CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
London
I should be watching the competition. Instead, I’m watching Afton and Snow.
I notice the flush on her face when he whispers in her ear.
It’s why I went over there.
“You need help with that?” Shane asks, staring at my anaconda that’s sprung to life.
“Maybe later,” I mumble.
“Do you want him to stay?” Shane crosses his arms and glances at the remaining contestants.
“Do you?” I ask him.
“I told you how I feel,” Shane replies, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.
“We’ll talk about this after all this craziness.” I gesture to the contestants still cooking.
“Five minutes,” Carlton shouts.
“They should have been done by now.” Shane snorts.
“You better be making something good for dinner to wash the taste out of my mouth,” I mutter.
“I’m sure Snow’s already on it.” He huffs out a snort. A laugh almost.
“Oh, she’s on it, all right,” I chuckle. “Or on him.”
“Does that bother you?” Shane directs his amber gaze to me.
“No. I’d like to see his mouth on you,” I tell him, and he drops his head, hiding a grin.
“Have a good lunch. I’ll be in the house,” he replies and walks away.
He’d liked that. And he will. I don’t want to scare him off now that I have him. He’s been “the one” for so long, and now he’s mine.
“You and my dad,” Ever whispers.
“Problem?” I ask.
“Nope.” She lifts her head to look me in the eyes. “I don’t care. As long as he’s happy.”
“It’s hard to be this way when you’re in the circuit. Guys get scared I’m checking them out. They don’t want to fight me. I know I get looks. But I can’t help that I’ve fallen for Shane. And hard. Since the day I moved in, I wanted him.”
“But he was straight.” Ever tilts her head, a curious expression on her face.
“Let’s not put labels on it.” I make eye contact again, just so she knows I’m serious. “I like women as well.”
“Snow?” she asks.
“Yes.” I nod. “A lot.”
“Be gentle and caring with her,” she says, squeezing my forearm. “We can’t lose her again.”
“I know,” I agree. “Thank you for supporting us.”