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I feel my stomach knot. Her accident played on repeat in my head for weeks afterward whenever I’d close my eyes. I can perfectly picture the moment when my baby sister hit the floor and the excruciating seconds afterward when she didn’t move. “Oh my God, Astrid. I’m so sorry.”
“I know. And it’s not something I wanted to talk about. I was definitely hoping it would get better. But it’s not. My doctors aren’t very helpful either. Typical men. I’m working on some things, but the point is, sex isn’t fun anymore. It’s not pleasurable. And dammit, I miss it. Seriously, Linny, you’ve got to have some good sex. Don’t live a life without it. I promise you, youaremissing out.”
My sister hasn’t ever been in love that I know of. At least nothing that’s ever lasted. So for her to say this, that she’s loved sex and misses it, even without the love part, must mean there really is something there I should try.
“I am going to think about all of this,” I promise.
“Great. I’m kind of excited that you’re going on dates. You’ve never gotten to do that. You should get to do some normal things. You’ve given up a lot for Cara, and for our family. And even if you’ve liked some of it, or even most of it, your situation is so weird. You should get to have some fun along the way.”
I laugh. “You don’t think being a princess and then a queen will be fun?”
“Yeah, yeah,” my sister says. Our family might be the only ones who are unimpressed by the idea of royalty. “But you’re going to take it very seriously,” she says. “I hope there’s some fun along the way. At least the pretty dresses and parties. But it’s gonna be a job for you. I know you.”
“Well, of course it is. People's lives depend on us.”
Again, she’s quiet for a moment, then says, “You know, you’re already doing that job. You don’t really have to marry Torin. You’ve already made so many things better in Cara.”
My eyes widen. “You’re the second person to say that to me today.”
“Really? Did Torin say it?”
“No. Jonah did.”
“Torin's bodyguard? The birthday cookie guy, huh?” Astrid asks. “That’s interesting. When did he say it? You said today?”
Just thinking about the fact that he’s in the next room makes my heartrate kick up. “Yes. He’s here with me, in D.C.. He came along as security and to drive me around and all of that.” I leave out the part about how he’s here to make sure I actually go on these dates.
“Really? It’s just you and Jonah?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“No reason,” my sister says, with a strange tone in her voice. Then she laughs. “Other than, I’m guessing Jonah Greene knows a thing or two about how to give a woman an orgasm.”
I audibly gasp. “Astrid!” I feel my cheeks flush.
I have certainly had these thoughts about Jonah. Many lusty thoughts. But I had no idea my sister would’ve thought of Jonah that way.
She laughs again. “Seriously? That man is hot. There is no way he doesn’t know his way around a woman’s body. If James and Christian don’t wanna help you out, or you don’t want them to, Jonah’s the guy, Linny. I’m telling you.”
“Yeah, and he’s my future husband’s best friend and bodyguard.”
“I will bet you one thousand dollars and a pair of the next tennis shoes I endorse that you will have sex, love it, and decide to absolutely fall in love with someone else because you will want to keep doing that. So you won’t be marrying Torin and you won’t be running into Jonah.”
My cheeks are hot and I’m so glad we’re not on a video call right now or Astrid would know immediately that I’ve had all of these same thoughts.
“I can get a pair of the next tennis shoes you endorse without your help,” I say.
Astrid laughs. “And let’s say youdodecide to marry Torin. Jonah is very dedicated and loyal. He’s a great friend. He can just chalk up anything he does with you as helping make sure his best friend’s wife is all in.”
“Astrid!” I exclaim. My cheeks are burning now. “That’s…”
“Don’t tell me he doesn’t want his best friend having great sex with his wife.”
“Astrid,” I say firmly. “That’s completely inappropriate.”
Andverydirty.
“I know.” I can picture her huge, unapologetic grin.