Page 53 of Four Times Taken

Her skin flushed, and I smiled. At least I knew I still had that effect on her. But I wanted us to build something deeper. I knew we had something deep in the past, and I knew those feelings were still there, but it's the trust between us that needs mending. We need to start over.

"I promise I don't have any ulterior motives." I grinned. "I just miss spending time with you."

Chapter 35

Lily

To say I was a little bit flustered would be the understatement of the year. I hoped I was succeeding in trying to play it cool. Yes, all those feelings rushed at the sight of all of them, all hot and sweaty with their shirts either tucked into their shorts, thrown over their shoulder, or hanging around their neck like a sweaty gym towel. They were doing nothing to hide their physique, and I couldn't blame them. They were mouthwatering. And knowing what they'd like to do to me made it all the more difficult to play coy and not blurt out that they were not the only ones with those feelings.

But my eyes were on Eric. He's the one I have a history with. He's 'the one' since we're only allowed one at a time. And I hated letting him go. Now that he's here, telling me he misses me and wants to 'spend time with me,' my pulse goes into overdrive. My skin yearns for his touch, more than just a hand hold. He wants me all to himself, and I'm not going to tell him no.

No ulterior motives? Yeah, right. Just wait until we're all alone together.

"I'd love that." I smiled at him. I'm so turned on by all of them, he's going to get the fuck of his life tonight.

Pulling me into him, he grinned. "In that case, boys? I'll see you at home."

He's such an admirable type of man. Love still shines in his eyes when talking to his friends. After hearing them make that remark about wanting to fuck me, he didn't try to assert his masculinity, going on a testosterone parade. He simply got on with his day. There are some women who would say if he's willing to pass you around to his friends, he'd just as easily traffic you. Then again, I roll in very dark circles, with women who have had a lot of trauma. I don't feel that way with Eric. Maybe that makes me naive. But I trust him with my literal life.

"Okay." Matt dragged Ethan away. "See you around, Lily."

"At the fair." I tapped my nose and pointed at him.

"At the fair." He grinned.

The intensity of Ryan's attention sizzled me, and I fought the pull of temptation to look at him. I breathed a sigh of relief as all three of them turned to leave.

"Let me, milady." Eric stepped in to take control of my mother's wheelchair.

I grimaced. "Please don't ever say that again."

"What? Milady?" He skipped a little. "You don't like that?" He grinned. "What about fair lady?"

I groaned.

"Top of the morning to ya, milady. I must say, you're looking mighty fair today." Still hanging on the wheelchair, he turned sideways to curtsey.

"And I must say your sex appeal just went all the way down." I scrunched my nose at him.

"Aw damn. I guess the sexy man manual lied to me. Here I was thinking you'd be swooning by now." He grinned.

"You should've known better if it's called the sexy man manual," I tittered.

"You know, I think you have a point."

He pretends to be gobsmacked.

The walk home was easy, with light conversation. I hadn't gotten far past the house anyway, so we arrived in less than twenty minutes. I was already pumped to get out of these clothes and on his lap, but Mom had to be fed and if I'm honest, I skipped breakfast. I was starving as well.

"I'm about to whip something up for lunch. Do you want anything?" I asked, as he lifted my freshly changed mother from her bed and put her back in her wheelchair.

He looked up at me, smirking. "Lily Thornbread, are you offering to cook for me?"

I scoffed. "Uh, no. I'm making food, and I'm offering you some."

He gave his head a playful wobble. "Is it soup?" He scrunched his nose, and I laughed.

"You don't like soup?" I grinned.

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