Page 26 of Delayed Penalty

“We are definitely not mourning Peter. That’s not on this year’s bingo card, or any in the future of forever.”

“Then why the lost eyes? I thought you’d be out celebrating, I figured I’d have to beat you off with a stick trying to go out drinking and letting loose.”

“That’s what last night was for,” I say, flinging my arm over my eyes as I hide, knowing the Spanish inquisition is coming.

“You went out and celebrated leaving that asshole without me?”Such a bitch.“Wait, last night?”

I haven’t told Kelly all the details about last night… mostly because it still feels weird to tell her I slept with someone who wasn’t Peter, and I’m not sure what I’d say when she inevitably asked me where I stayed.

I didn’tstayanywhere for too long last night, I switched it up quite a bit.

Under Harris. On top of Harris. On my knees for him.

But I don’t think that’s what she’s getting at.

“It’s not like I gathered the troops and went and had bottle service and male strippers at the club. I, uh—I met up with a friend.”

“Does this friend have a name?”

“Of course, he has a name. Doesn’t everyone have a name?”

“Avery, don’t be a pain in the ass. Why are you being a brat and not telling me who?”

“Because I know you’re going to give me shit about it. But I also know that you’re going to be disgustingly happy, and goddamnit, I’m not sure which one I’m avoiding more.”

“Avery.”

“Nope.”

“Avery…” she says, getting more annoyed.

“No.” I cross my arms, full-on toddler pouting right now like I’m not standing in front of my sister with two crotch goblins of her own, so she’s well versed in tantrums.

“Avery Marie, tell me before I call and tell Mom you’re leaving Peter.

“You’re evil… you wouldn’t.”

“Bet, bitch.”

“I spent the night with Harris.”

Her eyes widen, mouth agape and for a moment I think she’s pissed at me, like I’ve done something wrong by already hooking up with someone… but that’s not Kelly… especially not when it involves me and Peter. She would’ve high fived me had I cheated on him, of course telling me it was wrong afterward. But still, when I told her he cheated on me and that’s why I ended it, I thought she was going to go over there and kill him herself.

But then I pointed out it got me to leave him and she said fuck it. I guess my pain and embarrassment is worth it in the end after all.

“Like, I think I’m going to need you to spell it out for me because my mind is bouncing around on the many things this could mean… did you go hang out with him to get your mind off of Peter? Did you go stay at his place because you needed a place and he had a room? Or is the tiny little smirk just dying to come out an indication that you did all of the above, only you stayed in his room and probably did very minimal sleeping?”

I feel the blush rise up, immediately heating my ears as the memories of all thenot sleepingwe did last night come flashing back. That man was incredible at sex as a twenty-two-year-old college guy, but the twenty-eight years old… he’sdaddy.

I nearly came more times than I remember without him even touching my pussy. His voice, the way he would tweak my nipples, giving me just the right amount of pleasure until letting it finally explode, consuming me entirely.

“Girl, do you need a cold shower? Because you are not climbing in bed with me looking that hot and bothered with whatever it is you’re remembering right now. I’m too afraid you’ll start humping my leg in your sleep like Robbie used to do.” Kelly laughs before quieting down, her face still one big smile though.

“Oh, shut it, woman, you’ll be fine. As for last night… I mean, we definitely spent the night together… and part of the morning.”

She waits not even three seconds before gesturing for more details, like confirming we hooked up wasn’t enough, and just because it’s her, I divulge. After she grabs another glass of wine for us, we go over all of the torrid details leaving me questioning why the hell I’m here and not there.

Not really, though, that’s just my vagina talking.

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