Page 60 of Whisper Sweet Nothings

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Fuck me. You can’t say things like that.

I can’t tell you that I’m bathing?

Archie

You can’t tell me you’re naked.

Should I bathe in a swimsuit?

Archie

Winnie.

Archie.

Archie

Fine, we can text while you soak naked in hot water.

Okay. Let’s hear it. It was a huge mistake. It shouldn’t have happened. It can’t happen again.

Archie

Is that what you think, or is that you speaking for me?

That’s me speaking for you.

Listen. I acted on impulse. I wanted to kiss you and I’m fairly certain you wanted to kiss me.

Archie

We’ve established that. But we’ve also discussed why it shouldn’t happen. Do you remember that?

Because I wouldn’t kiss someone who wasn’t sure that they should kiss me. We had the discussion last week, and I remember it clearly. I’m younger than you, so my memory is much stronger.

Archie

Such a smartass. My point is, those issues are still there. Nothing has changed. But I’m not going to deny that I wanted to kiss you. My hesitation has nothing to do with how badly I want you, Winnie.

My heart raced at his words. Because I wanted him, too. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anyone or anything.

Listen, I don’t have any expectations. I got divorced six months ago. I’m not looking for anything. But it’s been a long time since I actually wanted to kiss someone, so I don’t regret it. I liked it, and it’s the first time in a very long time that I felt something like that, if that makes sense.

Archie

Something like what?

That I felt wanted. Desired. And I reciprocated those feelings. Maybe that’s what I need right now. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. You made it clear that you don’t date, and I’m not looking for a relationship. So maybe you’re just my boss who’s also my friend, and we just kiss sometimes. Is that a thing?

Archie

Do you want it to be a thing?

Do you?

Archie

I do, but I know I shouldn’t.

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