Page 16 of Simply You & Me

"What the fuck are you saying? He came and immediately clonked out?!" I'm shocked by Gabby's outrage and her reddening cheeks.

"What? It's fine," I defend. "He was better than most one-night stands, from what I can remember."

"Did he at least make you come? Please tell me he did something right!" Her dramatic plea makes me chuckle.

"Yeah." I giggle again and stand. Dizziness threatens to drag me back to bed.

Groaning at the ceiling, Gabby continues, "Ugh, I'm going to lose you to a bunch of men just like Rylee, aren't I?"

My shuffled steps halt on the way to the bathroom. "What do you mean?"

"Oh! You didn't know? Wyatt, Zach, Tate, and Julian are together. Like Rylee's guys. They have been panting over you since Layla's birthday. If I didn't see them as family, I would be jealous. And I'm a little annoyed with Julian's shitty follow-through. Speaking of, are you okay?"

I nod and wave her off. A simple fuck just got way more fucking complicated.

As the day progresses, the more I feel like I made a huge mistake last night. The headache has retreated into a dull throb that makes me want to keel over and never see the light of day ever again.

Not to mention, my thighs have been on fire since I peeled my wretched jeans off from last night. Thankfully, the blood had dried, and there wasn't so much that it bled through the fabric. My cuts, though? Those are still horribly pink with irritation, and the scabs that were once healing my skin have been ripped clean off.

And also, the sight that greeted me when I pulled my panties off made me feel ill for a whole new reason. Julian and I didn't use a fucking condom. During the night, his cum had soaked my underwear. It's not the end of the world. I'm on the pill. But still, that was so stupid.

So... yeah.

My tummy twists uncomfortably as I park my car in Rylee's driveway. God, I hope she isn't too mad at me. I need to pick up Rory, apologize for fucking her brother's boyfriend, and thank Jackson for getting me home safely. Getting Gabby's side of the story this morning about last night's events wasn't fun. But life doesn't stop. Gotta keep moving—too much shit to do. At least Gabby’s getting groceries for me like she promised.

I'm in the middle of running through my mental checklist of what I need to get done with my day off today and walking up the driveway when the worst thing happens.

"Addie?"

Shit. "Hi, Tate." My face is on fucking fire as he approaches me in front of the garage.

He eyes me like I might bite, which is funny since I'd sooner run than attack. "Are you okay?"

Where's my kid?

"I'm great, thanks. How are you?"

Could this be any more awkward? I hate this. This is why I keep to myself and only hang out with a few people.

"Um. I'm fine. Listen..." Here it comes. "I want to apologize for last night."

What? I was expecting him to be angry with me for having sex with Julian or scold me for being sloppy.

Tate's eyes scream vulnerability that sucks me right in. "Julian should have taken care of you. Instead, the idiot fell asleep and left you alone."

What’s going on? "I'm confused. Tate, it's fine. I should be apologizing for having sex with one of your partners. Gabby told me this morning, and I feel terrible."

He waves me off with a hand, taking a step forward. "No need to apologize for that. Our relationship isn't completely like Rylee's guys. We are less... how can I say this?" He scratches the blond scruff in thought. "We love each other, and we’re a family. But I guess you can say we are less mushy."

"Less mushy?"

Tate nods and smiles like this conversation makes him happier than ever. "We’ve always wanted a woman to treat and cuddle. To love. We just aren't very mushy with each other."

"Okay." I nod, uncertain of what he wants from me. I'm glad that Julian and I didn't cross any boundaries in their relationship dynamic.

"Addie," he whispers, and grabs hold of my jittery hands. "I'm so sorry Julian hurt you."

"What? He didn't hurt me!"

---