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“That’s it? Just, oh well, he’s leaving? You’re not going to ask how long? With who? What I’m doing?”

My back stiffens up. I want to ask him a million questions, of course. My ex used to curse me for it, thinking I was being a jealous girlfriend. That lesson was learned the hard way.

“It’s for work, not fun,” I try to dismiss, focused on cleaning as slowly as I can.

He leans down, breathing heavily into my ear. “Ask me. Show me what this means for you.”

The dark command has my mouth babbling in seconds.

“Who with? What are you doing? Are you going to visit anywhere cool? What are you taking pictures of? Please say scenery of the non-human variety, or I’ll lose it. Privately, where the only witnesses are trash cans I can knock over. When’s your flight? Do you need a ride? A bodyguard? Chastity belt?”

His breathing relaxes after the third question. When I keep going, he starts chuckling in surprise.

“That’s so much better,” he mutters and kisses my temple. “Don’t brush me off, ok? I don’t mind that you’re touchy-feely or that you’re in this relationship enough to question me. I like it. Need it. That will be your second tattoo on your ass.”

I chew my lip for a second. “Are you going to answer me? Minus the bark.”

He laughs right in my ear, making me pull away. He follows to make sure his mockery of my fake bravado gets heard.

“I leave in a few hours. Alone. I don’t need a ride. I’ll stay for two days, taking pictures of amalemodel. No belt needed. I’ll be in a hotel without you, siren. I’m sad about that.”

I lean my head back to rest next to his, letting him kiss my temple. “Me, too.”

My pout is obvious. I’d rather have him going home with me for two days straight.

“Come with me.”

I turn my head to stare at him. He doesn’t mean that, does he? The wary, hopeful look on his face says he does.

It’s tempting. So tempting. I’ve never been to LA, and I’ve heard good things. Not to mention, I’d be all over him every chance I get. All alone in a hotel room with this man spells nothing but trouble of the happy variety.

Something is holding me back. I end up groaning in frustration.

“I’m supposed to meet my little brother tomorrow. I think he’s finally introducing me to his group. He’s been really nervous about it. They’re poly, and I want them welcomed in a big way. I don’t want them doubting that I’ll support them til my last breath.” I sound more disgruntled than happy about it for once.

Poe tucks a finger under my chin to regain my full attention. He looks disappointed. I wait for him to argue.

“I won’t get in the way,” he assures me. His smile is a little lopsided, like he’s putting on the brave face this time.

My eyes widen in surprise. “You’ll never be in the way,cher. I’d rather you be with me for it. I want you to meet him, too. I wantyouto be welcomed in a big way.”

The words are spur-of-the-moment but honest. I’d love for Ash to see Poe and know he’s it for me. The rest of the family may doubt it, but Ash won’t.

“I’d rather be here for it, too,” he says with a sudden grin. “Maybe I can reschedule.”

My mouth drops open in disbelief. “Really? You’d do that?”

Poe pulls out his phone and makes a call, walking outside to start arguing in a jaw-clenched way that makes me giddy.

Damon comes up next to me and slaps my arm.

“What?” I protest with wide eyes.

“When a man that obsessed with you says he’s leaving and he looks like his dog just died over it, you don’t shrug and say, oh well.”

“I don’t want him to think I’m crazy,” I hiss back. “That’s what broke William and me up.”

“He isdefinitelynot William. I saw him yesterday, if I needed a refresher,” Damon frowns thoughtfully. His friendship got a little rocky after our breakup. I feel bad about it. “He’s a moron, but he does good tattoo work.”