Page 53 of Curious

Chapter Thirteen

“Where is he anyway?”

Jeremy looked up from his drawing. Jennifer Finn was at the end of the dock, supposedly attempting to fish. In reality, she was posing as if she were attempting to fish, but it served his purpose.

“Your brother?” he asked. “I don’t know. He was just going to the grocery store. He should have been back by now.”

He glanced over his shoulder and saw Shawn and Ellen Finn on the balcony, talking softly to each other while they enjoyed the day. They’d become frequent visitors at his house lately, and Jeremy couldn’t be happier. It felt more like a home now.

“I’m glad he isn’t back yet. I’ve been working up the nerve to talk to you about something.”

That sounded ominous. Jeremy set down his sketchbook and stood, walking over to sit down beside her. “Okay, I’m ready,” he said, letting his legs dangle over the edge. “Lay it on me.”

“So, you and Owen have been together now for a few months,” she started.

Three. Three months and five days.“Yes, we have.”

“Are you happy?”

“Blissfully.”

“Things have changed a lot, for both of you I know. But for Owen, well, Tasha told me he was always at the club before, but he’s only gone back twice since you two have been a thing.” She paused. “She also told me both times you went with him.”

Jeremy could feel his face heating. They’d agreed to go once a month and let Jeremy see what it was like. To meet some of Owen’s friends in the lifestyle. They’d been so friendly and welcoming, so accepting of Owen’s same-sex relationship, that it made Jeremy want to go back. It really was like its own little community of tolerance. With leather and paddles.

But he wasn’t telling Jennifer any of that. “Do you just sit around all day thinking up uncomfortable conversations to have with me when we’re alone? Is Tasha coaching you?”

Jen laughed, pushing a stray strawberry blonde hair back into the wide-brimmed hat he’d convinced her to wear for his sketch. He’d finished his current deadline and decided to try his hand at a different style just for fun. He was enjoying the challenge.

She shook her head. “No, Jeremy, I swear. It’s just, I’ve decided I’m ready to go ahead and make a date with…someone from the club. I told you about it before, right—the negotiations?”

“Oh yes, I remember,” Jeremy said wryly. “Tasha’s friend.”

“Do you like it?” Jennifer’s voice was subdued and hesitant. “I mean it’s still pretty new to you, right? The kinky stuff? But blissfully happy has to mean you like it.”

Jeremy sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he considered his response. “It depends on who you’re with, Jen. I think it should be someone who really knows what they’re doing. Someone you feel like you can trust with your physical safety. If Tasha suggested him, I trust that. She’s a hellion, but she wouldn’t steer you wrong. Have you met him?”

Jen blushed and looked down at the fishing pole in her hands. “A few times for coffee. And we’ve talked on the phone. He’s sexier than I was expecting.”

Jeremy narrowed his eyes. “Be careful, Jennifer. I mean, from what I understand, even with partners who aren’t in a relationship, things can get intense fairly quickly. You don’t want to mistake that for more than it is.”

The youngest Finn made a face. “Believe me, I’m not looking for a boyfriend. I’ve only been single for two months of my adult life, and I plan on enjoying myself. But this guy, well you’re right. Very intense. The closer we get to our play date, the more dangerous it seems. He’s even mentioned bringing in someone else if I’d like.” She bit her lip. “It’s actually pretty damn exciting.”

He groaned. “Why are you telling me this? Stop telling me things like this.”

She laughed, but Jeremy shook his head. “I’m not kidding. A very intense, dangerous guy from a fetish club is taking Little Finn out for whips and chains with a possible side of three-ways. What am I supposed to do with that information?”

“You keep it a secret. You always do.”

“And I always will,” he sighed. “Though your brother Seamus had some very wise words about secrets that I would share with you…if I could remember them. The gist is they’re bad, and you shouldn’t have any.”

Jen smiled. “That’s a man rule. Men aren’t allowed to have secrets. They don’t know what to do with them. But every girl gets to keep a few. It’s one of the perks. I just happen to keep them with you. And Tasha of course. She’s going to be there in case I need to make a getaway.”

“Thank God,” Jeremy said, relieved. “Just tell her to tell me when I need to make sure your brother stays home. And be safe, Jen. I mean, have fun, have adventures, go crazy because you deserve it after all that insanity…but be safe.”

She leaned against him affectionately and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She was a Finn. She would do whatever the hell she wanted.

And he would always be here to keep her secrets and kick the ass of anyone who hurt her.

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