“Sounds like he was trying to communicate his personal boundary. He doesn’t want to have sex without a deeper connection. Contrary to what many people believe, men crave emotional intimacy just as much as women do.”

“Thank you for that fascinating point, Dr. Klein,” I say dryly.

But I’m thinking of what Ryan told me about the customer who used him to act out her romance novel fantasies. Or the one who implied he was just tall. Does he think I’m doing the same?

“We do have an emotional connection,” I say. “More than any other guy I’ve been involved with.”

“How so?”

I think back over our interactions—once we got through the hostile phase. “I can relax around him. Like I don’t have to try so hard, if that makes sense? I feel…looser, I guess, when we’re together.” I sigh, shaking my head. “That sounds silly—”

“Not at all. How comfortable you feel around a partner is a huge indication of the success of a relationship.”

“We’re not in a relationship, though! Which is a good thing, because look how I’m acting, and nothing even happened.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t call tonight nothing.” Georgia smirks. “But that’s an interesting point. I can’t think of any guy you’ve been this shaken up over, even after dating a while. I’ve never seen you have much of an emotional response at all.”

“Maybe I’ve never liked anyone that much,” I say, which makes me wonder what’s different about Ryan.

Or maybe I’m different with him.

“Or you never let them get close enough to you to matter.” Georgia gives me a supportive smile. “Which makes sense, with what you saw growing up. Mom’s terrible relationships, all those boyfriends who dumped her and left.” She pauses. “But Ryan didn’t leave you, Jojo. He’s asking for more connection.”

My eyes fill with tears again. “Maybe I don’t know how to connect with anyone. Maybe I’ve spent so much time with books that I never learned how to handle real life, real relationships.”

Just like Mom. I hate considering this; I’ve always tried to not be like her.

“You had to handle more ‘real life’ at age ten than most people at age twenty-five,” Georgia says. “You’re just careful about who you let in, and that’s understandable. Is there anyone you have connected with deeply? Besides your favorite sister, I mean.” She grins teasingly. “Doesn’t have to be romantic.”

My mind instantly goes to RJ. I think we have something here, he wrote. Something that could be real.

“There’s a guy I’m friends with on this book forum. I’ve opened up to him about some fairly deep stuff.”

“But only online,” Georgia says, and I nod. “Not even a phone call or a video chat?”