Page 67 of Sass

“I said I didn’t want to hurt you.” His gaze was unwavering. “Andthatwould hurt you. Besides—” His lips curled up in a sultry smile. “—as far as sex is concerned, I’m going to be far too busy with you to need to look elsewhere. If that changes, I’ll let you know. Understood?”

I gaped, not daring to believe. Chris was willing to be exclusive? With me? I couldn’t get my head around it, but I also wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Sure. I mean, yes, I understand. I just can’t believe you’d agree—”

He kissed me hard, shutting me up. “I’m not a monster for fuck’s sake. You think after hearing about your sister that I don’t know what loyalty means to you? You practically have the word carved on your damn forehead. It’s one of your most endearing qualities.” He ran a fingertip down my nose. “And it’s not like I’m incapable of showing restraint, you know?” His pink-stained cheeks darkened to crimson. “Okay, full disclosure since it seems we really are doing this...thing.”

I couldn’t help my smile.

“It’s possible I might not have been with another guy since... Rhys left.” He said the end bit so fast I almost missed it. “Sinceyoustarted being so goddammed nice. My friends are threatening an intervention.”

I quashed the urge to fist pump the air, my heart taking the admission and painting way too hopeful rainbows with it. “Well, as you know, I’ve been in a dry spell as well, a little longer than yours, obviously.” I grinned at his deepening blush. “But since you’ve raised the question, what exactlyarewe going to tell our nosy friends when they ask, because there’s no way we’re gonna keep this under wraps. If you even look at me sideways, I pretty much spring wood. And after Tuesday, Ty and JJ know for sure there’s something up. I can’t keep my eyes off you.”

He snorted. “Is that right? Methinks that’s a topic worth returning to, but to answer your question—” He winced. “—for a start, Drew had us nailed by Monday after the painting thing, and Rhys and Beck already know, about the fucking part, anyway.”

I almost choked. “How?”

Chris waved a hand airily. “I can’t hide anything from Rhys. He has this wheedling way of getting into my head, and then before I know it, I’ve confessed everything. And I can’t look at Beck without the urge to blurt my entire life history. It’s something to do with that whole professor vibe. They’re both so fucking annoying.”

I laughed and slid my hand around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. “So, no hiding, then?”

“Yeah, all right. No hiding. But no words like dating or boyfriends either,” he warned. “Let them think what they like.”

Small steps, I cautioned myself.Don’t be greedy.“Agreed. But when we’re alone, I can’t promise I won’t use the cutesy names.”

He rolled his eyes. “I guess I can live with that.” His lips curved up in a slow, sexy smile. “But now that that’s all settled, I believe you mentioned something about it being your turn.” He ran his lips up my jawline to my ear and whispered, “Come and get me.”

I flipped him onto his back and set about doing exactly that.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Leon

After a miserable weekof rain and gloomy billowing clouds, Saturday dawned blue-skied and crisp, with air so cold you could slice it with a knife. Oh, the joys of spring. It was midday before the warmth of the sun nurtured even the smallest spike in temperature. Even then it couldn’t convince people to abandon their scarves and gloves and stamping feet. Aucklanders knew a lost cause when they saw it. A pretty sun was tempting, but none of us were fooled for a minute.

“That’s enough for today, Carla.” I downed the tattoo machine and set about gently cleaning her arm before applying a thin layer of antimicrobial cream. “It’s taking shape nicely.”

She twisted her head to take a look in the mirror. “Wow.” She grinned at the horse’s head that ran the length of her upper arm from shoulder tip to just above the elbow. The stallion’s black forelock danced over a pristine white star, his dark eyes wild. “I love it. Jim Jam was my best showjumper. I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Her eyes filled with tears.

I gave her hand a squeeze as she continued to stare in the mirror and then let her have a moment while I cleaned my station.

“I can’t thank you enough. This whole experience has been everything I hoped it would be. How many more sessions do you think?”

“Two should do it.” I wrapped a light bandage around her arm. “And it’s been a pleasure. You know the drill for the aftercare. I’ll see you at the desk when you’re ready.”

Carla shimmied off the chair and I made my way to the reception desk, leaving her to dress.

JJ elbowed me as I scrolled through the appointment calendar. “You’re so good with those guys.” She nodded toward the curtain and dropped her voice. “The whole grieving thing.”

I glanced at the closed curtain and thought of my family. “Not all of them, apparently.”

JJ knew about my impending lunch with my parents and gave my arm a gentle squeeze. “It’s gonna be okay. You guys love each other.”

Something Chris continued to remind me of as well.I checked the clock and sighed. It was almost noon.

JJ nudged me aside. “You need to get going. I’ll finish up.”

I hesitated, then kissed her cheek and thanked her. “Close up after your last appointment. Don’t worry about any more walk-ins.”

“Will do.” She saluted and hustled me out from behind the desk.

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