Page 23 of Her Filthy Mistake

“They claim to have amazing programs here for children.” My mom smiles. “So, she’s unknowingly checking out those activities for me.”

Our instructor steps outside the conference room door. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to return.” She shifts her weight from one foot to the other in a way that makes her look like she’s floating. Her outfit is flowing and comfortable, accentuating her curves, but still manages to leave her looking elegant.

My mom chuckles as she gives me a quick squeeze and steps back. “When did you grow up and become the mom?” Her eyes dance with humor, and then she frowns. “When are you going to get married and start a family? You know I’m not getting any younger.”

“Mom…. Are you serious, right now?” I groan and walk side by side with her back toward our room. “Let’s not talk about a baby, right now. This is not the time or place to have this conversation.”

“Fine,” she huffs. “But don’t think for one second that I’m not excited and ready for the future. Including that first grandchild.”

Jace steps out of the opposite hallway where he’d been out of view while sliding his cell phone into the pocket of his swim shorts. His face is pale, and as we near, his jaw flexes. Why is he upset? It’s not like he’s getting the third degree from my mom. I brush past him and into the room. The lights have been dimmed even lower, and the music is a sensual beat that drums through your veins.

Next to the pillows, small tables have been added. On top of the tables are silver trays of grapes, cheese, other fruits, and melted chocolate. For fuck’s sake, we’re really going to feed each other grapes. The urge to bolt surges through me, but I tamp it down. This is for my mom and all the times she listened to screeching instruments and watched kids shooting baskets in the wrong team’s hoop.

Once we’ve washed our hands, we get settled next to each other, and Jace rolls his shoulders, looking like he’s facing execution. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” he mutters.

“That’s bullshit.” I’m going to club him over the head. He’s acting like I did something to him, which I did not. I cross my arms over my chest and glare. “Spill it?”

“It’s nothing.” His jaw is so tight I’m shocked when I don’t hear his teeth snap off at the gumline.

“Okay, love birds, we’re going to feed each other now.” Her singsong voice makes me want to hurl the tray of food at her, so I can use the platter to knock the fuck out of Jace.

I snatch up a square of cheddar cheese and lift it to my mouth.

“No, dear. You’re feeding Jace.” She smiles as she approaches us with a sugary sweetness to her tone. “And Jace’s going to suck it out from between your fingers as you stare into each other’s eyes. It’s important for strained couples to regain that intimate connection.”

I inhale and lick my lips as the other couples eagerly participate, and the room zips with electricity. His blue eyes meet mine, and I melt into a puddle of desire and longing. Why can’t this be reality?

Why? Because. He. Doesn’t. Like. You.

I lift my arm and place my fingers above his mouth. His lips are perfect. I want to drop the cheese into his mouth, climb onto his lap, and kiss him until every obstacle that keeps us apart is gone. But his eyes are hooded, and there’s anger, not longing, in his expression.

“You’re an asshole,” I mutter and release the cheese, letting it bounce off his upper lip.

He grabs my wrist and holds it tight, leaning in until no one else can hear us. “I thought you said you weren’t seeing anyone. Are you with the guy?”

“With what guy?”

“The one who got you pregnant.” The deep growl in his throat sends a quiver down my spine. “Is it your boss?”

“I’m not seeing anyone. And no one got me pregnant.” My heart thunders in my chest. With each thump, it feels like my heart is going to explode through my skin.

“Then what was your mom talking about in the hallway?”

His breath fans the loose strands of hair by my ear, and my nipples instantly tent through the fabric of my bikini top. His eyes drop to the tiny pebbles, and he swallows. Fuck. There’s no denying it. We’re both walking on a slippery slope. He may not like me, but he wants me. The question is, are either of us willing to risk the explosion and subsequent fallout.

“She wants me to get married and have grandchildren. I told her, like I always do, to slow down, and I’ll be ready when I’m ready.”

“I see.” The tension in his body shifts from anger to another emotion that feels suspiciously like lust, but he vibrates all the same.

“Switch,” Elise calls out.

Without blinking, Jace grabs a strawberry from the tray and lays it against my lips. “Open up.”

Jesus. I groan and open my lips, giving him access to my mouth. If he’d say the word, I’d allow him to explore every crevice and curve of my body. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have a gorgeous mouth. It fits the rest of you perfectly.”

“Thank–” He drops the strawberry to my mouth, and I wrap my lips around it with his fingers still clutching the fruit.

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