Page 10 of When We Break

The others nod in agreement.

“I’m sure he’s not a certifiable stalker,” I reply. “But I just don’t trust myself. Or men, for that matter. There’s an attraction there, don’t misunderstand. He’s handsome, and he was kind to me.”

“But?” This comes from Dani, who’s watching me with eyes full of concern.

“But I don’t think it’s a good idea even though he’s the first man I’ve been attracted to inanyway for the better part of three bloody years.”

“Then the answer’s no.” Alex nods. “You have to be comfortable, babe. That’s the bottom line.”

“It doesn’t hurt my feelings,” Bee says, pushing her pretty hair over her shoulder. “My brothers tend to be on the alpha side. Bossy. Take charge.”

Oh, I don’t think I’d mind that so much. It’s when they go too far, when it isn’t consensual, that I have a problem.

“Then again,” Bee continues, “I’ve found alpha men do give some good orgasms.”

“Like your foreigner last winter?” Dani asks with a grin, and we all nod, enjoying this story. Bee had a one-night stand with a handsome tourist last year. She never exchanged names with him, so we don’t know who it was, but from what she’s told us, it washot.

Clearly, because it’s still on her mind.

“I mean,” Bee adds, “hewaspretty take-charge and alpha, and I have no complaints about that.”

“Thanks for listening to me.” I smile at my new friends. “I needed to talk it out. Not because I thought I made a mistake, but I did have a moment of regret as Beckett walked away. He was the first man I’d even partially considered wanting to try with, you know? But I just couldn’t.”

I trusted him. That’s what surprised me. Yes, there was an attraction there, but I simply trusted him.

“He was kind. Handsome.”Tempting.

“He’s both of those things,” Millie agrees. “But Alex is right. If it doesn’t feel right to you, then you did the right thing. And the beautiful thing is, he lives here, so if you change your mind, any one of us can give you his number.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” I bite my lower lip, pondering that idea. “It’s good to have as a backup plan, just in case. Also, don’t forget the recital in just three days. Most of you have little ones who will want to see you there.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Millie declares. “When do we get to seeyoudance?”

I shake my head. “Those days have passed. But maybe sometime I can demonstrate what I used to do.”

“We wouldlovethat,” Dani says. “Please do.”

* * *

There’s a car in my driveway when Riley and I get home. A black SUV with tinted windows and an armed man standing next to the driver’s door, hands crossed at his waist, blank expression on his face.

“Riley, Uncle Connor’s here!”

I jump out of the driver’s side and let Riley out, smiling at the bodyguard as I walk past.

“Hi, Miller,” I say. “And how are you then?”

“Just fine, miss. The boss is inside.”

The door is unlocked when I push through, running past the living room to the kitchen, where my brother sits at the island, eating a bowl of my stew. He’s in black slacks and a black dress shirt, sleeves rolled up, the top button undone at his neck. His suit coat and tie are draped over the back of my couch.

“I didn’t know you were coming to town already.”

“Yet you had the stew on for me, I see.” His green eyes are full of mischief as he pops a spoonful in his mouth. I run around to give him a proper hug. “Where were you tonight,a stór?”

“My book club meeting,” I reply as I pull away and grab myself some water. “It’s monthly, and I enjoy it.”

“Good. It’s glad I am that you’re making friends.” He finishes his stew and sets the bowl in the sink. “Your alarm passcode needs to be reset.”

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