Page 39 of Cougar

“Something’s changed.” Jules sighs.

I throw an arm over my eyes. “I’m sorry, Jules.”

She rolls off me and onto the bed. Grabbing the sheet, she holds it to her chest and scoots her back against the headboard.

“I can’t do this anymore.” I roll off the bed and make my way to the bathroom to dispose of the condom.

“Me either.” Jules releases a heavy sigh. “I met someone,” she tells me as I pull on my boxer briefs and crawl back into bed.

I roll to my side and prop my head in my hand. “Oh yeah?”

She nods, lowering her head and mindlessly picking at the sheet. “It’s new. We haven’t even been out on a real date yet, just coffee a few times.”

“Is he from here? Do I know him?”

“Probably.” She shrugs and breathes out a soft laugh. “Everyone knows everyone and everything around here.” She rolls her eyes. “Your neighbors probably know we’re having sex.”

“My neighbors definitely know we’re having sex,” I tease. “And if they don’t, then I’m not doing it right.”

“Cameron.” I duck my head and laugh when she reaches out and smacks me on the shoulder.

I grin. “I’m kidding, Jules. Speaking of neighbors, Emerson is back in Heritage Bay.”

“I know.” She clears her throat. “She came into the studio with her daughter this afternoon.” A smile pulls up one side of her mouth. “She’s beautiful, Cameron. I can see why you love her.”

“She is,” I agree. “But it’s not her looks, Jules. It’s just her.” I drop my head and roll onto my back. “I can’t even tell you what I love the most about her, because I love everything.”

“She gives you the butterflies,” she reminds me. She’d said the same thing to me ten years ago. And it’s the truth. Emerson gives me butterflies from head to toe. “She’s a lucky woman.”

I disagree. Emerson isn’t lucky. She’s been through hell, and the last thing she needs is her little brother’s lovesick best friend chasing after her. What shedoesneed is a friend.

I roll my head to the side. “Are you gonna tell me who this mystery guy is, or am I gonna have to follow you to the coffee shop?”

She chuckles. “His name is Chris Wells. He’s a doctor.”

The fuck?

I sit straight up and twist to face her. “No,” I snap.

Her head whips to the side. “Wha—”

“He’s married, Jules.”

“Divorced,” she states matter-of-factly.

“Since when? And how come I haven’t heard anything about it?”

Her face scrunches up, obviously irritated. “Why would you?”

“Because hiswifeis my sister’s best friend.”

“Oh.” She lowers her head, and now I feel like a total dick for bursting her little bubble of happiness.

“Jules.” She turns to look at me. “I can’t tell you who to date, but you deserve better than to be someone’s side piece.”

She scoffs. “I didn’t have sex with him.” Tossing the sheet to the side, she slips out of bed and begins plucking her clothes from the floor. “And that’s rich coming from you.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve never treated you like a side piece.”

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