Page 95 of Word to the Wise

She wraps her arms around Jude’s waist, and he kisses the top of her head. “Oh, I do.”

“I don’t see the issue.” Crew starts pouring drinks, handing one to Echo first. “Goldie, if you want to walkthe ring in a bikini, have at it. Just be warned I might fuck you against the ropes in front of everyone if you do.”

Echo bites her lower lip, and I think she might be considering it.

Which shouldn’t surprise me given that Crew and Echo seem to enjoy getting frisky in public places.

“How have you been feeling?” Lyla asks Fel.

“Fine.” Fel shrugs.

“Lucky.” Lyla sighs, her gaze moving in Echo’s direction.

“Don’t look at me.” Echo shakes her head as Crew moves to stand behind her, pinning her against the counter. “I’ll be Auntie Echo, and that’s it.”

Crew drops his chin to whisper something in her ear, and her cheeks turn bright red.

Reed has moved beside me at the counter, and she’s quiet as she watches everyone. When her eyes meet mine, I wonder if she feels it too. This burning need to close the distance. If so, she doesn’t act on it.

“Drink.” Echo slides something pink in Reed’s direction, and there’s a sliver of lime in it. “Looks like it’s up to you and me, since these two are too busy growing babies to party.”

“Looks like it.” Reed laughs, taking a sip of the martini.

The girls make their way into the living room, while the guys stay at the counter. I’m on my third drink before I realize I’m not paying attention to anything being said. At least when Sage was single, we had something in common.

Now, all three of them are paired up and happy. And I’m in this state of suspension.

Glancing over my shoulder at Reed, I catch her gaze and she smiles before dipping her face away from me.

That all-too-familiar knot tightens in my chest.

Sliding off the barstool, I make my way to the bathroom. I just need a little space to get my head on straight when everyday things get harder to deal with.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I’m used to being met with the demons that reside there, but for once they’re quiet.

Ever since facing my dad, something inside me has settled. I might not be able to make up for my mistakes or take back what I’ve done, but I need to accept it. I’d never let someone suffer at the hands of a man out of fear of the consequences.

Does that make me the villain?

I’m certainly not a hero.

I exist in the gray space where it depends on who you are and how you look at it.

What does Reed see when she looks at me?

Opening the bathroom door, I find Reed standing on the other side, swaying back and forth on her feet. She’s only on drink number two, but she’s a bit of a lightweight.

“Hey.” Her smile is devious as she skims me.

Sage and Jude talking about babies all night should have me craving a one-night stand. Instead, I imagine what Reed would look like if she were pregnant.

I’ve officially lost it for this girl.

Reed pushes my chest, backing me into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I grin as she lifts on her toes and tries to reach me.

Her hands wrap around the back of my neck as she pulls my face down to hers.