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“Michael, what–” I look up at him and see that his jaw is tight and his eyes are glittering with anger.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Cookie. She was way out of line.” He pulls in a breath. “I should have known better than to introduce you to them.”
I frown. “You couldn’t have known how she’d act.”
“Oh, yes, I could. Tara Samson has always been a bitch.”
I give a soft laugh. “Oh.”
“Shealwayscomments on my single status. And…” He trails off, studying my face, as if he’s not sure he should tell me more.
“And what?”
“Since I turned her down three years ago, she approaches me at every conference and makes some comment about how lonely I must be or how a man like me shouldn’t be alone and…” He runs a hand over his face. “Fuck. I introduced you because I wanted her to see that I was no longer single and that I have an amazing woman in my life and that I’m very serious about her.” He shakes his head. “I should have known it would backfire.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you telling me that she propositioned you for sex?”
“Yes.”
“She’smarried.”
“Yes.”
“And she thought that wouldn’t matter to you?” I ask. “She doesn’t know you at all.”
He laughs and reaches up to cup my cheek. “That’s not the only reason I said no. But thank you for knowing that was part of it.”
I smile. “What were the other reasons?”
“I like sweet, loving, big-hearted women who love to snuggle.” He takes a little step forward so one of his feet is between mine. “And who smile, laugh, cry, and gasp out loud while they read.” His thumb strokes over my jaw. “Who like whipped cream on top of their coffee and think no one notices that they lick the first dollop off and always have to add a second.” He leans in. “Who think that having their bath towel warmed up for them before they step out of the shower is the height of romance. Who tear up when someone brings them flowers just because. Who leave little sticky notes around the house that say things likeyour smile this morning made my whole day wonderful.”He puts his mouth against my ear. “And whose pussy is my favorite place on the entire planet to be.”
I’m melting by the time he’s done and he captures my mouth in a deep, hot, yet sweet kiss. In my heels, I don’t have to stretch as far as I usually do to kiss him back. I loop my arms around his neck and lean into him.
When we pull apart, I look at him and say, “I don’t deserve you.”
“Yes, you do. And I’m all yours.”
“Well good, because even though I don’t, I’m not giving you up,” I tell him. This man is so, so good and I know it. I’m not ever letting him go.
He kisses me again. “I’m sorry about Tara. We’re only going to talk to nice people for the rest of the night. Hell, for the rest of the week.”
I nod. “Okay.” But I pull my bottom lip between my teeth.
Michael frees it with his thumb. “What are you thinking?”
“I just…how many people know about the four of us?”
“I have three very good friends here, with their wives. They’re also in sports medicine and we’ve known each other for years. They all know. I don’t know who else. It’s possible there are several people who know. But those three are the only ones that we’ll likely have any ongoing interactions with. We’ll be sitting with them at dinner.”
“And they’re fine with it?”
“Two are. The other just doesn’t really mention it.”
I nod. “Maybe we should just…not mention it too? I mean, should I not talk about Nathan and Crew? I don’t know that they’ll come up but sometimes when I’m telling a story, it’s just natural to talk about them.”
“Of course it is,” Michael says in that easy way of his. “And I don’t want you feeling awkward or like you have to watch every word you say. Be yourself. Nathan and Crew are a part of our life. There’s no reason to hide that.”
“You’re sure?”
