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“Why do I always feel like you’re not saying what you actually want to say? Whenever we have these conversations, you shut down. Tell me what you really think.”
“I don’t know what to think, Alex. This situation isn’t exactly normal, so I apparently have no idea how to handle it. I feel like a bad mom—like I can’t protect my own daughter—and at the same time, I’m clearly completely unaware of what’s best for her.” Her chin starts to quiver and I close the distance between us, pulling her into my chest as I wrap my arms around her.
“You’re the furthest thing from a bad mother. You are in a situation most mothers will never be in, and you’re doing the best you can, so don’t sell yourself short.” I pull back, cupping her face with my hands. “I’m sorry if I contributed to that feeling. I know I was harsh the other day and said some things I probably shouldn’t have.”
“Thank you. I’m okay, I promise. I’m not mad about that.”
We stand there for a moment, neither of us talking as my hands glide down from her face to her waist. I can feel the tension building again. This woman does things to me . . . it’s like she’s unknowingly cast a spell on me, and no matter how much I try to talk sense and reason into myself, I’m ready to risk it all just to hold her.
“Don’t,”she says softly, her hands coming to rest against my chest as I lean forward.
“Don’t what?” My lips hover over hers, my fingers curling into her waist. “Don’t make you feel good like I did the last time you were on this counter?” I move my lips to her neck, dragging them slowly upward till I reach her ear. “Do you ever think about that, Juliette? The way your body quivered beneath my touch? The way you soaked my fingers when they were inside you? The way you came on my tongue?”
Her fingers curl against my chest, her breath growing more rapid. I bring my hand up her silk robe, pulling gently on the belt until it falls slightly open. I look down at her body, which is clad in a sheer lavender bra with small flowers and matching panties.
“Mmm, you’ve got pretty nipples.” I run my thumb over one and it responds immediately.
“We can’t,” she says a little breathlessly before grabbing her robe and tying it again.
“Can’t . . . or shouldn’t?” I ask, stopping her from moving past me.
“Both.”
I tip her chin upward. “Is that why you look at me the way you do?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Her eyes shift away from mine.
“Yes, you do. Look at me, Juliette.” I stare into her eyes then lean in closer. “There’s no shame in wanting something. I know I’m not your typical type, but I can promise I would fuck you like no man ever has before.”
I leave her standing breathless in the kitchen as I head upstairs, ready to lose my fucking mind.
11
JULIETTE
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, for sure.” I look over at Harper. “Why?”
“You look a little . . . distracted,” she says as we finish setting up snacks to go with our wine.
“Just work.” I shrug, but for once, it’s actually not work.
“Oh my God.” We both look at each other when we hear Blaire’s voice echo throughout the entryway, followed by the slamming of the front door. “I am so sorry I’m late. Traffic was such a bitch and work has been a nightmare, but I’m here and I came prepared!” She holds up two bottles of wine as she rounds the corner into the kitchen. “There’s also chocolate in this bag on my wrist.”
“Don’t worry,” I say, lifting my glass of rosé, “we already started without you.”
“Bitches,” she laughs then glances around my kitchen. “Wait, where’s Aspen? Don’t tell me she’s bailing again?”
Harper shakes her head. “She’s picking up dinner; she’ll be here soon.”
“Yay, finally a girls’ night and we’re all together!” Blaire squeals before grabbing a glass of wine. “Fill me in on all the gossip.”
“Nothing to spill.” I smile.
“So she says.” Harper rolls her eyes. “I was just asking her what’s up because she seems so distracted.”
“And like I said, nothing.”
