"...but I know that if I hadn't taken the chance and kissed Iris on New Year’s Eve, I would be deeply regretting it every day. I was terrified, and I wasn't even sure what I felt for her; I just knew that it was unlike anything I'd ever felt before." He pauses as if he's waiting for me to refute everything he just said and tell him to shut the fuck up. I don't, so he continues. "In comparison, there's very little at stake for you?—"
"Other than my pride," I interject.
"Other than your pride," he agrees. "We all already know you like him. Take the fucking chance, B. What's the worst that could happen?"
I ponder it for a moment. What is the worst that could happen?
For the briefest moment, my mind flashes tothe worst day of my life. Then it's gone, slammed back behind that iron door I keep locked and guarded.
"Only thing I think you need to really consider is his kid," Bear offers.
Iris and I look at Bear, who just made a solid point. I was so focused on protecting myself that I forgot about Clover.
"I mean, he's her dad. How she fits into all this is up to him. And it's not like I'm going to become her step-mom just because I'm having some fun with him."
"That's true." Iris fiddles with the hem of her shirt.
With my heart racing faster, I take another moment to slow my breath and wipe my clammy hands on my pants. "Fuck it."
Bear's face lights up with the realization that I just accepted his advice, which I rarely do. Before he can get too big a head about it, I pull my phone out of my back pocket and plop it down between them on the couch.
"This is what he said to me last." I show them my screen and let them read the message. "I'm not going to text him back tonight because that seems too desperate. But when I do, do we think I should respond by sending a nude? I have some really great ones I just took."
Chapter Thirteen
KASS
I just got Clover down for bed, which means I finally get the TV to myself. I try to set rules with Clover, but that little girl has me twisted so tight around her finger. No matter how many nights in a row she gets to pick the show, whenever I try to campaign for the show I want to watch, we still end up watching her favorite. Survivor. Don't get me wrong, I like that show too, but there's only so many times I can watch Jeff Probst snuff out someone's torch before I want to snuff out my own.
I grab the remote off the ottoman and sink back into the couch. I scroll through my options and land on one of my go-to shows. It's been so long since I've watched it that I don't even remember where I left off.
My phone buzzes on the cushion next to me, and I pick it up, expecting a text from Raina. I'm shocked when I see B's name on the notification banner. Finding out she was Clover's teacher yesterday was a shock to all of us, except Clover, who is still in the dark about my past with Blake. And I intend on keeping it that way.
I texted her after because I just couldn't help myself. She hasn't responded until now, which is honestly sooner than I thought she would.
As soon as I unlock my phone, a photo expands on my screen.
Holy shit.
The tattoo I did across her upper stomach is at the forefront of the photo. At the top, the bottom half of her breasts tease me, cutting off right under where her pierced nipples are. The bottom of the photo cuts off well below her belly button, but above anything that would make it R-rated. I'm not even sure if she was wearing a bra or underwear when she took it, but if I had to bet money on it, I'd guess she wasn't.
I see the text bubble indicating that she's typing, so I wait for some context before replying.
B
Bored on a work trip.
Kass
Oh really? Did you decide to flee the state after I called you out?
B
No. This trip has been planned for weeks. Flew out this morning.
Kass
Tattoo is looking good, btw.
