Page 70 of Dirty Play

My man.

Chapter 28

Cade

Harris

How’s the trip going? Still breathing?

Had you asked me this question yesterday, the answer on the breathing part would’ve been debatable.

Harris

Well, at least I have proof of life.

But how is it? How’s Gwen?

Perfect. It’s all perfect.

Heading into the day of my parents’ party, I’m feeling happier than I’ve felt in… well, at least ten years. I woke up with Gwen’s mouth wrapped around my cock, both of us still naked from the night before. She may not have let me fuck her, but that didn’t stop me from spending the entire evening showing her everything I’m feeling, using my body to tell her all the things I’m still too scared to say out loud.

But this morning, it felt like she was trying to tell me the same thing, communicating the only way we know how, with our bodies.

My entire family has been showing me they care—in different ways, obviously—but it’s everything to me. Everything is feeling more relaxed. Hell, I’m not even bothered by Kylie’s incessant directions or bossy self because I know she’s so focused on making sure the celebration for my parents goes well tonight.

I’m actually really excited about the party, which is a far cry from when I wouldn’t even agree to come. But now, having cleared the air with my family, I’m excited to be here.

I mean, yes, there have been some tense moments, specifically between Vince and I, but we just needed to hash it out—verbally and slightly physically—but I let him. I knew he needed to unload on me. He’s right. I wasn’t there for him. He was fourteen when Veronica died, he had so much growing up to do, and I bailed on him. I was supposed to be his protector, his older brother, and I abandoned him.

My brother has looked up to me from the time he was born and when he needed me most, I left. It’s going to take a lot for me to forgive myself for everything I’ve done to my family. All I know is that I’m thankful they’re sticking around. At least this way I can spend the rest of my life letting them know I care.

If everything goes my way, Gwen will be by my side the entire time.

“Are you just going to stand there staring at the lights or are you going to finish hanging them?” Kylie snaps as she walks by with another couple of vases of flowers, some sort of decoration, or whatever, and places it by the table.

Shaking my head, I snap myself out of my thoughts. “Sorry, just keep thinking.”

“Care to elaborate?” she asks dryly. “Like, are we talking about Gwen in a roundabout way because you’re not ready to admit it… or are we openly talking about how hopelessly in love with that girl you are?”

I’m stunned, not sure how it has taken me so long to realize all of this. I mean, this won’t be news to anyone back home. The couple of times I’ve gotten text messages from the guys, hell even Sawyer texted me once, they all told me not to fuck it up, that this could be it. Sawyer’s version was much more colorful and might’ve included something about cement shoes. She’s a little scary.

Just what Rex needs, though.

“I guess we’re openly talking about how hopelessly in love with that girl I am,” I grumble, but I can’t help myself—I smile.

Kylie squeals and gives me a hug like I just told her I got her a puppy, all because I’m in love.

“Have you told her yet?” she asks excitedly. “If not… you have to. That girl is just as in love with you. Gwen’s feisty, but her family isn’t great. Not a close one, but I’m sure you know all this. Being here with you, she said it’s the most at peace she’s ever felt. I think you need to make sure she knows you feel the same.”

I smile because I know exactly how I’m going to tell her… or at least where I’ll tell her.

“I will.”

My parents aren’t the people who always get dressed up and go out, so we’re throwing the party here in the backyard, just making it a black-tie event. They tried to fight it, but even I agreed their fortieth anniversary should be celebrated in style.

Kylie planned this party weeks ago, so I knew I had to bring my tux. Thankfully, when I asked Gwen to come with me, I warned her about it, so she came prepared.

And boy, did she ever. She looks perfect in a flowy, emerald green dress with a slit up the middle. I can see just enough leg to drive me wild. Her teasing touches and seductive glances have me desperate to get her out of here. I made a promise to myself that I would wait until after dessert to sneak off with Gwen, but damn, it’s been difficult.

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