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No, it’s really not. But again, I’m not interested in having this conversation with him.

“Charlotte didn’t want me to go anyway. She wants me to take her out to dinner to cheer her up.”

“Great. Well, have fun then.”

“Yeah. You too.”

But there’s a funny look in his eyes, and my fists are going white from how tightly I’m squeezing them, and I know that we’re not cool. But I can’t undo what he’s done, and he obviously has no regrets. So, I turn away and get back to the group and practice.

Chapter Four

Avery

I shut the hair straightener on a strand of hair close to my scalp and hiss at the slight burn, when I hear the front door open and close and Garrett yelling, “I’m home.”

I can’t help the smile. The man loves having four girls rush to hug him anytime he walks through that door. But the girls are not home. I’m the only one here, and I’m busy, so he’s going to have to come to me.

I pull down on the strand and let it drop as, sure enough, I hear giant footsteps climbing up the stairs. Garrett is tall and he takes them three at a time, and makes a lot of noise.

“Hey,” he says, popping his head inside our bedroom. He gives me a lewd once-over as I stand there in nothing but a bra and underwear. It’s nothing sexy, but from the way his eyes start to shine, it’s apparently good enough for Garrett. “Where is everyone?”

“Sophia’s at Kelly’s house. And Chloe and Grace are at my parents’. They’ll drop them off in the evening so Sophia doesn’t have to babysit the entire time.”

He grins and approaches me.

“So, we have the house to ourselves?” His voice gets lower and a little growly. And it never fails to light up my body like a Christmas tree.

“Yes, but I’m doing my hair.”

“You’ve barely started.” Garrett grabs the straightener from my hands and unplugs it before putting it down on the vanity table. Then he pulls me into his arms and hugs me.

I wrap my arms around him and bury my nose in his neck.

“How was your day?” I ask.

“Um… fine. About to get better.”

I wrap one leg around his thigh, seeking to get closer.

Even after twenty years together, all it takes is one whiff and a few words for Garrett to get me from zero to teenage horny.

“Okay. But we have half an hour. I still need some time to get ready and I don’t want to be too late. It’s Bryce’s birthday. It’s going to be awkward enough if Charlotte comes. Bryce will need us as his buffer.”

“Charlotte’s not coming. Blake fired her. And Ethan’s not coming either because Bryce invited Amelia.”

“What? Really?”

Garrett pushes me down on the bed. And I take the opportunity to squirm out of his hold and grab my phone, which is charging on the nightstand.

I write a quick message to let Amelia know I’m glad she’s coming while Garrett grabs my feet and pulls me back toward the edge of the bed.

As I type, he pulls off my underwear and spreads my legs by pushing his palms on the insides of my thighs. His hot breath warms my sensitive skin as I hit send on the message and drop my phone behind me on the bed.

My eyes meet Garrett’s between my legs. His gaze stays fixed on me as he lowers his nose down between my folds and inhales. Butterflies flutter in my belly as I wait with anticipation.

I don’t know what good deed I’ve done in my past life to deserve such a giving husband, but I’m thankful for him every single day.

I run my hand through his soft hair, which is thinning on top of his head. I love every strand. Even the gray ones. Or especially the gray ones. Because they represent our life together.