Page 65 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

His eyes widen. “You aren’t going to tell your parents you’re having a kid? Won’t they be a bit surprised when you show up with one on your next visit?”

“Yes, they will. I’ve thought about it, and that’s the plan—to just show up. At that point, there’s nothing they can do or say. They either accept it or they don’t. And if they don’t, they’ll never see me again.”

“And Ryder? Will you tell him?” His brows shoot up. “You think he’s going to want to kick my ass?”

“I’m thirty-five, Lucas. There will be no ass kicking of any kind.”

He laughs. “Every time you mention your age, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. I still see you as that eighteen-year-old fantasy girl.”

I cover my eyes. “I’m sleeping with my little brother’s best friend.”

“Former best friend.” He nudges me. “And there’s nothing little about me.”

“Stop,” I say. I put the leftovers in the refrigerator then lean against the counter. “I’ll probably tell him, but not before we telleveryone else.” I look at the time. “I’ve got to finish getting ready and open the shop. Thanks for breakfast.”

“My pleasure.” He goes for the door, then turns. “What time tonight?”

“Mmm?”

“We should do it again tonight, right? And for the next three or four days probably. To give you the best chance.”

“I suppose we should.”

“You don’t have to look so sad about it.” Pouting, he strides back over, tugs me toward him and says, “If you’d just let me go for objective number one, it would be a whole lot better.” His eyes capture mine. “Just tell me how you want me to do it. Fingers? Cock? Tongue? Hell, we can even incorporate a toy if you think it’ll make it happen. I’m up for anything.” He leans in. “I’ve heard a finger up the butt can really help.”

My jaw drops. He did not just say that. But secretly, my insides are swimming in warm gooey juices.

“I’m just sayin’. Whatever it takes, Ray.”

With that, he spins on his heel and leaves. I race to the bedroom window to make sure he goes out the back as promised. He does. He starts walking down the alley, lights a cigarette, then turns to look at my back door, staring at it intently. Then his head tilts and he catches me in the window. With a smirk and a wink, he salutes me.

I shrink away from the window, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. Then I go get ready. Taking a few minutes for one minor detour.

Chapter Twenty-two

Lucas

Did I really just ask if she wanted me to finger her ass?

What the hell is it about Regan Lucas that has me wanting to do things like that? Things I’ve never done before. Things like dirty talk. Whipped cream. Anal play.

And when did I become so forward and demanding? Sure, I’m that way when it comes to business. But not in the bedroom. Never in there. I’ve always let the woman take the lead, afraid to push the boundaries of regular, vanilla sex.

I look back down the alley. Maybethat’swhat’s been missing.

Ever since we signed the contract last week, I’ve wondered if she would have done it if she knew I still had a major boner for her. Even after all this time, through all the women I’ve been with—it’s still there. I just didn’t realize it.

Does that make what I’m doing unethical?

I think it must be the whole orgasm thing. I’ve always been competitive. I hate to lose. And I’ve been confident in my abilities as a lover, as mainstream as it’s been for me.

Ah, shit.What if all the other women were faking it?

Not possible. I’m getting all up in my head. And I vow tonight, I’m going to bring my A-game and prove to Regan and myself that it’s achievable.

I need another cup of coffee. I round the corner at the end of the alley and head into The Criss Coffee Corner. It’s bustling on this Saturday morning.

Ava is behind the counter, busy with the cappuccino machine, and I notice Gray Calloway taking orders. I step up when it’s my turn. “Didn’t know you were working here.”

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