Page 265 of Steamy Ever After

“Maybe you didn’t think so, but Kade did.”

There were so many things she didn’t know about him, not only about his new job. The more she heard, the more it sounded as though Kade took things for granted or believed he knew how she felt without discussing it with her.

“I wouldn’t have married him. I had doubts, even about the relationship continuing. He swept me up. I loved him, but the little voice inside me that I refused to listen to before I married Lang, wasn’t keeping quiet,” Peyton admitted.

“I’m happy to hear you’re paying more attention to your intuition.”

“I had a dream about Kade this morning. I was at Stave, sitting in the sun, and dozed off. I dreamed he was sitting at the table, across from me. He told me his mom would be okay.”

“Alex told us it left you quite shaken,” said her mother.

“Worse. I went looking for him.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Her mom knelt down and put her arm around Peyton’s shoulders.

“I’m mortified about it now. Addy’s probably going to quit, given she works for a madwoman.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Addy is fine. She’s worried about you like many of us are.”

“Worried about my madness.”

“No, Peyton. Don’t make more of this than it was.”

“You sound like Alex.”

“I’ve always loved that girl.” She smiled. “Peyton, talk to me about Brodie.”

And say what? They had crazy sex last night? That she spent a day with him and he swept her off her feet in the same way Kade had?

“I don’t know what he wants from me.”

“Maybe to get to know you.”

“Why? Aren’t there other single women in the valley the Butler boys can chase after? Or maybe they’ve already gone through all of them.”

“Peyton!”

“What? Have you seen them? They’re Adonises. Every one of them. Kade was. Maddox looks like him, except taller. Naughton is…what did Alex say? All broody Scottish guy, but no less godlike. And then there’s Brodie, with his gorgeous blue eyes and his eight-pack abs, and, and that…” Incredible ass, and his powerful legs, and his mouth. His mouth was magical.

Her mom fanned her face. “Your father always made me feel the same way you do with Brodie.”

“He doesn’t affect me.”

“Now, who’s the liar?” her mother asked.

Peyton folded her arms. “That isn’t very nice.”

“Neither is lying.”

Peyton’s cell rang. “This is probably Brodie.”

She took her phone out of her pocket and looked at the screen. It was Jamison.

“Hey, Jamie. What’s up?”

“Where are you and Grandma? We’re starving.”

“Sorry, honey. We went for a walk. We’ll be up to the house in a minute.” Then she turned to her mom and said, “Boys are starving.”

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