Page 60 of Fractured Frets

“True, but Vegas was perfect.” I rested my head against the sofa. “Sometimes my family is too OTT even for me.”

“They sound full on.” She put on a brave smile. “But I look forward to meeting them if I can get time off.”

“I’m sure work won’t miss you for a few days.”

“They might.” A sparkle shimmered through her eyes as she jabbed her finger into my bicep. “I’m kind of a big deal on my show.”

“You’re a big deal to me too.”

“You must mean something to me,” she teased, sliding her hand down my chest, then poked me in the ribs. “I said yes to getting married.”

I caught her hand and entwined our fingers. “You said yes because you love me.”

“True.” She quirked an eyebrow. “Although, I do vaguely remember giving you a list of reasons why we shouldn’t tie the knot.”

“You did.” Grinning, I drew her hand around my waist. “But my list of why we should be together outweighed yours.”

“Hmmm.” A playful glint sparked in her eyes. “Maybe you should remind me why I did marry you.”

“Was it for my dick?”

“I didn’t marry you for your cooking skills.”

“We’d both starve.” I threaded my hand around her neck and drew her mouth to mine. With my lips locked with hers in a bone-melting kiss, we stretched out on the sofa. Hovering over Maddy, I settled between her legs, aligned my body with hers. Hips to hips. Heart to heart. My injury never ached when we were like this. As I roamed my hand over her hair, her arm, side and thigh, I treasured and memorized every inch I could touch into my mind. Anything to make it through the next run of weeks until I saw her again.

But just as I slid my hand underneath her T-shirt and cupped her boob, keys jangled at the front door. The lock clicked open and in stumbled Valerie.

Fuck. So much for making out with my wife!

Valerie staggered down the hallway, singing a soft tune I couldn’t make out. But something was off. Too happy? Too light? Too mobile? She dumped her purse onto the kitchen counter, caught sight of us on the sofa, and jumped.

“Oh my goodness!” She slapped her hand against her chest. “You scared the bejesus out of me.”

“Mom? What took you so long? Was the doctor running late?” Maddy pushed me to sit upright. I’d preferred where I was.

“Oh, Maddy. Angel. Thank God, you’re home.” Valerie touched one hand to her brow, slumped against the counter, and flapped her other hand in our direction. “Come. Help me over to my chair. I need a rest before dinner.”

Maddy leaped to her feet and rushed to Valerie’s side. I missed touching her already.

But Valerie, not acknowledging my existence, was new. “Hi, Valerie.”

“Oh. Hello, Sebastian.” She still didn’t bother to look at me.

As Maddy caught her mom’s arm, Valerie stumbled forward.

“Geezers, Mom.” The devastation in Maddy’s voice shot through the air like a dart. “You’re drunk.”

“Pfft.” Valerie straightened and swayed. “No, I’m not. I had one glass.”

“One glass of how many wines, Mom?”

Maddy’s anguish crushed my soul. I rushed over to help her walk Valerie to her recliner.

“I’m fine.” Valerie winced and groaned as she settled into the chair. Maddy grabbed the throw off the sofa and placed it over Valerie’s legs. “Thank you for helping your sick mama. It’s been a long afternoon.”

I shot a puff of air through my nose. Valerie didn’t understand long afternoons. She’d been to an appointment and had gotten drunk. She should try working eighteen-hour days, recording an album, jetting across the countrysidefor promo, and touring the world...then we’d compare notes.

“Perfect timing, Valerie.” I gave her a kiss hello on the cheek. Was her skin redder than normal? It could be just flushed from drinking. “A few more minutes and you might’ve been blinded by my naked ass.”

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