Free Sugar & Salt by Pavarti K. Tyler Page A

of business in a flash, or worse, end up on the news.
    Danger trumps any sadness she feels about having to leave.
    He shrugs, as if her entire world hadn’t been put in jeopardy just by knowing him. Not to mention what would happen to
him
if anyone found out. No more fancy job, that’s for sure.
    “I was appointed to the United Nations Population Fund about eight months ago.”
    “Population Fund? Like women’s health and sex workers?”
    “Yeah, why?”
    “Oh my God. You.... I can’t even.... This is impossible. You and I? Impossible!” She charges out of the room and retrieves her purse from the hallway table. She turns around to find Salt standing before her, stark naked with a pained expression on his face.
    “I have no idea what’s going on here.” He holds his hands palm up.
    His vulnerability and openness knocks her for a loop. He stands here naked, waiting for her to kick him in the balls. She shakes her head, confusion and disappointment jostling for dominance in her mind. “Just forget it. Forget me.”
    “I can’t. Janice, you’re all I think about.”
    “You don’t know me.”
    “That doesn’t matter. I know enough to know I want more. Don’t go, all right? Whatever this is, let’s talk it out.” He steps closer, almost within reach.
    “There’s nothing to talk out. Trust me, I’m doing you a favor.”
    “How exactly is that?”
    “Just knowing me could ruin your career.”
    “That’s ridiculous.” He huffs, lowering his hands.
    “It’s not. You’re better off forgetting you ever met me. Forget about tonight and just go back to speed-dating. You’ll meet some nice girl who will feel like a princess on your arm and you’ll live happily ever after. I don’t fit into that picture. I’m not that puzzle piece.”
    He grimaces and takes on a strong, domineering pose, pulling himself up to his full height. Even naked in the middle of his living room on the morning after, he’s an impressive presence. “I think you’re scared.”
    “What?” The words sting as they smack her in the face, but they don’t make any sense. She’s being the smart one, looking out for both of them. If he only knew....
    “Either that, or you’re incredibly stupid.”
    “Excuse me? What gives you the right? You think you know me?”
    “No, but I’m not as stupid as you think. I know you’re terrified and finding excuses to leave. You’re saying it’s my job, but you were gearing to bolt before you knew what I do. And how can my job possibly have anything to do with you?” He looms over her, tall and proud. Anger tightens his features and his eyes darken to black in the dim light.
    “I’ll see you around, Salt.”
    He grabs her arm as she tries to walk away, gripping it hard. “Tell me you don’t want to see me again, and I’ll leave you alone.”
    “I don’t want to see you again. I
won’t
see you again.”
    “It’s not true.” He moves toward her, lifting her up with a strong, forceful grip so their faces are inches apart. “I felt you last night. I felt something beyond a quick fuck, and I know you did, too. There was something there, something between us.”
    “I don’t know what you’re going on about, but I was looking to get laid. I did, and now I’m leaving. Don’t read more into it than that.”
    “You’re lying. I don’t know why, but you are, and you’re going to regret it.”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    “No, I’m stating the inevitable outcome.” He releases her and steps away. “But suit yourself. Go ahead and leave. I’ll be at the bar at Blind Tiger next Thursday. Show up.”
    He glares at her before retreating to his bedroom and shutting the door without turning around.
    A band of regret tightens around her heart, clenching her chest in a knot of pain as she grabs her bag and walks out of the apartment.

Should Have Been a Rock Star
    Salt slams his fists to his temples.
What the fuck just happened?
    He takes three steps to the left and two back to