Page 46 of Glad You're Here

I narrowed my eyes and studied my aunt before carefully asking, “Is that really the reason you never told me?”

Lenny shrugged again, averting her gaze as she sipped her wine.

I nodded, understanding coming to me. Lenny wouldn’t tell me about my grandparents. She never involved me in the money or relationship issues she experienced, either. She worked her ass off to be my rock from the moment I took my first breath.

“Lenny?” I stared at her until she met my gaze. “Did you think it would burden me to know about your heartbreaks and relationship troubles?”

My aunt laughed dryly. “What kid wants to hear about an old lady’s love life?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Luckily, I’m not a kid anymore.” Then I sighed. “You’ve always created a safe space for me, and I’m beyond grateful for it, but you don’t have to protect me. I want you to start sharing some of your burdens with me, okay?”

Lenny gave me a long, thoughtful look. Her vibrant green eyes searched mine, then traveled over my face as if seeing me for the first time. “Not a kid,” she agreed quietly, then, with more strength, said, “Okay.”

I let a moment pass before softly asking, “Who did you love? Was it Marie?” Marie had been Lenny’s best friend when I was a kid. She had the coolest attic in her massive house, which she claimed after her divorce from Brad. She used to let me paint up there. In fact, Marie was a big reason that I became an artist.

My aunt smiled at some long-forgotten memory, then nodded. “Marie Orville.”

Marie moved away when I was eight but left me her collection of paintbrushes and acrylics. Lenny cried for weeks after she was gone, and I assumed she missed her friend the same way I missed Jo when she would leave for summer camp. But it was more than that. Lenny was heartbroken.

“Well, shit, Lenore. Look her up!”

Lenny shook her head. “That chapter has long since ended, sweetie. No sense in opening up that heartbreak again.”

“Or—”

I was interrupted by a pounding at my front door. I jumped and sloshed a bit of wine on my kitchen floor. Lenny and I exchanged a confused look, and I set down my wine and went to answer the door.

A gorgeous, irresistible, hot as fuck man stood on my front porch with a wild look in his eyes. A smirk tugged up one corner of his kissable mouth. “Thea.”

“Levi.” I grinned and folded my arms. “What are you doing here?” I had to pretend I was annoyed by this incredible surprise.

“I’m here to fuck you until you can’t walk.”

Butterflies rushed and swirled through my entire body. “That sounds fun.”

He leaned in to kiss me, and our contact quickly grew heated. I pulled him inside, assuming my aunt was still in the kitchen. Levi slammed me against the closed front door and started sucking my neck and squeezing my breasts. I closed my eyes and let out a low, soft moan.

“Thea,” he slid a hand up my shirt and into my bra to squeeze my breast again. “I canceled my Friday afternoon class to drive here. I needed to see you.” Levi kissed me and pressed his erection into my stomach. “I had a breakthrough in therapy last night, and I am so ready to fuck you. I’m done with the guilt.” He continued to cover my neck and chest with kisses while unbuttoning my jeans.

I liked to pride myself in being able to turn men into putty with a few kisses and choice words. But tonight, pressed against my door, Levi had me completely useless. That’s why I tugged his shirt off, oblivious that my aunt stood watching us with an amused look.

Lenny cleared her throat, and Levi froze with his shirtless back to her. My eyes popped open, and I saw her standing in the entryway, sipping her glass of wine. “Levi, I’m assuming. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Levi straightened and turned slowly to face her, looking horrified. “Thea!” He shot me an accusing sideways glance. “Your aunt’s here! You didn’t tell me you had company.” To Lenny, he said, “Great to meet you, too.” He bent to pick up his black t-shirt off the floor.

I bit my lip and mouthed, “Sorry,” when he caught my eye.

I glanced at Lenny again. She looked far too comfortable, sipping her wine with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, Levi, don’t bother with the shirt. We’ve all seen a half-naked man before.”

Levi grimaced and slid his shirt over his head anyway. “I’m so sorry about that.” Sex-ready, confident Levi faded away before my eyes.

No, no, no. I was getting railed tonight. I had to fix this.

“Lenore!” I gave her an extremely pointed look, but she smiled and took another sip. I groaned and covered my face with both hands. “Lenny, I love you, but you have to leave right now!”

Lenny nodded and drained her glass. “So you can get railed?”

“Holy shit.” Levi covered his mouth with both hands and closed his eyes. “Excuse me while I go in the other room and die of embarrassment.”

---