Page 36 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

eyes not leaving mine.

Her: “Can you be loyal without attention?”

Him: “If I’m yours, I stay yours. Whether you lookin’ at me or not.”

My pants slide down my thighs and puddle at my ankles.

I step out of them.

Her: “Have any dreams or aspirations to be in the music industry?”

“Nah. That ain’t me.”

Her: “How long’s your mouth game last before your jaw tap out?”

I reach for my halter,

starting at the top,

pulling one string at a time.

“Long as you need,” he says, gravel in his throat. “I’ll give it to you.”

I continue walking toward him,

one step after another.

Her: “What’s your attachment style? Don’t play dumb. I’ll know.”

Him: “Secure when I’m chill.” His chin lifts, eyes staying with mine as I step between his spread thighs. “Get real clingy when I—” He sinks back and he clears his throat, “—when I slip up and catch feelings. Act a lil’ obsessed when I care too much. Rare, but shit happens. Better you know now.”

Her: “You understand the rules: no intercourse, no head, no nuttin’.”

“Yeah. You’re safe with me.”

I slip my halter off my shoulders, baring my tits to the cold room, my nipples hard.

“Okay, fuck—” He breaks the word off,

then lets out a breathy laugh. “Okay.”

Her: “Last relationship?”

“Uh—” He chuckles, then bites his lip. “Three years ago. First and last.” His Adam’s apple jumps. “You’re… you’re gorgeous, you know that?”

My stomach’s turning. As if this body isn’t neutral ground anymore. It’s Andrew’s territory. And now just standing naked and exposed in front of someone who isn’t him feels like cheating.

It shouldn’t.

It’s my body, not Andrew’s.

But it still feels like cheating,

and I hate that.

Her: “Ever been in love?”

Honor’s eyes are locked on mine so tightly, knowing if he looks anywhere else it might get him kicked out. “Nah.” He’s breathing heavier now. “Thought it was it. But figured if it were, she wouldn’t’ve cheated. So guess it wasn’t.”