Because she was mad.
Carter was out of line in setting up that meeting with Jared.It left her feeling like she had been ambushed and violated.
Her whole life people had thought she couldn’t do what she wanted to do or that she was dumb just because her brain was different.
She startled at the gentle tapping on her window.
Ares flashed her a smile, showcasing those impressive dimples and her anger eased.
I’m so lucky he even looks at me.
“Hey.”
“Are you okay?”Ares offered his arm and she took it.“The pavement is slippery, watch your step.”
Josie carefully navigated where she placed her foot, but she leaned on Ares for support.He didn’t miss a beat, slowing his stride to match hers.
Her eyes pricked with tears.
Inside, Ares took her jacket, helped her take off her shoes.
“I can get used to being spoiled like this.”
“This is me being a gentleman.You haven’t seen spoiled yet,” the wicked grin he sent her made her tummy flutter.
Inside the vast house was quiet, the low lighting on in the kitchen and living room.
“Hey guys,” Harper gave her a huge smile, turning from the stove.
“Hi, Harper.”Seeing her friend in her own house somehow made her feel weird but Harper came over and hugged her.
“Are you okay?You look like you’ve been crying.”
“I’m okay, just had a long night.”
“This man can make anyone feel better,” Harper grinned.
Josie blushed, but Ares pressed his palm into the centre of her back.It felt comforting, like it belonged there.
“What are you doing, love?”
“Taking a moment for self-care.Both of my Doms are asleep,” Harper crumbled up an empty bag of chips, and swiped an iPad off the counter.
“You deserve a break,” Ares said.
“Yes, I do.I want to go somewhere warm and sunny and have them bring me snacks.Logan got his cast on and apparently it hurts twice as much now that the swelling has gone down.Xander’s been so stressed because Logan’s been out of commission.Do you guys want any hot chocolate?I made too much.”
“We have plans,” Ares brushed Josie’s cheek and kissed her, long and slow.His kiss made her so dizzy she forgot to feel embarrassed…mostly.His phone rang and he broke off the kiss.
“Got to take it.”
“It’s okay, I understand.”
Ares smiled, then strode away into the dining room.
“Now you get to be entertained by me,” Harper poured hot chocolate into a huge purple mug with a skeleton and slid it across to Josie.“You look like you need it.”
“Thanks.I still feel like crying.
