Page 109 of Tulips and Lost Time

“Why? You want to control my choices?”

“No.” I slide my tongue along her lip and grin. “Wear whatever the fuck you want. But if you show bunches of skin, I’m gonna have to listen to Marcus whine about it. Which is cool and all,” I press the tip of my nose to hers. “I’ve listened to him complain for decades already. But a heads up would be nice. His mood matters to the set we play.”

She snorts, turning her head and presenting her neck for me to taste. “I’ll wear jeans, probably. A cute, little top.”

“Wear a skirt,” I hum, “and I’ll fuck you in the hall, and no one will even notice.”

Her skin flushes, hot and pink, as her breath comes a little faster. “Luca?—”

“You’re so used to being told to dress down. To not attract attention.” I bite her neck and groan when her nails dig into my shoulder. “It flusters you when I tell you to slut up.”

“When are we supposed to tell everyone else what we’re doing?” She pulls back, just far enough to search my eyes. Her cheeks switch from blushing intensity to terrified white in the span of a single second. “The girls know I’m seeing someone. And Marcus has nearly caught us a hundred times. You’re ready to screw around in the hall at the club, which means you’re hardly even trying anymore. And I’m?—”

“Too scared to admit to Marcus you’re a grownup now?” I take her lips with mine. Calm her thoughts. Be her smooth seas when storms brew on the horizon. “I’m gonna follow your lead on this, Bear. When you’re ready to tell, I’m ready to tell.”

“That easy?” Her heart thunders, pulsing against my chest so I feel it. “You know Marcus is gonna lose his mind. Like… really lose it. This isn’t just admitting I’m grown now. It’s admitting I’ve been sharing a bed with his best friend for the last two years. He’s gonna go nuts, and you’re just… whenever you’re ready, Bear.”

“I’ll stand up when you tell me to and say what I’ve gotta say.”

“Your friendship won’t survive that!” She digs the heels of her palms into my chest and pushes me back. “Do you understand what’s gonna happen when he finds out, Luc? Your friendship will be over.”

“It won’t. He knows you date. He’s not thrilled about it, but he knows it happens. You went away to college for years, so he knows you have a life outside of him. He’s gonna be pissed when he finds out I’m involved, but again, he knows I’m a good fuckin’ dude. He’ll be angry at first, and then we’ll move past it.”

“A lifetime of friendship,” she trembles. “He’s gonna snap, and you’re gonna catch the horrible end of that deal.”

“You underestimate his ability to see reason. I can feel your heart sprinting, Bear. You’re worried about this, but I think you’re taking on way too much stress when it’s not necessary.”

“His entire life has been wrapped up in protecting me!”

“And now his life is wrapped up in Meg. He’s having a blast with her in his bed. So let’s not pretend his every thought is about you anymore.” I chuckle when her eyes flash. Hurt. Pride. A little pain to the latter. “He still loves you, Kari. And he’ll forever want to protect you. But he’s also a grown ass man with a sex life and a relationship he’s trying to figure out. His every thought does not revolve around you.”

“Hey, Kari, do you?—”

Britt strides through the bedroom door without knocking, skidding to a stop, and startling when I swing my gaze around. Instantly, I grab the sheets and pull them up to make sure my ass is covered, then I shoot a look back down at Kari as panic lances through my veins.

“Um—”

“Oh my god!” Britt turns, then turns again. She walks straight into the doorframe and bounces off. Then she spins back in our direction but slaps her palms over her eyes and gulps. “Kari!”

“Close the door!” Kari slips out from between me and the mattress, smoother than a fucking snake in long grass, then she rushes her friend and grabs her wrists. Holding her hands there or pulling them away? I’m not sure. “You can’t say anything!”

“You and Luc?” she squeaks. Squeaks! “You and Luc?!”

“Shhhhh!” Kari kicks the door closed and presses her friend against the wall. “Not a word.”

“You and Luc,” she whimpers. “How long? Since when? Why!?” Then she drops her hands and stares straight across at me. “Marcus is gonna kill you!”

“Ya think?” Kari grabs Britt’s jaw and forces their eyes to meet. “Not a word!”

“But fruit,” she moans. “And all that talk at dinner. And fruit.” She looks across to me, desperation in her stare. “Dude!”

“We’re gonna tell him soon.” I sit up on the bed and make sure the sheet covers all of me. Lifting my knees, I set my elbows on top and groan. “We’ve been working on it, Brat.”

“But you have to shut your trap in the meantime!” Kari snarls. “Not a word.”

“But how long?” She stares at the side of my face, bright blue Turner eyes both dancing and filled with dread. “How long has… and when did…” She claps her hands to her cheeks and exhales. “Holy shit. I’ve gotta tell Jack.” She looks at Kari. “I wanna tell Jack!”

“You tell anyone and you’re dead meat.” Kari releases her friend and groans all the way into the depths of her stomach. “You can’t say anything, Britt. Marcus is not gonna take this well.”

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