Page 75 of Rival

“Shit!” he shouts, grabbing the condom that slipped from him when I pulled away. I glance down and see his cum dripping down my swollen folds and the upper part of my thighs. “Fuck, it came off inside you.”

I reach for the shirt I was using to dry the rain from my face and yank it over my head. Peering out the back, I can hardly make out the dark vehicle parked behind us, but I see a figure just exiting from the driver’s side. I whisper harshly, “Someone is coming over here!”

“Son of a… Just stay down. I’ll take care of it.” Quickly tucking himself away, he yanks his jeans back up and shoves hisway out the door. The downpour of rain so loud I have to cover my ears.

He’s only gone for a moment, but I use the time to tug my leggings back up and wrap my shirt and underwear into a ball, then straighten Jaxon’s shirt I used to covered myself, so I’m at least put together.

He’s hopping back into the truck only a minute later, and he keeps me hidden with his body as the other vehicle passes by us with another honk and quickly disappears in the rain.

“What happened?” I ask, almost panicked at getting caught fully nude.

Using his hands to shake out his freshly soaked hair, he presses his lips together in frustration. “Just a neighbor. Thought we needed help, and stopped. Told him I just pulled over to make a phone call.”

My blood is rushing through my ears as I attempt to calm myself down. Placing a hand over my chest to ease the ache, we both sit in silence until he breaks it.

Reaching down for his shirt, he winces as he pulls the freezing fabric over his head. “The condom came off, Edith. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to pull away so quickly.” At my look of despair, he rushes to add, “It wasn’t your fault. It just happened, but you should know because… well…” He trails off and waves a hand toward my stomach. “Are you on birth control?”

Wringing my hands together, I shake my head slowly. “Not yet. I made an appointment to get some, but it’s not until next week.”

With a sigh, he nods and forces out a smile. “Well, we’ll just deal with that if it becomes an issue. Nothing we can do about it now.” Pausing, he reaches out and cups my cheek. I lean into it and close my eyes. “You okay?”

He’s so gentle and I can tell immediately that he cares about my answer. My smile is full when I peek at him. “I’m really good. Are you? Okay with what happened?”

Chuckling, he pulls me to him and gives me a hug, then settles me under his arm. “I had intended to woo you, but yeah, I’m really happy with what just happened, minus the little hiccup at the end.”

“Woo?”

He flashes his teeth at me, then pulls away to put the truck in drive and get us back on the road. “Yup.Woo. I have plans to date the fuck out of you, so be prepared, Miss Edith.”

My cheeks flush red when he ends his promise with a wink. Placing my hand over my heart once more, I silently demand it slow down so I survive until the promised wooing.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Edith

I’m shocked when I read the longest text I think I’ve ever received from Mason.

Wanted to send you a quick message. I have to head out of town for a couple of weeks to help my aunt. My uncle passed away last month (it was expected) but she needs help moving into a new apartment. It’s last minute, or I’d have given you a heads up. The barn will stay unlocked with your devil kittens so you can get to them, but I don’t have much for you to do while I’m gone. My dad has someone coming in to help him cover everything until I get back.

Biting my lip, my fingers hover over the keyboard, unsure how to respond. Obviously, it’s fine that he needs to go help his family out. But I had hoped to talk to him this morning aboutotherthings. After Jaxon and I were together, it only feels right to end things with Mason. Right?

The idea doesn’t sit right, though. My head is telling me it’s the right thing to do, the mature and adult thing to do. Mason only wants sex, even if it was beginning to feel more intimate. But Jaxon? He seems to want the sexwiththe relationship and it’s what I want too. I need to know someone cares for me outside of just sleeping together.

Griffin’s face flickers through my head and the way he gazed at me moments after he pushed inside for the first time.

There was something there, I know there was. But he said no… That we shouldn’t have done it.

Stiffening my shoulders, I push thoughts of him away. I can’t make him love me, or at least feel more than he does. Before I can respond to Mason, another text pops up from him, and I quickly respond.

You okay with this, girl? I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to.

I understand. I hope your aunt is alright and everything goes smoothly. When you get home, can we talk about something?

Sure. Everything good?

I think so. I just need to talk about something, but it can wait. Please have a safe trip and let me know if your dad needs my help while you’re gone. I’ll be available.

You can come over now if you need to talk. I’ve got a few minutes.