Page 27 of Bleeding Hearts

“I’ve already had my hands on him.” A venomous hiss escapes my lips at my words, my eyes burning with frustration as I glare at my sister. “Shit.”

“I knew it.” A smirk stretches across her face as she leans closer. “You looked too relaxed on the couch when I came home after such a crazy day. I want the details.”

My plan was to keep what happened between us. That’s how I’ve dealt with most guys I’ve been with. The only people who needed those details were the two involved. It made it easier later when things ended. Kept people from asking the why questions. Why did it end? Why would you sleep with him? Why not take it further?

Before I can say more, her phone buzzes with a text. She smiles as she reads it and then types one back. I’ve not seen her this happy in—well, never. Not even when she was with her ex, the douche bag she married.

While she’s busy texting, the doorbell rings.

With a grunt, I push myself up, grab the walker, and push it slowly down the hall, each click of the wheels echoing in the quiet space. “I got it. You keep texting lover boy.”

“He’s far from a boy.”

I snicker at Alicia’s joke, the sound a light, airy puff of amusement.

Once I reach the door, I look through the frosted glass and grin when I see Jodi. She said she’d drop by after finalizing the sale of the four-million-dollar house. In her hand is a bottle of what I assume is champagne.

I open the door and she shrieks. “Look at you. We are so planning a party soon. Until then, we drink this.”

She walks in and waits for me to turn around. “Alicia’s in the kitchen. She can join us.”

As I back away from the door, Jodi shuts it. “Oh goodie. I have something I want to show her. I found the perfect gift for her delicious man on my Instagram feed.”

We shuffle down the hall back to the kitchen. “Of course you did.”

Approaching the cabinet where I store my wine flutes, Jodi takes out three. Then she floats over to the table, and I wonder if she’s already had a few before coming over.

“Do you know what my commission was for selling that 4.5-million-dollar mansion on Dutch Island?”

We wait for her to tell us, because Jodi pauses as if she’s on some damn game show during a commercial break.

“One-hundred-twenty-fucking-thousand-dollars.” She does a little jig as she pours, spilling some. “I need to sell more homes at that price. I’m so changing my strategy and targeting rich-ass men. No more of these baby, everyday clients.”

With a playful smile, she licks her fingers clean, tasting the bubbly, sweet residue of the champagne. “Just kidding, sort of.I’ll take both, but I really need the rich guys to sell and buy more from me. College is on the horizon, and given my son’s grades, I might be forced to consider bribing the board for his admission. He better get his ass in gear and stop screwing around. I’m not letting him live in my house forever.”

We lift our glasses and take a sip. As soon as she guzzles down half of hers, she turns to Alicia. “I found this cute pair of underwear you need to buy for Dill Pickle. You’ve licked his pickle, right?”

Alicia blushes and shakes her head. “And I thought my sister was bad. Let me see them.”

Pulling out her phone, she scrolls through her photos and then turns the device around. A black pair of snug boxer briefs with red lettering readI licked it so it’s mineright across where Dillon’s pickle would be.

The three of us laugh again, and before Jodi leaves, she convinces Alicia to order them. All thoughts of me and Nolan forgotten.

Chapter 13

Bethany

Today is my first day back at the university. Classes started last week, and thankfully one of my colleagues stepped in and assigned one of our departmental TAs to get my students started. It was a temporary solution. I was eager to return and get back to teaching.

I enjoy my job. Worked my ass off to earn my PhD. Spent numerous hours doing clinical research to write my dissertation that nearly had me losing my mind. But I did it. I’ll never forget the spring graduation ceremony where I was presented with my doctoral hood, alongside the other graduates. That was almost ten years ago. Sharing that moment with the students and peers meant everything to me. Alicia dragged the boys—who rang that damn cowbell she brought with her—along with our brother Micheal. My sister has always been there for me, never missed the important moments.

Then last spring I was promoted to department head. There was no way I wasn’t returning when the fall semester started. After the accident I’d handed over my summer classes, but I wasn’t about to miss more. It was later than I wanted. But I’m finally back.

I’m looking forward to introducing my students to the exciting world of psychology. My new role gave me all the power over teaching schedules. Most department heads shy away from the introductory course. Distribute those to the other professors in the department. However, they’re my favorites to teach, because I get to open my students’ eyes to the wonderful world of psychology. Entice some of them to consider majoring in it, and others picking it as a minor.

Alicia looks around as she carries my bag for me.

“Things sure have changed since my days as a student.”

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