Amber gives me a bar of my favorite gourmet chocolate with a gift card secretly taped to the bottom—a gift card for a high-end sex toy shop we’ve been known to frequent. While the girls discuss their preferences for milk versus dark chocolate, Amber and I share a knowing look, and I slip the card into Jonah’s pocket.
Then it’s his turn to place a large box in front of me. He smiles adorably, knowingly—like whatever it is, he knows I’m going to love it. He can’t fight the blush coloring his face. I pull the ribbon and open the lid to find a hard leather case. I instantly know what it is and my fingers are flying to unlock it.
“Jonah,” I whisper, mesmerized by the glossy eight-string mahogany mandolin before me. I take it out and run my fingers over the mother of pearl trim and floral designs. “This is gorgeous.”
Amber lets a surprised cuss slip out, and the girls arerounding the table for me so they can get a better look.
“I know you said yours was somewhere, but you didn’t know where,” he explains, his fingers gently circling the back of my neck. “Thought maybe you’d like to start fresh.”
I look at him—sincerity and a little sheepishness wrapped up in a man who only has eyes for me. A man who once pushed my buttons and now pushes me to let down my walls. “I do want a fresh start. Thank you.”
Delta reaches forward and strums the instrument so loud everyone in the restaurant turns their head. Jonah winces and silences the sound before tucking it away in the case. “Okay, let’s play with that later.” He laughs nervously, and shoos them to their seats. “Now I have one more present, but I couldn’t wrap it,” he says to the table. “But for the whole weekend, starting tomorrow when you guys get home from school”—he pauses for dramatic effect—“we’re all going to Pennsylvania’s crown jewel: Paradise Jungle Indoor Waterpark!”
Both girls gasp and jump and squeal until I feel every eyeball staring at us. Amber whoops and leans over to high-five Jonah. “Told you,” she says.
“You knew about this?” I giggle.
“Well yeah. I had to make sure we didn’t have any plans. I got Marie to cover my shifts this weekend in exchange for me doing all her side work next week.”
“Oh my God. Jonah, that’s really sweet of you to book this. But... can I talk to you in private for a second?”
“Of course.” He pulls out my chair before we make our way back to the entryway. “What’s going on?” he asks.
Like magnets, my hands snake around his back and I pull him in. “I love my presents.”
A proud smile splits his face and he flips my hair behind my shoulder. “Good.”
“But I was kind of hoping... this weekend...” He raises his eyebrows and waits for me. “Thatwe could have a sleepover at your place.”
His grin drops like a lead balloon and his pupils blow. “You want to come over?”
I lean in as close as possible and whisper, my tone low and seductive, “I want to come over... and over, and over.”
His fingers dig in to where they’re placed on my shoulders and he closes his eyes. A deep breath. Then another. “Are you serious?”
“I am. Why don’t we send the girls and Amber to the waterpark this weekend, and we can stay at your place where I can tie you up and have my way with you for thirty-six hours.”
His features twist up in a mix of emotions I can’t quite figure out.
“I want that so bad,” he mutters. “But... Paradise Jungle,” he whines.
I laugh. “Bet you never thought you’d have to choose between sex or waterslides, did you?”
Chapter 36
Restraint
Jonah
Ichoose sex with Renée over an indoor waterpark. I’m used to playing Would You Rather with two repulsive options, not two best-case scenarios.
I stand in Renée’s driveway with an arm around her and wave to Amber and the girls as they drive off for Paradise Jungle—without me.
“Have a great time,” she calls.
“Take pictures,” I yell.
Once the car is out of sight, Renée steps inside her house to grab two small duffle bags. She bends over, and usually my eyes would train on that round backside, but they’re more interested in what’s behind her. I try not to peek inside, but curiosity bites—urging me to find out more about her. I want to know everything about Renée Wilde and her life. Doesn’t she want me to? Am I not a part of her life now?
