Pain And Pleasure 18+✓

Thirty-three

As soon as Adrian leaves I find myself one-on-one with Josh. He's aggravated that I hid my new relationship with Adrian and that he feels left out lately. But how the hell do I respond to this?

It was never my intention. It's only circumstantial that I can't—even if I wanted to—publicize my affair with that man because it lacks guarantee in every way.

"Josh, for starters, I didn't hide anything from you," I tell him, my eyes focused on his so calmly. "Adrian and I are not really in a relationship. We're simply trying to know each other so I didn't want to make a big deal out of it." I take a spoonful of the ice cream that was supposed to be my dessert earlier.

Josh studies me carefully, eyes narrowed like a prominent detective. We're seated in the kitchen bar, and a few noises coming from the living room where Jake and Isla are watching a movie.

"You like him?" Josh asks.

Like him? I guess I do. Like... blushing kind of like when I hear his voice, and a leg-binding reaction when his tone turns deeper and hoarse.

Okay, maybe more than an innocent kind of like? Whatever!

"I know where this is going, Josh, but seriously I'm not in the mood of having twenty-one questions right now," I say dismissively. "Trying to play my dad over dinner should be enough for one day, don't you think?"

A mild laugh vibrates through his chest.

"I'm not playing Dad, Linc. I'm just looking out for you." He runs a hand over his neat raven hair, sighing. "I don't want him to turn out a bigger dick than Richard. You deserve the world and that guy is just a stranger in your life. You barely know him."

"Yes, he's a stranger. But isn't that how most relationships begin? From total strangers to best of friends? Or lovers? Or even something more?" I smile tight-lipped at him, trying to make him see that I'm not a baby in need of someone to lead my way in every step I take.

Some things are meant to be tried regardless of the danger.

"Yeah, it's true," he agrees. "But, Linc—"

"But you worry too much, Josh," I break in. His full eyebrows crease quizzically. "As I said before, I'm not having anything solid with the guy so you can save your concerns for later, maybe?" I reach for his hand on the metal raining and give it a gentle squeeze.

He smiles, binding another hand of his over mine. The warmth of his palm spreads on my skin, giving me that same assurance I've known for years.

"Promise me you'll be careful, huh? Don't ever let him take you for granted, Linc. Even if he sounds insanely rich and probably powerful and experienced in charming the ladies, don't allow him to rag your confidence," Josh beseeches, unfeigned concerns lacing his voice.

My heart smiles at him, embracing his unrestrained avuncular care. I know he's that protective best friend—he's always been—and I can count on him for anything.

After my bizarre experience with Richard, Josh made it his business to screen any guy who made a move on me. Annoying at times, but it's his way of loving me. I know he cares. He always will.

"I promise," I whisper. "As long as you don't ask about his intentions toward me the next you see him, which is very barbaric."

We laugh lightly and talk for a little more, mainly for the sake of old times and stolen moments out of our hectic schedule until he bids us goodnight. I walk him to the door and my smile widens when he tells me to take it slow with Adrian.

Well, if he means sex, then he's sadly late for the party. We've crumbled that wall already and I won't mind doing it again and again.

"Oh, before I forget," I tell him, "I've been meaning to ask you about your father."