Page 31 of Bouquets and Buckles

She’s so much better at this than me, managing to keep a straight face and not look my way every three seconds, which is all I seem to be able to do whenever we’re in the same room.

Thank fuck, because if it were up to me, I would have given our entire secret away far too quickly.

After texting her briefly when they went to get her tire replaced and collect her car, I’ve opened and composed what feels like a hundred new messages. Only, each time I inevitably hit delete, seeing as I shouldn’t be saying any of the shit I actually want to say. There’s also always too much of a risk my son will pick up her phone, or see what’s on the screen, whichhas been enough to have me silently cursing and shoving my phone back in my pocket.

However, right now, I can see that the guys are occupied with whatever they’re watching. Brad might even be asleep from what I can tell.

Stop biting your lip so hard.

Crossing my ankles,I lean my ass back against the sink. Partly hidden by the large island in the middle of the kitchen, it’s easy to hang back here while still being able to see through the open-plan layout to the lounge.

I don’t hear her phone make a sound, however, as I watch on, she picks it up immediately, which leads my pulse to race a little harder.

Has she been keeping it on silent, just in case I do text her again?

Ever the tease, Skylar quickly types on the screen, without looking my way or allowing her expression to change. If anyone were to look at her, she could be texting her goddamn grandmother for all they would know.

My phone buzzes in my palm.

Sorry,but it’s not easy.

Not when you’re making it impossible for a girl to concentrate.

Do I distract you?

No.

I can see you squirming.

You don’t ‘distract’me.

Because it’s impossible to be a distraction when I already can’t stop thinking about you.

Good.

Then I’m not the only one going insane over here.

I heardyou get up during the night.

Kinda hoped it was because you were gonna sneak into my room…

Even though I know we can’t.

Sweetheart, it took everything in me not to.

I honestly don’t know if I can fight it anymore.

We said we wouldn’t.

I know.

But, I’m a terrible fucking person.

I can’t stay away from you.

I seeher shift around in her seat, and if I didn’t know any better I’d say she looks incredibly turned on.

“I’m gonna go take a shower.” Skylar hops up out of her chair. The other two barely even move, just make a grunting sort of noise in acknowledgement that is more reminiscent of Brad as a teenager rather than a young man in his twenties. “You guys keep watching, and I’ll reheat some leftovers for us for dinner once I’m done, yeah?”