Page 59 of Setting Limits

Without another word, he adjusts so he’s still inside me, but pulls his shirt over his head, holding it beneath where our bodies meet while he slowly pulls out.

“Fuck, that’s sexy.”

He proceeds to wipe me up, cleaning every inch of me before he scoops me off the couch and carries me to his room.

Once we’re lying facing each other, he tucks a tendril behind my ear and runs his fingertips down my arm.

“So, you’re okay with that? If things…should something…accidentally happen? You’d be okay with that?” Though the act should have sealed the thought, I want to be sure. Ineedto be after Brendan.

“I want you, Chelsea. All of you, for as long as you’ll have me. If that means kids someday, sooner or later, I’m here for it. I’m here for all of it.” My heart races as it soars. Not only does he seem okay with kids, which we’ve never really discussed, but he’s willing to deal with the repercussions of our actions.

“There’s something real here, sweetness. I told you from the beginning that I felt it, that I see it with you. Nothing has changed. If anything, that’s grown stronger.”

My feelings have too. And it’s scary in a lot of ways. We still haven’t discussed his plans for the future, and I’m too terrified to bring it up, especially as my feelings grow.

Shay suggested I let him all the way in, that I jump. And I have, completely. I leapt from the nest. Now the only question is if I can fly.

Chapter 30

“So,you’redatingherbrother, and you’re dating his best friend?” Marissa points at Shay and me in turn as she asks.

Shay and I look at each other and giggle. “Yeah, that’s the easy way of putting it.”

“And…everybody is cool with that?”

Shay and I catch each other’s eyes again, this time a bit more serious. “We are now.” I take her hand in mine and squeeze, wanting to reinforce that I am very okay with them.

“All I can say is that you both seem very happy. I’ve seen you both with your beaus and…man, I wish I could find a guy like that. And not just cause they’re both fucking gorgeous specimens of man.”

“You’re with that one guy…uh…Tristan. Right?” For a minute, I wasn’t sure Shay would remember his name. I’ve told her in passing, and she’s seen them together and been introduced. Shay’s great with names, though.

“Oh, he’ssonot the vibe that I get from the four of you. Not even close.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Shay’s voice is low, and I know she really means it. She wants everybody to find a love like what she and Lochlyn have. And she’s truly disappointed for that person when they don’t have it.

“Eh, he’s fun enough for now.”

I laugh, but Shay doesn’t. Having never just slept around, she doesn’t quite get the appeal. To her, it’s always been about love and feeling, which is absolutely fine and her prerogative, but some of us enjoy the life of flitting from boy to boy. At least I used to. I’m happy to have settled down with Wes.

“So tonight. On tap is Clueless, a true classic, and Chinese food from Shay’s favorite place.” I use my best game show announcer voice to talk about our evening. It’s one of our assigned girls’ nights, and we decided to bring Marissa in this time.

“Ooo, is it the one by Wegman’s? That’s the best one around.”

“I know! I’ve tried a few with Lochlyn, and none compare. We even did a taste test one night and ordered the same thing from all of them and compared. The one by Wegman’s is still the best. Though, have you tried the ChineseinWegman’s? It’s not too bad itself.” Shay’s eyes are alight and she’s talking with her hands, a sure sign she’s excited.

“I have! I said the same thing, surprisingly.” A smile pulls at my face. I love hearing Shay be comfortable and truly converse with other people. She’s far shier than most and still in her bubble a lot.

“Marissa, what are you having? I’ll call and order.”

“Chicken and broccoli, please!”

“You got it. Shay, your usual?”

“Of course.”

“Aw, it’s cute you know each other’s usual. You’ve been friends for a while?”

“Almost our whole lives, actually.” Shay looks over at me with a wide smile.

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