Page 55 of Why Not Now?

“Calling Lacey, I agree with, but I can pick her up if she needs it. You can shower later. And I’ll take you to work. I guarantee you will be there on time. Even though you should quit that job.”

“Why?”

“Because you have three, and it’s the one that pays you the least. Or will, once you get more photography clients. You’re going to burn yourself out, sweetheart.”

It’s something I’ve been thinking myself, and he’s not telling me to do it. Still, I rebel against the thought, anxiety at having one less pay cheque washing through me. I know he’s saying it out of concern, but that doesn’t matter. The suggestion causes the same anxiety his other suggestions did before we broke up, when he thought I should stay in school and consider selling the house.

Unaware of the turmoil in my mind, he reaches over me, his body pressing into mine as he grabs my phone and places it in my hand. “Call your sister. See if she needs me to pick her up. I’m going to Mom’s house this morning, anyway.”

I call, listening to it ring as Derek lowers his head to the peak of one breast, licking my nipple before drawing it into his mouth.

“What are you doing?” I whisper shout as the phone continues to ring.

“It’s just sitting here. What do you expect me to do?” He returns to his task as Lacey picks up the phone.

Heat arcs through me, straight from where his mouth is pleasuring me to the apex of my thighs, which pulses with need.

“Hello?” Lacey answers.

Derek’s hand slides down my body until it reaches my knees, then he slowly—torturously—glides his fingers up the inside of my thigh, shifting my leg toward him.

“Hi, Lacey. Did you see the snow outside?”

“Yeah. I was just thinking about walking home.”

His hand stops moving right below my pussy, so his finger is grazing me, but barely touching. All the while, he keeps sucking on my nipple, spreading flashes of heat through my body. I wriggle under his touch, trying to get his fingers pressed more firmly against the part that wants him the most.

“Uh, Derek offered to pick you up.” I swallow. My voice is far too breathy. “He, um, said he would come—” He chooses this moment to press a little harder against me, his finger dipping into my wet heat for half a second before withdrawing. I gasp.

“Are you okay, Ava?” Lacey asks. “You sound funny.”

“Yep. I’m just fine. Uh. Derek. He said he was going to visit his mom today. He could come get you.”

“Sure. When?”

That’s a good question. One which I have no answer to, even though there is a part of my brain that says I should. I should be able to tell her when he’ll be by to pick her up. It’s not a difficult question. But Derek’s fingers slide against me again, and it’s all I can think about.

He lifts his head and catches my earlobe between his teeth. “Tell her nine thirty, sweetheart, and hang up the phone. I’ve thought of something better to do than sleep for the next thirty minutes.”

“N-nine thirty. He’ll be there at nine-thirty. See you this afternoon.”

I hang up before she says goodbye.

“No more teasing,” I say, grabbing his face between both my hands. “Get down there and finish what you started.”

He grins at me, kissing me hard before shifting his body so his head is between my legs. “Oh, sweetheart. Your wish is my command.”

Chapter 18

Derek

Avaisontimefor work, just like I promised. I wish she had been late so I could have spent longer in bed with her this morning, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m really worried about her and how much she does. Though, until she lets me, I can’t exactly help her any more than I already am.

After I drop her off, kissing her soundly before letting her go, I follow my GPS to Lacey’s friend’s house. When I get there, I knock on the door and wait. A woman a few years older than me answers.

“Hello,” she says, looking me up and down. I recognize the look. It’s one I’ve seen many times before, usually right before a woman asks me to buy her a drink.

“Hi. I’m here to pick up Lacey.”

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