Page 79 of Second Down Darling

I’m so grateful I don’t have to deal with that shit anymore. No more guessing games for me. My girl and I are straight. Feels fuckingamazing.

I’m in such a good mood when I get home, I almost forget Dakota’s show is ontonight.

“Maybe we should skip it,” I murmur against Charlotte’s neck after I get Asher to bed. Our chessboard is set up on the coffee table, but playing would require me to stop touchingher.

We’re sitting on the couch, and she’s straddling my lap as she runs her fingers through my hair. I close my eyes and sigh, wishing we didn’t have to worry about the stupidHellHouse.

Charlotte kisses my temple and pushes me back. “Maybe I could help you forget?” She lifts her eyebrows suggestively and sinks to the ground. I love her new boldness. Though, to be honest, we haven’t had full-on sex again because she’s been sore. But it’s been fun doing otherthings.

I’m ready to turn off the TV and enjoy some naked time with my girlfriend when Asher’s voice calls out on the babymonitor.

“Damn. This was just getting good.” I pull her up and kiss her forehead. “Hold thatthought.”

But when I return fifteen minutes later, Charlotte is ghostly pale as she watches Dakota’sshow.

“What’swrong?”

She swallows and lifts her eyes to mine. They’re filled with tears, which she quickly wipesaway.

When she doesn’t say anything, I know it’sbad.

I sit next to her and grab the remote to rewind. I’m recording all the episodes in case something major happens so I can prepare Coach for thefallout.

After a moment, I stop on the scene of Dakota talking to the therapist, Dr. Fields. “Thispart?”

“Yes.” Charlotte starts to get up, but I grab her hand. “Babe, stay. We have to be able to talk about whatever wentdown.”

Reluctantly, she settles next to me as the therapist smiles sympathetically at her sister. “How are you feeling, Dakota? I want to keep tabs on this and make sure you’re not overextendingyourself.”

“I’m doing great. This experience has been energizing.” She gives him one of her winning smiles. It’s so convincing, I almost forget she’s a bald-facedliar.

“The only reason I ask is due to your health issues as a child. Doctors never identified why you got so sick,correct?”

“That’s true, and if I’m being honest, sometimes that scares me, but I do regular checkups, work out daily, and eat organic. And I’m happy to say I’ve been given a clean bill ofhealth.”

“That’s great news. Now let’s switch gears.” He tilts his head. “You’ve mentioned having some difficult relationships. I hope we can get you on the road to healing from past traumas so you can have healthy relationships with men moving forward. Let’s start with Jake Ramirez. He’s your baby’s father. How did you two meet? Can you explain thecircumstances?”

Oh, fuck. No wonder Charlotte’supset.

“I can watch this later.” Grabbing the remote, I’m about to click it off, but Charlotte stopsme.

“You’re right. We can’t hide from this. As much as I wish we could, my sister will always demand to be the center of attention. Let’s just get this overwith.”

I’m not surprised by her angry tone, but I am caught off guard by the cold look in her eyes directed atme.

Dakota smiles wistfully as she plays with a long lock of blonde hair. “I met Jake at a football party. It was homecoming weekend, and I was a new transfer. My showWinchester Prep Highhad just been cancelled, and I was upset. I wanted to blow off some steam, and when I got invited to a football party, I thought, why not? Jake hit on me immediately. Like, the minute I walked in the door, there he was. This beautiful guy who was super charismatic. He tugged me down onto his lap, told me it was my lucky night, and in many ways itwas.”

Oh, hell, no.“Charlotte, that’s not how thingshappened.”

It’s probably not a good sign that she won’t look atme.

Dr. Fields hands Dakota a box of tissues, and she wipes her eyes. “I’m sorry I’m gettingemotional.”

“That’s okay. Take yourtime.”

She looks down at her lap. “Our night together was explosive. Like, the hottest sex of my life. We were young, seniors in high school, but my God, Jake hadskills.”

I feel my ears go hot. This is fucked up. Most guys I know would love to have their sexual prowess bragged about by an ex, but that’s not me. I’m a private person, even more so since dating Dakota, and she fucking knowsthis.

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