“No” . . . but not “Hell, no.”

Heather sighs again. “I said I wasn’t asking you not to date at school this semester, and I meant that. I don’t think I can agree to share you for the long term, but—go ahead and date this girl Rachel . . . just—be mine when I come to visit. I don’t know, maybe I’ll feel different about it in a few months; but right now, I can’t say yes to that.”

“I understand, Heather,” I say quietly.

She leans across the table and gives me a long, smoldering kiss. “Now come home with me. Come stay with me tonight.” Her expression eases and she shoots me a naughty look. “I might even let you get some sleep.”