Page 19 of Bad Decisions

We’ve finished clearing what we can from her father’s house, had picnic meals on the deck, tucked under the blanket to stay warm rather than on it, and shared more than one steamy bubble bath, each ending with a soaked floor due to our enthusiastic activities.

“Hmm, we could finally finish a game of billiards without us both ending up naked on the nearest flat surface.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively.

“Maybe. But only if you can stop distracting me from my shot.”

Jewel on her knees giving me the best fucking blow job of my life is an effective tactic to put me off my game. Especially when it ends with me cursing and growling out a release as she swallows every drop.

“Honestly, I think we both won that game,” she muses, and it’s difficult to disagree.

She laughs, twisting her head to look out the window. “It looks like it will be a nice day, so how about I show you the sights of Southampton?”

“I think I have the best of Southampton right here.” I drop a kiss to her forehead. “What else is there to see?”

Her hand snakes down my chest. “We could go to Main Street so I could show you my favorite haunts. The best ever small-town bookshop, followed by lunch at my favorite pizzeria.”

“But I thought you didn’t want to risk running into your father’s friends again.”

Her shoulders lift in a half shrug that’s constrained by my arm. “It’s different now, you’ll be with me, so they won’t think I’m lonely.”

“Well then, I think it’s a great idea. I’ve not done much exploring in the local area. I probably should do that before I leave.”

Her smile slips, and she lays her cheek on my chest, hiding her face. But not before I see a wave of sadness wash through her gaze.

Did I get this all wrong?

“I’m going to miss you,” she murmurs, and while I hate seeing the sadness return, I’m damn happy to hear those words.

“I’ll miss you too,” I blurt out without a second thought. “And you know that DC is only a couple hundred miles from Brooklyn.” With one finger under her chin, I tip her face up to mine. “I like you a lot, and we could continue to see each other on weekends in Brooklyn, DC, or somewhere in between.”

It’s not what I’d planned to say; I was never going to promise more. But then again, I didn’t know my leaving would hurt her.

She stares into my eyes like she’s searching for answers. “I like that idea. But when we’re not together, would you see other women?”

Where the hell has that come from? My gaze narrows. “Why? Do you want to see other men?” The words come out of my tight jaw like a low growl. Her question is a punch to the gut, and the thought of another man touching her makes me see red. So if that’s what she wants, then I’m out.

“No. I just wanted to be sure you didn’t.” Her smile widens.

My anger dissipates like thunderclouds after a storm.

My racing heart settles back into a normal rhythm.

And my jealous streak fades from vibrant green to a paler shade. I’m not used to experiencing this roller coaster of emotions.

“I’m glad we cleared that up.” My voice is a little gruff, as I’m still rattled by my reaction. But not wanting her to notice, I rush on, “Now, how about we get moving so you can take me to your favorite places. I’m happy to put my trust in the local expert who already knows how to show me a good time.”

“You’re incorrigible,” she says, slapping me lightly on the arm as we walk naked into the adjoining bathroom.

“And you are darn cute.” I give her a light slap on her butt. “Even if you do say some scary shit sometimes.”

She stops me with a hand to my chest. “As if I’d want anyone else when I can have all this.”

I wrap my arms around her, basking in the glow of her compliment, then lift her off her feet. Two toned legs instantly hook around my waist. My cock is hard and bumping temptingly between her thighs.

“Too damn right, beautiful.”

Jewel has been the best medicine, better than any of the drugs the doctors offered me.

I’m beginning to feel again. Bit by bit, I’m becoming whole as I walk on more solid ground toward a brighter future. The emptiness of before can be left in the past.