Page 80 of Heatwaves

“Okay, loves,” I say, clapping my hands as I stand up. “We all need a shower. HopefullyLila’s extra bathroom has a shower big enough to fit all of us at once. Then we’re going to get some sleep so we can be ready to talk to Lila in the morning.”

The others push to their feet, pausing to kiss me before they make their way to the bathroom. I bring up the rear, checking out Carter’s ass as we go.

I’m the luckiest man in Quion. With any luck, tomorrow I’ll also be the happiest—or at least one of the four happiest.

Igroan, rolling over to avoid the bright light shining in the windows. My head throbs as I bury it under a pillow.

“Not feeling so great?”

“No, Wyatt. I clearly had too much to drink last night, and I feel like shit this morning.” I wince, realizing I shouldn’t be biting his head off—even if he’s the one who kept the drinks flowing all night. “Sorry.”

He chuckles, and the light dims in the room, allowing me to roll onto my bed and seek him out. He’s standing at the end of the bed, looking just as delicious as he always does. “Good morning, babe.”

I make a face. “I don’t know if there’s anything good about it.”

“You’re so grumpy when you’ve been drinking.” He walks around to my sideof the bed and hands me a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers.

“Oh, you’re a god among men,” I tell him, taking a deep drink from the glass before taking the painkillers.

Wyatt hums. “We’ll see if you keep feeling like that. Do you remember what happened last night at all?”

Thinking back, I nod. “We went out for dinner.” I wrinkle my nose. “And then we ran into the guys, and you decided they should join us.”

“I did, and I stand by that decision. How about after that?”

Rubbing my eyes, I rifle through my memories before it all hits me. Being surrounded by the five of them on the dance floor. Being so fucking horny. The guys coming home with us. Making out with Ty first, and then the others. Inviting them back to my room, but they declined because I’d been drinking. Wyatt fucking me hard—my screams meant to be a punishment to them for their rejection. Him putting me into bed as sounds filtered to us from the living room—the guys fucking.

My cheeks heat with each memory that washes over me until I’m sure my entire body must be bright red.

What the hell got into me last night?

“Are they still here?” I ask, hiding behind my hands.

Wyatt pries away my hands, smirking as our gazes meet. “They are. They’re waiting to talk to you.”

“I don’t want to talk to them.” I try yanking my hands from Wyatt’s hold, wanting to cross my arms over my chest, but he refuses to release me.

“It doesn’t matter if you want to or not. You owe them after last night.” Wyatt leans down to kiss me, chasing my lips when I try to turn away from him. I can tell just how rank my breath is right now, but he won’t be deterred. When our lips meet, he kisses me like he’s starved for me, and I melt into his arms. “You need to make a decision, Lil.”

I know he’s right, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to be put on the spot. I’m supposed to have all the time I need to decide what I want because right now? I still have no idea what I want.

“I can’t forgive them, can I? After what they did? It wouldn’t be right.”

I don’t realize I’ve spoken the words aloud until Wyatt answers me. “I can’t answer thatfor you, Lil. That’s a decision you’re going to have to make on your own. No one else can make it for you. But, for what it’s worth, I don’t think there’s much to forgive. They didn’t have a choice in leaving you, and the moment they got back, they sought you out. They’ve spent the last two weeks sending you gifts and notes. They’re trying to make up for the hurt they caused—hurt they wouldn’t have wanted you to feel.”

“Whose side are you on, anyway?” I ask him, pouting.

Yes, that’s right. I’m a grown-ass woman who’s currently pouting.

“I’m always on your side, Lil—you know that. In this case, I think you need someone to remind you of what happened. Someone who will tell you like it is. They had no intention of hurting you. But it’s up to you if you can let it all go. I was here to see the hurt you went through. I might not know the woman they once knew, but I know the woman you are now, and I know you don’t enjoy hurting people, either. And after last night, you’ve given them hope you might be able to forgive them. You need to let them know where you stand. It’s not fair to them if you don’t.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. He’s right—at least about me needing to talk to them. “Fine. I need a shower, then I’ll be out there.”

Wyatt gives me one last kiss before leaving me alone. As much as I’d love to just stay in bed, I head for the bathroom but leave the lights out as I turn the shower on.

The hot water streaming over my head helps the pain there and loosens the tight muscles in my shoulders and back. I’ve been holding onto so much tension since the four of them showed back up in my life.

I don’t even know what the hell I’m going to say to them. Indecision courses through me.

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