Page 2 of Ruin Me Sweetly

I turned the shower on and grabbed a razor. Even though it was winter, I was willing to sacrifice warmth for Luke.

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After the last crate was unloaded, checked, and listed, I locked my office up. The museum was still full of visitors and staff, but I was done for the day. I pulled my phone out and shot Amber a text, reminding her that dinner was in the fridge and I’d be late.

I didn’t pause to go into the restroom for a quick brush-up and spritz of perfume. The scent radiating from my knickers should be more than enough, or I was going back into hibernation.

Luke used to come to the museum on his lunch breaks. He said he came often, but I’d never noticed him before the day he approached me. His handsome salt-and-pepper appearance, along with his excellent dress sense, had bowled me over enough to accept a dinner date.

Perhaps he was gay and needed a friend. I sighed, slipping my phone back into my purse.

“Bella.”

I grinned before turning to face my friend and colleague.

“Oh, don’t you look pretty. Where is George Clooney taking you tonight?”

“Back to his place tonight,” I said, wiggling my eyebrows.

She pulled a tissue out from—I checked her person and had no clue where she’d pulled it from. Maybe her sleeve.

“My repressed pal is finally getting cock tonight,” she said, dabbing her eyes.

I slapped my hand over her mouth.

“You don’t need to announce it to the world,” I hissed.

“Someone has to,” she said, pulling my hand away. “He is gonna need a jack to crack that punani open again.”

“I’m never telling you guys anything again,” I muttered.

“Hey, enjoy it. Amber is officially an adult, and she can vote and drink now. Live a little. If I was in your boat, I’d look up one of those porny hooker websites and order a man or three. You know. Get it all out of my system.”

“You mean a gigolo,” I said, rolling my eyes.

She stuck her finger at me and I moved back to protect my eyes.

“That is exactly why you need to get laid, girl.”

I prayed my thanks to the universe that Amber was a well-rounded, reasonable daughter.

“I’m not giving you any details, Rhea.”

We both knew I was lying. I was overly enthusiastic about the smallest thing. Even if I tried, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself, but I knew Rhea would never gossip about me.

I kissed her cheek.

“Say some prayers for me,” I whispered.

She cackled.

“Oh, yeah,” she said, slapping her palms together and rubbing them vigorously.

I left with a massive smile on my face. Once outside, I saw his car parked up. He was in the back seat with his window half rolled down. It was freezing, but he had to have his eyes on me.

He was so sweet. I felt guilty about pushing him for intimacy. He might just be taking his time since he knew it had been a while for me.

He pushed the door open as I approached and climbed out to greet me.