

“Shame Arlo is such a douche. They would be perfect together.”

“Nah, he would never. Not because he doesn’t find you attractive, but because he’s too closed off. Greer deserves better.”

They’re right. I do deserve better. I like warm, open-hearted men over closed-off counterparts.





Chapter Sixteen





ARLO





Gunner: Fuck, Greer is amazing.

Romeo: A real champion among women.

Gunner: The whole package.

Romeo: So damn sweet, I feel like I need to see a dentist now.

Gunner: Dude, that didn’t make sense.

Romeo: It did in my head. And, hey, I thought we were in cahoots.

Gunner: Oh shit, you’re right. Shhh . . . maybe he won’t see these text messages.

Arlo: What the hell are you two talking about?