Part of Your World (Part of Your World, #1)

by Abby Jimenez

“I’m not dating for the foreseeable future. I don’t need any men in my life right now. Or ever.” She scoffed. “Yeah, well, we’re all strong-ass women until a smoke alarm starts chirping at three a.m. on a high ceiling and there’s no one to hit it with a broom but you.”

I looked back at Daniel, and he shrugged. “I’m not an asshole. It’s my favorite thing about myself.”

“I have to say, this was the highlight of my week.” She smiled. “Must be a slow week.”

“Is there anyone out there under the impression that they are in a relationship with you?” I laughed. “It’s just a grilled cheese, you know. It’s not that serious.” “Oh, I know. But if I was under the impression that I was in a relationship with someone and I came home to find them making a grilled cheese for another woman, I would not be happy.”

“Look at that man-trum. Eight thousand nerves in the clitoris and still not as sensitive as a white man not getting his way.”

Hunter trotted over and sat next to me. I looked at my dog and scoffed. “Please tell me you’re kidding. Is this how you looked when she came back? We’re trying to make a good impression and both your ears are inside out.” He blinked at me, and I had to laugh. He had a pink lipstick kiss on his forehead.

“Ali, men are two things. Disappointing and consistent. I believe you.”

God, that dog is obsessed with you.” I looked and laughed. Hunter had his nose pressed right on the window, breathing heavily. There were two foggy breath trails under his nostrils on the glass and his ear was inside out. He had a dragonfly on his head.

“The relationship was…abusive.” His brows drew down. “He hit you?” I shook my head. “No. He was mean.” Daniel studied me. I couldn’t interpret the look on his face. “What?” I asked. He shook his head. “I would never be mean to you.” The comment hit me right in the heart, it was so earnest.

“No cream? No sugar?” “No.” He shook his head. “How can you drink that?” “It’s coffee. You’re supposed to taste it. You can’t taste it with cream and sugar in it.”

The chemistry between us was off the charts. He made my body react just by being in the room, and it occurred to me that this would be true even if we’d never touched each other. Even if I had been here on a couple’s weekend with Neil and this was the first time I’d ever met him, I would have noticed it. It was like a pupil shrinking under a light, totally involuntary.

I wanted to see her world with my own eyes, not just these glimpses behind the curtain. I wanted to be a part of it.

I don’t think she realizes how exceptional she is. I got the sense nobody tells her, which is weird.

“Went on a Tinder date with a twenty-six-year-old.” I arched an eyebrow. “And?” “And the guy’s entire apartment was a TV, an Xbox, and a recliner parked in front of it. His mattress was on the floor. He only had one plate.”

“Why is everything so hard?” “Because you have too many fucks to give.” “Ha-ha.” “No, I’m serious. Give up some of your fucks and see how much easier things are. You’re just spending all your time trying to please everyone else, and it’s making you miserable.”