I hit send and set the phone in my lap, letting out a slow breath. “We’ll see what he comes back with.”
“Yeah, maybe they had a fight or something?” Effa offers, her tone light but tinged with curiosity. She’s trying to keep things calm, but I know her, her head’s already spinning.
My cell pings almost immediately.
Tank:Oh man, she’s seriously losing the plot. Mainly at me. I don’t know what the fuck I did wrong. We had this epic night, her, me, and this blonde chick we met at this bar. The best three-way I’ve ever had, I swear. And then afterward, she went completely fucking psycho on everyone and has been ever since. It’s like she’s pissed at me because of it. But she was fully into it at the time. I can’t fucking work her out. I swear, woman gives me whiplash.
A small snort escapes me as I read it, and I tilt my phone to show Effa. She huffs, shaking her head as she sits up beside me, her expression flipping between amused and exasperated.
“Andi likes him, doesn’t she?” she asks, her eyes narrowing.
Exactly what I was thinking.
“Yeah. I reckon she caught feelings, then got jealous of the blonde. Now she’s spiraling, pretending she doesn’t care. So instead of admitting it, she’s lashing out at everyone like a ticking time bomb.”
Effa breaks into a wide smile, her whole face lighting up. “This is so adorable,” she squeals, clapping her hands together before bouncing on the bed like she’s just uncovered the greatest rom-com subplot ever written.
I chuckle at her enthusiasm because it’s impossible not to. “All right, all right. Don’t tell Tank the theory, though. Let the dust settle.”
“No way am I telling him. But I will have a chat with her once we’re back. Give me five minutes, and I’ll get her back on track.”
“I believe it,” I say, already typing out a new message.
Me:Cool, thanks for the heads up. Effa said she’ll talk to her when we’re back tomorrow.
Once the message is sent, I toss the phone back onto the bedside table and shift to face her. “Now, Miss Effervescent…” I murmur, my voice dipping low and firm. “I’d love nothing more than to have my way with you. But I know you won’t let me with Kiera and Gran just down the hall…” I smirk, tugging her a little closer. “So here’s what we’re gonna do instead. You’re gonna put that pretty mouth to use and kiss the fuck out of me.”
She laughs, her eyes gleaming with challenge. “Bossy much?”
“Always,” I growl, and in the next breath, she’s on me, straddling my thighs, gripping my shoulders, her lips crashing into mine with heat and purpose.
I sink back against the headboard, my hands skating up her spine, holding her close. Her body molds to mine as our mouths tangle, breath stealing and unrelenting. Her taste is addictive, and I’m taking as much of it as she’ll give.
The weight of the day fades with every second our lips stay locked, every movement of her body against mine.
For now, we’re okay.
And I’ll take that.
For as long as fucking possible.
***
After demolishing Gran’s famous pumpkin pie, we’re out front, waiting for the car and saying our goodbyes. The visit went by too fast, and I hate leaving, but I’ve got no choice. The pressure’s mounting, and I need to start repaying Vex.
I know Effa would offer to help, but I can’t let her. That’s not what this relationship is built on. She deserves someone who can carry his own weight, someone who can carry her, too.And the gambling?That’s a whole other mess I won’t drag her into.
I’ve got to get my shit together before it drowns me. And the last thing I need is Jett throwing it in my face.
But that can all wait.
Because right now, Kiera’s crying, wrapped around Effa like she’s holding on for dear life.
I smile at them as Effa holds her close and sways her from side to side, rubbing soothing motions up and down her back. I know that’s what Effa uses to try to calm people. I love her for attempting to help Kiera right now. She really is one in a million, even with the hippy vibe that I’ve grown to love about her.
Gran reaches out, wrapping her arm around my waist, and pulls me to her. “Now, trynotto stay away from us for too long. And next time you come back, make sure to bring this little angel with you. You hear me?” Gran instructs.
“Yes, ma’am.” I lean in, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Love you.”
