you.” I lower my voice, realizing I’m starting to get a little loud.
He takes my arms and pulls me until we are nose to nose.
“You’re moving in with me, beautiful. We’re done being apart.” His eyes move over my face. I watch in a blink of an eye how fast he changes. His features soften; his thumb caresses my bottom lip.
“You don’t have to worry about STDs. I have always worn a condom.” He winks. “See you do get all my firsts. Making love with you was the first time I have never not worn one.” He lowers his dark head and lightly bites my lip. “And it was fucking mind-blowing.” His blue eyes sizzle with sexual energy.
“So, since you’re the only one I’m going to be putting my dick inside, you never have to worry.” He gives me another kiss. A ding from his phone ruins the moment as he pulls back to answer it.
I stand there staring at him, completely shell-shocked.
He brings the phone to his ear and glances at me. “Get dressed.” Turning, he walks away. In my closet, I reach for the pale pink dress Brance bought for me recently. It’s short and tight. I turn around and look in the mirror: sexy but still classy. Lana would approve. I slip on some pink ballet flats that wrap around my ankles and return to the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. Dabbing on my French vanilla perfume, I’m so engrossed in my thoughts, it takes a second to notice Reed is gripping the doorframe, silently watching me. The sight makes me ache as I look at his biceps bulging beneath his tight T-shirt along with the tease of his happy trail on display.
Frowning, I bite my lip and try to concentrate on fixing myself. My hair is wild, my lips are puffy, and my cheeks are flushed. Either that or they have razor burn from his five-o’clock shadow.
“I hate your hair.” He sounds bored.
Lifting an eyebrow, I say, “Really?” I turn toward him. “That’s not what I heard. I did this for you. You know how I live to make you happy.” I smile sweetly at him.
His eyes narrow. “Dye your hair back, Tess.” He drops his hands and walks back into my bedroom, leaving me alone. I open my mouth, ready to tell him to fuck off but decide against it. What’s the point? I hate being a blonde anyway. The maintenance is ridiculous.
Quickly I apply my makeup, and since I’m in pink, I try to go natural. I do darken my eyes. The smoky look always works.
I take one more glance at myself.
Reed will think I look hot. Suddenly I remember my birth control pill. Shit, I must get better about taking it. Obviously, Reed is not going to use protection. I can’t keep forgetting it. Especially since I’m the one who doesn’t want kids. Popping it into my mouth, I go to find Reed.
REED
As I hang up with Dr. Miller, Brance walks straight past me as if I’m not there. Fucking drama queen! I smile. Brance has balls. I’ve missed him.
He stands at his refrigerator staring at the contents.
“So, Tess making you get your dick checked out, huh?” Obviously, he heard me on the phone.
“Yep, it helps to have money. Dr. Miller is sending someone here to draw my blood. I should have the results by the end of the day. Do you mind letting your guys know not to kill him?”
He snorts but presses the intercom alerting Alejandro.
“I’m doing this for Tess.” He eyes me. Going back to the refrigerator, he takes out the orange juice and shuts the door, shaking his head. “I can’t have you hurting her, Reed.”
“Brance, I’m going to tell you this one time. I love her and we’re back together. The rest is none of your business. She adores you and you’re her best friend. That makes us stuck with each other.”
He slams the container down and little drops of orange juice hit us.
“Fuck off, Reed. If I were against you, I wouldn’t have allowed you in here this morning.” Pulling a hand through his hair, he goes on. “And you know what? It is my business since I’m the one who has to pick her up and put her back together after you destroy her.”
“I’m not here to argue with you. I appreciate that you took care of my girl. But I can take it from here.” Absently my eyes travel around the kitchen. Brance