Page 189 of Contentious

“Julian told me they made a statement saying that adults enjoying consensual relationships is really no one else’s business and they’re not going to have anything else to say about it. Naturally, the Hollywood press is going wild speculating about the deeper meaning behind their words, but their statement seems to have taken some of the steam out of the story.”

“That’s a relief. I still worry about D&G invoking their morality clause, but if they do, they do. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“No, you haven’t, and I’m glad you’re finding your Zen on this.”

“It helps to not be alone with it like I would’ve been before you came along. Having you and your merry band of lawyers on my side makes me feel calmer.”

“Merry band of lawyers,” he said with a laugh. “I like that. So, tomorrow, we’ll take Ty home?”

“Yes, it’s time.”

“I was hoping it was okay with you that I promised that.”

“It’s fine. It was what he needed. You were so, so good with him.”

“His pain wrecked me.”

“Me, too. I’ve been hovering over him all day, waiting for there to be some kind of fallout from yesterday. For a minute, I thought we’d gotten through it.”

“He was extra tired from swimming and probably feeling all the things with no idea how to express them.”

“That’s some impressive insight for a guy with no kid experience.”

“Don’t forget I have quite a few much younger siblings.”

“That’s right. So that’s where all that wisdom came from.”

“Actually, I have to give my dad credit for the wisdom. I felt like I was channeling him when I was talking to Ty. I was flying blind, but I had what I needed because he gave me the words.”

“You should tell your dad that at some point. I bet it would mean a lot to him.”

“Yeah, I should, and it would. It’s a reminder that even though their divorce was a long, drawn-out disaster, it wasn’t all bad. They both had their moments.”

“They must’ve, because their kids seem pretty great.”

“None of them is as great as I am,” he said with a grin.

“Why did I know you were going to say that?”

“You’re starting to understand how the Remington siblings roll. All trash talk about and to each other, but no one else better dare say one bad word about any of them.”

“I always wanted siblings.”

“I’ve got plenty to go around, and I’m happy to share.”

Cresley dropped her head to his shoulder. “How’re you feeling?”

“Better than ever. Not sure if you heard the news that the one and only Cresley Dane is in love with me.”

Her soft giggle made him smile.

“That’s pretty big news.”

“It’s pretty big news that Carson Remington is in love with me. No one has ever been in love with me before.”

“That is simply not true. Every guy I know has a thing for you.”

“They’re in love with the image. You’re in love with the woman, and that makes all the difference.” She put an arm around him, careful to avoid his healing incisions. “When we go home tomorrow, will you come with us and stay awhile?”