Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 89012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 445(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
I keep my smile on my face, but inside, I squirm.
“Promise me that you’ll always be honest. That you’ll walk away before you hold on to this just because it’s what we’re doing.”
I’ve intentionally not focused on what that means. Are we not going to be together now that we’re home? No. He made me text him when I got back to Becca’s, and he’s already sent me a selfie with a kissy face. But are we together together? I don’t think so. I think he’s labeling us as a fling.
What do labels matter anyway? I know what it feels like when he touches me, and I can read the look in his eyes. “I just don’t want us to wind up hating each other. I love you too much for that.”
It’s fine. This is as real as it can be.
My heart swells.
“You’re obviously in a relationship,” Sara deadpans.
“Eh …”
Rebecca smiles. “You should’ve seen him when we met him at The Shade House and talked to him about the honeymoon. He was freaking adorable.”
“He was sexy as hell. Adorable? Sure. Dimples are cute, and he was so sweet about you. But there’s not enough adorableness to hide the orgasms he gives by walking into a room.”
I grin. It’s wicked and dirty, an effect of the orgasms he gave me.
Over and over and over …
“That.” Sara points a perfectly manicured finger at me. “That’s what I mean. Spill.”
“Spill what?” I ask. “You know the guy can fuck.”
“Well, technically, I don’t. But I can imagine.”
I fill with unadulterated heat. If Maddox was here, I’d be figuring out quickly I could get Sara and Becca to leave so I could have him naked and inside me.
“Stamina. Like he’s never not hard.” I swoon. “He kisses, gives the best oral ever, and cuddles. It’s hard and fast, long and sweet. Outside, inside. He had me naked by the pool, riding his face, while I was on the phone with his mom.”
Rebecca’s jaw about hits the floor.
Sara claps her hands, impressed. “Damn. I’m so proud of you.”
“Why? For being an exhibitionist? For probably never being able to see Damaris again because I’m afraid she heard me moan while she talked about couches?”
“For all of that.” Sara nods, grinning from ear to ear. “That’s my girl.”
I snort.
“So what now?” Becca asks. “Obviously, you and Maddox are a thing. Where does that leave you? Are you moving in with him or—”
“No.”
My pulse soars. I don’t want my friends thinking this is more than it is … even though I think it’s probably more than it is. But it’s soon, probably too soon, to be talking about comingling our lives like that. I need time to adjust to this situation. In the few hours I’ve been away from him, I’m overwhelmed with how happy I am. And the longer I sit in that space, the bigger the anxious bubble grows in my stomach.
It's going to be fine. Have faith.
I clear my throat. “I’m still going to buy a house. I’m moving forward with my life, and whatever happens with Mad happens. We’ll work it out.”
Becca and Sara exchange a look.
“What?” I ask.
Becca squirms. “I hadn’t planned to focus on this yet. Because, you know, Maddox and the Bahamas and your orgasm-y face … But once my lease ends, I’m going to move back to Texas.”
“What? Why? Are you sure, Bec?”
I want to be sad and beg her to stay, but there’s something incomplete in Rebecca—a wound that has festered since she got here that she’s never been able to heal. I only wish I knew what it was. Maybe going home is an extension of that, her attempt at moving forward. I’m going to miss her so much.
“I need to go back there,” she says. “It’s time.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask.
She shakes her head.
“I’m here if you ever want to talk,” I say. “Sara and I both are. We don’t pressure you because it makes you uncomfortable but just know that we love you, okay? We love you, and we’re here for you always.”
Becca blinks back tears.
“That’s it for me,” Sara says, getting to her feet. “I will always listen if you want to talk. I’ll help you bury a body—but I’ll need a heads-up so I can bring proper footwear. I’ll even, and I hate this, curl up on the couch and watch those sappy movies you love when you’re sad. Just let me know.”
I laugh. “That’s big of you, Sara.”
“I have a meeting shortly, so I have to go. I just wanted to be here when you got back.”
“Hey,” I say, stopping her in her tracks. A sense of freedom washes over me—a glorious, powerful, easiness about my life settles in my bones. “Want to have that divorce party?”
Sara’s eyes twinkle. “Hell yes, I do. Mega Pint tomorrow night? Is that good for you guys?”