Page 45 of Dakota

Wade’s head popped up. “You’re still notdating. Oh no, that’s not good. You have to date if you love him.”

“But…” I couldn’t find a good response.

The booze evidently killed it.

He looked so sad, I couldn’t tell him no.“I’ll try.”

“Why haven’t you dated yet?” He curled backinto me, looking confused.

“It hasn’t really come up yet?” Snorts camefrom around the room. “Honestly.”

I was too sober for this conversation.

Yay, more booze.

Jonah was so helpful.

“Um, we talked about submission first andgetting to know each other.” What else had we said? “I like having a Dom, buthe said he wasn’t going to take over my life.”

It’d gone something like that.

Wade huffed. “That’s stupid. You’d lovesomeone to take over your life.”

“I would? I mean, I like the way he managesit. I always have food in the fridge and Jonah doesn’t have to do as much.” Ithought I was being polite, but Jonah laughed.

“Jonah doesn’t have to babysit.” Jonah’sgiggling was nearly uncontrollable.

“I’m not that bad.” I probably was, but Iwasn’t going to admit it. “Besides, Tristan likes controlling things. It makeshim happy.”

And I liked making him happy.

Austin waggled his eyebrows, still tiltinghis head back and forth oddly. “I bet you do a lot of things to make himhappy.”

Snorting, I ignored him. “I’m not…I mean,I’m not…”

Shit. There was some kind of phrase aboutblowing smoke and asses…where was a sober editor when I needed one?

“I’m not lying.” That didn’t sound nearlyas good.

Johan was still grinning as he nodded. “Healways looks happy to see you. It’s so cute.”

We weren’t cute, but Tristan was kind ofcute.

“No, no, no…we have to use another word.Cute sounds too young.” I thought it was reasonable but giggles rolled aroundthe room and Austin laughed so hard he finally tipped over.

Righting himself, he looked aroundwide-eyed at Wade. “Your floor is moving now.”

I was entirely too sober for these nuts.

Chapter 12

Tristan

I’d almost given up on getting a phone callwhen it rang.

Ha. I really was part of the group now.

Answering, I kept my voice neutral becauseI didn’t want to sound like an idiot. “Hello?”