Page 21 of Hale to Pay

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“Jagger has nice ones. Does Oran have any?”

“No,” Karessa answers then looks up. “What do you know about Jagger’s tats?”

“I follow him on social media,” I explain casually.

“You were checking him out!” Esme exclaims with a laugh. “She used to have a crush on him,” she explains to Karessa.

“It’s past tense.” I defend myself with a blush. “Like years ago. Have you seen the Hanlon men? Don’t front. Now, it’s like looking at art you can appreciate but have no desire to acquire.”

“Does Caerwyn have tats?” Esme leans in for an answer to her question.

“I don’t know. I guess I’ll find out in like a month.”

“Okay being a virgin and doing nothing at all is a whole other level. Have you two kissed?”

I shake my head. “Were we supposed to?”

“Imala!” they both shout at me.

“Look. You didn’t kiss Oran until the wedding.”

“He was very angry about getting married. Caerwyn is sending you freaky texts and walking around whistling and shit.”

She has a point.

“Well, we’ll handle all of the above at that time,” I tell them with a dismissive wave.

“Are you sexually attracted to him?” Karessa’s voice is full of concern.

Hell yes. Even in my despair, having Wyn’s body cuddling mine was an erotic experience.

I feel my cheeks reddening as I nod. I can’t bring myself to answer verbally.

“New plan. You two are having a morning after brunch. You’ll have a wedding night at a hotel or one of your houses if you like. Then have a bon voyage brunch, so Karessa and I can get all the details, then we’ll send you off to your honeymoon.”

Honeymoon. The new couple sex vacation. I put down my drink. Then pick it back up once I realize I need it.

Chapter Ten

Imala

I love the bold masculine look of Oran’s office. It screams that he’s a confident man’s man. Which he is. I wave at his assistant and push my way inside, since he’s expecting me. Oran looks up at his desk and gives me one of his rare smiles. I feel honored to be one of those who deserve them. His dark gray eyes shine with the happiness he feels with my sister and my upcoming niece or nephew. They’re waiting to find out.

“How can I help you today, my angel?” he greets me then pecks my cheek. “Want me to beat up my cousin?”

I laugh at his question. “First, I’m loving this charcoal suit on you.” He grins and waves off the compliment. “Second, no. I’m here for a much different reason. Short of digging up his mom’s number, I figured you’d be the best resource.”

He rubs his beard, intrigued by my statement. “Go on.”

I wring my hands and look down at my navy skirt before shooting my eyes back to him. “I want to do something big for him. Meaningful. He’s done so much for me and I’d love to do something for him.”

The thought always makes me a little emotional, which is why I was nervous to visit. LeClaire tears for Oran is like showing a bull red.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, kneeling in front of me to look me in the eyes.

“I’m fine. I just need to do something that would express my appreciation.”

“May I ask, appreciation of what?” Oran takes my hand and squeezes it.


Tags: Francesca Penn Erotic