Page 112 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“Then I tried to relax. To remember what you told me. The journey, not the destination. And then it all sort of worked. I got used to feeling you inside me. It didn’t hurt as much. When you moved, it felt good.” She palmed her flaming cheeks. “This is embarrassing, you know.”

He pressed a thumb to the furrow in her brow. “Communication, remember. If it’s going to be better next time, then I need to know what worked and what needs improving.”

Holy shit.“Better? It gets better than that?” She sputtered. “Because I’d say that was pretty darn good.” A cloud came across her features. “Unless you—”

“No.” He cupped her cheek. “I very much enjoyed that. I’m just saying that…okay this is going to sound a little arrogant…”

Eyebrow arched, she gestured for him to continue.

“I believe that, under the right circumstances, you’re capable of being…” His mouth shut as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was saying.

“Oh, please, you can’t start that thought and not finish it.”

“I think—under the right circumstances—that you could be multi-orgasmic.”

That stung. “Not funny, Rusty.”

He looked startled. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t believe you’re making fun of me.”

“I would never make fun of you.” He enunciated each word carefully so there was no mistaking the intention.

Shit.She backpedaled. “I just meant that, you know, that’s just a myth. And, anyway, how would you know what I’m capable of?”

“Again, you can’t believe everything you’ve heard.” He took a deep breath. “This was somewhere I didn’t want to go tonight, but my ex-wife was capable.”

“You’re comparing me to Sissy?” Her stomach clenched. No good could come of this discussion.

“I knew this wasn’t a good idea. But you’re questioning yourself and, by extension, me.” He sighed. “Now you’re thinking this is some big competition and I’m comparing you to Sissy all the time.”

“I’m not.” The protest sounded hollow, even to her ears. That was exactly what she was thinking.

“So here it is…my ex-wife was capable of multiple orgasms, and you’re so responsive, I believe you’d be as well.” He sat up rather abruptly, yet was gentle when he eased her away from him. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond.

She wouldn’t have known what to say anyway.

Chapter forty-five

Rustycouldn’tlookhimselfin the mirror. Of all the monumentally stupid things he could’ve done, this one was near the top. Actually, pretty much was the top. Because not only did Remy think he was making fun of her, now she believed he was comparing her to his ex-wife. Could it get any worse?

Oh yeah, it could. He’d just enjoyed the most mind-blowing sex and his foot-in-mouth syndrome meant the odds of it happening again were about zero. He should’ve kept his mouth shut. Why hadn’t he taken the feedback she offered, albeit reluctantly, and made plans of how to increase her pleasure the next time? Except his ego was as fragile as hers. He’d only been thinking about how sex would affect Remy emotionally—without giving himself a second thought.

Tonight was the first time he’d sex with someone other than Sissy. He was in a position he’d never thought possible. He’d pledged himself for life to her, and now he was with someone else. Of course, that new someone was his current wife. No, not current wife.Wife. There was no current about it. He wouldn’t have a future wife. Remy was it. She was his partner, his spouse, his companion. He hadn’t meant to compare her to Sissy, but he had so little other experience. Well, none, if truth be told. And he hadn’t had sex in more than three years. Given those facts, he’d say the sex was pretty damn good.

Making love. Not sex. Making love.

Even though his wife didn’t love him.

Inch by painful inch, though, he was gaining her trust.

But her love? She didn’t even believe herself capable of loving Calleigh. If she couldn’t see how wrong she was about that, then how would she ever let herself love him?

Do I want her love?

The pain was almost visceral, and he swore his heart was hurting. Of course he wanted her love. Despite everything, he loved her. Or maybe, because of everything, he loved her. Semantics. He was in love with his wife—and there was nothing he could do about it.

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