Page 113 of Indecent Ventures

She smiles. “You love me.”

My head is down. I eventually look up. “What if he leaves? What if he hurts me? I don’t know if I could take it.”

“There are no guarantees in anything, but this is why you’ve spent years leaving men first. Leaving them before you have any emotional attachment. You sabotage relationships because you think you’re not worthy of them.” She leans into the camera, so our eyes very clearly meet. “Jade, you’re worthy. You’re amazing. I’m not surprised he fell in love with you. And you know what? I know I only spent a few minutes talking to him, but he’s kind of perfect for you. Besides the fact that you’re an exceedingly attractive couple, your personalities match. You both love to laugh. You both love to push buttons. You both do not understand normal societal boundaries for what you do and don’t share.”

I can’t help but laugh at the last one. It’s true. All of it’s true.

“You obviously share a physical chemistry.”

I moan. “That’s true.”

She smiles. “Have you spoken with him at all?”

“I told him I need a little time to process everything.”

“How did he take it?”

I shrug. “I imagine he’s a little hurt, but he was understanding. He told me to reach out when I’m ready. Carter is out of town for a few days. He asked Collin to stay at the house with Reagan. She’s like thirty-eight weeks pregnant now. So I know he’s over there.”

“Carter trusted him to stay with her?”

I nod. “I guess.”

“Do you trust him to stay with her?”

I think about what Mom said and nod. “Yes. Completely.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I think it’s important given the circumstances.”

“Skylar’s there too. She’s around thirty-six weeks pregnant and her husband is away with Carter.”

“It sounds like your family very much trusts Collin. Perhaps it’s time for you to do the same.”

Maybe she’s right.

“What are you thinking, Jade? I see the wheels turning.”

“He’ll be with Reagan and Skylar for a few days. That gives me time to figure out what I want.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

COLLIN

Iopen the front door and shout, “Honey, I’m home.”

Skylar waddles out into the foyer, holding a glass of what looks like lemonade. The glass is literally resting on her stomach. She yells back toward the kitchen. “Reagan, our babysitter is here.”

I smile. “I’m supposed to sit on your babies? What if I hurt them?”

Skylar rolls her eyes. She barely tolerates me. It’s always been this way. I used to take joy in annoying her. I think I still do.

I look her up and down. Even eight months pregnant, Skylar is hot as hell with those big lips and big green eyes of hers. “Don’t you regret never fucking me before you and Lance got together?”

She tilts her head to the side, “You know, Collin, I don’t have a lot of regrets in life, but if I had to name them, I’m confident not having sex with you wouldn’t make the cut. Believe it or not, I never considered it a grand sacrifice.”

“Our kiss was hot. I haven’t forgotten it.” I blow her a kiss.

I know she only kissed me the one time to make Lance jealous just before they started dating, but I never miss an opportunity to bring it up.

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