Page 74 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I’m assuming it’s nothing like sex and candy.” He folds his arms, making his bottom lips tremble.

“It’s more like vomit and lavender.” My eyes dart to his as a smile plays on his mouth.

He raises his chin. “Fine, but I put that on especially for you. I’m sorry you didn’t like it.”

“Oh, baby. It’s me, it isn’t you.”

His body jerks as he holds in his laughter. “I suppose you’ve found someone else. Someone… younger.”

“I have and she’s a woman.”

His eyes drop to mine, and something dark burns in them. “She better be the only one in your arms.”

“Are you jealous?” His eyes smolder, sending chills over me.

He steps closer to me. “Possibly.”

“Good thing we’re just friends.” My breasts heave as I struggle to catch my breath.

His eyes dart to them and when our eyes meet again, I see a fire burning, igniting one deep in my core. “It’s a damn good thing.”

A thump at the door makes us jump and separate. “I’ll get that, go hit the shower before I have to leave.”

“Yeah, I’m thinking I need a cold one,” he murmurs as he walks away. “It’s hot as hell in here.”

“Without a doubt,” I mumble as I check his ass out. The knock at the door gets louder, so I run to answer it before it wakes Luci.

I whip it open to find a redhead dressed in daisy dukes and a halter. Her matching lipsticks tells the tale—she’s her for sex, and it ain’t with me. “Can I help you?”

“I doubt it, where’s Alden?” She peers around me, trying to check out the room.

“The shower.” I smile sweetly.

She gives me a once over. “So he hired a maid I see.”

“I’m not his maid,” I curl my lip, looking her over, “but I’m guessing you’re the hired help.”

Her mouth drops. “Move and let me in, Alden will want to see me.”

“He may, but I’m telling you no.”

“Listen, old lady. We go way back, I’ve done things with him and to him that should be illegal. So move your big ass, and I’ll go find him myself.” She looms over me.

“Hey, Michelle.” Alden walks up behind me as my blood begins to boil.

She pushes past me, throwing her arms around Alden’s neck. “Hey, handsome. I came for breakfast.”

Anger coils in the pit of my stomach when suddenly I’m brought back to the here and now. “I’m not feeling so well, I better go.” I walk out the door, wanting to slam it but choose not to. Luci doesn’t deserve it.

“Hey.” I refuse to turn as his steps get closer. “Hey. Charlee Rae, I know you can hear me.”

I whirl around, jutting my chin out. “I will not stand by and listen to you boinking the bimbo while I take care of Luci. Nope, not happening.” I cross my arms in defiance.

“Boinking? Seriously? After all of this, that’s your opinion of me?” A line appears between his brows.

I take a step back. “What else am I supposed to think, Alden. It’s obvious she’s your type because we both know the curtains don’t match the carpet on that one. Nobody tries that hard but a woman who’s been fucked or looking to get fucked.”

“Since you know every damn thing, tell me this...” He crowds me, making the hairs on my arms stand. “Am I fucking her now?”