Page 35 of Caged Heat

“Ouch.”

Apparently, orgasms and sexy men were my norm now. I had to say, forty was turning out to be my favorite age.

CHAPTER TWELVE

ELEANOR

The next few weeks flew by as I settled into my new life. I went to work and came home at the same time every day, something that hadn’t happened since I’d been in high school. Granted, I rarely stayed home anymore between the two men I was dating, but that was beside the point.

Jackson and I had found a good working balance, discovering we worked together well on the closet project we’d been tasked with. We had our big presentation for the client next week, and I was excited about it. I hadn’t been this eager for work before, and it felt nice to be passionate about my job.

I’d picked marketing because it had been a straightforward program with a good return in job placement. Not the sexiest reason to choose a career, but so far, it was turning out well. It could be because I got to work with Jackson, and he made it fun, but it felt more than that. I was good at it, and that was a reward within itself.

Jackson’s dates were always fun and exciting, taking me to places I’d never dared go before. We’d gone rock climbing, paintballing, and to a music festival. During each date, Jackson made me feel like the most sensual woman; like he was proud to be with me.

My nights with August were more subdued but just as amazing and rewarding. He’d taught me self-defense, how to fish, and even slow danced with me under the stars. August was a romantic, showing me how to let go and believe in love. We still hadn’t managed to fit him all the way in yet, but we had fun finding creative ways to be together. The man’s appetite was voracious, and I often had to tap out before he would.

Everything I’d endured in the past as I strove for a better life felt worth it. Happiness was no longer just a hope or dream but becoming my reality more and more each day.

And now, a month after I’d graduated and started dating two impossibly different but unique men, they wanted to meet.

“This is a bad idea,” I mumbled as I pulled out the groceries.

“Baby, you gotta stop stressing. It’s gonna be fine,” Jackson cooed. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck as he swayed with me. “We’re both just interested in the other person who’s been occupying your time. I promise I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”

I sagged into his arms. I wanted to believe what he said, but the part of me that felt the past month had been too good to be true worried it would all come crashing down. The sex had been mind-blowing and opened me up to a whole new world, but the companionship and affection had been the things I wanted most.

My phone vibrated on the counter, so Jackson let me go so I could answer as he continued to put away the groceries. Picking it up, I smiled at Mack’s name, lighting up the display.

“Hey honey,” I said as I answered, leaning back against the counter.

“Hey, Mom. How are you?”

“I’m good. Just putting away the groceries. How’s the psych rotation going?”

“It’s been great. I thought I wanted to specialize in pediatrics, but now I’m unsure.”

“You’ve still got time to figure it out.”

“Yeah, you’re right. How’s your job?”

“It’s good. I really like the work, and the people I work with are great. There’s been a few mean girls, but I can avoid them for the most part.”

“That’s great. I’m so glad you’re in a job you like, Mom. I always felt so guilty that you worked so much for me.”

“Hush. I did it because I wanted to. I believed in you and wanted to help you have a bright future.”

“I know. I wish I could repay you.”

“You will. One day. With your happiness and grandkids. I hear that’s a thing. But not anytime soon. I’m still too hip to be a grandma,” I teased.

“Oh God,” Mack choked. “Nothing to fear about that here.” He chuckled before punching me in the gut. “I’m not sure if Ashley wants kids.”

I sobered, not liking that the woman my son dated could take even more from me. “Oh?” I asked, my fists clenching.

“Yeah,” Mack sighed, and it sounded like he was rubbing his face. “Sometimes I wonder if we’re endgame. When we met, it seemed like we had the same goals for our future. But lately, those have seemed to change, or maybe I didn’t notice. I’m not sure, but I don’t know if that’s something I can live with.”

“I’m not one to give you relationship advice, Mack.”

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