Friday I'm in Love by Mari Carr

didn’t know he had.
    “Tonight was great, Nat.”
    She smiled. “Is this the part of the evening where I impress my teacher with all my newfound intelligence about life and score some rewards?”
    He tried to ignore the annoyance that accompanied her question. He didn’t want tonight to be about learning a lesson. Rather than reveal his feelings, he forced a grin.
    “Haven’t you had enough rewards?”
    “Never.” Her answer reached him on a whisper and he silently prayed that answer was true. He bent closer and kissed her.
    “So what did you learn?”
    “I think you were trying to show me that it’s okay to let go every once in while.
    That there’s nothing wrong with letting yourself have something you want.”
    “And you wanted me ?”
    “I told you I thought you were hot.”
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    Her comment rubbed against the grain as he felt her trying to put this whole evening in the sex category, rather than the lovemaking one. He tried to ignore her words. Sarcasm was Natalie’s way. He knew better than to let her get under his skin.
    “What about the romance? The soft music? The candles? The rose petals?” He felt like a jerk for returning her volley with his own cynicism. She blinked twice at his tone and he knew he was being a shithead, lashing out.
    “That was all nice.” Her response was quiet, uncertain.
    “I’m just kidding, Nat. You learned exactly what I hoped you would.”
    “No, I don’t think I did. I suck at romance. Suck at all that sweet shit. My sister, on the other hand, would have eaten tonight up with a spoon.”
    He remained quiet, hopeful. She’d just cracked a door and he knew it. She’d never volunteered information about her sister, though he knew the woman must have been a huge part of Natalie’s life.
    “Yvonne loved romantic movies, devoured romance novels—reading at least three a week. I used to tell her she was wasting her time on that garbage. That romance was the ultimate female fantasy and as likely to occur in real life as aliens coming to live amongst us.”
    “Haven’t you ever seen Men in Black ? The aliens are already here.”
    She laughed at his joke, but continued talking. “She used to date all the time. She was gorgeous, vivacious, friendly and fun. Everything I wasn’t.”
    “That’s not true, Nat. You’re too hard on yourself.”
    “I’m not saying I’m a terrible person, Ewan. Really, I’m not. I know I’m smart. I’m cocky enough to think I’m very good at my job. This isn’t a self-esteem issue. I’ve just always found it difficult to fit in, to forge relationships.”
    “That whole people annoy me thing?”
    She smiled ruefully. “Maybe my problem is I think too highly of myself. I’m very intolerant, aren’t I?”
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    He shook his head. “I don’t think so. Besides, you do fine hanging out with me, my family, Sky.”
    She paused at that and looked at him. “You all seem to be the exceptions, rather than the norm. And in your case, I suspect it’s because you have a bit of a sadomasochistic streak in you.”
    “What?” he asked.
    “You must be in to pain to put up with all the abuse I pile on your head,” she replied with a grin.
    “Never thought of that. You may be right.” They laughed together and the conversation died for a moment.
    “How old was Yvonne when she died?” He hated to bring the playful mood down, but he’d never move ahead with Natalie if they didn’t leap this hurdle. It was becoming clear Yvonne’s death had played a big role in why Natalie didn’t open herself up to close relationships.
    “Twenty-three. I was twenty-four. We were born only ten months apart.”
    “Oh damn. You realize the not-so-nice term for that is Irish twins?”
    She grinned. “Yeah, I’ve heard that expression before. How about that? I’m Irish too.”
    Natalie closed her eyes, rested her head against tub. He didn’t like the distance so he shifted them, moved her until she sat between his