Page 41 of Magic and Muffins

“What about Everly?”

“I’ll take her home and stay with her. I’ll also send out a message with more information for you and Doc. Get the team leaders involved if you have to.”

“Understood.” Cross disconnected.

When we arrived at Cross’ place, a man from the construction crew stopped us to ask about the third floor. Shepard seemed to know what he was asking, so I left it to him and went to the second floor.

I realized I couldn’t keep thinking of this as Cross’ place. It was our place now. After sleeping with him, I was fully committed. But thinking of it as home didn’t sit right either. But why? We’d been through so much together. I didn’t doubt him or our relationship. Why was thinking of this place as home such a struggle then?

The answer was simple once I was honest with myself.

I was afraid that because I’d slept with Cross and was starting a business with him, Shepard would feel like he didn’t have a place in my life. Which was ridiculous if I thought about it. Shepard and Cross were working together. When I was worried about Shepard, Cross messaged him to hurry home.Theywere acting like a team.

The problem was me. I needed to figure out what I wanted our life together to look like and then have an actual conversation with them about it.

Making a face, I shook my head and went to relax on the couch. Shepard found me in the same spot a few minutes later.

He smiled as he sat next to me. “I have to hand it to Cross…he has great taste.”

“It’s a comfy couch, isn't it?”

“I meant you.”

CHAPTERNINE

I blushedat Shepard’s words. Beside me, he chuckled and opened his arms in invitation. I snuggled in, loving being held by him.

“Are you okay with what happened with Effora?” he asked.

“Honestly? Most of it tested my patience and turned my stomach.”

“Most of it?”

“She had a plate and bib between her legs, Shepard. That’s just crass.”

He made a thoughtful sound. “If you’d been on the table, I don’t think I would have found it crass.”

I snorted.

“What else bothered you?” he asked.

“That she was chummy with Adriel and Vivian. The people in her circle reflect her character.”

“True.”

“And I hate that she keeps panting after you. Especially right in front of me.”

His hand, which had been stroking my back, stilled. “Oh?”

I lifted my head to look at him. “She knows you're mine. You might be fine with sharing me with Cross, but I’m not okay with sharing you, Shepard. Especially not with her.”

He growled softly, grabbed me, and flipped us, pinning me underneath him.

“Do you have any idea what it does to me when you show a hint of possessiveness?”

“The gold in your eyes gives me a good idea.”

He continued to watch me, and I caught on to what he wanted. Something I was ready to give.

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