Page 52 of Setting Limits

That last part reminds me of somebody else. My panties soak just thinking about Wes’s expertise and his hands and tongue all over me. I have to adjust how I sit. I’m now wishing I was seeing Wes tonight ten times more than I was a half hour ago.

We share a small moment of silence before she asks where Shay is.

“Oh, she’s with her boyfriend, my brother.”

“Wait, they’re still together? Has it gotten any less weird?”

“Oh yeah, it definitely has. Mostly because they’re perfect together, so I’m pretty sure it’s long term. I mean, have you seen them together?”

“Here and there. They’re both utterly gorgeous people, which is so not fair, but yeah, they’re always literally attached at the hip.”

“Yeah, I don’t know if Lochlyn would know how to let her go if he wanted to. I wasn’t really sure he’d ever settle down and find somebody because he had a reputation for being…overly friendly with the ladies…to put it nicely. But I’m honestly happy it’s with Shay. She’s been through a lot, and she deserves the happiness he brings her.” Every word I’m saying is true, and I feel like I can say them honestly and without any shred of guilt or discomfort for the first time.

“It’s really nice you can see it that way now. I’m not sure I ever could.”

“It hasn’t been easy, but things have never been better. It’s worth a slight discomfort here or there.”Plus, I’m dating his best friend.

“Justine and I are going to go to dinner when she’s finished. Want to join us? Or do you have plans?”

“Shay will be back for dinner, mind if she tags along, too?”

“Of course not! The more the merrier. Not to mention, I haven’t had a chance to get to know her much yet.” It’s probably because she’s basically never here, and if she is, she’s a hermit.

“Shay’s a little shy. She can be really quiet, but she’s got a really amazing personality. Very upbeat most of the time. She’s had a bit of a rough go, but that’s for her to explain, not me.”

“Marissa!” Justine’s voice echoes down the hall.

“Oh, guess she’s done. I’ll swing by before dinner. Thanks for giving me a place to stay.”

“Any time. See ya later.”

Once she’s gone and I’m alone again, my mind wanders to Wes.

As though he can hear my thoughts, my phone pings with an incoming text from him.Hey pretty girl. Just wanted to say hi and that I’ll miss you sleeping next to me tonight.

He certainly knows how to pull at the heartstrings. I don’t even know what to say that’s quite as sweet or eloquent. So instead, I just respond withI’ll miss you too <3.

The feelings going on here are growing far faster than they should be, and far faster than I can control. In a way, it feels incredible and liberating and like things are finally going right with the world.

In another way, it’s absolutely fucking terrifying.

Chapter 27

ThesneakingaroundwithWes is exhausting. Mentally and physically. I don’t know how Lochlyn and Shay did it for so long. It’s not even that difficult since we’re together a ton, but there are so many things I can’t say or do. Days I have to avoid the apartment because it seems like too much if I’m there that often and being in Wes’s presence but not touching him is almost painful.

Wes is a sneaky bastard and likes to skirt the line. At one point, Shay told me that Lochlyn had wanted to tell me, that it was harder on him and caused issues. I can see why now, and I’m in a place to have new insight on Shay and her perspective. It makes me feel like shit all over again.

The hurt of what she went through, alone, because ofme…it’s almost too much. I’ve been a horrible friend. I’m continuing to be one.

At this point, Wes and I have been together for about a month. We spend the infrequent night together. He’s always been sort of a wanderer from what he says. Lochlyn knows he’s not with Claire anymore, but doesn’t question it. I don’t love the fact that my boyfriend seems to have been a bed hopper, but I guess I can’t complain when I’m not that much better. Sure, I had more boyfriends than just random hookups, but it was a steady stream for years.

Christmas is fast approaching. Mom and Dad are on vacation, not surprisingly. They did deposit a pretty penny in my bank account, which was much appreciated, though their actual attention would have been nicer.

Loch and Shay are staying here, and Wes wants to be with me. The dorms close and I have to be out, but there’s nothing for me at home. Not anymore.

“Do you want to come to my parents’ with me?” His heart, which is under my ear, thumps erratically at the thought.

“And meet them before we tell Lochlyn? No way. He’d lose his mind.” If I know one thing about my brother, it’s that he needs to know first.

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