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“You sure you’re prepared to see Shandy?” West asks me as we drive through the security gate.

“I’ll never be prepared to see her,” I admit, “but with Maya working in show biz, our paths are bound to cross. I have to get used to it.”

“And Jake?”

That makes me grimace. For some reason, his betrayal hit harder. Yes, she broke my heart, but losing my best friend was devastating. It changed the course of my life in ways I didn’t truly understand until it happened. I had other friends, of course, but everyone was secondary to Jake. He was my friend. My confidante. My biggest supporter. The best man at my wedding.

Replacing that relationship in my life was impossible.

I don’t know how to even do it. We’ve been friends since prep school. He played hockey too, just not at the level I did. The difference was that he lived locally to the high school, so he would have been going there regardless of hockey. And our friendship survived the years when he took off for L.A. and I went to the pros.

Then it disappeared with one blow job that blew up my life.

Ugh.

I don’t want to think about that.

I want to see my girl after a long, frustrating trip and take her home.

Okay, maybe there’s a part of me that wants Shandy to see us together. I might be a jerk for that. Our relationship isn’t some kind of dirty little secret, and I’ll be damned if we keep it quiet around Shandy.

We walk through the lot and toward the main office, but West veers off in the direction of Serena’s trailer.

“I’ll see you later,” he says. His eyes meet mine. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

I shake my head. “Not a chance.”

I pick up the pace as I get to Maya’s office. I hear her voice, soft and sweet, talking to someone. Her little brother, based on what I hear.

“…no, algebra is not the devil’s math.” She sounds amused. “I can’t help you now, but this weekend we’ll go over it in detail… Yes, I know…” Another short laugh. “You’re being dramatic—you absolutely need algebra in real life. I can give you examples about how I figure out how much fabric I need for a project…” Her laugh rings out, and I peek into her office.

It takes her a minute to notice me and then her eyes light up. “Okay, kiddo, I have to go—we’ll talk this weekend…love you too.” She disconnects, puts the phone down and jumps up. “You’re home!”

“Hey, baby.” I catch her as she vaults herself into my arms. My mouth drops to hers and I’m instantly aroused.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispers against my lips. “Last week was the longest week ever!”

“Agreed.” I lift her off the ground, and she wraps her legs around my waist.

I kick the door shut with my foot and deepen the kiss, pushing my tongue into her mouth. She responds hungrily, winding her arms around my neck.

“What are the chances anyone walks in?” I growl against her mouth.

“None—if you lock the door.”

I reach behind me, fumble for the knob, and finally engage the lock. Then I use one hand to yank her Halestorm concert T-shirt over her head. She has on a lacy pink bra beneath that lifts her boobs, offering them up like a damn present.

“Hang on to me,” I say. Once her arms are around my neck, I reach behind her and unsnap the bra. It goes flying, and I sigh happily at the sight her tits make, sitting up high and proud, like they’re waiting for my mouth. I dip my head so I can close my lips around one fat, raspberry nipple. She moans and I increase the pressure, sucking the whole nipple into my mouth.

Her chest arches and the fingers of one hand find their way into my hair. She loves playing with my hair and I love when she does it. She’s asked me to grow it out, which I’m doing, even though it’ll be a first for me.

“Fuck, I missed you more than I thought,” I mumble in between kisses and burying my face between her breasts.

“You’re a boob guy, eh?” she laughs.

“I’m a Maya guy,” I correct, lowering my zipper.

She’s wearing something like tights, so it’s easy to get them over her ass without putting her down. Somehow, we fumble and wiggle and then I’m inside her.