Tied Together by Z. B. Heller Page A

she found Mr. Right and wouldn’t have to worry about working. It made more sense why she desperately wanted to go out with me. During our conversation at the bar, I’d told her I was in school for premed. In some eyes, being a doctor equaled money. What a life it would be to be a doctor’s wife.
    Ryan wouldn’t mooch off me when I become a doctor.
    Whoa! Wrong thinking.
    We finished dinner, and I paid the check. I knew if I did continue dating Nicole, my wallet wouldn’t be large enough. As we left the restaurant, she walked close to me and took my hand in hers. It was an odd feeling. Her skin was silky and smooth, no callouses, and those damn fingernails dug into my skin. Ouch . I handed my ticket to the valet, and before I could blink, Nicole wrapped herself around me, bringing our bodies closer together. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and the bracelets she wore jingled in my ear.
    “So,” she purred. “Are you coming back to my place?”
    I had to make a decision. My mind raced when I thought of all the possible outcomes spending the night with Nicole would have. What would Ryan think? Would he give me the brotherly pat on the back? What would I think about myself afterward? Would the answers regarding my sexuality be resolved? I needed to sleep with her in order to find out what I wanted—to find out what it would be like to be with a woman. Nicole was willing, that part was blatantly obvious. This was my opportunity to prove to myself my feelings for Ryan were all in my head.
    “Sure,” was the only answer I could manage. Nicole beamed and let go of me when the car pulled up. The valet exited the driver’s side, holding the car door open for me. Then he crossed in front of the car to open Nicole’s door for her.
    The ride back to Nicole’s apartment was silent. I was afraid I would back out if I said a word. We were almost back when we got caught by a red light. I had my eyes trained on the light above when Nicole placed her hand on my thigh. I looked at her, but she was looking straight onto the street, a little grin on her lips. The light turned green, and I drove on with her hand on my thigh. As we drove, her hand climbed my thigh ever so slowly. Sweat bloomed at my hairline, and I tried hard to not bat her hand away even though I wanted to. Her building came into sight, and I blew a sigh of relief.
    We got out of the car and entered the building. She waved to the doorman, and he returned a wave with a smirk that said, “Way to go! Catching another one.” Nicole pressed the elevator button and took my hand again. I bit my nails on my free hand and started to bounce on my heels. My feet wanted to turn and run the other way. I kept telling myself I wanted this, I needed this—I needed her. Right?
    The elevator opened, and I wasn’t surprised Nicole pressed the number for the top floor.
    “I have an amazing view of the city. Especially in the bedroom.”
    My mouth turned dry and my hands began to tremble. She noticed and took my hand and placed it right on her breast.
    “You’re so quiet. Perhaps you’re the type of man that likes a woman to take control.”
    I sucked in a breath, but out of surprise not lust. Nicole must have read it as the latter and stood on her toes to place a kiss on my lips. I took inventory of the kiss. Her lips were small, thin, and tasted manufactured, perhaps due to her lipstick. This kiss was so different than kissing Ryan. His lips were rough, strong, and confident. Her lips were too soft and all wrong. She backed away and looked at me, my hand still resting on her breast.
    “Aren’t you the shy one,” she said—but not as a question. “That’s okay, I like shy men. Easier to show them what feels good. Men who are set in their ways are like old dogs you can’t show new tricks.”
    “It’s just been a little while. With all the work I’ve had to do at school, I haven’t been able to date a lot,” I said, hoping the lie sounded convincing.
    Before I could