Page 57 of Myself

“Why do you sound so surprised? Like you can’t possibly think I’d want that with you?”

I shake my head. He’s not Conner, Becca. If Jaycent tells me something, then he means it. “Okay,” I say as a smile grows across my face.

“Okay?” he asks excitedly.

I nod. “I’ll move in with you.”

He lifts me up and spins me around. “You’re moving in with me.”

“I’m not saying today,” I say, and his smile falls. “I gotta figure out my situation with the apartment and Ashlyn, but I do want to live with you, Jayce.”

He reaches up and cups my face. “Do you have any idea how happy you make me?”

“I hope as happy as you make me.”

That night, we stayed at my apartment, and the following morning, I woke up with him when his alarm went off. We showered together, and then I dried my hair while he shaved. It was easy. Comfortable. I couldn’t stop thinking about what it was going to be like to do this every day but at his house. Where we didn’t have to be quiet in fear of Ashlyn or Ryder coming in at any second. It made my head spin and panties wet knowing that if I wanted to jump him on his couch or in his kitchen, nothing would stop me.

We were about to have morning sex when his phone rang, and it was the office. He went from boyfriend to bossy businessman in a split second. And he was telling someone they’d better get an inspection before the end of the day or it was gonna be their ass. I couldn’t help but laugh as he slammed my front door shut.

I fixed myself a second cup of coffee and had my morning phone call with Margaret, Ashlyn’s mother. Once again, she made me tear up, and I promised to visit soon. Then I was out the door and in a cab on the way to my father’s office.

I’m nervous. Not sure what to expect. I can’t believe he actually wants to discuss what I have planned. Of course, he could be setting me up to shoot me down. He could have just said that yesterday to get me to leave so he could talk to Jaycent. That’s definitely something my mother would say and do.

“I’m here to see my father,” I say to the blonde who looks up at me from behind her desk. “Mr. O’Kane,” I say because I don’t know who she is, so I doubt she knows who I am either.

She smiles at me warmly. “He is expecting you, Becca.”

“Thank you,” I say and then walk down the hallway. I pass my brother’s office and see it’s empty. Ashlyn hadn’t come home this morning, and I wonder if they’re both playing hooky today.

I knock on my father’s door and hear him holler for me to come in. “Hello, Dad,” I say, walking in and shutting the door behind me.

“Hello, Becca,” he says, standing from his chair. He buttons the top button on his suit jacket and walks around his desk. He pulls me in for a hug, and I close my eyes as I hug him back. I missed him so much.

When he pulls away, I sit down, and he leans up against his desk. Placing his hands in his pockets, he speaks. “I had a long talk with Jaycent yesterday.”

I nod once. “He told me.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks.

I shrug. “Because I didn’t want you to tell me I couldn’t see him,” I say honestly.

He sighs. “I think he’s too old for you.”

“I’m the same age as Ashlyn,” I huff; his words instantly put me in a bad mood.

He frowns. “What does Ashlyn have to do with this?”

“Ryder ...” I shut my mouth the moment his brows rise. Shit! I just told on them. I bite my bottom lip nervously and look away. I know better than to let anger get the best of me.

“I see,” he says slowly, and I look back at him.

“So they are ...” He waves a hand in the air. “Together?” he asks. I say nothing. He nods, already knowing the truth. “So that’s who his plus one is going to be.”

“Plus one?” I ask confused.

“Ryder and I had a conversation the other day about your cousin’s wedding. Now, it makes sense.” My shoulders slump, feeling awful that I just told their secret. “Then yesterday, I had a talk with him, and it was about a girl. Now, I know it’s Ashlyn. Are they as serious as you and Jaycent?”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” His eyes narrow on me. “Sir,” I add. When he just stares down at me, I shift in my seat and say, “Neither one of them has said, but I’ve never seen Ryder into someone like he is her.” He smiles. “So you approve of them?” I ask.

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