Read Birthday Wishes - The List: Book 1 for Free Online Page B

that's fine. We'll make it work." The Guthman wedding had thus far proven to be an enormous pain in my ass. An enormous pain with an even more enormous checkbook. Rachel and I did well with our business, but not so well that we could risk telling a rich client to suck it.
    The microwave pinged. "Rach, I'm wiped. Can we pick this up in the morning?" I burned my hand pulling my food out of the microwave. I cursed loudly and almost dropped the package on the floor. "Shit, sorry."
    "It's okay, sweetie. I'll let you go."
    I sighed and leaned against the counter. "Thanks. Really." I wondered if I sounded as exhausted to Rachel as I did to myself.
    "I know I'm not supposed to bring it up, but maybe you should go ahead and call him yourself." Rachel spoke far too gently, thus confirming that I did indeed sound as bad as I felt.
    I hadn't told her about my email exchange with Luca. I figured that, as a grown woman, I wasn't obligated to report it each time I planned to have sex. At least I sure as hell hoped not. Not even my kinkiest fantasies involved seeking permission from my best friend.
    "Rach, not now." I debated feigning ignorance with her, but she'd see right through that. It was easier to just continue pleading exhaustion. "I can't talk about that right now."
    "Fine. But that doesn't mean you are off the hook completely ," she scolded, but it lacked enthusiasm. I heard the tell-tale microwave ping come through the phone. Her dinner was ready, too.
    "Okay, go eat. I love you. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night." I spoke in a rush and pushed the disconnect button before she could think of a reason to stay on the line. This was one of the many differences between Rachel and me. After a long day, I wanted to be left the fuck alone. She, on the other hand, craved company. She wanted reassurance that tomorrow would be better. I thought she should get a cat.
    The fork was halfway to my mouth when my phone chimed that I had a text message. I figured it was Rachel ripping me a new one for hanging up abruptly, so I didn't hurry to check it. I took the bite of food, chewed slowly as to savor the lack of flavor and abundance of salt in my meal, then checked the screen.
    Luca.
    Shit. As much as I wanted to hear from him, I wasn't prepared to think sexy thoughts while wearing comfy pajamas and eating cardboard-esque food. Still, I pushed the button.
     
    Hey sweet girl. Saturday can't get here quick enough. Haven't been able to stop thinking about you.
     
    Hmm. As far as messages went, this one didn't suck. And I was relieved to see that we'd graduated from the minimalist communication we'd shared via email on Monday. I moved to the living room and flipped on the television. My TV dinner--aptly named--and my phone made the trip with me. I took another bite and thought about my response. I was too tired to talk on the phone about work, but that didn't mean I was too tired for meaningless sex if that's what Luca was offering.
     
    What were we thinking when we agreed to wait until Saturday?
     
    That was good. Flirty, willing, but noncommittal.
     
    It wasn't my first choice, but I didn't think you'd agree to come to my office and suck me off under my desk.
     
    I ran through the points on Luca's list. Was that on it? I couldn't remember. I texted back.
     
    Promise to bend me over the desk first, and that's the best offer I've had all week.
     
    That fantasy was somewhere on my list, so why not work it in?
     
    Deal. How about now?
     
    Was he serious? Like I was supposed to drop everything and meet him at his office at, shit--I checked my watch--almost eleven at night? Not terribly late for a booty call if I were a college student or a professional hooker. I just turned thirty, for Christ's sake. I had to be up at 5 am. Now, my ass.
    Apparently I took too long to respond because Luca followed up with another message.
     
    Or maybe during lunch tomorrow? Can you get away?
     
    Less demanding, but not any more realistic.
     
    I wish.