Hell, maybe in Elko too, but I was raised by my sisters, and they weren’t virgins on their wedding nights. I know a man is a stud for what makes a woman a slut. I can’t look at shit that way. I don’t care what you did before you met me. How other people do shit doesn’t matter. I’m living my life and worrying about my happiness. That’s why when I see you all the way over there, I’d rather you be over here.”
“I’m afraid to get hurt. When things ended with Kenny, my heart didn’t break. He never had that power over me. I’m scared to let anyone make me feel like trash.”
“Then you and I are different. I don’t care about logic or fear. When I was a kid, I looked my father in the eye and realized he wanted to kill me. I was scared because I was a kid. I didn’t know how to survive yet. I could only stare him in the eyes and make him fear that I would kill him. The smarter move would have been to back down and act submissive to the bigger threat. I didn’t, and I’m the one that survived. So, I don’t give a shit about logic. Fear can’t stop me. If I want something, I go for it. If I fail, I lick my wounds and start again.”
“I would have backed down.”
“Well, Lana, I’m not looking to date myself here.”
Her mouth fights against a smile. She’s considering whether to run from this thing between us. Giving into a smile ruins her plan.
“Did you know I’ve never had a woman sleep over?” I ask despite knowing damn well she wouldn’t know that. “Not because I want to protect the girls from their father’s libido. That room is mine. The girls rarely go inside it. The only woman who’s spent any real time in there is the maid. I like having my sanctuary, but I’m already making plans to get you in my bed. It’s not going to happen today. Maybe not for a while, but it’ll happen for the same reason you asked me to climb into your back seat.”
“You were so handsome.”
“And you were gorgeous. Nothing’s changed.”
Lana’s breathing hitches as she whispers, “But if things go badly, then what about Carina?”
“You’ve managed to raise Desi with Kenny, and I’m a helluva lot better than that fucker. If we can’t make shit work as a couple, we’ll be friends. Life doesn’t have to be complicated, Lana. I deal with Sidonie’s mom all the time, and I can’t stand the bitch. But she’s married to my club brother, which makes her family. If I can tolerate her, then there’ll never be any problem dealing with you.”
Lana looks over the kitchen before focusing her suddenly intense gaze on me. “Your sisters think I’m using you for money.”
“The only women not looking for a man with money are women who already have money. Trust me, if I was poor, I’d be looking for a sugar mama to take care of me.”
Laughing behind her hand, Lana steps a little closer. I won’t erase the space between us. She’s the one with the hang-ups, so she ought to be the one to bring her sweet ass to me.
“I just had a baby. Desi’s gone through so much,” she says, shuffling closer while holding my gaze. “But I look at you, and I can’t think of anything except how you taste.”
If Lana keeps saying shit like that, I don’t know if I can wait until the doctor gives the okay. She looks so sexy, and I remember how she felt in my arms earlier. It’s been a long damn time since I felt this kind of need. Back then, I was a young man desperate to fuck. I needed pleasure to go with all the pain I felt. These days, I’m comfortable. There’s no suffering. I just want to be inside this woman and stay there for a long time.
Lana finally gets close enough for me to touch. I slide my arms around her waist and tug her against my body.
“I just had a baby,” she blurts out.
Brushing her jaw with my lips, I murmur, “I don’t know how stupid the men you’re accustomed to are, but I’m not a moron. I know your belly was round with my kid a month ago. But do you know how hot that is?”
Lana’s eyes widen, revealing more than lust. She’s a little unhinged when she presses