Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,42

responsible.”

“You’re also a woman. Just because you have a daughter doesn’t mean your needs vanish. Don’t be ashamed of your sexual appetite or preferences. Sounds like Crawford opened your eyes.”

“Did he ever,” I mumble.

She claps a hand over her gaping mouth. “You naughty girl.”

“Oh, hush. It’s nothing that bad.”

“Yet,” she adds.

I shake my head. “We won’t be having a repeat.”

She scoffs. “There’s no way you can ignore this sort of ravishing chemistry.”

“Yes, I mostly certainly can. We agreed. But even if we didn’t, Ford turned into a massive dick after his balls were empty. I don’t need his kind of attitude.”

“The ridiculously great in bed kind? Knock your socks off each night? Delivering fantasies at your command?”

“Ah, not exactly. More like he doesn’t get his way and acts out worse than a spoiled toddler.”

“So, what did he want that you didn’t give?”

“I don’t even know anymore. We had a big fight. I’m moving past it.”

“Did you erect a wall without giving him a fighting chance?”

“No.” I roll my eyes toward the wall.

Her lips form a thin line. “Not even a smile at my clever choice of words? You’ve definitely been self-sabotaging.”

“Have not,” I retort.

“He needs more from you.”

I furrow my brow. “Absolutely not. He made that clear.”

Josey blows a puff of air through her pursed lips. “You can help each other.”

“With orgasms, maybe.”

“Now you’re thinking.”

“Right, but that’s the extent.”

“No way. You’re both in need of healing. Very different varieties, but that will work for your benefit. He seems to have a knack for rescuing you, right?”

Here she goes again. My romantic bestie is up on her soapbox. She has her chin resting on an open palm, a dreamy glint in her gaze. More than anything, I want her to find someone. No one deserves a happily ever after more than her. I hate to disappoint her, especially when she’s nearly bubbling over with glee.

It would be easy enough to offer myself on a silver platter to the brash asshole for another round. The fire still racing through my veins couldn’t agree more. But the possibility of temporary pleasure isn’t worth the risk of my heart or my pride. “It’s not going further with Ford. He’s too surly with an extra scoop of jaded.” I release a sharp exhale. “Guess we have that in common.”

Josey whistles. “You haven’t met his brother. Hot damn.”

She earns an exaggerated eye roll for that. “I can’t imagine anyone being sexier than Ford.”

“To you, maybe. Grant is just…yum. I’m just sad he left Silo Springs.”

“Why did he?”

“There’s some family drama.” She buttons her lips. “That’s not my story to tell.”

There’s almost nothing worse than getting teased with the idea of getting the inside intel, only to have it snatched away. But what do I want that information for? I stow any hint of interest from my expression. “I’m all too familiar with that.”

Josey’s grin trembles ever so slightly at the corners. “Life is messy, Keke. That doesn’t make it any less beautiful.”

“No truer words, bae.”

“Speaking is the truth.” The sparkle returns to her eyes. “Does Millie know about your adult slumber party?”

I lift the mug to my lips, very thankful I hadn’t taken a sip. “You better be joking with that question.”

“Don’t fault me for trying to lighten the mood.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I giggle and resume my attempts at getting work done. “Keep the entertainment coming. Unlike a certain someone, I enjoy the company of others.”

Healing Hug #14: A little self-love goes at least halfway.

The prodding in my skull doesn’t give me a moment’s rest. Blonde hair. Green eyes. Snarky wit that gets me harder than steel. But to be fair, everything about Keegan makes my dick twitch. Her bewitching spell is precisely why I find myself parking in a rear lot off Main Street.

The slap of my boots bounces off the brick walls as I stride through the shadowed alley. A streak of sun pours across my back, the unrelenting rays finding me regardless of where I try to hide. It seems the elements of nature, along with a few select individuals, are also conspiring against me to lighten up.

I straighten my shoulders and continue stalking forward, shoving those idiotic thoughts away. The weather is warm and bright. My mood just happens to be the polar opposite. What else is fucking new? This is a regular afternoon in June. No one is forcing me to change my ways or be more visible in town. These decisions are my own. I’m allowed to drop into