You're the Only One Read online

  Dillon paid no mind to my joke and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water.

  “I brought some beer,” I said, holding the six-pack over my head. “I plan to get you nice and buzzed, so you’ll spill about this new chick in your life.”

  Chuckling, Dillon grabbed a towel and wiped his chest, his abs flexing and revealing his own six-pack.

  Jesus.

  “Dude, I need to start working out with you. You’re ripped!”

  “Yeah, right. When was the last time you worked out?” Dillon grabbed the beers from my hand. He took out one for each of us before putting the rest in the fridge.

  “Well, I walk dogs every weekend. That counts.”

  He popped the tops off the bottles and handed me one. “Whatever you say.”

  “So, spill it. Who is this new woman? Where did you meet her? How was the date? Is she cool? Would I like her?”

  Dillon walked past me and plopped down on his couch before taking a long swig from his beer. “Her name is Natasha. We met on the sidewalk when I was walking Kuma. The date was good…great actually. I think she’s cool, and yes, I think you’ll like her.”

  I pulled out some treats and fed them to Kuma as I listened to Dillon answer my questions. Something was different. He hadn’t fought me and told me I was being nosy. He’d offered up the information like he actually wanted to talk about her. Peering up at him, I noticed he was looking down at his beer bottle and grinning to himself.

  “You really like her, don’t you?”

  He blinked and met my stare. “Huh?”

  “Oh my God, look at you! You’re crushing hard core on this girl. Ah, shit. Dillon Frazier is smitten.”

  The grin fell from his face, and he shook his head. “Grow up, Sky.”

  “Nope, not gonna happen. I mean, have you seen yourself? You have this dreamy look in your eyes, like you’re love-struck or something,” I said, walking over and sitting beside him. “Oh! Oh! Did you guys have sex? On the first date? You dirty bastard!”

  I punched his arm, and he covered it with his hand.

  “Jesus. No, we didn’t have sex. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  I scoffed. “Oh, please. Don’t try to act like a prude now. We always tell each other this shit.” My eyes widened. “Unless…holy crap. You love her, don’t you? She’s different, and you don’t want to disrespect your relationship by talking about it with your best friend. That is so sweet!”

  Dillon chugged his beer as I kept going, singing about them kissing in trees and baby carriages.

  “Are you done?”

  I laughed, taking a sip from my own beer.

  “So, how was your revenge date with Logan?”

  I almost choked and started coughing. I didn’t miss the scowl on Dillon’s face.

  “Fine. It went fine,” I lied, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

  “Just fine? You didn’t sleep with him, did you?”

  Ugh. Sometimes, I hated that Dillon knew me so well.

  I rolled my eyes. “Please.”

  “Mmhmm.”

  “Don’t you worry about me. I’ve got it all under control.”

  He grunted before getting up to grab another beer.

  “How’s the song coming?” I asked, eager to change the subject.

  “It’s not. I’ve decided to let it rest for a while. It’ll come when it’s ready.”

  “That’s a good idea, I guess. I could always try to help, you know.”

  It was pointless to offer since Dillon never shared his songs with anyone until they were finished.

  “I’m good,” he muttered, sitting back down on the couch.

  Kuma walked over to rest her chin on his thigh, like she always did. She was a daddy’s girl for sure.

  “Oh, Matteo got me a gig this Thursday night at nine.”

  “Really? Where?”

  “The Angry Beaver.”

  I nearly spit out my beer.

  “Shut up. I know, but I have to take what I can get.”

  I held up my hands. The last thing I wanted was to discourage Dillon from chasing his dreams. I was so proud of him for putting himself out there like that. I knew it wasn’t easy.

  “No judgment. The name just threw me off. Me and my beaver will be there.” I never missed one of Dillon’s shows, and I had no plans to.

  “Good.”

  “So, tell me more about Natasha. What does she do? Did she grow up here?”

  Dillon looked down at Kuma and rubbed behind her ears. “She’s a model.”

  “I’m sorry. A what?” He can’t be serious.

  “A model.”

  “Are you for real? Like, a real model? Would I know who she was?” I paused for a second to think of any models I’d encountered named Natasha.

  Natasha…

  Natasha…

  No fucking way!

  “Oh my God. Are you dating Natasha Bennington? Please tell me you aren’t talking about the Natasha Bennington. Like the model who was in last month’s Vogue? That Natasha Bennington?”

  Dillon leaned back in the couch and cut his eyes at me as he took another swig from his beer. “It’s not that serious, Sky.”

  “Not that serious? You do know, she’s like the hottest new model in the industry right now, right? Holy shit. This is epic! Now, you can tell your future grandkids that you dated Natasha Bennington.”

  Unless they’re her grandkids, too.

  I sat there for a second, picturing them together. Dillon and Natasha would make the perfect couple. They were both gorgeous with their flawless mocha skin, jet-black hair, and perfect bodies. I’d never pictured Dillon dating a model. I didn’t think that was his type. He was so low maintenance. He was rugged and manly. He got dirty and liked to work with his hands, but then again, maybe their differences were what made them a good fit.

  Either way, I was happy for him…and maybe just a little jealous. Dillon was dating a supermodel, and I couldn’t even get my douche-bag ex to sleep with me.

  Later that night, I was sitting at my desk, sketching out some new design ideas, when my cell phone rang. It was Logan again. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and straightened my spine.

  Be strong! You’re in charge, not him.

  “Hello?”

  “Sky?”

  “That’s me,” I said cheerily, trying to hide my apprehension.

  “I was afraid you were avoiding me.”

  I sensed a hint of accusation in his tone. He saw right through me, of course.

  “Oh, no. Sorry, I’ve been busy. What’s up?”

  I dropped my forehead into my hand, embarrassed by my obvious front. At least it wasn’t a total lie. I had been busy with helping Frederico prepare for Fashion Week.

  “I want to see you again.”

  Biting my lower lip, I pleaded with myself to not seem eager. “Oh. Well, I’m working a lot this week. When did you want to meet up?”

  “Whenever you’re free.”

  I grinned, feeling a little more of my confidence returning. “Um…” I paused and pretended to think as I drew a bracelet on my sketchpad. “How about Thursday night? I’m going to watch Dillon’s show at nine. Maybe we could go to dinner first?”

  “What type of show?”

  “He sings. I guess you didn’t know that, did you? He’s pretty amazing. You should come see for yourself. Actually, invite your friends, too. The more, the merrier.”

  I smirked at my ingenious idea. Making him squirm and think I’d lost all romantic interest had definitely given me the upper hand. Throwing Dillon in the mix would also make him jealous. What guy wouldn’t be jealous of Dillon and his talent?

  “Text me the details. I’ll tell some friends about the show, but dinner will be just the two of us. I have some things I’d like to talk to you about.”

  “Okay,” I drawled, my eyebrows rising at his commanding tone.

  “I look forward to seeing you again, Sky. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

 
“Yeah, okay. See you then.”

  I hung up the phone, feeling more assured in my plan. I could do this.

  I spent all day Thursday mentally preparing myself for my date with Logan. There was no denying that we had strong sexual chemistry, and I’d decided there was no harm in indulging as long as I kept my emotions in check. I was going to use Logan. I’d have a good time, get a few orgasms, and then leave once I’d had my fill. I could pretend to give him my heart if that was what it took. I was going to fuck him out of my system, so I could finally move on—ideally, before he was ready to see me go.

  It might not be the revenge I’d originally hoped for, but this might be even better if I was careful. It was also comforting to know I’d have a date to Dillon’s show tonight. The last thing I wanted was to play third wheel to him and Natasha Bennington.

  Reaching into the top of my bra, I pulled my boobs up a little higher to give myself more cleavage, and a few seconds later, there was a knock at the door.

  I stared at my reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. “Here we go, Sky. You’re Angelina Jolie. You’re Madonna. You’re Beyoncé. You don’t need no man. Make him beg. Make him kneel at your feet—”

  Another knock sounded, making me jump.

  “I’m coming!” I shouted.

  He could wait a little longer.

  A smirk curled my lips as I ran my hands down my sides. Wearing one of my favorite low-cut shirts, tight black jeans, and a red leather jacket with sexy six-inch heels, I was looking hot and ready to do some seducing.

  When I finally opened my front door, I found Logan waiting patiently on the other side with a bouquet of red roses. Our eyes met for a brief moment before his were working their way down my body.

  That’s right. Take the bait. You know you want to.

  I smiled to myself before reaching out for the flowers. “Are these for me?” I asked in a sweet voice.

  Logan handed them to me but didn’t answer my question. “Damn, Sky. You look even better than I remember.”

  “Aw, you’re sweet,” I said, waving him off, like I hadn’t spent the past hour making sure he’d think that when he saw me.

  I considered putting the roses in some water but thought better of it. No use in keeping them around; that would be too sentimental.

  Placing them on my dining room table, I picked up my purse and walked back to the door. “So, where are you taking me?”

  Logan seemed introspective as we sat, waiting for our dinner. I’d forgotten he’d said he had something to talk to me about. He must be contemplating what to say.

  “So…”

  “Sky, I—”

  We smiled, as we’d both tried breaking the silence and instead interrupted each other.

  “Go ahead,” I said, lifting my glass of water for a sip.

  He appeared nervous, and I was enjoying every second of it.

  “I wanted to talk to you about something before we took this relationship any further.”

  Relationship? I wasn’t aware we were in a relationship.

  Taking a deep breath, Logan seemed to be watching me closely for any reaction, but I made sure to maintain my composure. Whatever he was about to say wouldn’t matter because we weren’t in a relationship, and we never would be.

  “I’m a polyamorist.”

  I slowly set my water down as I searched my memory for that word.

  Polyamorist…polyamorist…

  Oh…

  Oh!

  My eyes widened, and I knew Logan recognized the moment I understood what he had said.

  “Oh. Wow.”

  Logan didn’t speak; he just sat there as I processed what he had told me. If I was remembering correctly, that meant he carried on multiple relationships. He had sex with multiple partners. He wasn’t monogamous.

  “Well, that’s interesting,” I muttered before taking another swig from my glass.

  What is this going to do to my plan? How can I play someone who openly dates and fucks multiple people at a time?

  Damn him!

  “I hope this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, Sky. I like you very much, and I want to see where this goes, but I have to be honest. Honesty and communication are important in this type of lifestyle.”

  “Are you seeing other women then? Do they know you’re here with me?”

  My plot for revenge was pushed aside as curiosity took over. I’d never met a polyamorist before.

  “Yes, I am involved with two other women, and they both know I’m here with you now.”

  I was impressed by his frankness and even more intrigued.

  “Wow. Two? How do you find the time?” I asked, smiling.

  The waiter approached our table and set down our plates.

  Logan seemed to release a breath he’d been holding, and he relaxed a little. Maybe he really did like me.

  “Thanks for making a joke. I’ve been stressing over this all day.”

  “Have you?” I asked, cutting a bite from my fifty-dollar steak.

  “I have.” Logan picked up his knife and fork. “So…what do you think?”

  “Think about what?”

  “Are you still willing to see me? To give me another chance?”

  I paused to chew my food and rack my brain for an answer. Since my plot had been thwarted, I supposed there was no real reason to continue stringing him along. Using him for sex probably wouldn’t faze him since he already had two other women to fall back on…or into…or whatever. My chances of getting him back for what he’d done seemed to be slipping away.

  He was being honest with me, so maybe I should do the same. Maybe, at the very least, I could find some closure. Besides, once he knew what I’d been planning, he’d change his mind about dating me.

  Swallowing, I put my fork down and met Logan’s stare. “I have something I need to tell you, too.”

  Logan set his utensils down, rested his elbows on the table, and clasped his hands together, giving me his undivided attention. “Okay.”

  “I only agreed to go out with you because I wanted to…hurt you. I wanted revenge.” Saying it out loud made it sound so much worse than it had in my head. Especially since Logan had been nothing but nice to me since we reunited.

  Logan’s eyebrows furrowed, but he didn’t seem angry, only confused. “So, you’re not really interested in pursuing anything with me?”

  I shook my head. “I wasn’t. No.”

  “And what about now?”

  I sat there for a second, confused by his question. Didn’t he hear what I just confessed? My gaze lowered to my plate as I considered my response.

  Am I interested in him now?

  I could still remember the way his lips had felt while pressed against mine, the way his strong arms had wrapped around me. I was definitely attracted to him, if nothing else.

  “I don’t blame you for wanting to make me pay for the things I did. And, if you’d been successful, I would have deserved it. But I think there’s something more between us, and I’d like to explore it. I’ve thought about you a lot over the years, Sky. I’ve missed you.”

  I peered up at him, and despite my better judgment, I believed him. I had to because, as much as I’d tried to deny it, I’d missed him, too.

  “But we need to be open and honest with each other and ourselves. I’m not asking you to be polyamorous. I’m asking you to give me a chance.”

  Am I really considering this? Getting involved with my ex who broke my heart and is now polyamorous? What does that even mean? Would we have orgies? Threesomes? Is this his way of fulfilling his egotistical fantasies?

  Logan sat quietly as all these questions raced through my mind.

  “Would we have orgies?”

  Logan chuckled, caught off guard by my question. “We could, yes, but that’s not what polyamory is about. It’s about lifting the restrictions of monogamy and being secure enough in your love to know that it won’t go away simply because your partner is also in love with someone else.”

&
nbsp; “Are you in love? With those other women?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are they polyamorous, too?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, they have sex with other people?”

  “Yes.”

  I was amazed at how open he was being about his relationships. His responses seemed to lack any emotion. He was so matter-of-fact about it.

  “Doesn’t that bother you? Knowing they’re sleeping with other people? Are you not jealous?”

  “Oh, jealousy happens. I won’t sugarcoat it for you. It can be hard to navigate, especially at first, but if you can learn to let go of your ego and insecurity and communicate honestly with each other, it can also be extremely freeing.”

  “Freeing?”

  “Absolutely. Just imagine being in a loving relationship where you can be honest about your attractions. Where you can openly pursue other people without cheating.”

  I slowly chewed my food, mulling it all over. Maybe he had a point. I didn’t like getting too close to people anyway. Knowing Logan had other women on the side would definitely help keep my emotions in check. Our relationship could be casual, purely sexual. I was being presented with the perfect opportunity to be in a relationship but also have the freedom I always wanted. I didn’t have to commit to anything. I could be with Logan when I wanted and date other guys, too—without any guilt. What’s the harm in that?

  “Okay.”

  Fuck, what am I doing?

  Logan’s eyebrows rose. “Okay?”

  “Okay, I’ll try it.”

  DILLON

  In the large corner booth of The Angry Beaver, I sat beside Natasha as she listened to Matteo’s plans for my success. She seemed to like him well enough, smiling and laughing at his stupid jokes.

  My set was about to start in ten minutes, and Sky still wasn’t here. Every few seconds, I’d find myself checking the door, wondering where she was. She’d never missed one of my shows before, and I was beginning to realize how much I relied on her presence to ground me and keep my nerves at bay. No matter how many times I’d done this, my self-doubt always stuck close by, clawing at my confidence. I was usually a fairly confident guy, but with my singing, my art, I always felt the most vulnerable.