I take another sip of my wine and shake my head. “That’s a bit dramatic.”
“He borrowed my kids so he could take them to the library, just to see you. I’d say that’s borderline obsessive behavior, but what do I know? What happened next?”
“He called me out for watching him, and I bolted.”
“Callie!” She throws up her hands, jostling the wine in her glass. “That was the perfect opportunity to take things to the next level.”
“I don’t know if I want that.”
“Come on. You’re not fooling anyone. Everyone can see the way you look at each other. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife.”
I shake my head and let out a resigned sigh. “It’s not like that.”
“You’re in denial.”
“Even if it was like that, we’re not on the same level.”
“You’re hot. Objectively, he’s hot. I can say that because I’m almost married to a Hayes, and they all are. Even Pops has still got it.”
I nod enthusiastically. “Total silver fox.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Swear you won’t tell anyone?”
“Pinky promise.” Olivia holds out her hand between us, and I lock my finger around hers. It’s the closest thing to a sisterly connection I’ve felt in years.
“I’m a virgin.”
“Is it because you’re saving yourself?” It’s a straightforward follow-up; there’s no judgment in her tone.
“No. Nothing like that.” How much am I ready to tell her? My past isn’t something I like to talk about, but Olivia is so easy to talk to. I want to confide in her. “I have scars,and I’ve never felt comfortable enough with anyone to be naked around them.”
Saying the words aloud feels like a weight being lifted.
Her expression softens, and she gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Do you feel comfortable with Jaxon?”
“Maybe? I could get there.”
“Intimacy takes time.”
I narrow my gaze at her.
“Ok. There are exceptions.”
A laugh bubbles out of me as the alcohol starts to take effect.
“For what it’s worth,” she says. “I think you two would be great together. Jaxon needs someone to ground him. You need someone to help you open up. You’d balance each other out in the best way.”
“What made you open up to Wilder?”
She smiles wistfully as though lost in a memory. “That man barged into my life like a wrecking ball. There was this ease about him. He offered me comfort when I needed it. Do you know how many people I passed that day who didn’t look twice at the girl with mascara-streaked cheeks and a broken heart? Countless people watched me struggle, but Wilder… he took my burdens and made them his own. I was already halfway in love with him when the stick turned blue.”
“That might’ve been the orgasms talking, Liv.”
She snorts. “Yeah, maybe that too. Good head doesn’t hurt, either.”
Wilder’s deep voice resonates in the vast expanse of their backyard. “Who’s giving good head?”
