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“So, you’d rather talk on the trip with Hallie?” Savannah taunts, following me into the laundry room.
“We had sex. What am I supposed to say, ‘Thank you for the multiple body-shaking, name-screaming orgasms? From here on out, you’ve probably ruined all men for me.’” I huff. “‘I’ll never look at restraints or vibrators the same way?’I don’t think so, Sav.”
“Wow, Emery.” Savannah leans against the wall. “That was…very detailed. Damn. Way to go, Ian.”
“Can you please stop that?” I aggressively transfer my clothing into the dryer.
“You, my dear, want to do it again.” Savannah assures with a giggle. “You also don’t want to break your rule.”
“Rules work.” I swear, if this laundry keeps tangling together, I’m going to light a match to it all.
“So does facing emotions,” Savannah sings. “Was last night with Ian really no big deal?”
My chest tightens and my stomach clenches, scared to take in a breath and break down. “You saw his response.” I need to calm down. “I was the one who said some things don’t need to be broadcasted, and then I go and blab.” My emotions heighten as frustration kicks in.
“And how did that make you feel?”
“That’s such a clinical response, Savannah.” I shut the dryer door and smack the push button. “If he wants to publicize our night like I did, as if it meant nothing, then so be it.”
Shit.My heart sinks as her eyes widen, getting an answer beyond the surface level.
“Well, if you don’t want to act on these feelings, how are you going to deal with them?” She steps forward, and I know I’m about to be hugged. Now’s not the time for that.
“I’m trying to branch out with guided mediation. I did one this morning.”
“I’m proud of you.” I give her a small smile. “And you were only drunk on orgasms?”
“Sooo drunk on them.” I can’t fight the smile and feel my cheeks blush. “How are you doing with your breakup?”
“I’ve been keeping myself busy.” Her face falls. “I can’t get the image of him and that chick out of my head.” Rolling her lips in, she shakes her head as her eyes glass over. “I know I deserve better.” She sniffs, wiping a tear, and I pullherin for a hug.
“I’m sorry, Savannah.”
“I cry less each time the tears start, though.” She pulls back with a soft smile. “So, I’m getting better. But for fuck’s sake, she was usingmyvibrator onhim.” I can’t help but chuckle. “To each their own, but yeah, it was unexpected.”
I head to the door with her following, and slip on my shoes. “Come on, let’s go to The Painted Pony for lunch. We can figure out a few must-see things in Vegas.”
Chapter17
Emery
“Get a hold of yourself,”I say out loud as I spot Ian’s truck in his driveway. “Breathe, Emery. You have control.” Momentarily, I consider leaving the sweatshirt at his door, but that would prove me to be acoward.
It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since I ran from this cabin. Tingles ripple through my body at the thought of being pushed against the wall again. Ian towering over me as his hands tangle in my hair.
I lift my hand to knock, but since he took it upon himself to barge into my house, I let myself in. The small, open concept of the living area and kitchen are empty. Looking around, the doorframe of his bedroom captivates my eyes where I had been flush against. My heart races at the thought of it happening again. Of wanting it to. I glance back out the window as golden hour shines off the lake.
“Ian?” My voice is barely audible, but his place is quite small.
As soon as he peers around the corner, I knew I should have knocked. He walks out of the bathroom in only a tight pair of briefs. His hand runs through damp hair as he sports a Cheshire Cat grin. The scent of his alluring shower gel roams through the air, cutting off all hopes of self-control. This man and his muscles are hot. Resisting to give Ian the satisfaction of his hotness, my jaw forcefully tightens.
Diverting my attention, I scan the room for something else to focus on. The sun through the window glistens off the few water droplets on his skin, accenting his toned body. I need to keep searching. The poor deer head mounted by the woodstove proves my desperation as I keep my focus on it. My throat grows tight as I try to clear it.
Composure, Emery.
“Emery.” That velvet voice resonates a deep need inside me. “You should have knocked.” His famous cocky smirk grows with every confident stride toward me. “We know how clear you were about not wanting to see me in the nude again.”
My unsteady nerves couldn’t be more obvious as my gaze rests everywhere but on him. “I’m gonna leave this on the couch and head out.” My arms forget how to toss the sweatshirt when Ian steps forward.
