Page 78 of Forbidden Secrets
“Hey, girl.”
The sound of Esme’s voice was like pulling on a blanket straight from the dryer – warm and comforting.
“Gage and I are together.”The words tumbled out of her mouth.
Esme’s predictable shriek had Melanie grinning.“How?What happened?I need details.All of them.”
Melanie rattled off the events of the last couple days.When she stopped, there was a beat of silence.
“Esme?Did I lose you?Dammit.”She entered her house and moved into her office, which sometimes had better reception.
“I’m still here,” came the reply, softer this time.“I’m in awe, Mel.You’re incredible.You wanted him and went for it.I’m so happy for you.”She paused a beat.“Maybe I should try being more direct with Andres.”
“How’s that going?”
“Slow, but good slow.We’re both recovering from not-so-great relationships.I don’t want a fling, I want something that sticks.”Her voice echoed with determination.“He’s hot and sweet and makes me dizzy, but I want more than a hookup, so I’m holding out.”
“You’re being smart.Sounds like he’s worth the wait.”
“I hope so.”Esme’s voice brightened.“But back to you.Gage sounds like Captain America.Protective and impossibly sexy.”
Melanie sighed.“He’s got me all twisted up.I can’t stop thinking about yesterday.I’m trying to figure out boundaries.I was thinking about inviting him to the school carnival tomorrow.I want him to meet you and Isla.But I don’t want to be clingy, you know, that girlfriend who can’t get her nails done without dragging her boyfriend along.”
“Ask him.If a hundred sugar-fueled kids isn’t his scene, he’ll say so.”
“You’re right.I don’t want him to think it’s some kind of test he fails if he’d rather spend the afternoon watching a football game on TV.I need to stop overthinking before I ruin it for myself.”
She paused.“Are you and Isla ready for the weekend?Addy’s already planning to set her alarm to wake up early tomorrow morning.You know, in case you decide to arrive at six.”
“We’ll be there,” Esme laughed.“But I can guarantee it won’t be at six.Isla is so excited she probably won’t sleep worth a damn tonight.”
“Addy wants to introduce Pancake to Isla.Oh, real quick.If the call drops, it’s because I lost service.Cell service has been inconsistent the past few days.”
“A-ha.I was right.You do live in the wilderness.Got anything fun planned for today?”
“I’m writing a scene, which is work but fun work.I’m at a pivotal point between my hero and heroine.I need to decide how sexy to make it.”
“I say go for all the heat.Your readers will thank you.”
“Maybe.I’ll see how it plays out.What’s your day like?”
“Oh, you know.Work, work, and more work.I’m hoping to get off a little early so I can pack.”
“Don’t worry about toiletries.Use ours.We’ve got it all: shampoo, toothpaste, whatever you need.”
“Okay.I’m pulling into work right now.Talk to you later, best friend.”
“Bye, Es.”
***
Two hours later, Melanie’s phone chimed, making her jump and yanking her out of the scene she was writing.She glanced at the number.Her mom.It hadn’t rung, instead going straight to voicemail.She’d call her back later.
Melanie refocused, her fingers flying over the keyboard.Alaric and Vaelora had squared off in a fencing duel that was more seduction than swordplay.After simmering through three books, their sexual tension had reached a fever pitch.
Was this the right moment for a kiss?Melanie could visualize them leaning forward, swords crossed between them, lips inches apart.Or maybe—
Her phone chimed again.Concentration broken, she sighed, then tapped to play the voicemail.
