Page 20 of Indecent Ventures

Reagan’s eyes light up. “Ooh. They’d make a cute couple. How old is Braden? Thirty?”

I reluctantly nod. I don’t like that idea at all.

Reagan continues, “She does like them a little older. We should all sit together.”

I realize that Braden now knows I had sex with Jade. I don’t need it coming out tonight.

“Sure. Why don’t you guys get a table? I’ll gather the troops. Jade has a friend with her. Order a round of drinks.”

They nod and head toward a table, which I notice has been roped off in anticipation of their arrival. Reagan always has her assistant call ahead and get them a table wherever we go. It’s a nice perk.

I turn back and see that Jade has rejoined Pandora and Braden.

I walk over to them. “Carter and Reagan have a table. They saw you, Jade. They want everyone to join them.” I give Braden a stern look as I move my finger between me and Jade. “Not a fucking word about this. I mean it.”

Braden nods in understanding. We may joke around, but he knows how important Carter is to me. He would never want to do anything to jeopardize my friendship with him. I should probably worry about Jade’s mouth, but if she hasn’t mentioned it in the past four years, I doubt she’s going to do so now. At least I hope she won’t.

We make our way to the table. I see Braden grab Pandora’s hand. I feel a sense of relief. I don’t want him anywhere near Jade.

Reagan and Carter are sitting in the middle of a circular booth. Braden and Pandora slide in on one side, leaving Jade and me nowhere to sit except next to each other on the other side.

Jade slides in first and she and Reagan embrace. She looks at Jade. “I didn’t know you were going to be here. I thought the club scene was more your vibe.”

“Meh. Those guys are all the same. Either young, dumb, and full of come, or old, creepy, and rich. Those guys think they can buy you. We needed a change of scenery.”

Reagan elbows Jade. “I thought you liked older men. I’d think old, creepy, and rich would be right up your alley.”

Jade smiles. “Once they’re collecting social security, that’s a bit extreme. Even for me. I’m talking sixty-year-old guys. I like my men around, say, thirty-nine.” She winks at Carter. “How old are you?”

Through gritted teeth, Carter says, “As you know, I’m thirty-nine.”

Reagan and Jade just laugh. They’re both nuts.

Reagan says, “Thor told me she thought you were dating someone.”

Jade shakes her head. “She’s just messing with you. No, you know I’m not a big fan of dating. Remember, I have daddy-abandonment issues. At least that’s what I’m told.”

I can’t help but ask, “Why do you have daddy-abandonment issues? Declan worships the ground you walk on.” I’ve seen him with her. He’s very much involved in her life.

“I didn’t meet my father until I was seven. It wasn’t exactly a happy reunion. I kicked him in the balls for years before I remotely let him in. I have all sorts of trust issues with men. I usually love them and leave them before they can do the same to me.” She squeezes my leg under the table. “Though occasionally they beat me to the punch.”

I swallow hard. Braden’s eyes look like they’re about to pop out of his head.

I need to change the subject. “Carter, did you like your new bike today?”

Carter’s whole face lights up. He tells us about his new motorcycle. He has several dozen. Reagan loves them and hangs onto every word he says.

The waitress continues bringing us drinks. Everyone but Reagan is downing them. She’s sticking to water.

At some point, Jade rests her hand on my thigh. I don’t know if she’s doing it on purpose, but I admittedly don’t hate it. Sitting next to her, taking in her scent, with her hands on me, it’s all got me a bit confused about what I’m feeling right now. This might be the first time in five years that I’m at a table with Reagan and my attention is on a different woman.

I’m looking at Jade, but not totally paying attention to the conversation, when I hear her say, “Better for blow jobs.”

Everyone starts laughing. I missed the joke.

“Sorry, what’s better for blow jobs?”

Jade smiles. “One of my friends has Invisalign. She said her boyfriend likes her to wear it for blow jobs.”

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