Page 20 of Family Like This

He kisses my neck and whispers, “You didn’t have to.”

“I like watching you come, too. The way the muscles of your neck tighten…” I lick his neck and he growls.

Groaning, I lay back against my bed. “I wish I felt better.”

“You need sleep,” he says, the mood shifting with his words as my sweet caretaker returns.

“Probably,” I admit, fighting off a yawn.

“Not probably. Get ready for bed. I’m going to clean up the kitchen.”

“Yes, sir.” He inhales sharply at that. “Something for next time.” I kiss his cheek, then climb out of bed, feeling better than I have all day. Orgasms really might be the answer to most of life’s problems.

After cleaning up, I get cozy in bed, barely able to keep my eyes open. Miles joins me a few minutes later, his long body barely fitting in my queen-sized bed. A king will definitely be necessary. You know, whenever we share a bedroom. Whichwill notbe right away.

Mind out of the love gutter, Amelia.

He kisses my forehead as I yawn, then he pulls the covers over us.

Sated and snuggled up to him with his large hand splayed over my stomach, I fall asleep, stupidly wishing I could have this every night.

Chapter three

Riptide of Emotions

Miles

“AreyousureIshouldn’t come?” Amelia asks as I get ready to go to my parents’ house for brunch. It’s been just over a week since we found out, all the other important people in our lives know, and it’s time for them to know as well. I have no idea what to expect or how the fuck I’m going to say this. I’m trying hard not to enter an anxiety spiral, but my stomach hasn’t gotten that message.

I stop what I’m doing and walk over to her, looking into her seafoam green eyes. They captivate me every time. “Youcan.I think it’ll be overwhelming for you if you do. My mom is a therapist and understands boundaries, but she’s also wild and forceful and will tiptoe right to the edge of them. My sisters know no bounds, especially when it comes to giving me shit. They will ask a lot of questions, some of which we won’t have the answers to. They wouldn’t pressure you, but I’m worried it’ll be a lot for you to handle, and I don’t want to stress you out. My mom will probably want to come over here afterward, and I think that’s better. I can give her the details of our situation first so you don’t feel put on the spot.”

She nods. “That makes sense.”

Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want you there. I’m just trying to do what’s best for everyone.”

She gives me a tiny smile. “Coming up with a plan. As usual. That’s fine. Dani’s going to come over with the girls. Apparently, girl time is now mandatory for me.”

“You can say no,” I say simply. I bite back the concern I’m feeling. Amelia does not easily open up unless she feels a connection with someone—like she did with Dani or me. I’m not expecting it to happen overnight, but I need her to feel at ease with my friends.

Her eyes go wide. “No. I’m sorry. I don’t mean it like that. It’s just new to me. I want to get to know your friends better.”

I give a slight shrug. “They’re your friends now, too.”

She squints at me, then shakes her head. “You’re crazy. They don’t even know me.”

“They knew Amanda for two hours before she became one of us. When Rae McKinley—shit, Cooper—puts her mind to something or decides to add a new friend to the group, they’re going to become one of us whether they like it or not. Welcome to the cult.” I wink at her.

She laughs, then a wistful smile appears on her face. “I kind of like the sound of that.”

I pull her into my arms and hold her tightly, sensing an emotional whirlwind coming. Topics like family and loneliness bring them out the most. It’s not surprising, but I hate the pain she carries from all she’s been through. I wish I could take it away. I hope my arms wrapped around her eases some of it.

She sniffs and steps back, squeezing my hands. “You need to go.”

“Sure you’ll be okay?”

“I’ll have everything I need, and I’m sure the girls will be fawning over me. Don’t worry about it. Go tell your family.”

I kiss the side of her head and let go of her hands. “I’ll let you know if I’m bringing company back with me.”

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