Page 185 of Just Wait

It’s better to give her a warning, so she isn’t shocked if it comes up.

“I don’t have much preference when it comes to bodies,” I say, shrugging. “I’d say I’ve hooked up with maybe seventy percent women, just because it’s easier to know they’re interested. They’re also available more often.”

“Huh,” she says, and my heartbeat picks up. “Now I’m jealous that I never put myself out there with women. It clicked the other day that I’ve cut myself off from half my dating pool by not being brave enough to flirt with ladies.”

“No flirting with anyone who isn’t me,” I growl, yanking her into my chest with a hand on her ass. “I mean, you can flirt with K and Riser, but we’re exclusive now.”

“We are.” Her long, dark lashes flutter. “So what’s the game plan?”

That’s a very good question.

“I guess I just wanted you to know ahead of time, in case it comes up.”

She smiles. “Thank you. That was thoughtful. I don’t like being ambushed by stuff like that.”

“Basically, just protect me, baby doll.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She laughs. “All right, princess. Come along. Let your girlfriend protect you from any awkward interactions with your past hookups.”

“Thank you,” I say, nodding.

I’m not sure what I did to make her fall against my chest, giggling like a fiend, but I love it.

I’ll have to figure it out so I can do it all over again.

She made me put on a shirt to come to the after-party, but I’m so covered in her scent, no one will be able to miss it.

Goddamn.

Being claimed by her is so sexy.

I didn’t know Tennyson, Parish, and Wren were coming with us to the resort, but it’s fine. This place is huge.

We brought our instruments with us, minus Riser’s full kit, since it’s a fucking pain in the ass to drag around. He brought his mini, though, which is enough to practice with.

I figure we’ll take a day or two off before we start working on new shit and practicing my song.

It might be after midnight, but this is Riser’s birthday party.

Music plays in the background, and we chill in the massive living room. It’s two stories and open to the hallway on the second floor. If it was colder, I’d ask to turn on the fireplace, but it’s just not at that level.

Although, it will be chilly when we chase Lumen around the hedge maze tomorrow night.

Tonight?

Whatever.

I never think of it as the next day until I sleep.

Tennyson sits on the floor in front of the chair Parish is chilling in with Wren. There were plenty of other open seats, but I think she’s proving a point.

And honestly, good for her.

She’s a grown woman.

She can do whatever she wants.

That’s slightly more complicated where Parish is concerned, since he and Ten are so close. I’m not sure what I would do if I were in a similar situation with Riser or Kincaid, but I’m just thankful I’m not.