“No, but that doesn’t mean she’s my girlfriend.”
“Sure, sure. Anyway, I’m glad it’s all working out, however it is for you. I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at her for the last four years or so, Kai. You are in so deep.”
I pulled my gaze away from Daisy, again, and whipped my head toward her. “What? I?—”
“You’re not that subtle, you know. We all see it. That kiss at the party just confirmed it. But it’s okay, really. I’ve seen the way she looks at you, too.”
I shook my head, turning to look at Daisy again, trying to hide my blush. Drea was asking her how things were going, and our eyes met for the briefest of moments. She winked before turning back to Drea.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
Blair snorted a laugh. “Okay, Kaia. Whether you believe me or not, there’s something there.”
I wanted to believe her, I really did. I wanted to let myself imagine a world where Daisy could fall for me too. Where we could actually end up together. But the logical part of my brain knew that wouldn’t happen.
She grabbed my wrist, causing my attention to shift back to her. She lowered her voice, her tone becoming softer. “I hope you’ll let yourself enjoy this, and I hope you won’t try to tell yourself you don’t deserve it or you aren’t good enough for her. You are, Kaia. You deserve to seewhat happens with her. Let yourself have it. You are good enough for her, you are.”
Tears pricked the back of my eyes, but I blinked them away and changed the subject. “Since we’re talking about partners, how are things with you and Drea?”
She scowled at me, but it quickly turned into a smile as she looked off toward her fiancée. “Nice escape, but things are amazing. I fall more in love with her everyday. I thank all the stars that we found our way to each other. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”
“I’m so glad Cara forced you two to work together again. I love watching you together, and Drea has completely transformed into a different person when you’re together. Working with her is not nearly as hard as it used to be.”
She winced. “Yeah, I know it was rough for you guys. I know it’s not my fault, but I’m still sorry you went through it. I’m happy everything’s worked out, and we are all in much better places in our lives. Speaking of why we’re happier in life…”
She nodded to something behind me, and I turned my head just as Daisy and Drea started heading toward us, Milo and Duke running in front of them.
They both jumped up on us, demanding kisses, thankfully pulling me away from admitting the truth. Admitting that I didn’t think Daisy would stay. I didn’t think she’d want to be with me forever. It was just something temporary because I was close by, but because I was so in love with her, I’d take whatever I could get. Maybe that was doing more damage than good, but right now it felt good to pretend we were in a relationship. To pretend she could love me with even a fraction of how much I felt for her.
When Drea and Daisy caught up with the dogs, Drea kissed Blair on the cheek, and Daisy was about to kiss me but stopped and looked into my eyes. She frowned and asked if I was okay. I nodded and grabbed her face and kissed her hard. I let the kiss consume me, not thinking about what would happen after this kiss. I didn’t want to think about the past or the future. I wanted to think only about the kiss I was sharing with Daisy.
A throat cleared, and I pulled away from Daisy, flushing withembarrassment, and stepped away from Daisy, who grinned at me and licked her lips.
“I hate to break up this little show, but I’m afraid I cannot allow my fiancée to watch such inappropriate acts. Unless we’re alone, of course.” I laughed when Blair nudged Drea and gave her a disapproving look.
We said our goodbyes, and I took Daisy’s hand, leading her back to the car and away from a smirking Blair and Drea. Those two were always up to no good, and I knew if I engaged in that behavior, Drea would never quit.
The ride home was short but felt longer. I knew when she could, she’d ask me why I looked like I’d been crying and what we talked about. I was thankful she didn’t try in the car. The entire time I drove, my hand rested on her leg, rubbing it gently, and I enjoyed seeing the smile dancing on her lips. I didn’t ever want to tire of touching her whenever I felt like it.
My luck ran out as soon as the door to the house shut behind us and I took off Duke’s leash. He ran for his water bowl, and Daisy’s hands started going.
“Okay, spill. What happened? Why were you crying?”
She rubbed my arms, and her concerned expression made my chest tighten. There was no way I could’ve told her the truth, so I settled for a different truth instead. “I’m just grateful for you. That’s all.” I left it at that and hoped she did too.
She pondered my response, almost looking like she was debating saying something, but instead just smiled and kissed me. “I’m so happy you’re in my life, Kaia,” she said when we broke apart.
My grin was stupid and giddy, and I couldn’t contain it. “You know what I’m happy for? Hot water. Want to go warm up?” I wiggled my eyebrows and licked my lips, trying to come off as sexy but probably looking like a perv.
She bit her lip and I’d say whichever way I looked worked for me. “Now that’s an idea I can get behind.”
“Baby, if you keep doing that, we’re going to waste a lot of hot water.” I groaned as she sucked my collarbone and grabbed my ass. I didn’t knowwhy shower sex was such a turn on for me, but it was. Maybe it was the combination of naked skin and glistening water.
“Is that such a bad thing?” she asked, finally giving me a little space to breathe.
Looking at her naked body dripping with water and feeling her hands anywhere on my bare skin was not a bad thing at all. I shook my head, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her lips.
“It is definitely not a bad thing, but—” My words cut off when she kissed me and her hands found my aching clit.
