Page 7 of Fumbling for Perfection

“Do you have a criminal record?”

“Other than a speeding ticket when I was twenty-three, squeaky clean.”

“Only one?”

Walker’s top lip lifts. “Been pulled over a few times, but only the one ticket.”

“What does ‘No’ mean?”

“No.”

“Safe word?”

“For me or Riley?”

Kendall glances at me and smiles. “Both.”

“We’ll figure it out if necessary.”

“Any kinks we need to be aware of?”

“We? I don’t share.”

“Possessive. I like that for Riley.”

“Okay. Enough.” I stand and push myself in front of Kendall, keeping my back to Walker. I lower my voice, hoping he can’t hear us over the loud music. “I love and appreciate you, but you can stop now.”

“I’ve been watching you two for the past ten minutes. He’s totally one hundred percent enchanted by you.”

“Enchanted? He wants to get laid.”

“No. Trust me. It’s more. I feel good mojo. Your vagina deserves a good ram session. Hell, the testosterone coming off that man, I’d say your vagina is about to get ruined. In the best of ways.”

“Kendall.”

She lowers her voice so I can barely hear her. “Do it, Riley. All the way. You deserve this. He can give you what Jackson can’t. What Jackson wants you to have.”

Guilt washes over me. It’s deceitful. It’s not me. But I want it so much. Not just the sex, the...

“Riley.” She cups my face and forces me to look her in the eye. “You’ll never see him after tonight. No one will know. You’re giving up so much. Do this foryou.” She steps back and turns her attention to Walker. “Normally, I love to watch but I’ve got my own fun planned. Do you live close by?”

“I’m here on business.”

“Perfect.” Kendall lifts her brow in approval. “Where’s your hotel? Or you two can get another room at the Holiday Inn.”

Yeah, ‘cause nothing says a sexy one-night stand like the Holiday Inn.

“I’m staying at The Beatrice.”

“Who?”

Walker lifts a brow in my direction. “Another classically beautiful name.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. It’s fun keeping my name from him. I like that he keeps guessing. “It’s a block away. If Riley chooses to leave with me, I’ll be sure she makes it to wherever she wants to go. Safely.”

“Okay, kids. I’ll leave you to it.” Kendall gives me a hug and whispers in my ear. “Fuck the shit out of him, Riles. I’m so jealous and happy for you at the same time. I want all the deets in the morning.” She pulls away and points her manicured finger at Walker. “You do anything to hurt her, I’ll cut your dick off with a dull knife and shove it down your throat.”

Instead of being insulted by Kendall’s threat, he grins. “I’m glad she has you as a friend.”

She cocks her head to the side and nods. “Damn. If only I saw you first.”

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