Page 115 of Indecent Ventures

“I’ve never known you not to.”

“Is your crush on me one of the problems with her?”

That’s not what I thought she was going to ask. I’m not sure how to reply.

“Umm, you knew about that?”

She nods. “Yes.”

“Did Carter?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t think so. We’ve never discussed it.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to have a crush on you.”

“I know. And you never did anything. You never made me feel uncomfortable. I just always knew it was there.”

I take her hand in mine. “I hope you realize that it’s nothing more than a compliment. You’re kind of perfect, Reagan. Everything any man, including myself, could ever want in a woman. Carter is a lucky man.”

She gives me a humble smile. “Thank you. Is it a problem in your relationship with Jade? I would hate it if it was.”

I nod. “I think it’s part of her trepidation. Like you, she picked up on it throughout the years. I guess it wasn’t as hidden as I thought.”

“It wasn’t. I’m surprised Carter has missed it.”

“It’s because when you’re around, he only has eyes for you. Do I think it plays into some of her fears? Yes. The fact that you two look alike and have similar personalities undoubtedly weighs on her. But she was in the same boat as me. She’s had this huge crush on Carter for years. I think when we found each other, and really gave into it, both of our crushes dissipated. I stopped staring at you and started staring at her. I think the same went for her with Carter and me. We discussed it briefly in Mexico. I explained that it wasn’t you, but more the qualities you possess that attract me. Admittedly, she has some of those qualities, but she’s different too. She’s her own person. I love everything about her.”

She nods. “Good. I’m glad. Jade’s my cousin and I love her. You’re like a brother to Carter and I love you too. Nothing would make me happier than if it works out between you two. When you really think about it, despite the age difference, you genuinely do make a nice match.”

“Honestly, Reagan, for the first time in my life, I want that. I’ve never envisioned it with any woman, not even you. But with her, I want forever. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. I’m completely in love with her. I think I have been for a while. I was just too much of a wimp to acknowledge it. There was a moment in Mexico when it clicked for me. I knew. I’ve just been trying to figure out how to deal with it. I really was going to tell Carter before Declan detonated the whole thing.”

She smiles. “I’m happy for you, Collin. I have a feeling it will work out.” She pushes herself up. “I need to get to bed. I’ve got three hours until heartburn sets in.”

“Pregnancy sounds awesome.”

“There’s no fucking glow. It’s just fucking hard. I’m so ready for this baby to come…after Carter gets home.”

I help her upstairs and then head to the guest room. I lay in bed with my phone, flipping through pictures of Jade and me from Mexico. We were so happy there. Why can’t we have that in real life?

I decide to text her.

Me: I’ll be home tomorrow. Can we please talk then? I miss you. I’m thinking about you. Constantly. I love you.

I see dots a handful of times, suggesting she’s typing, but nothing comes through. Eventually, I fall asleep.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

COLLIN

“Collin!”

I pop up thinking I just heard my name. I listen but it’s silent. I must have dreamt it.

I look at my phone. It’s a little before three in the morning.

The door to my room opens. It’s Reagan. She looks pained as she holds her stomach. “Fuck. I think I’m in labor.”

“Are you kidding me?”

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