Page 165 of Knockin' Boats
“You know what’s interesting?” she said. “At the time, I thought you were jealous of Ash. But now I wonder if you were actually more jealous of me.”
“I don’t follow.”
“You weren’t mad that Ash got me,” she said. “You were mad that I got him.”
“I didn’t really think of him like that back then. He was just my best friend.”
“Who you lost to me.” Mel shrugged. “I’m not saying you were hot for Ash at the time. But you loved him. He loved you. I got in the middle of that, and I’m sorry.”
“I think we’ve all apologized enough to last a lifetime,” I said. “It’s all water under the bridge now. It’s time to move on.”
“Good plan,” she said with a yawn as she collapsed back into her chair. “This wine is putting me to sleep.”
“Why don’t you crash here?” Ash suggested. “Sawyer and I can go to his camper.”
“You sure? I could probably make it home.”
“It’s a longer drive for you. We can be at the RV park in five minutes.”
“Okay, then stay for one more toast,” she said, refilling her cup. “To friendship.” She paused. “And kicking Rick in the ballsac.”
We laughed and drank. It was easier to be around Mel than I’d expected.
It didn’t hurt that I was in Ash’s lap, his left hand idly playing with my curls while his right clamped down on my thigh, holding me in place against him.
Every now and then he nuzzled into my neck, making goosebumps race down my arms.
Ash had chosen who he wanted to be with, and he was very obviously claiming me in front of Mel.
I didn’t kid myself. The message was probably more for me than her. But I appreciated it all the same.
Ash wanted me. He loved me.
And Mel’s presence in his life wouldn’t change that.
I stood and helped Ash up. He shook out his arms and legs. “You’re heavier than you look.”
“That’s because I’m all muscle, baby.”
“Mm. How about we get out of here so you show me, big boy?”
“Ew. I think I gagged a little.”
I glanced toward Mel, still slumped in her chair, eyes half closed.
“I thought you two would be hot together,” she mumbled, “but that’s just…disturbing.”
Ash snorted. “Don’t judge our sexy talk or I’ll tell Sawyer about the time you dated that weird plumber who talked about snaking your pipes while you?—”
“Okay, point made!” She gestured toward the water. “Go before I toss you overboard.”
Ash grinned and tugged me toward the ladder. “Come on. Let’s go home.”
My stomach fluttered again. Not because we were headed back to my place where we may or may not engage in our original plans for the evening. I wouldn’t blame Ash if he wasn’t in the mood for sex.
No, it fluttered because of the way he’d saidhome.As if my home was his, too. As if his home was with me.
I wanted that. I didn’t know how much I wanted that until I heard him say the words.
