Skye didn’t seem offended by the response. “When it comes to Cayson, I don’t see straight. I lost him once and I guess I’m terrified I might lose him again. The idea of you being with him makes me jealous, and I guess I’ll always be intimidated by you because he thinks he may have loved you. But…that doesn’t justify my behavior. I’m pretty embarrassed about it.”

  Jasmine nodded slightly but kept her arms across her chest.

  I went next. “Skye is my best friend and I’m loyal to her. Unfortunately, whomever she doesn’t like, I don’t like. And I care about Reid and just want the best for him. But it was out of place for me to say any of those things. Honestly, we really aren’t that different and I was being pretty hypocritical. If we want sexism to end, we need to start banning together and stop calling each other sluts. It’s lame and immature.”

  Skye spoke again. “I’m really sorry about everything I said. Cayson and I are very happy together, and you’re clearly happy with Reid. There’s no reason we can’t be adults about this.”

  “Good,” I said. “Since Reid and Slade are friends…in a weird way…we’ll probably see more of you. Maybe we can hang out sometime and be friends.”

  “I don’t have many friends so I would like more,” Jasmine said.

  “I’d like that too,” Skye said. She extended her arms to hug Jasmine.

  Jasmine smiled brightly then returned the embrace.

  When they pulled away, I moved in next. “I’m glad we got this figured out.”

  “I’m glad you guys didn’t scratch my eyes out,” Jasmine said with a laugh.

  “Actually, I’m more a punch type of girl,” Skye said.

  “And I like to kick,” I said. “Because I have long legs.”

  Jasmine laughed. “Good to know.”

  Reid came down the hallway. “Do I hear laughter?” His hands were in his pockets as he came to Jasmine’s side.

  “You did,” Jasmine said.

  “Everything is okay?” he asked.

  “Yep, we’re fine,” I said.

  “Great.” Reid put his arm around Jasmine. “Cat fights can be sexy, but not that one.”

  Jasmine leaned into his side, clearly adoring him.

  Skye had nothing to worry about. Jasmine didn’t give a damn about Cayson. It was pretty obvious.

  “Well, we’ll let you get back to your evening,” Skye said. “Want to go out for drinks with us next weekend?” she asked Jasmine.

  “I’d love to,” she said enthusiastically.

  “We’ll see you then.” I waved as I walked out.

  Skye came with me.

  When the door was shut, we both breathed a sigh of relief.

  “She’s not so bad,” Skye said.

  “No,” I agreed. “She’s not.”

  ***

  When I came home, Slade wasn’t there. He was probably out with Cayson drinking or playing at an arcade. I wanted to pester him to come home but I decided not to bother him. He would come home eventually.

  I busied myself on the couch and watched TV. But the time moved so slowly without him there. The light from the TV reflected in my ring and caught my eye. The diamonds sparkled in an elegant way. Every time I looked at it, I thought of the way Slade proposed to me. It was a night I’d never forget.

  Around one in the morning, Slade came home. He staggered slightly like he was a little buzzed. He threw his keys and wallet on the counter. Then he spotted me on the couch. “Not out calling a bunch of girls tramps?” His annoyance was evident.

  “No. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  “Well, I’m not in the mood to fight so I’m going to bed.”

  I tapped the seat beside me. “I don’t want to fight. Just sit with me.”

  “I’m good.”

  “Slade.” I released the command in my voice.

  He sighed then obeyed.

  “Skye and I apologized to Jasmine. You were right. We were being unfair.”

  He turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “Really?”

  “Really. I knew Skye didn’t like her so I was automatically on her side. And Reid is great so I wanted the best for him. But I was being hypocritical and mean. I don’t want to be one of those girls who gangs up on other people. Skye felt the same way.”

  He leaned back into the couch. “I’m glad you came to your senses.”

  Then my voice turned cold. “But you better not call me a bitch again. That was uncalled for.”

  He nodded slightly. “You’re right. That was wrong.”

  “Don’t ever do it again, especially in front of our friends.”

  “I’m sorry.” He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “I’m still learning.”

  “I know. And that’s fine.” I stroked his knuckles with my thumb. “We’re going to fight a lot over our lifetime. But there are certain things you shouldn’t say.”

  “You know I didn’t mean it, right?” he whispered.

  I nodded.

  He patted his lap. “Come here.”

  I smiled then straddled his hips.

  “Much better.” His hands moved to my hips.

  I smelled alcohol on his breath. “Drunk?”

  “Buzzed,” he answered.

  “So, I can take advantage of you?”

  He smirked. “You can take advantage of me whenever you want. I’m all yours, baby.”

  “That’s tempting…I feel powerful. But I also feel wrong.”

  “Sometimes when it’s so wrong, it’s right.” He squeezed my ass. “Now rape me.”

  “You can’t rape the willing,” I countered.

  “Let’s do some roleplaying,” he said. “I’ll be some helpless guy at a party. I’m totally drunk and you want me. Take me into a bedroom and make me do things I wouldn’t normally do.”

  “But you would do them.”

  He thought for a moment. “Let’s pretend I have a girlfriend. I don’t want to cheat on her but you’re so damn hot that I can’t control myself. My mind is filled with alcohol and you seduce me.”

  “Interesting fantasy,” I said.

  “Come on,” he said. “It’s hot.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to my neck.

  “Okay, fine.” His lips were swaying me in the right direction.

  “Sweet.”

  ***

  At lunchtime, I went down to the shop. It was busy, like usual, and Slade was standing behind the counter ringing up a customer. I stood in line and patiently waited my turn.

  When he glanced up he saw me then quickly looked away. But then he did a double take. I was wearing a short champagne pink dress with white pumps. A white cardigan covered my shoulders, and the platinum bracelet he got me was on my wrist. My engagement ring blinded anyone who came too close. He flashed me a look of longing before he turned back to the customer and finished up. He worked faster, trying to get rid of the guy. When he finally left, Slade jumped over the counter like he was in a hurry then came to me.

  “Shit, you look hot.” His hands moved to my hips and he pulled me close to him, kissing me hard on the mouth. One hand gripped my neck while he deepened the kiss. Then it turned into a make out session. Customers were just a few feet from us and several people were watching us.

  I broke the kiss. “Save some for later.”

  He looked at me like he hadn’t heard me. “I always knew if I got married, my wife would be hot. And you’re on fire.”

  I smiled and felt warm at his words.

  “Is this new?” He felt the dress in his hands.

  “I made it.”

  “I like it.” He moved close to me, about to kiss me again.

  I dodged before another make out session developed. “Are you free for lunch?”

  “I’m always free for you. Let’s go back to the apartment.”

  “Whoa, hold on.” I put a hand on his chest to slow him down.

  “You aren’t always free,” Ryan said from the counter.

  Slade eyed him but didn’t say anything. “Where did you want to go?”

  “Actually, I wanted to show you something.”

  “What, baby?” He pressed his lips to my ear. “New panties?”

  I rolled my eyes. “No.”

  “Are you not wearing panties at all…?”

  Geez, his head was in the gutter. “It’s the building I want to lease for my business.”

  “Oh.” His eyes widened. “Cool. I’d love to look at it.” He turned to Ryan. “Dad, can I go?”

  “Like you would stay if I said no.” He gave Slade a playful smile, making it clear Slade could leave.

  “Alright, see you later.” Slade took my hand and pulled me out of the shop.

  ***

  When we reached the building, Slade stopped and stared at it. “Uh, it’s eighty stories high…”

  “It’s not the whole building,” I said. “It’s just one floor. That’s all I need for now. I only need a few employees. When it gets bigger, I’ll consider expanding.”

  “Can we go inside?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  We took the elevator to the ninth floor then got off. The floor was empty of any furniture. It smelled new, like the carpet had just been installed. The windows were expansive and lots of natural light drifted inside.

  “It’s nice,” Slade said. He walked into the different offices and looked around. “Really nice.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “I like it too.”

  He moved to the window and looked out. “Great view.”

  “Yeah.” I stood beside him.

  He grabbed my waist then moved behind me. My dress was lifted up and I felt his hand on my ass.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “If you can’t figure it out, then we need to have sex more often.”

  “Not against a window.”

  “Come on.” His jeans made a sound as they hit the floor. “Let’s celebrate.” He moved my thong over then bent his knees as he entered inside me. “Fuck, you’re wet.” He moaned as he was completely sheathed. His hands moved to my hips and he thrust into me from behind.

  This was probably a bad idea since we were doing it in a window. But he felt so good that I didn’t care. Actually, he felt amazing. I kept my knees together so it would feel tighter than normal.

  He breathed hard into my ear. “God, you feel amazing.” He kept moaning while he pumped into me.

  I pressed against the window and rocked back into him. His dick was big and I loved the way he stretched me every time.

  “This feels damn good,” he said while he thrust. “I’m trying not to come.” His hand moved between my legs and rubbed my clitoris hard, trying to get me off before he exploded inside me.

  “Right there…I’m almost there.”

  He breathed into my ear. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

  Those words set me off and I came hard, pressing against the window as the goodness washed through me. I bit my lip so I wouldn’t scream. Instead, a loud moan escaped my lips. My hands moved to his where they sat on my hips when I finished.

  Slade knew I was done and released inside me. He moved as far as he could go as he came. “I love coming inside you.” He held me close as he finished and rested his face in the crook of my neck. “Best pussy in the fucking world.”

  I leaned my head back against his shoulder, catching my breath. “I can’t wait to marry you too…”

  He kissed my neck then pulled out. In a daze, he pulled his clothes back on.

  I did the same, feeling tired and no longer excited about my new office.

  When Slade was adjusted, he put his arm around me and gave me a deep kiss. “I hate skipping lunch, but it was totally worth it.”

  “We can still go by and pick something up.”

  He looked at his watch. “I’ve been gone for a while. But I’m glad you showed me the place. You’re going to get it?”

  “I think so.”

  “So…can I come by your office and have sex with you when I want?” There was hope in his eyes.

  “I want my employees to respect me.”

  “Whatever,” he said. “Everyone hates their boss anyway.”

  I chuckled. “I hope my workers don’t hate me.”

  “Sorry, baby. It’s one of Newton’s laws.”

  I gave him an incredulous look. “Newton? As in the renowned physicist?”

  “Yeah.” He said it with a straight face.

  I sighed. “Good think you’re smoking hot.”

  He beamed like I paid him a great compliment. “Well, I do work out.” He flexed his arms over his head.

  “And good thing your dick is big.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, I’m pretty awesome.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re the cockiest man I’ve ever met.”

  “What?” he asked. “You paid me a compliment and I took it.”

  I walked out. “Whatever. Let’s go get lunch before we waste anymore time.”

  Slade came up behind me then smacked me hard on the ass. “I’m only going to listen to you because you’re a fine piece of ass.”

  ***

  Like every day, Slade tossed his keys and wallet on the counter. “Baby, your fine man is home.”

  I was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine. “Good. We need to talk.”

  He froze and gave me a horrified look. “I didn’t do it.”

  “Do what?” I asked.

  “Whatever you’re mad about.”

  What was he talking about? “I’m not mad.”

  “But you said we need to talk. Every guy knows that’s bad news.”

  “Well, it’s not.” I put the magazine on the coffee table.

  He didn’t believe me. “Are you lying?”

  “No…” I wanted to laugh because he seemed so terrified. “Babe, just sit down.”

  He eyed the couch hesitantly before he took a seat. He sat with a straight back, looking stiff and uncomfortable

  Now I knew to never use that phrase again. “Calm the hell down.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Was this because I fucked you in the window? Look, I wasn’t thinking. You just looked so damn hot and I wanted you. Don’t make me apologize for that.”

  “Slade, I’m not mad about anything. Actually, I have good news.”

  He relaxed a little bit. “Good news?”

  “Since we’re getting married, I was thinking we should get a bigger place. I want a house but I also want to stay in the city. So I think we should get a townhouse. You know, something with more space.”

  “That’s all you wanted to talk about?” he asked in a relieved voice.

  “I told you it wasn’t bad.”

  “Phew.” He leaned back into the couch and relaxed.

  “Anyway, I think we should do it. I found this little house for sale.”

  “For sale?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Trinity…I want to give you whatever you want but we just can’t swing it right now.”

  “What are you talking about?” she asked. “I have money saved and so do you.”

  He laughed bitterly. “Trinity, you know how much that rings costs. I have some money but I’m making payments on that ring. I can’t afford to buy a house right this second. You’re going to need to give me some time. We aren’t getting married for a while anyway.”

  “But I wanted to have everything settled before we got married.”

  “It’s not gonna happen,” he said.

  “We need more room anyway. Our stuff is crammed.”

  “It would be sick to have my own music room, but I don’t have the money.”

  I crossed my legs. “It’s not like we have to pay for it in cash. We can make a down payment then make payments like we do with rent. It’s not any different.”

  “Uh, except the fact we could lose the house if we can’t make the payments…”

  “We have help if it ever came to that.”

  He shook his head. “As a single guy, I’m not ashamed to ask for help. If I need something I’ll ask my dad in a heartbeat. But as a married guy…it’s different. It’s a matter of pride.”

  I didn’t understand his logic. “Family is still family. We’re there for each other. Nobody is perfect.”

  “Let’s just wait. When I make more money and pay off that ring we’ll talk again. And you should worry about your company getting off the ground. When more money starts coming in, then we’ll be able to revisit this conversation.”

  “Okay,” I said. “But we really need to get another house before we have kids. This place is way too small for that.”

  His eyes widened and his breathing picked up. He looked like he might pass out.

  “But that’s not for a long time…” I patted his hand.

  He relaxed slightly. “Hopefully Skye and Cayson want to have kids when they’re like forty or something.”

  “Yeah,” I lied. “That sounds like something they’d do.”

  Chapter Three

  Roland

  Heath and I were celebrating our one-year anniversary. We weren’t acknowledging the official day we got together, but the day we met. As soon as our lives crossed paths everything seemed to change. Distantly, and somewhere deep in the recesses of my mind, even then I knew Heath was special. I was afraid to admit it to myself, but there were unique feelings there, thoughts I never had with anyone else.

  So far, everything had been great. There were some pitfalls in the road because I hadn’t come out to the world, but Heath was being patient—for the most part. Every time I thought about telling my dad, anxiety gripped me painfully. How would he react? Would he be accepting of it? Did I really want to know?

  But not telling anyone was also painful. Heath hated being a secret, and I could see it in his eyes every day. When we went to dinner we had to pretend we were just two friends in a fancy restaurant. When we went to plays, I didn’t rest my hand on his thigh. It was like pretending to be two different people. And I never forgot that story Heath told me about his ex, that he was kept a secret for a long time. But when he confronted Ander about it, the relationship ended.

  I didn’t want to repeat Ander’s mistakes.

  Heath hadn’t mentioned telling my parents about our relationship. He backed off for a long time. Since then, we’d been spending our time playing video games and sleeping in each other’s arms. We were in paradise, on cloud nine.

 

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