Page 33 of Shattered Dreams

“You’re in love with Roman.”

“No, it’s not that,” I insist, shaking my head. “Should I have had sex with my best friend after he confessed he’s in love with me? Isn’t that taking advantage?”

Kieron snorts. “I promise you, I’mnotcomplaining. I hadgreatsex with my best friend after her marriage broke down, I’m not exactly perfect.”

I laugh but slide out of bed and grab my clothes.

“I want to make sure that you’re okay with that. That you’re okay with…us being best friends who just spent the night together.”

“Havinggreatsex, I need to hear you say it.” Kieron wiggles his eyebrows, and relief floods through me.

“Fine, it wasgreatsex.” I roll my eyes.

Kieron fists the air then grins at me. “Do you want me to take you home?”

“No,” I respond, slipping my shoes on. “I want to grab a coffee, with my just-fucked-hair, and call a cab when I’m ready.”

Kieron chuckles. “You do look like you’ve been up all night fucking, I have to say.”

“Charming.” I roll my eyes as I run a hand through my hair.

“Hey. Come here.” Kieron beckons me back to the bed, and for a second, I hesitate. He’s still naked and gorgeous. I’m still…an emotional wreck.

But I sit on the edge of the bed, maintaining distance as he chuckles, running a hand through his hair.

“Sweetheart.”

God, he’s hard to resist like this. I focus on his right eyebrow, just so I don’t jump him again.

“You’re fine, we’re fine. We had sex—we’re adults. It doesn’t have to complicate anything.” He tilts his head and gives methatsmile, and I can’t help but wishagainthat I felt more for this man.

“You deserve happiness, and I’m sorry it isn’t us,” I say truthfully, as he reaches out and grabs my hand.

“It’s fine. Trust me, being your best friend and occasional lover works for me.” He winks, tugging me back on the bedbefore kissing me once more on the mouth. “We’re on the same page.”

“Kieron…” I moan half-heartedly as he moves above me, his mouth moving to my neck, fingers beginning to ease my clothes off so easily…

“Mmm?” He’s looking up at me now, and I know without a doubt that we’re going to fuck again.

It’s just as frantic this time, maybe more so now we both know that all it is between us is just sex.

I can deal with that.

Later,when I’m dressed for the second time, warning him not to tempt me back to bed, he calls my name.

“Ava.”

I’m halfway to the door when I turn, seeing him, his hair in his eyes as he gazes at me from the bed. My heart skips a beat when I remember being on top of him just now, his hands slamming me onto his dick as I moaned his name.

Fucking hell.

“I mean it, you haven’t fucked anything up between us.Don’tfeel guilty.”

As always, he’s my best friend first.

“You’re amazing. Thank you,” I say, blinking back tears before they spill. I finally feel happy; I don’t want the sadness to come and take over again.

“Let me get dressed and come for coffee with you before we pick up Poppy.”