The Boys of Blueberries

14

The first time after they slept together, Tristan said he didn't want her anymore.

It was Sabina who wanted him.

"It was a one-time thing," he'd argue lowly, yanking her wrist away when she tried snaking it in his jeans. "Ms. Kyle, I really don't think it's a good idea to continue—whatever this is."

And that would've been fine, it would've been fine if Tristan felt iffy being in some sort of fuck-buddy agreement with his boss, and it would've been fine if his actions weren't opposite his words, if his eyes didn't stare whenever she bent over, if he didn't grip her waist whenever she passed by him.

So Sabina knew he wanted her, too. Still. Of course he did, one time was never enough for any of the men she'd been with.

A week after Tristan wasn't budging, Sabina got impatient. She was tired of her battery-operated boyfriend, so in the shower, while Tristan waits outside for her to finish, she yelled, in her loudest voice, "Help! Tristan!"

It was four seconds before the door slammed open. His eyes were frantic and wide, moving rapidly around the bathroom, one hand already on his waistband. "What?"

Shamelessly naked, Sabina grinned. "Hey, daddy."

"Jesus, fuck." Tristan tilted his head back and rolled his eyes, releasing a heavy breath. "I told you not to call me that, that's not my thing. And seriously?"

"Yeah. I do need help." She tipped her chin towards the towel rack. "Can you pass me my towel?"

He stared at her and raised an eyebrow. "You can reach your towel."

"Then I'll need your help somewhere else. I want you."

Tristan grabbed the towel off the hook and handed it to her, eyes dark.

Sabina pressed her back against the shower wall and smiled. "I'll put the towel on if you look down."

"Jesus Christ, Kyle."

"I know you want to."

"Why are you such a brat?" he demanded, features tightening. "I don't want this to be a thing—"

"Then we establish rules." Sabina held up her hand. "One. No kissing, I don't like it. Two, no talking about it at work, I'm a professional and I expect you to be one, too. Three, no feelings, no strings, no complications. Now, will you help me or not?"

Tristan put her towel back on its hook and kept his eyes on her. "You don't hold back on anything, do you?"

Sabina's hands travelled lower down her body. "No. Is that a problem?"

He took off his jacket, shaking his head, mouth curving, keeping his eyes on hers. "No. Not to me."

"Then get in here, daddy. Oh, sorry. Bishop."

He stepped in the shower with her and shut her up.

So, no. Sabina doesn't hold back on anything. Her agency told her to watch both her face and words on camera because, as a public figure, her reputation can go down the drain in seconds.

Sometimes, however, it was easy to forget.

"Sabina, let's talk about The Fit. Your magazine teased an upcoming collaboration with Women For Women. Can you tell us more about it?"

"Yes." Sabina nods and smiles, crossing her legs together. "We're very excited about our project with them, it's set to release in a few months. The Fit has always been in support of WFW's advocacy, and we're happy to be able to contribute to their initiative of providing menstrual product supplies to women in crisis and conflict zones."