Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“But I won’t. I’ve crossed more than my share of lines, including with her.”
Understanding fills Sloane’s face. “You’ve been with Belinda too.”
“Once,” I admit reluctantly. “Connor was there.”
“Of course he was,” she mutters. “You two are like a pair of dirty socks.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called that before.”
“Honestly, is there anyone you haven’t slept with? Any one attractive woman in your life that you haven’t fucked.” I can see the wheels in Sloane’s brain moving quickly as she asks that question. And then she gasps, and I know where this is going before the words are out.
“Oh my God. There was an article about you guys in Alaska. It actually named you. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots until now.”
My irritation flares. “That was a shitty hit piece of fabricated nonsense.” And it caused months of whispers and turmoil in all our lives. Even my mother heard about it and questioned me. That was an awkward conversation.
“So, it’s not true, then? You haven’t fucked Abbi?” Sloane watches me.
The denial is on my tongue. I’ve never admitted it out loud. Only Connor knows—because he was there—and even he doesn’t know about that last time, in Abbi and Henry’s cabin. “Do you really need to hear me say it?” Because I don’t want to lie to her.
She falters, as if taken aback. “So you literally have slept with every woman you’ve ever met. You know what, don’t answer that.” She holds a hand up to stop me. “I don’t think I want to know.” Sloane wanders over to lean against the chain-link fence.
What’s going on inside that head of hers? Is she deciding if she can get past my track record?
I’ve never regretted a second of my life choices. Until now.
I edge in behind her, caging her in with my arms. We listen to the sprinklers watering the grass for a lengthy moment.
“If it makes you feel better, I only loved two of them,” I admit.
“It doesn’t.” After a beat, she asks, “Who?”
“Tasha and Abbi.”
“Does Henry know?”
“He does.”
“Bet he loves that.”
“He does not.” I rest my chin on her head and slip my arms around her, one hand settling low on her flat belly.
The sound of her breath catching cuts into the quiet night, and then her hand presses against mine, holding it there.
“I’m sorry about what Belinda did. I wish I knew how to fix it.” I wish I could fix everything for Sloane.
“You can’t. And my stupid little signs won’t help, but they make me feel better.”
“You want to hop the fence and go fuck on his green?” Because I know that will make me feel better.
“He probably has cameras.” But humor laces her voice.
“ I know where they all are.” There’s no way I’d let that prick get off watching a video of Sloane and me.
She sinks back into my body. “I wish I had something more than old headlines to throw at him, something to really get under his skin.”
A thought strikes me. I hesitate, but only for a second. “I might have something for you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Something that will definitely gain notice.” And likely cement my spot in the realm of the unemployed if Henry figures out I’m the whistleblower.
She twists in my arms and peers up into my eyes, hope shining in hers.
My fingers trace her jawline in the dim light. “God, you are beautiful.”
“What is it?” she pushes, undeterred. “What do you know?”
I shouldn’t cater to this spiteful mission of hers. Frank’s right—it’s not healthy. But if she’s going to do it anyway, I’ll be there right beside her.
“Fine, but you’re not getting back up on that ladder.”
21. Ronan
Britt:
On my way! Tasha’s on my plane!
Safe flight. I got caught up with work but Connor’s coming to get you. Look for the big, blond jock in the red Bronco.
I know what Connor looks like. I’ve seen pics
Absolutely not. He’s off-limits
I’m twenty
And he has fucked at least twenty women since we moved here
Ew
See you soon.
“You seem chipper today.” Olivia adjusts her wide-brimmed golf hat while we sit in our respective carts on the path, waiting for Henry and Keegan from Coastal Luxe Escapes to finish at the tenth hole. The soft mauve color matches her sleeveless shirt and short skirt and is a stark contrast to her heavy black sunglasses. All in all, a flattering outfit that makes Olivia look young and toned and way less uptight.
And it does nothing for me.
My dick is officially out of commission for all but one woman, and it feels glorious.
“Good night of sleep.” If “sleep” means worshipping Sloane’s body from every possible angle a second night in a row. “And my baby sister is on her way down with her best friend. I got her a room for a couple of days at the hotel.”
Olivia’s face lights up with a sincere joy. “That’s sweet of you. How old is she?”