The Casual Rule Page 14

  “What… what are you doing here?” I stammer. There are times in my life when I wish I were invisible. This is one of those times.

  “The wait at the restaurant was too long. We grabbed a quick bite instead and decided to come back here to keep you company. I guess you didn’t need us.” Allie grins.

  “How long have you guys been here?” I am dreading this answer, embarrassed at the possibility that they overheard us having what I’m sure was very loud sex.

  “We got here about twenty minutes ago-oh-oh-oh,” Allie groans suggestively, her eyes rolling up toward the ceiling, as she pretends she’s having an orgasm. I place my hands over my face, praying the earth will swallow me now. No question, they heard us. “Hungry, Jules? Sounds like you worked up an appetite.” Allie holds up a cupcake.

  Don’t touch my cupcakes.

  I narrow my eyes toward her then turn my attention to the guys. “Hello Marcello, Peter. I’ll be right back.” I turn around and march back into my bedroom.

  ~o0o~

  “Hey, where’s my dinner?” Ben asks.

  “On the coffee table.” I bend down, pick up his scattered clothes and throw it at him. “You’re going to need some clothes.”

  “Why, do you want to undress me again?” he asks.

  Well, yes, I do actually.

  “There’s a full house in the living room. Apparently they’ve been here for a while,” I add grudgingly.

  “Have they?” He actually looks amused. I’m positively mortified that we’ve had an audience listening to us having loud, raunchy sex and Ben finds it funny. “Okay, let’s get dressed.” He grabs his clothes.

  I grab a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt that were sitting on my dresser. I’m about to put back on my sweatpants when Ben stops me.

  “No thong,” he says sternly.

  “No?” I ask. He shakes his head. “You want the thong on during sex and you want it off after?”

  “That’s exactly what I want.” He grins.

  I take off my thong then put on my sweats. “Is a bra okay?”

  “The red one you were wearing before,” he says. So, he likes the push-up bra. Who can blame him? My breasts look tremendous in it. I pick my bra off the floor and put it back on. I grab my T-shirt. “Wait.” Ben walks over to me, facing me. His fingers trace along the silk edge of the bra, skimming the tops of my breasts. “I like this. It’s going to drive me crazy knowing this is under your shirt.” I bring my finger up to his mouth and trace his lips. He sweetly kisses the pad of my fingertip.

  “I promise you’ll see it again soon.” I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek.

  Together we walk to the bathroom across the hall to wash the sex off our hands then finger brush a dab of toothpaste in our mouths. I turn to Ben. “Ready to meet the gang?” I ask.

  “Ready.”

  ~o0o~

  We enter the living room to face the troops. Of course, Allie already knew who was in my bedroom, but Marcello’s eyes widen and he grins as he recognizes Ben from the photo shoot.

  “Everyone, this is Ben. Ben, this is my roommate Allie, Peter, and you know Marcello.” I point to each friend.

  “Ben.” Allie nods with a wide grin.

  Marcello and Peter stand and walk over to us. Marcello shakes Ben’s hand. “Good to see you again, Ben.” He walks back to the couch, making sure he passes me and nudges my side.

  “Good to see you too,” he says to Marcello then turns to Peter. “You look so familiar. Didn’t you work for Booker and Lithell?”

  “I still do. You were at Martin and McKee, right?” Peter asks.

  “Yes, my father is Richard Martin. I left the company about a year ago.”

  “Wow, small world,” Peter says as they shake hands.

  Yeah and getting smaller by the minute.

  Ben and Peter walk over to the couch together and catch up; talking about banks, investments, and hedge funds. It’s all Greek to me.

  “I think we have some cheese and crackers. I’ll go in the kitchen and get them.” I turn to everyone shaking my finger at each of them. “No one touch the last two cupcakes or your days will be numbered.”

  “I’ll help,” Allie offers, jumping off the floor.

  “Me too!” Marcello chimes in.

  I’m not stupid. I know they have no intention of helping me; they want the lowdown on Ben. Once we’re in the kitchen and out of earshot of Ben and Peter, the barrage of questions begins.

  “Julia, you little minx. I knew he had a thing for you,” Marcello says.

  “I thought you had manuscripts to read tonight. Was Ben here to deliver the audio version of his book?” Allie teases.

  “No, maybe it’s the Braille version. You need your hands for that. I’m betting Julia had her hands all over the spine of Ben’s book.” Marcello winks.

  Allie laughs, holding in her stomach. “No doubt the book is a hard-cover.”

  “The both of you are hysterical,” I reply sarcastically.

  “Fess up Jules. Did you have plans with him all this time?” Allie asks.

  “No, I swear.” I cross an imaginary “x” with my finger over my heart. “And Marcello, no word of this to Vivian. We’re keeping this quiet.”

  “My lips are sealed.” He pinches his lips closed with his index finger and thumb. “Although Julia honey, if I were banging that man, I’d be shouting it from the rooftop.”

  “How did he end up here or should I say… in there?” Allie asks, pointing in the direction of my bedroom.

  I could save myself the embarrassment and make up a story or I could go for the truth. Allie can read me better than anyone. Lying is not an option. “Okay, this doesn’t go past the three of us,” I warn, pointing my finger at both of them.

  “Okay,” Allie says.

  “Promise me, Marcello,” I plead.

  “I promise, now spill,” he says, holding up his hands.

  “Remember that clingy friend of Ben’s who was at the photo shoot? Camille?”

  “Ugh, the Ice Queen. Yes, I remember her.” He pokes his finger down his throat, sticks his tongue out and pretends he’s dry heaving.

  “Apparently she and Ben had a thing a long time ago. He thinks they’re just friends now. I know she wants otherwise. I bumped into her at Clara’s Cupcakes. She pretty much said I was just a passing phase and he’ll dump me before I can blink. There’s no doubt she’s waiting for him to pick things up with her again.” My jaw clenches. I can’t stand her.

  “Bitch,” Marcello says, wrinkling his nose.

  “Exactly. She pretended she didn’t remember my name. Called me Judy.”

  “Stupid Bitch!” he exclaims.

  “That’s what I thought too. So, in my anger I sent a text to Ben to see if he was free tonight for some… well, you know.” Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?

  “Yes, we heard. I think the whole building heard,” Allie says, straight-faced. I shuffle my feet, looking down to the floor as I feel the heat from my face turning red.

  “So let me get this straight. You had sex with Ben to get back at the Ice Queen?” Marcello asks.

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Spite Sex!” He grins.

  “What?”

  “You had spite sex. You know, you have sex with someone to spite someone else. That explains why the apartment was rocking. God, I love spite sex,” he says enthusiastically.

  “Me too. It’s so wild and angry. Spitegasms are fucking amazing.” Allie nods her head in agreement.

  “Well, all I know is she’s home alone eating a stupid cupcake. I just screwed Ben and I’m about to eat a cupcake too. There’s no doubt my victory tastes sweeter.”

  “Definitely.” They agree in unison.

  “I realize that Ben and I are just casual and we’re not actually dating, but she didn’t have to be such a bitch. I know this is only going to last until it fizzles out. She didn’t have to rub it in my face.”

  “So, you’re not a couple?” Marcello frowns.r />
  “Yeah, they’re a couple of fuck bud...” Allie begins.

  “Allie,” I hold up my hand, stopping her mid-word. “I think we all know what this is, you don’t have to class it up, okay? No, Marcello. We’re not a couple. We just see each other when the mood strikes, no strings.”

  “That’s cool with you?” he asks.

  “That’s all I’m interested in. And that’s all he wants too. Can we go back before Ben and Peter come looking for us?”

  “Yeah. Sure.” Thankfully, Allie lets me off the hook.

  ~o0o~

  I set the tray of cheese and crackers on the coffee table and take my place on the floor with my legs crossed next to Ben. Allie pours each of us a glass of wine while Ben reaches over for a chunk of cheese. I reach straight for the cupcake. He looks at me and smiles.

  “I told you, cupcakes are healthy,” I insist.

  “That’s what you claim,” he says skeptically.

  “Ben, Julia’s had a not-so-secret love affair with cupcakes ever since we were kids,” Allie jokes.

  “And Allie has had a not-so-secret love affair with all things male.” I throw a crumbled cupcake liner at her.

  “True. Very true.” She laughs, ducking the flying object.

  As the night goes on, I find myself marveling at how easy it all seems to come to Ben. He’s sitting here talking to my friends like he’s known them his whole life. I can tell they like him. Then again, what’s not to like?

  Fortunately Allie and the guys have gone easy on me. I was expecting some ribbing about the loud sex in front of Ben. But I think after watching me pick up the pieces from my last disastrous relationship, they’re just happy I have someone in my life. Even if he’s with me for just a little while.

  Ben catches me sneaking a quick peek at him while he’s talking with Peter. He truly is a beautiful man. And he’s mine… for now, anyway. Our eyes briefly lock and he smiles.

  I have to admit; I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy watching Marcello and Peter. It’s obvious they love each other. They’re so opposite, but fit together so perfectly. Peter is always so attentive and loving to Marcello. Marcello may talk a good game, but there’s no doubt he adores Peter. They’re committed to each other, not like me and Ben…buying time until we get bored and move on.

  It’s a sobering thought.

  But I know this is what I need to protect myself from getting hurt. Another heartbreak would slay me. The last one almost did. This no strings arrangement is the only solution for me. Besides, the sex is fan-fucking-tastic. I didn’t know sex could be so intense, fun, and steamy at the same time. It must be this way because we’re free. We’re here by choice, not under the guise of an obligation. Freedom, that’s what makes it so good.

  “Hey. Are you okay?” Ben whispers in my ear.

  “Fine. I’m fine.” I smile warmly back at him.

  “You looked a million miles away.”

  “I must be coming off my sugar high,” I say.

  He laughs. “Crashing, huh?” He rubs his hand up and down my back, playfully snapping my bra strap. Nice to know this bra is still on his mind.

  “Apparently cupcake rushes are short lived.”

  “Oh, quit the whispering,” Marcello complains. “Peter and I are going to the Central Park Zoo tomorrow. Would the two of you like to join us?” Typical Marcello. I just finished telling him that Ben and I are not a couple, so naturally he invites us out on a double date. I’ll have to skate around this.

  “Isn’t it a bit cold for a zoo visit?” I ask, glaring at him. His eyes widen as he realizes his faux pas.

  “He’s dragging me there.” Peter rolls his eyes.

  “You could be more supportive, my darling. It’s part of my research,” Marcello explains.

  “What are you researching?” Ben asks.

  “Tell him, Sweetheart.” Peter smiles, shaking his head, looking very entertained. This should be interesting.

  “I have a theory that all flamingoes are gay,” Marcello explains.

  “Oh, he told me about this. It makes perfect sense. Tell them,” Allie agrees. Her endorsement tells me what we’re about to hear will make no sense at all.

  “Well, I read that a flock of flamingoes is called a flamboyance. When I read that, I thought, they must be gay. I knew I had to see it in person.”

  “You know that makes no sense at all,” I tell him.

  “That’s exactly what I told him,” Peter adds.

  “You’re just a bunch of naysayers,” Marcello dismisses, waving us off.

  “I think I’ll pass on the zoo visit. But thanks for the invite,” I say.

  I peek over at Ben and he’s smiling, a genuine panty creamer smile. Between his dimples and the adorable laugh lines on the sides of his eyes, I may need to jump him right now. My God, he’s so incredibly sexy. I love my friends, but go the fuck home already.

  ~o0o~

  After about two hours of wine, cheese, cupcakes, and a lot of laughs courtesy of Marcello and Allie’s theories, everyone decides to call it a night.

  “Anytime you want your portrait taken, I’m you’re man. Maybe something special for Julia, like a boudoir shoot,” Marcello slurs, wiggling his brows.

  “Come on, Sweetheart. The wine has compromised your filter. Good to see you, Ben.” Peter drags Marcello out the door.

  Allie says her goodnights and stumbles into her bedroom leaving me and Ben alone. I turn to him and he wraps his hands around my waist.

  “I like your friends,” he says.

  That’s good. I hate yours.

  “They’re a little crazy, but they’re the best,” I agree.

  “Looks like I’ll have to take a rain check on that shower.”

  “You could stay over if you want,” I suggest nervously.

  “I have a training session. It’s very early. Rain check on that?”

  “Sure.” I shrug one shoulder up.

  He holds me tight; his hands slide under my sweatpants, landing on my ass.

  “You like to rest your hands there, don’t you?”

  “They’re Roman, remember?” He chuckles as he caresses my butt.

  “Roman or roaming?” I ask sarcastically.

  “Both.” He laughs. “I had a good time tonight.”

  “Me too.”

  “We’ll do this again soon?” he asks.

  “Hopefully without the audience.”

  “Good night, Julia.” He leans in and kisses me.

  “Good night.”

  He turns and leaves. I watch him step into the elevator from my doorway. He sees me and winks. I wave shyly then close the door. Once inside, I lean against the door and sigh.

  Chapter 9

  I wake with a stage two hangover, fuzzy and no doubt a little stupid, but at least I won’t puke. Drinking wine on a cupcake dinner probably wasn’t the brightest idea. I need to hydrate. Slowly, I drag myself out of bed and head for the kitchen.

  “Good Morning, Sunshine. Where’s Ben?” Allie chirps, peeking over the opened refrigerator door.

  “He left last night.” I open the oven and take out the dirty dishes I hid last night, placing them back in the sink.

  “Why? It looked like you were having fun.”

  “We were. He was meeting his trainer early. He had nothing to change into.”

  “Oh, that’s right. He’s one of those exercise freaks. Are you bummed?” she asks with a sympathetic smile.

  “I don’t know. Maybe a little.” I shrug half-heartily, trying my best to look blasé.

  “Well, another time, maybe.” She closes the refrigerator door with a carton of orange juice in her hand.

  “I guess so.”

  “He seems like a nice enough guy. And he’s hot as hell.” She points to the carton of juice. I nod. She grabs two glasses and pours the juice in each.

  “He is.” You should see him naked.

  She hands me a glass of juice. “He’s really into you.”

  “You think?” I hop
e. I take a big swig of my juice. This is exactly what I needed. Now I want coffee. Or better yet, a greasy burger with a side of gravy fries.

  “Jules, his eyes were glued on you all night.” She stares at me with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly parted… A look we affectionately refer to as her “DUH” look.

  “I don’t know.” I know my eyes were on him all night.

  “I do,” she says confidently, leaning back against the kitchen counter.

  “Can I ask you something?” I look down into my glass of orange juice, twirling it in my hand.

  “Sure. Anything. I’m an open book.”

  “Was it weird that he didn’t make any plans to see me today? I mean, it’s Saturday. He didn’t mention he was busy or had plans of his own.” I fiddle with the top button of my flannel pajama shirt, a little hesitant to hear her answer.

  “It doesn’t always work like that. In my experience, you pretty much go with the flow, take it as it comes. Pardon the pun.” She takes a quick sip of her orange juice; frowns then tilts her head. “You’re not getting romantic feelings for him, are you?”

  “What? No.” I shake my head, wrinkling my nose.

  “Julia, are you?” Her voice is stern as her eyes widen.

  “No. I’m not. It’s just I thought we had fun last night… in my room.” I clear my throat. “I…I was hoping to have more fun tonight.”

  “So send him a text.” She waves her hand dismissively.

  “It’s not that easy,” I answer, defeated.

  “It’s exactly that easy.”

  “What if he says no?”

  “Then he says no. It’s going to happen sometime. I thought you understood… you can’t have expectations from him, just like he can’t have any expectations from you. You don’t clear calendars for each other. He’s not your boyfriend. He doesn’t owe you anything, including room in his daily life. If you’re both available at the same time and feel like getting together, you do. If one of you is busy, it’s no biggie. That’s the beauty of your arrangement. Are you having second thoughts?”

  “No, not at all. I like the way things are.”

  “Jules, listen to me. I’ve known you forever. If you feel you might get attached to him emotionally, get out of this now. I don’t want to see you get hurt down the road. That friend of his may be a bitch, but there’s some truth in what she said. Guys like Ben are great while it lasts, but they aren’t wired to stick around for the long haul. There’s always an expiration date in this kind of relationship. There’s no if it will end, eventually it will end, you need to accept that. That’s the way these casual flings are designed. If you’re looking for forever, I’m afraid you’re looking in the wrong place.” She leans toward me, glaring directly into my eyes.