Page 67 of The Love We Make

“Your daughters don’t even know about us yet. I’m an excellent actress, but certain things, I really can’t hide.”

“We’d have to tell them beforehand. I won’t ask you to lie.”

“Maybe we can have a mini-Thanksgiving the day after, just the two of us?” I offer.

“Sure.”

“Wait.” I drop my fork. “Are you really asking me whether you should tell your other kids about us?”

“No.” Mimi shakes her head. “I’m simply inviting you to Thanksgiving. You, Juan, and Imani. What do you usually do?”

“We’re very good at pretending it doesn’t exist.” I pause to think. “Juan might want to spend it with Austin this year, though.”

“Even if that’s what he wants, something tells me he’ll spend it with you and Imani, anyway,” Mimi says, and she’s right.

“I’ll be sure to tell him that’s not necessary. I don’t care, either way. Neither does Imani. Although the last couple of Thanksgivings, she was with her ex. She might need a little emotional propping up this year.”

“Please know you are all very welcome at my house for the day.” Mimi sends me a smile. “No problem whatsoever if you’re not up to it, for any reason.”

“Thank you, and I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Now, when will I see you again and, depending on your answer, what time do you have to leave this morning?” She eyes me as though she hasn’t eaten in days and I’m the tastiest bite of food she’s ever seen.

“What are you asking?” I wish Mimi didn’t have this effect on me. That I wasn’t actually considering letting her have her way with me. I’m working. I need to focus and I need to prepare.

Mimi pushes her plate away. “I’m implying that I can make you come again before your car arrives.”

I swallow hard. “I’m not really one for quickies.”

“Wanna bet?” Mimi walks over to me and pushes my chair away from the table. She leans over me and kisses my neck.

“I just got ready,” I protest, but my heart’s not in it. I don’t even know who I’m pretending for. “I’m still recovering from my workout.” Mimi doesn’t know how hard Marcy is on me—how ruthless I allow her to be.

“It’s your call,” Mimi breathes into my ear. “Yes or no.” She clamps my earlobe between her lips, then trails a path of kisses down my neck.

“Fuck, yes.” I can’t believe this—I can’t believe myself. This isn’t me, and if it is, it’s a part of myself I haven’t been in touch with for a long time, maybe forever. All Mimi had to do to unearth it, is turn up. Be her glorious, exquisite self.

“Music to my ears.” She kisses me full on the lips, her tongue slipping inside my mouth.

I hear noises from inside the house. Ricky’s still here. Chad will arrive soon to take care of the dogs. I run my household on a tight schedule. I have strict rules in place to maximize my time alone, although most of them went out of the window the moment I let Mimi into my life.

When we break from our kiss, I say, “Ricky’s in the kitchen. We can’t do this.”

“I’m sure Ricky’s seen a thing or two.” Mimi leans in again, but I push her away.

“No, Mimi. I can’t. It’s not right.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk to him. Tell him to step outside at his own peril.” Mimi winks at me, grabs our empty plates, and rushes inside. Jesus Christ. My cheeks have barely cooled off post workout, and now they’re burning up again.

A few moments later, Mimi’s back. She struts toward me with that confident stride she has. Who is this woman, anyway? Who the hell does she think she is to turn my life upside down like this? “It’s all taken care of. You can relax.” She holds out her hand. “Come here.”

Without giving it any further thought, I take her hand. She leads me to a lounge chair at the other side of the pool.

“Maybe you’ll feel more comfortable here,” Mimi whispers as her hands roam across my body. If only she didn’t make me feel so damn good, then I could put a stop to this madness. These sensations wouldn’t overwhelm me to the point there are no rules anymore. My life has descended into chaos, which might be fun for a minute or two, but will surely come back to bite me in the ass later. I’ve learned that the hard way.

Mimi’s already unbuttoning my jeans. She tugs them down. I help her get them off, because there’s no way back now. Part of me strongly believes this isn’t going to work, that there’s no such thing as a quickie for a woman my age, but Mimi has proven me wrong before, and I don’t want to deny her a try.

She looks into my eyes as she slides my panties off me. Then, there I lie. Legs spread wide on a lounge chair in the back of my yard. What has my life become? I don’t do things like this—nor do I fall in love like this. But fuck, that soft rush of air between my legs feels amazing. It’s quiet up here. It’s just Mimi and me. She lowers herself toward me, kisses the inside of my thigh. She doesn’t waste any time. Before I know what’s happening, her tongue is soft on my clit, and a wave of heat and lust spreads through me.

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