“But everything is so different now. I don’t think he wants that with me anymore.”
“I disagree. He’s afraid he’s going to scare you off.”
“That’s funny, because I’m scared of the same thing.”
“Impossible. Short of you sprouting a dick, that man isn’t going anywhere. And trust me when I tell you, even if he isn’t showing it, he wants to own you just as much as you want him to.”
“What do I do?” I ask anxiously.
“Sweet thing, the best advice I can give you is to put on your big girl panties and tell your man what you want. Communication is important in any relationship, but it is vital in the one you’re after.”
“Why is communication such a scary thing?” I bite my nail.
“I don’t know. You seem to have no problem communicating with me.”
“I don’t sleep with you.” I elbow him.
“I know, it’s such a shame.” Jett shakes his blond head.
“Jett,” I chastise him.
“What? Kayne is stingy. I share.”
“Maybe if our communicating goes well, I can persuade him.”
“Sweets, if your communicating goes well, I’ll never see that cute little pussy again.”
“I didn’t realize you wanted me.” I bat my eyelashes flirtatiously. It’s an empty gesture, but it’s still fun to play around.
Jett leans in close to me. “Do you remember the first time we met and you asked me if Kayne and I both owned you?”
“Yes.” My eyes widen.
“If it had been up to me, we would have.”
“Seriously?”
“Mmm hmm.” He moves in a little closer and inhales me. It actually makes me tingle. Don’t get me wrong, Jett is, well, Jett. He’s smooth and seductive and drop dead gorgeous, but I never considered he actually wanted me like that. Up until this moment, we’ve always just exchanged flirtatious banter. It was innocent at best, but at the moment he’s stirring something very deep inside me. Something surprising. Don’t misunderstand, I’d never be unfaithful to Kayne—unless he gave me his permission. “I think it’s time for you to go, Ellie,” Jett says like I’m in danger. Like he’s a vampire catching a whiff of forbidden blood.
“I think you’re right.” We both stand up hastily.
“I also think this is our last late-night conversation. You know what you want and how you feel. You don’t need me anymore. Just be the strong girl we all know you are and take it slow.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and smiles. “You need a haircut.”
“I know,” I laugh. “Kayne likes it long.”
“You’re beautiful either way.”
“Thanks.”
“Now go make my best friend a happy man.” Jett spanks me. “He deserves it, and so do you,” he whispers then kisses me on the cheek. It feels like he just cut the last string of the past, and I’m perfectly okay with that.
More okay than I have been in twelve months.
I CLOSE THE DOOR TOthe bedroom as quietly as I can. The room is darker than usual, the shades to the sliding glass doors are pulled, and all the window treatments are drawn. Strange.
“You and Jett have a nice chat?” Kayne’s voice startles the hell out of me in the darkness.
“Jesus.” I jump as he flicks on a small light. I turn to find him standing behind me, leaning against the wall, shirtless, with his arms and legs crossed and his eyes a harrowing black. “What are you doing up?”
