Page 57 of Protection for Nichole

Danika chuckled. “It’s not for everyone. With my history with my ex, I couldn’t do it. We talked about it, but I told him I couldn’t get into it. He’s fine, he understood.”

Ava nodded. “I totally get it. My ex used to beat me, but with Wild, it’s different. I don’t understand. That’s why intimacy is so intimate. Like anyone can do the basics, but it takes a real lover to make a difference.”

Nichole waved her hand in front of her face. “I’ve not talked like this with other women in years.”

Ava threw her arm around Nichole’s shoulder and hugged her close. “I think it’s because we’re real. Our men do freaking dangerous work, and it makes you realize bad shit can happen at any moment. I depend on these women, and they depend on me. It makes it so much more.”

Danika nodded. “Before moving here and meeting these women, I realized I’d never really had close female friends. Now, I know these women have my back in a way it has never been had before.”

Tears gathered in Nichole’s eyes, and she swiped them away. “I’m just getting to know you all, but I get it. You all have beenreally nice.” She blew out a breath and stood, walking to the other side of the room before turning back. “And none of you put up anything on social media. I really appreciate that. Like I’ve never been able to really share except with my editor.”

They all stood and moved to her, wrapping her in a hug. She felt their love and friendship.

Danika held her gaze. “We’ve got your back. No one is going to find out secrets from us.”

Ava squeezed her arm. “Nope, no one will know your secrets. We’ve got you.”

Rory wiped her eyes. “You’re one of ours now, and we take care of our own.”

She couldn’t believe how wonderful these women were. Having friends who cared for her was amazing. “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you all have done for me. It’s nice to have people in my corner.”

Danika squeezed her hand. “Of course, honey. This is how it should be with your friends.”

Ava’s phone buzzed. “Oh, looks like it’s time for us to go. Sharp is looking for me.” She sent him a text then gave Nichole a hug. “We’ll see you at The Hinge.”

“Thank you. You’re awesome.”

Rory and Ava left, leaving her and Danika alone. She needed to head to bed soon, but she wasn’t ready yet.

Danika carried the glasses into her kitchen, and Nichole picked up the plates from their snacks. “Is anyone from your family coming to the wedding or after?”

Nichole hadn’t even thought about calling her father and telling him she was getting married. “No. When my mom passed away, I kind of cut ties. My dad thinks I should quit work and be a doormat. I have different priorities.”

“That’s sad, but I get it. Family isn’t always who they say they are.”

“Nope, they aren’t.” Nichole couldn’t stifle the yawn that erupted.

“Are you ready for bed?”

Nichole raised her hands over her head and stretched. “I think I have to. Otherwise, I’ll look like a zombie at my own wedding.”

“Trust me, you’ll look great no matter what.”

She laughed as she shook her head. “Thank you, but I know I need my beauty sleep tonight.”

They said their goodnights, and she headed to bed. Exhaustion ate at her, but she couldn’t fall asleep. She pulled out her phone and pulled up her texts.

I love you and can’t wait to be your wife.

She wondered if she should hit send, but she couldn’t go to bed without telling Jesse how much she loved him. Her life was good, but she hadn’t realized how much had been missing before Jesse.

Chapter 46

Jay wassurprised when the guys showed up. He’d expected Sharp, but all his buddies were there to help him celebrate. They knew he didn’t want a stripper or anything like that, so instead, they brought games.

They were in the middle of playing a round of beer pong when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, and Sharp snatched the phone from him. “Aww, she loves you and can’t wait to be your wife.” All the guys said something about how sweet Nichole was.

He rolled his eyes. “Give me my phone so I can text her.”

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