Sinful Ever After (Sinful Serenade Book 5) - Crystal Kaswell Page 0,17

teasing.

"I'm still working out the details," I admit.

Susan's eyes fill with affection. "You two can stay with me and Douglass if you'd like."

"Forever?"

"And then some."

"And when we wake you up with our loud sex?" I tease.

"I sleep with ear plugs."

I laugh. "And Meg's dad?"

"He'll get over it." She smiles. "I'm glad you're so passionate about her."

"You're glad I love fucking your daughter twenty-four seven?"

Susan doesn't blush. She doesn't even blink. "I'm older, Miles. I'm not dead. Douglass and I have an active sex life. It's not what it was when we were your age. And since Rosie died, we're still not all the way back to normal. But yes, I am glad you love having sex— well, I assume the two of you engage in oral and vaginal sex. Perhaps anal sex as well."

I laugh. "You want to know if Meg and I have anal sex?"

"I don't need the details, but I'm glad you two have an active sex life. Sex is good for you. It produces dopamine. It's good for back pain and stress relief." She turns toward me. Her expression shifts, more serious. "But that passion doesn't last unless you make a point of keeping it alive. Studies show that the rush of excitement that comes with new love fades after about two years. If you want to keep it alive, you need to do new things together, to make a point of holding hands and scheduling dates. Novelty keeps the Dopamine rush alive."

"You telling me to sexually experiment with your daughter?"

Susan is dead serious. "If that's what the two of you want."

This time, I can't hold in my laugh. My hand goes to my stomach. My knees buckle from the weight of my belly laugh.

She chuckles. "I'm a gynecologist. There's nothing you can say about sex that will surprise me."

"And recommendations?" I raise a brow.

"I'm not Dr. Ruth. I don't specialize in sexual pleasure. But I can point you to a few great resources if you'd like." Her smile spreads. "I'm glad it matters to you."

"You're glad your daughter's sexual pleasure matters to me?"

"Of course." Her brows screw. "I know most parents are afraid of their children having sex, but I've been married for nearly thirty years. I know that you need to make an effort."

"Thanks, Dr. Smart. Susan." I look into her light brown eyes. "Can I ask you something personal?"

She nods.

"You and Douglass... are you still happy?"

"Yes." Her eyes go to the dark water. "We've had our rough patches. I almost left a few times. After Rosie died, I thought that was it. A part of me died. A part of him too. We couldn't connect. I couldn't look at him. All I saw was her absence." She swallows hard. "Stressors are hard on a marriage. The loss of a child is one of the biggest ones."

"Why did you stay?"

"He's my best friend." She takes a slow breath. "He holds me up when I need him." She presses away from the railing. "It's hard on a marriage when two ambitious people put their careers first. It's good that you'll understand each other's priorities, but, Miles, you have to promise me you won't let inertia take over. You have to promise you'll always make her a priority."

"I will."

Susan hugs me goodbye. She steps backward. "I should get to bed. Take care of her for me."

***

I'm sure this isn't what Susan meant by take care of my daughter, but I doubt she'd object.

I find what I want quickly. It's not the most conventional wedding present, but I know Meg will love it.

"Excuse me." The voice that asks is shy. Barely a whisper. "Aren't you Miles Webb?"

Ah, a female fan in a sex toy shop. Two years ago, this night would have gone a different way.

I turn to face my fan. She's a pretty girl, and she's dressed to party—high heels, tight skirt, enough makeup to drown her features.

Two years ago, I'd have leaned in and whispered yes, but baby, you can call me Miles. Two years ago, I'd have gotten her panties to her knees by the time we were out the door.

I don't miss that guy. I don't even like that guy.

She's looking at me like she hopes I'm that guy. I'm not sure what to think. If she really is a fan, she should know I'm taken. My tattoo was big news. Women everywhere wept over the Smoking Hot Vocalist, Miles Webb, Off the Market headlines.

My temper flares. It's been a long time since I've