When they met, Dom was undercover in a motorcycle club and went by the name Colby. He ghosted my best friend, and then showed up with a new name a decade later.
Bastard will forever be Colby to me.
Andi says, “No, he doesn’t. But I don’t know…” She shrugs as she steps into a teddy gown. “I was obsessive. I learned everything I could about organized crime.”
I glance in the mirror at the outfit she’s convinces me to try on. “I really like him, Andi. I don’t like anyone.”
″I know. You literally hiss and growl at men. I get why, but I just always figured maybe you’d wind up with a woman. I’m glad you’ve found someone. But can we talk about the sex? What’s up with that? Are you guys screwing or what? Because if not, maybe I can convince Dom to let me swing for a night or so. Callum is fucking sexy, Hales.”
Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes.
My chest pounds, and I realize it’s because I’m jealous. “Back off. That man’s abs belong to me. Even if I haven’t licked them yet.”
Andi’s eyes widen with shock. “Oh my God. So you admit you like him, but what? Not enough to bone?”
″Liking him isn’t the issue, Andi. I’m broken.”
″You just need some help revving the engine. Does he know?”
″I told him last night. He seemed understanding. Which is weird, you know? I’m sure a man like that has women crawling to him. And here I am, drier than the Sahara.”
″The fact you told him is tremendous progress. Don’t discount that.”
I know she’s right. “I did have an orgasm yesterday, thinking about him. And it was the first time I’ve ever not felt disgusted after.”
″What if you guys fool around first? Maybe watch each other and see if that works? I don’t know. I guess all of this is a case-by-case thing. Whatever works for the two of you.”
″Yeah.” I bite my lip. That’s actually not a bad idea.
That could work. It could get me used to a man touching my body and seeing him naked. A man that I actually wanted. It could help bridge the gap of negative memories and build new ones. I’m not sure how to go about any of this. But I do know that I have to try.
I don’t want to lose Callum.
Andi is completely wrecked as she stumbles up the stairs, and I laugh as she leaves my sight. I’ve missed my best friend. I enjoyed her company all day yesterday, and we stayed up way too late last night. Today has been spent lounging and eating too many snacks. We started the day with the wine and she definitely overdid it.
I’m pretty tipsy myself, but the second Callum walked in the door dressed in his beautiful blue suit, I began pacing myself with the alcohol, ready for when Andi couldn’t hang anymore. I wanted to be able to stay up with him when Andi called it quits.
Because as much as I miss her, it feels like I can’t exist without him. More than twenty-four hours away and it seems like an eternity.
″She’s really going to be feeling that tomorrow.” Callum chuckles, dragging a hand down his face. He looks so delicious, sitting on the loveseat. His suit jacket is tossed aside, along with the gray tie he’d been wearing. The vest is gone somewhere too, and his once crisp white dress shirt is covered in wrinkles, the sleeves rolled to his elbows, and the top few buttons undone.
I nod as I hurry to him, climbing into his lap. It isn’t seductive. I just want to be close to him. He breathes in sharply, tensing under me, and I know he’s trying to control himself.
But my body. Fuck, does my body not get the memo. I rest my head on his neck, savoring the way the heat of his touch makes me feel alive.
″How has your time with Andi been, love?”
″Good,” I murmur as Cal strokes my back. It stirs something in me, and I squirm in his lap.
He huffs, trying to situate himself. But it’s too late because he’s already rock hard and it pushes against my pelvis. He groans. “I’m sorry.”
″Don’t be.” I press my lips to his neck, sighing with content. “I kind of want to try something. If you’d be up for it?”
His eyes are soft as he smiles at me, nodding. “What is it?”
I close my eyes, trying to gain the courage to admit what Andi suggested yesterday.
Maybe I should just show him.