Page 101 of Indecent Ventures

I lean into him. “Me too. I wish it didn’t have to end.”

He nuzzles into my neck and kisses it. “I feel the same way.”

He looks up at me. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Yes.”

“If I didn’t stop things with Travis last night, what would have happened?”

“I knew you would stop it before it got too far, but I just wanted to see how long you’d let it go. Even if you didn’t, I would have. I certainly wouldn’t have had sex with him if that’s what you’re asking. Not a chance in hell.”

“How did you know I would stop it? I didn’t even know.”

I smile. “When you said you were fine with it, you were scratching your neck. I knew you weren’t fine with it.”

He nods in understanding. “I did stuff like that in my twenties and a bit in my thirties. I just don’t want to deny you any experiences you might want to have. If you wanted it, I would have muscled through it, even though it was killing me. That’s what I was trying to do. But when he touched you, I could see in your eyes that you didn’t want it.”

“I didn’t want it.” I kiss his lips. “You’re the only man I want right now.”

A huge smile breaks out on his face.

We collect our bags and catch a cab at the airport. When we get to my place, he not only removes my luggage from the trunk, but his as well. I turn to him. “What are you doing? Don’t you want to go home?”

He shakes his head. “I’m too used to sleeping with you every night. I can’t just go cold turkey. I have to work up to it. Maybe an hour nap here or there. It will probably take weeks, maybe months, to get back to normal.”

“Is that so? From one week of sleeping together every night?”

He nods. “Yep.”

I’m trying not to freak out as the realization hits me too. I don’t want to sleep without him next to me either.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

JADE

We’ve been back from Mexico for a week. I have to admit it. I’ve fallen for Collin. What’s worse is that he knows it and isn’t really acknowledging it. Yes, we had our moment in the jacuzzi, but we’ve gone right back into hibernation. We’ve spent every night together, but we’re at his place or mine. That’s it. I feel like we’re going backward. I know I can’t complain. This is what I said I wanted.

I know this only ends with him leaving, but I can’t seem to find the will to beat him to the punch. I suppose I’m taking it as long as I can get it. When he inevitably leaves me, I won’t be okay, but I guess I’ll do what I’ve always done, keep my chin up and push forward. Just thinking about going back to life without him makes my chest hurt. I can’t imagine what it will feel like when it’s my reality.

It’s a warm, late spring day. Aunt Darian and Jackson opened their pool early and the whole family is heading over there this afternoon and evening. All the boys leave for their big fishing trip tomorrow. I guess it’s their grand send-off.

Collin texted that Carter invited him. He has no clue why. I suppose Collin has been to one or two of Aunt Darian and Jackson’s pool parties throughout the years, but it’s certainly not the norm.

As soon as I walk in, Reagan pulls me aside. “Tell me the truth. Were you in Mexico with your friends or Collin?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because he’s sitting out there with the same glowing tropical tan that you have. When Carter asked him about it, he said he was working shirtless on a job this week. I’m really struggling with keeping this from Carter. I don’t like having secrets from my husband. Don’t lie to me. I’m too fucking pregnant right now for any bullshit.” She looks like she’s ready to pop.

“Yes, Collin and I went away together. I don’t know what you want me to say. I no longer care if you tell people. It’s Collin that cares. He’s afraid that Carter will lose his shit. He’s afraid Carter will lose faith in him. His entire mental psyche depends on Carter’s damn approval. I guess I don’t want the hassle of my father knowing, but I don’t otherwise care anymore.”

“Your dad would literally flip his shit.”

“I know, but I’m willing to face it. I’m not afraid.”

“It’s going to come out one way or the other. You’re both better off getting ahead of it.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll talk to Collin about it.”

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