Page 96 of The Lake House

She nods again. “I’m serious, girl. I miss the way Dave and I used to be able to just stop whatever we were doing and fuck like banshees if we really wanted to. Which was all the time, and I miss that. As Josie got older, it got less and less, and lately, it was even less because we’re always afraid that Josie might walk in on us and be scarred for life… you know how she has nightmare sometimes and comes running into our room.”

I nod, but don’t say a word because I feel so guilty. Declan and I have been having a lot of hot sex lately, and it is the best I’ve ever experienced in my life. And it’s true. We could be watching a movie or doing dishes together right after dinner, and if we get the urge, we just pull down our pants and have at it. It’s really nice to do so and not have to worry about anything or anyone walking in on us.

Liv lets out a deep sigh. “You know, I think Dave and I just need to get away for like a weekend before the baby is born so we can have two days of non-stop fucking in a nice hotel… maybe I can arrange for Josie to stay with my mom for a couple of days.”

I see the wheels in her head spinning, and try to block out the thoughts currently forming in mine. I’ll offer to watch Josie for her so she can get away with Dave. She’s going to need it now, because once the baby is born, who knows when it’ll just be the two of them. Man, this just makes me realize how no time should be wasted. I should take every single opportunity now with Declan while we both can. I can’t wait to see him again today. I really want to jump his bones now after thinking of him and me getting it on.

I bite my lower lip, picturing all the ways Declan lays the pipe on me. Fuck, I want him right now.

“And now you’re not saying a damn thing which lets me know that I’m completely right.”

I snap out of my thoughts as Liv’s voice comes back into my ears. “Huh? I’m sorry, right about what?”

Liv laughs. “You don’t even have to say anything. Those rosy red cheeks and that far off look while biting your lip, I know you’re deep in thought, thinking about you and Declan rolling around in bed. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. You guys probably have the best sex life right now, and I’m so fucking jealous.” She lets out a chuckle.

I smile widely, unable to hide it any longer. “I’m sorry, Liv.”

She waves a dismissive hand in my direction. “Pfft. Don’t be. I’m happy for you, girl. It’s been so long since you got some… you deserve it.”

“It’s just never been like this before,” I say, sitting up.

Liv smiles. “He put it on you hard, didn’t he?”

I let out a sigh. “Girl, I can’t even describe how good he feels when he’s… well, you know. Putting it on me hard is one way of, well, putting it.”

The two of us laugh and then spend the next couple of hours watching TV until it was time for me to head back.

* * *

After arriving home, I jump into the shower and get ready to see Declan.

I turn my body from left to right in front of the mirror and admire my reflection. Not bad. Not bad at all for just throwing something on.

I picked out a short black dress from the back of my closet that I haven’t worn out in forever. I think the last time was to a casual work event after a teacher’s convention a couple of years back.

I place a hand on my left hip and tilt my head to the side. Hmmm. It fits a lot looser than I remember. I turn to the side again and take in the image before me, zeroing in on my stomach. There used to be a small pouch there. Now, it’s flat. There’s no doubt that during the divorce, I lost a huge amount of weight. I guess stress, anxiety, and depression can do that to a person. I had zero appetite for a long time.

I shrug and run a hand through my hair. I’m about to pick up the stick of mascara and apply it to my lashes when the sound of the doorbell brings me to a halt.

My heart races at the realization: Declan’s here.

Finally, I feel like I haven’t seen him in ages.

Giddily, I race down the stairs and run to the front door, but when I look through the peephole, there’s no one there. Hmm.

I pull the door open and freeze dead in my tracks.

Holy fucking fuck.

What the hell is this motherfucker doing here?

“Todd?” I immediately step outside and slam the door shut behind me so he can’t make his way inside. I really don’t want him to corner me inside, especially with how he looks right now. Jesus, he is a fright.

There he is, leaned against the porch’s banister, his head tilted to the right. He looks a mess. His hair is unkempt, looking like it hasn’t been combed in days. His clothes are wrinkly with his shirt half hanging out of his jeans. He’s donning a crooked smile, and he reeks of alcohol.

Fucking hell. I have no patience for his typical bullshit today.

He pushes off from the banister, inching closer. “Giuuuliiieees, ba-by.” His speech is slurred.

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