Free Truth or Date by Susan Hatler Page B

shocking him and myself as well. The sudden emptiness felt like a cold rush between us and left my chest hollow.
    We stared at each other as both of us fought to catch our breath.
    I really, seriously, needed to start picking Truth.
    ****
    “You’re home late.” Kristen sat on the couch and twisted toward the front door as I opened it.
    “You’re up late.” The cab pulled away from the curb behind me and I turned, shut the door, and locked it. I’d have to get my car tomorrow, but there’s no way I was legal to drive after the number of drinks I had tonight.
    She pushed up the sleeves of her flannel pajamas. “Where were you?”
    “Out.” Since she had an early routine, I’d been hoping she’d be fast asleep and I wouldn’t have to explain the horrible mistake I’d made tonight.
    “With who, Gina?” She patted the cushion next to her. “I talked to Ethan earlier, so you obviously weren’t with him. Great dress, by the way.”
    “Thanks.” My world may be collapsing but at least my new dress was a hit.
    Chirp! Chirp! My phone went off inside my purse. I checked the screen and it was from Chris: Are you home yet? We need to talk.  
    Oh, no. We so didn’t need to talk. I barely had the strength to get out of there. It was an insane attraction, that’s all there was to it. Heaps and tons of extremely, hard-core attraction. Who could blame me for the slip? He’s irresistible—like cookie dough ice cream, only lathered with whipped cream and hot fudge as well. How was I supposed to hold out against someone that enticing?
    I dropped onto the couch and moaned. “Help me. I kissed Chris tonight.”
    Kristen plopped her feet up on the coffee table and wiped her hands together. “Your friend from work? Why?”
    The reason was so embarrassing, but at this point I may as well be honest. “Because he makes me feel all tingly inside.”
    She leaned her elbow against the couch. “I suspected this would happen. Gina, if you like him so much then what’s the problem?”
    My head hung, stunned at what she’d said. I liked Chris? As in liked him liked him? On most levels I already knew that, but to have her say it aloud meant I couldn’t deny it anymore.
    I brought my thighs to my chest and buried my nose between my knees. “He’s a total girl hopper and I do this, Kristen. I fall for guys who don’t want commitment. I’m like a bug drawn to the light and I can’t stop myself even though it’s going to kill me—or, at least break my heart and keep me single the rest of my life.”
    She blew out a breath and shook her head. “I hate to state the obvious, but what about Ethan? He’s amazing and as part of the female species, you have to feel drawn to him. So why haven’t you invited him to the wedding?”
    Keeping my nose to my knees, I threw my hands in the air. “I don’t know! Why don’t you tell me ? You’re the counselor, right?”
    My head whipped up and I pleaded with my eyes. Surely as a family counselor she had insight into relationship dynamics and knew how to work it. I mean, she selected Jake who seemed to be the definition of perfect. Except for the hardship of him wanting her all the time. Because that must bite. Not.
    “The first step to getting what you want is knowing what you want.” Her voice seemed distant almost as if she were talking to herself. “Gina, what do you want?”
    Her tone sounded annoyingly clinical, but at least the answer was obvious. “I want to marry a man I adore, have kids, and live happily ever after. I’m not interested in casual dating and I do not, I repeat I do not want to spend another decade with Mr. Wrong.”
    Kristen shrugged. “Then, you have to break your bad dating pattern. You’re attracted to the wrong type of guy, one who’ll never give you the relationship you want. Choosing Mr. Wrong, as you put it, is comfortable because it’s what you’re used to. But you’re in control of your future. Keep making the same choices in life and