Free Gorgeous Consort by E. L. Todd

because I’m depressing?”
    “Depressing is too strong of a word. Normal is better.”
    I closed my eyes and felt the sun beat into me. There was a slight breeze so I wasn’t too warm.
    “So, honesty from now on?”
    “Sure.”
    “Cool,” he said. “So, are you attracted to me?”
    He didn’t waste any time. “I just said you were hot a few minutes ago, didn’t I?”
    “So, you meant it?”
    I sighed. “Troy, would you be an escort if you weren’t extremely attractive?”
    “Being attractive is subjective,” he said. “My friends will point out girls who they think are perfect tens and they look like shit.”
    I released a laugh. “Well, that’s mean.”
    “I’m just being honest like I said I would be.”
    “Yeah…”
    “So?” he pressed.
    “So what?”
    “You think I’m hot?”
    “Why do you want to know?” I countered. I adjusted my sunglasses on the bridge of my nose.
    “Because I want to know if you’re just as attracted to me as I am to you.”
    So, he was being completely honest . “Yes.”
    A stupid grin stretched his face. “Awesome.”
    I kept my eyes closed and enjoyed the sun.
    “So, you did like kissing me?”
    I sighed. “Troy, why are you asking all these questions if all we’ll ever be is friends?”
    “Because I’m curious—very curious.”
    “Fine,” I said with a sigh. “I’m going to save you some time and tell you everything you might ask about.”
    “I’m intrigued.” He propped himself on his elbows again.
    “I’ve been attracted to you since the moment I saw you. But since you’re an escort, I’ll never be interested in dating you. Aspen is a trusting person because she is sweet and…fucking weird…but I’m not like that. I’m more of the jealous type. If I had a boyfriend, I don’t want him touching anyone but me.
    “When we kissed, I felt something. It was hot, and you’re a great kisser. I love your body, and I even love the stupid smile you always make, like the one you’re making right now.”
    His grin stretched wider.
    “I’d sleep with you if there wasn’t obvious complications. But honestly, I like having you as a friend anyway so it works out.”
    He processed my words for a long time. “So, why wouldn’t you kiss me again?”
    I shrugged. “The moment was gone.”
    “Would you want to kiss me again?”
    This was going to dangerous territory. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
    He stared at the incoming waves. “Why don’t we be friends with benefits?”
    “I thought you weren’t sleeping around anymore.”
    “Well, that’s the thing,” he said. “I’d like to try. You’re the first girl I’ve been this attracted to in a really long time. What if we…fool around? We won’t tell anyone. It’ll be our secret.”
    That was tempting. “What’s your end game?”
    “To finally move on and be with other women.”
    I thought about the story he told me about his ex. “You aren’t over her, are you?”
    He quickly looked away like he was ashamed. There was nowhere for him to hide. He was the one who wanted to be honest. Now he had to face the music. “I…I’m not sure. But I don’t think I am.” His voice came out weak, like it took all his strength to speak. “Does that bother you?”
    “No. As long as you’re honest about it.”
    He sighed then lay back down. “I hate myself for feeling this way…she won’t go away no matter what I do. I’m doomed to suffer this forever. I’m so pathetic.”
    I rested my hand on his arm. “That doesn’t make you pathetic.”
    “She left me for some other guy over a year ago,” he said quietly. “You’d think I’d be over it by now. I had the ring and everything…then she left.” His voice was full of emotion. He sounded like a completely different person.
    “Its her loss, Troy. You’re an amazing guy, despite all your attempts to hide it. It may not seem like it but it’s the best thing that ever happened to you. You’ll realize that