Page 51 of Harmless Scandals

She paused when taking a sip of water and set the glass down. She leaned forward, causing some of her braids to slip over her shoulders.

“Are you sure? And I’m not asking because I think you are weak. I try not to mettle, but the guys are sometimes…obtuse.”

“They've been really sweet.”

“Please tell me that's not all they've been.”

Even after all her years in Hollywood, she had been sheltered. She knew about things, but people rarely asked her about her sex life. Friends wouldn't. Strangers never had a problem with it.

“Good,” Jillian said. “Just so you know, they are going to be looking for more than just a good time.”

Yes, she had sensed that too. Serenity had no idea how to feel about a long-term relationship with one man, let alone two. Serenity knew she was not built for that kind of life anymore.

“I don't know if I'll be ready for a relationship with them or not. One thing I do know is that I will try my best not to hurt them.”

“Oh, honey I'm not worried about them,” Jillian said. “They've never taken this chance before, but I think both know what they want. My main worry is that they're going to rush you and you're going to freak out and push them away.”

“So, you're not worried that I might hurt them?”

Jillian shrugged and leaned back in the chair. “Being hurt, it's part of being in love. You can't have one without the other, just the way it goes.”

Serenity wished she could be so laid back about falling for them. Knowing that pain came with the relationship and that it was worth it. But, they had her head and her heart twisted around.

“I can see that you have a lot of craziness going on in that head of yours.”

She focused on Jillian, who offered her an understanding smile.

“How do you know that?”

“I've been there myself. One man is hard enough to deal with, but two would make me insane. You have a lot to deal with, Serenity.”

“Yeah.”

“And I know it isn't easy. My best friend has a relationship with two men.”

“Conner's sister?”

She nodded. “He wasn't exactly happy about it, especially since both work for the company. But, once he saw how they felt about her, it was enough to convince him. Well, mostly. Every now and then he gets a little grumpy about it.”

“I can’t even think about siblings. Sometimes I thought I would want one. It wasn't easy being an only child. Now, though, as an adult, I’m not sure I'd like the idea that he or she might feel the need to pass judgement on my choices.”

“Weird, right? I don't have any either, but Conner is a bit older than his sister. He helped raise her after their parents died, so he is somewhat more protective.”

She rubbed her hand over her stomach and Serenity followed the motion. “Oh, God, this Demon Seed is going to kill me. Kick, kick, kick.” She smiled at Serenity. “Want to feel?”

Her first response danced on the tip of her tongue. No. Not because she didn't want to, but she had decided a long time ago not to have children. She just wasn't built for it. But...

She reached her hand out and placed it on Jillian's tummy. It only took a second before she felt the kick.

“Oh, wow.”

“Yeah, so I haven't slept through the night in a long time.”

Just that simple touch did exactly what she didn't want. The longing to have a child had been something she had fought for years, but now that she had started this relationship with Mick and Adam, her mind kept straying to the idea of a little one.

“Hey, Earth to Serenity.”

She blinked and focused on Jillian once more.

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