“Just making sure you don’t overdo it on your first day back.”
“Since you’re moving around so much easier, why don’t you come stay with us for a few days? A change of scenery.” London frees a strip of pink paper and starts folding it.
“It’s really fine. We’re not getting on each other’s nerves.”
“Sort of seems like it might be the opposite, based on what I witnessed this morning.” Harley smirks.
London’s eyes narrow. “What does that mean? What did you witness?”
“She didn’t witness anything.” I can feel my face turning red, though, just like it did in the car with Harley.
“Lies. You said you’d spill the beans when we got here. We’re here, so start talking.” Harley drops into the chair across from me and cocks a brow expectantly.
I sigh. I don’t want to keep secrets from my sisters, but London’s continued disdain for Declan is a problem. One I can’t ignore forever. I guess this is a reasonable test. “Declan walked in on me while I was masturbating this morning.”
Harley slaps her palm over her mouth and mumbles, “How mortified were you?”
“Exceedingly,” I say dryly.
“That has to be difficult with your left hand.” Leave it to London to focus on the technical challenges.
Harley props her chin on her fist. “What did Declan do?”
“He apologized.”
“That can’t be all that happened.”
“Well, I couldn’t finish, because as London pointed out, I only have the use of my left hand. So obviously I was bitchy about the whole thing. And he felt bad about walking in, so I made a comment about him helping me out.” It seemed offhand at the time, but now, with a little distance and perspective, I’m aware this has been building for a while.
“You did not!” London’s voice is an ear-piercing shriek.
“Oh yes, you did!” Harley slaps the arm of her chair, eyes lighting up with excitement while London’s shutter with concern.
“I did.”
“And? Did he take you up on the offer?” Harley waves a hand around in the air. “Never mind, your face totally says it all. How was it?”
“It was nice to get some relief.” It was more than nice, and more than just relief. It’s been ages since I’ve connected with anyone the way I did with Declan this morning. I think about the way he whispered in my ear, how it felt to have him kiss me, how I’d been nervous at first, thinking it was going to be awkward and weird, but it wasn’t either of those things. It felt amazingly natural and right. Kissing him wasn’t strange, it was euphoric, and just thinking about it makes my thighs clench.
“Oh, come on, Ave! It was nice? I need some details. This is Declan we’re talking about. He’s gotten around more than a joint at a high school party.”
She’s not wrong. He was the worst during college and has settled down some, but his love life has always been prolific. “He’s very skilled with his hands.”
Harley leans forward in her chair, knees bouncing with her excitement. “Is he a good kisser?”
“Seriously? Why are you revved up about this?”
Harley gives me her get real look. “You’ve been friends forever. I honestly thought you two were finally going to acknowledge you have feelings for each other when you moved in together, but that didn’t happen. Until now.”
“Whoa, whoa.” I hold up a hand. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I have no idea where this is going, if anywhere.” Although based on what he said this morning, at the very least Declan would like to explore the chemistry we have, and so would I.
“Uh-huh, okay, whatever you say.” Harley crosses her arms and smirks.
London’s brow is furrowed with worry. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Ave? I mean, I understand we all have needs, but is he only going to be taking care of yours or is this going to be a mutual exchange?” In the very short time we’ve been talking about this, London has amassed a small collection of rainbow stars on her desk.
“It happened once. It’s not a big deal.” I try to brush it off, not wanting London’s worry to rub off on me.
“So does that mean it’s not going to happen again?” she asks.
I lift a shoulder and let it fall. “I don’t know. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t, but we’re adults making adult decisions.”
“I get that, and I fully agree that it’s your decision to make, but he’s taking care of you beyond helping you with your orgasm problems. You’re relying on him a lot right now. What if he wants more?”
“That’s not going to happen. Declan doesn’t do relationships.”
“Okay, but what if you do?” Her expression is earnest.
“I can deal with my feelings.”
“So say it’s a one-time thing and it doesn’t happen again. How will you feel when he inevitably brings someone home in the future?” London presses.