“What’s up?” Kris taps her red-manicured nail against her lip. “I’m not getting the enthusiastic reaction I was expecting.”
I prop up the phone against my pillow. “Iamhappy. It’s amazing news about everything. I guess I’m just exhausted. I’m on the fence about the big press splash. I’d like those days to be behind me.”
“Ronni. We’re starting a production company.” Kris is clearly surprised. Historically, I’ve been all about the press.
In the past.
Easily I make my decision. My family needs me, and I need them. “I’ll let you know. For now, it’s important the boys and I are with Connor. Ty and Zoey are getting married. The three of us are joining him in Seattle but we’ll all be back in LA for the holidays.”
“Well, that’s fine. You can work remotely.” She studies me. “Or are you trying to tell me something?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. Let me talk to Connor. And Ty and Zoey. If they’re all on board, an article should be fine as long as it’s subtle. Did I mention the band met today and decided to extend their hiatus?” My eyes are growing heavy. Today’s been a lot. “I want to do it all, Kris. I just need to work it all out. If I can take a raincheck on having Allison’s help, maybe we all will come up with a plan to alleviate some of my domestic shit when I get back.”
Kris’s expression softens. She nods. “I’m sorry for pressuring you. I know things are different now.”
“No,I’msorry.” My voice cracks.
“Don’t be.” She shakes her head. “Look, I’ve been after you for years to take time for yourself. I can’t pretend to know what you’re going through. The timing of all of this is what it is. It’s got to work for both of us or not at all.”
I put my hand over my heart. Kris has been my biggest advocate for most of my adult life. I don’t know where I’d be without her. “I want to do everything, you know. We’ve worked so hard to get here. I just need to put the puzzle together.”
“Just don’t get knocked up again.” She laughs.
God, she has a point. “I should’ve had the IUD put in when I gave birth. Connor talked me out of it. I blame the pregnancy hormones on a momentary lapse where I agreed to have a big, huge brood. I can’t even imagine feeling that way now when I’m just hanging on with two.”
We hang up. All I can think about is climbing under the covers and shutting my eyes. I consider showering to wash the yogurt out of my hair, but sleep wins.
Tomorrow, aside from taking care of my sons, my priority is chartering a flight to Seattle to reunite my family. I don’t want to be without my husband. I don’t want a life without my little babies, no matter how hard it is now. Because I’m lucky. I don’t need to give up my career. Or even take my foot off the gas.
I’m not alone. Not anymore.
As long as we’re together, Connor and I will be able to figure all of this out.
I’ve never been more certain.
Standingwith Jace and Zane in front of Ty & Zoey’s grand fireplace opposite our women, we watch the happy couple recite their wedding vows. Well, some of us do. As for me?
I can’t take my eyes off my wife.
She’s a vision, so she is. Pale-pink, satiny dress. High heels with sparkly clasps. Chestnut hair partially held up by some sort of doohickey that allows little wisps of hair to frame her face. Her green eyes are rimmed with smudgy makeup. She licks her shiny, red lips.
So. Feckin’. Sexy.
As inappropriate as the timing is, my dick stirs then hardens to steel. Christ, I can’t stop thinking about Mae's sassy, talented mouth. Jaysus. A couple of hours ago, when she and I were getting ready at my town house, she sank to her knees. Unzipped my slacks. Took out my neglected cock and sucked me off.
Staring down into her green eyes. Those pouty lips stretched around my shaft. Tits spilling out of her lacy push-up bra…
I came as fast as a teenager.
Hastily, I clasp my hands over my non-discreetly tented slacks. Jaysus,Icannothave a chubby. Not like this. There are children present. And my band. Their parents.
For feck's sake. I will myself to think of anything but the visual of my come dripping down Ronni's chin. Her pink tongue darting out to swipe up every drop.
Stop. It.Connor!
Wrinklygrannies. Wrinkly grannies. Wrinklygrannies.
Cock. Still. Hard.