Page 42 of Cat's Outta the Bag

"It would help a lot, I think, if you both go out to the pool, but you know, did your own thing. Like maybe read quietly? Or engage with at least one other person?"

She pats my arm. "Yes darling, I hear you. We'll come out to the pool in a minute. But can I just show you one thing?" I sigh but nod. If listening now means she'll stop plotting with Cheryl, I'm all ears.

"When your sister was born, and we knew we wouldn't have any more kids, your grandmother took a necklace that had been in the family for generations and had it turned into rings. She said, 'people don't wear this kind of jewelry anymore, and I want to give my grandchildren something they'll use.'" From her pocket, she pulls out a small box, and inside are two rings. There must have been multiple types of stones in the original piece because one of the rings has a sapphire center stone, and the other has something else, amethyst, maybe? Both were flanked by two smaller diamonds on each side. They weren't giant or ostentatious and look like they could be easily paired with any kind of wedding band. Honestly, they're exactly what I would look for in a ring.

"She wanted you and Isla to be able to have these when you got married. I just wanted you to know that I have these if you want to use one. But I understand if you want to pick something out yourself, or maybe with Alexis, so you won’t hurt my feelings. Just know these are here.”

"Thanks, Mom. I'll be honest, it's definitely on my mind, but Alexis and I both agreed we'd live together first, then talk about marriage. So, for now, just keep them safe.”

A few minutes later, I'm hauling the tray of margs down to the pool. Allison and Tristan are both passed out; Allison is even snoring. Nique is swimming laps in the pool like she's training for the Olympics. And Alexis?

Well, she's sitting on a lounger, book in hand, staring daggers at her mother, who is at this point also by the pool with a book of her own. My mother is nowhere to be seen, but I'm sure she'll pop out eventually.

I set the drinks down, grab two and join my girl.

Once we're situated, her back to my chest, me holding her drink for her, so she can sip and hold her book at the same time; I try to broach the subject. "I talked to my mom."

“About?”

"Well, about whatever scheming she and your mom are doing. I asked her to cut it out and save it for another day that isn't your birthday."

She relaxes. Slightly. “Did she agree?”

"Yes, she understands that you just want to enjoy the rest of this weekend and respects that. I'm sure they'll exchange numbers and continue plotting, but it won't be where we can see or hear them." I tip my head forward to place a kiss on her head, hoping she'll chill out now.

It takes a few minutes, and some healthy sips of her margarita before she finally relaxes into me and starts reading for real.

***

It's mid-afternoon, and the group has disbanded to get cleaned up and ready for dinner. Alexis is in the shower, and I'm about to join her, but I need to check my phone first. Ten missed calls. All from my agent. Fuck me. I know what he wants, but I can't handle it right now. I don't have an answer for him, and I won't before Monday, so he needs to just chill.

I’m incredibly frustrated when I step into the bathroom. I almost turn around and leave, my mood is so foul, but Alexis’ voice stops me dead in my tracks.

"Oh, Jason!" Shit, she sounds sexy right now. "I believe as the birthday girl, I get to request orgasm services from a certain someone. I find myself in need of one. Now."

You don’t have to tell me twice. I am stripped and in the shower with her in record time.

She's rinsing something out of her hair when I get in, so I wait patiently for her to be done; I don't want to be responsible for disrupting her routine. When her eyes finally flutter open, I can't help but take a moment to appreciate them. Perfectly shaped lashes that fan out elegantly and a shade of green that only nature can produce. I get lost in these eyes.

“What?”

“Nothing, I just love looking at you.” I reach out and cup her cheek, pulling her close with my other hand and claiming her lips. Fuck, how does she always taste so good? A sigh escapes her lips as I press her against the shower wall.

I keep moving, trailing across her cheek and down the side of her neck, biting and kissing as I go. I can never get enough of her soft skin. I’m about to give her a hickey on the spot where her shoulder meets her neck when she’s suddenly pushing me away.

“Don’t you dare give me another hickey. It’s bad enough everyone gives me shit about it at work, I don’t need my parents seeing it.” She gives me a stern look.

“What if I give you a hickey somewhere else, where they won’t see?” Don’t ask me why, because I honestly don’t know, but I really enjoy giving her hickeys.

"Nope. Not this time. Because one turns into three, and knowing my mother, she'll somehow intuit that I have them and make me show her." Honestly, I wouldn't put it past that woman.

I pretend to pout but acquiesce; I'll do anything she asks me.

I resume my slow journey south over her collarbone to her tits. My balls tighten when I notice her nipples are already hard despite the steamy environment. I begin sucking and nipping at them ravenously. Suddenly, I need to be in her now. I slip one hand between her legs, rubbing my thumb on her clit just the way she likes. While my thumb circles, two fingers slowly pump in and out, with each pass, they rub her G-spot. Without fail, this gets her going within minutes.

"Jason! Yes, yes, right there. I'm close, so good. Fuck, how do you do that?" She's tipped her head back against the tiles, eyes squeezed shut. I can feel my smile turn wolfish; I love I make her crazy.

I'm about to lift her up and slam home when I realize my critical error. "Fuck, Alexis, I forgot condoms." Before I can even finish my sentence, she's shaking her head. "Doesn't matter, it'll be fine this time. Thanks to my mother, I know I don't ovulate for a few days."

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