Page 113 of Revival

“Hey, beautiful.”

It’s not a strong enough word to describe how radiant she looks right now. No matter how hard she tried to brush back her hair, loose strands escape her ponytail. Her eyes are bright, her skin carrying a glow that only comes after being freshly fucked.

“Don’t youhey beautifulme. Did you orchestrate this?”

I shove my hands into my pockets. “Did I specifically ask your ex to come pick up his car at the same time I invited you here?” I nod. “Yes.”

“Spencer—”

“However, I thought I’d just give you a kiss in front of him to let him know you’re happily taken and over his dumb ass. You, my love, are the one who decided you wanted to fuck in his car.”

A rosy flush hits her cheeks. “I didn’t realize that was his car. There are hundreds of black sedans. I got a little carried away.”

I hook her around the waist. “Me too.” I kiss her. “Can’t say I’m not pleased with how things turned out.”

She playfully smacks my chest. “It’s a little embarrassing.”

“Why? The only thing he got was an eyeful of my bare ass.”

I grunt as she slides her hands into my back pockets. “He might have also found a little gift in the back seat.”

I cock my head.

“I’m missing my underwear.”

I grin wickedly down at her and pat my pocket. “That’s my prize.”

“You stole my underwear?”

I dip my head and kiss her again. My lips brush hers as I whisper there.

“Finders keepers.”

26

Cortney

A light drizzleaccompanies us Saturday afternoon when Ollie and I leave for his baseball game. The sky is gray, heralding an incoming storm. Normally, he drives himself to the field, but I talked him into spending a few extra minutes with his momma. After he confirmed he could catch a ride out after with Lincoln, he got his gear and jumped in my car.

Just like old times.

I twist my fingers on the steering wheel and glance over at my big boy. He might be nearing eighteen, and by looks, he’s definitely closer to man than child, but he’ll always be my baby.

Even when he’s thirty-five.

“Is that guy going to be there?”

“His name is Spencer, and no, I didn’t invite him.”

From my periphery, I see him give a choppy nod.

“What’s on your mind?”

I’m grateful for the relationship he and I have built over the years. He’s always had a good head on his shoulders, and I welcome his opinion.

“I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“Spencer isn’t like Sebastian.”

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