Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
As long as it’s consensual, yes.
But I don’t say that out loud.
We spend the next hour discussing the book and eating cupcakes. It’s always so wonderful to spend time with these girls.
As is typical, once most of the other members have left, our group remains for any last-minute gossip.
“I have some news.” I smile when I see that I have everyone’s attention.
“Tell us,” Alex says, leaning toward me. “Don’t leave anything out.”
“I had an interesting encounter the other night.” I briefly tell them about meeting the Blackwell brothers. “You have an impressive family, Bee.”
“They’re all a major pain in the ass,” Bee replies.
“Hey, one of those is my husband,” Dani reminds her.
“I stand behind my statement.” Bee shrugs.
“Well, Beckett asked for my number.” I press my lips together, and I can feel my face flush as the others watch me.
“Did you give it to him?” Millie asks. “Do you have a date? Oh my God, we need details.”
“No, I turned him down.” I shake my head, still feeling the regret in my chest.
“Why?” Dani asks.
Even though this amazing group of women has been my friends for so many months, I haven’t confided in them about what happened in New York City. Maybe now is a good time to share a few details because I need some bloody advice.
“You all know that I used to be a dancer in New York City.” It still stings to use those words. Used to be. “Well, it’s true that I can’t dance anymore, professionally anyway, because of my ankle. But I also left because I had, well, a situation.”
“What kind of a situation?” Bee draws her eyebrows together.
“A stalker. An unhinged man, who I dated very briefly. When I told him it wasn’t going to work for us, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He’s unstable but smart enough not to break any laws.”
“For fuck’s sake.” Millie scowls. “What a piece of shit.”
“Yes, he is. I haven’t heard a word from him since I got here, so I hope that’s a good omen.”
“But what does that have to do with Beckett?” Alex asks.
“My instincts for choosing men are broken.” I reach down to pet Riley, who nudges my hand. “I’m a bad judge of character, obviously. That experience did a number on me, so in addition to not choosing good men, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to take on my baggage. Baggage I won’t bore you with here, but let’s just say it’s hard-sided luggage you have to pay extra for because it’s always over the weight limit.”
Baggage that includes nightmares and a fear of being in the dark so badly that I need an emotional support dog to help me through.
They’re quiet for a moment, then Bee says, “Well, I can tell you for certain that Beck isn’t an asshole. If you tell him no, the answer’s no, and that’s the end of it.”
The others nod in agreement.
“I’m sure he’s not a certifiable stalker,” I reply. “But I just don’t trust myself. Or men, for that matter. There’s an attraction there, don’t misunderstand. He’s handsome, and he was kind to me.”
“But?” This comes from Dani, who’s watching me with eyes full of concern.
“But I don’t think it’s a good idea even though he’s the first man I’ve been attracted to in any way for the better part of three bloody years.”
“Then the answer’s no.” Alex nods. “You have to be comfortable, babe. That’s the bottom line.”
“It doesn’t hurt my feelings,” Bee says, pushing her pretty hair over her shoulder. “My brothers tend to be on the alpha side. Bossy. Take charge.”
Oh, I don’t think I’d mind that so much. It’s when they go too far, when it isn’t consensual, that I have a problem.
“Then again,” Bee continues, “I’ve found alpha men do give some good orgasms.”
“Like your foreigner last winter?” Dani asks with a grin, and we all nod, enjoying this story. Bee had a one-night stand with a handsome tourist last year. She never exchanged names with him, so we don’t know who it was, but from what she’s told us, it was hot.
Clearly, because it’s still on her mind.
“I mean,” Bee adds, “he was pretty take-charge and alpha, and I have no complaints about that.”
“Thanks for listening to me.” I smile at my new friends. “I needed to talk it out. Not because I thought I made a mistake, but I did have a moment of regret as Beckett walked away. He was the first man I’d even partially considered wanting to try with, you know? But I just couldn’t.”
I trusted him. That’s what surprised me. Yes, there was an attraction there, but I simply trusted him.
“He was kind. Handsome.” Tempting.
“He’s both of those things,” Millie agrees. “But Alex is right. If it doesn’t feel right to you, then you did the right thing. And the beautiful thing is, he lives here, so if you change your mind, any one of us can give you his number.”