Page 53 of A Very Merry Mistake

“It’s happened before?”

I slowly nod. “It’s how my sister found out about Dale.” I suck in a deep breath. “He works with my father.”

Jake sits up, facing me. “He sounds like a piece of shit. Tiny cock. Can’t make you come. You’re definitely better off without him.”

“I don’t miss him,” I admit. “I’ve tried to understand why I was obsessed. He’s older, much older.”

“Daddy issues?”

I chew on the corner of my lip. “My dad wouldn’t have approved, which made me want to pursue the relationship more. We snuck around often, but I realize now it was because he was still married.” I think about the relationship. “He asked me to stop taking my birth control.”

Jake searches my face. “Why?”

“I think he wanted me pregnant.”

His mouth falls open. “Did you want that?”

“No.” The word comes out without hesitation.

“CeCe.”

Placing my finger on his lips, I shake my head. “I’ve made a million mistakes with men—more than I want to admit or even think about. I fall for the wrong guys for the wrong reasons, and I’ve realized that. That’s in the past now.”

He kisses my finger before placing it in his mouth and sucking on it. It’s an erotic sensation, and I can’t stop watching him as he stops and smirks. “What were you sayin’?”

“I don’t remember.”

“How about some food?”

He’s distracting and all-consuming. “You’re a tease.”

“I know.” He slides off the mattress. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”

I can’t stop staring at the muscles that cascade down his back as he bends over to slide his joggers over his perfect ass. Jake looks over his shoulder at me and chuckles.

“Still a tease! Without even trying!” I stand, and he pulls my naked body against his and places a soft, seductive kiss on my lips. Then I sigh against his mouth. “I’m doomed.”

He grabs a handful of my ass. “Don’t worry, darlin’. Feelin’ is mutual.”

CHAPTER 14

JAKE

When I wake up the following day, the power is still out, but I’ve stayed warm with Claire snuggled against me. If we never leave the cabin again, I won’t complain. I want to make her happy. I want to keep her sexually fulfilled, showing her how she should be a priority. Encouraging healthy conversations about sex and her desires is one of my goals, too. We haven’t gone all the way, but I’m letting her call the shots. There is no rush. Whatever piece of her she’s willing to give me, I’ll take it.

When I walk into the living room, Claire watches me over the book. I meet her eyes, catching her, and she tries to hide her smile. The woman is fucking flirty, and just a simple look from her makes my heart pitter-patter.

There are too many side glances and unspoken words, but I’ll keep my rules in place—no falling in love and no strings attached.

I’m taking it one day at a time. And she is, too.

Claire huffs, shutting the book and sitting up. I glance over at her.

“What just happened?” I’m curious.

“She left, and I’m very frustrated.”

“Ahh. Just gotta keep going.”

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