Page 93 of Between Desire and Denial

“Why aren’t you answering my texts?” His tone was sharp.

“I put them on silent,” I admitted.

“Why?”

“Because…” I didn’t really know how to divulge that I was jealous of what he might be doing in another country. “I was about to go to sleep.”

“You know… I’d believe that lie had I not known the truth.”

“Which is what?” I narrowed my eyes because there was no way he knew I was messaging another guy.

“I think youarehaving fun with someone else. You just wrote that in a damn text.”

“If that was the case, I wouldn’t have answered the phone.” I rolled my eyes as I rolled over in the bed and touched the empty spot where he’d lain next to me just days ago.

He hummed like he was thinking about all of it. “I’ll be home late tomorrow. Wait up for me.”

“I can’t.” I paused before I breathed out the next sentence. “I’m going on a date.” There was the line. I was drawing itso we both had a clear view of what it meant for our casual relationship.

“A date?” he murmured. “With who?”

“Mr. Perfect.” I hesitated. “I think. He hasn’t answered back yet. But I figure I should try, right?”

There was a beat of silence before he said, “If that’s really what you want, Olive. I’m warning you though, I don’t play nice with competition.”

“It isn’t a competition. It’s taking things slow and being sure.”

“I am sure. Sure as the sky is blue, that you’re not supposed to be with anyone but me. Wait up for me after your date then?”

“If I don’t stay out with him all night.” I chuckled.

He didn’t laugh with me. I think I heard a snarl instead. “Not happening, Honeybee. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

With that, he hung up, and I was wound so tight from our interaction that I didn’t even bother texting Mr. Perfect back after he wrote:

Mr. Perfect: I’ll be there. Look for the tall guy who makes it clear I’m there for you.

I threw the phone down on the carpeted floor and went to sleep.

Chapter Thirty-Four

DIMITRI

“What areyou looking at over there?” my brother Dom asked as we sat in his office. I’d flown out to see him as my last stop.

“None of your business.” I squinted at the camera footage. What the hell was that woman doing over there?

When Dom leaned over to see what was on my phone, though, I clicked it off. “Don’t tell me you’re doing dumb shit like Dex was.”

“Was or is?” I threw back. We all knew his ass still watched his wife’s every move. I didn’t actually knock him for it now.

“I saw a damn surveillance video on your phone.” Dom combed a hand through his dark hair and then crossed his arms. “Your security system is up and running in Paradise Grove and we all know it.”

“Are you guys watching what I’m doing with my own investments?” I tried to sound offended, but it was really no use.

“Of course we are. Kee’s your best friend, and Dex watches her mental health like a hawk on steroids. You’re causing her stress.”

“Why? I’m just checking on Olive,” I tried to reason.