Page 49 of Jacqueline's Quest

“You’re still young, kid,” Murray said. “Thomas is a man. He knows what he wants, and I’d bet money he didn’t fuck you last night just to have a warm hole to put his dick in.”

“Ugh. Vulgar much?”

He shrugged. “Get used to it. Men like Thomas and I call it how we see it. Anyway, like I said, he wouldn’t have fucked you if he didn’t want to. He likes you.”

“Now you’ve reverted to kid terms,” she said. “This is all so confusing. I wish I could go back to being sixteen, only this time with a normal family to understand relationships.”

“Nothing is ever normal. Hell,” Murray said, “I don’t even think normal people understand normal.”

“That’s pretty profound,” AJ replied.

“I’m a pretty profound guy.”

She sat back in her chair and took a drink of her coffee. “I enjoyed last night. A lot. I guess I feel guilty about it.”

“Again, the acoustics,” he teased. “The guilt, I can understand though. You have a thing for Scotty. From what I’ve read on the both of you, you’ve had rough lives. It only makes sense to seek comfort in each other’s arms.”

“Another can of worms I don’t wish to open,” she muttered.

“You had sex and it didn’t go well?” He cocked a brow.

“No, it went according to plan until I fucked up.” She sighed. “Before I could apologize, he was kidnapped.”

"Ah." Murray glanced out the window. "Well, kid. The only way to fix it is to rescue him. Until then, don't dwell on it. I bet, deep down, he's beating himself up too."

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Ah, there you are,” Thomas said, entering the kitchen with Jaqueline. “We’d wondered where both of you had gotten off to.”

“Sorry. I needed milk and sugar for my coffee. Murray was here so we’ve been talking. Getting to know each other a bit more.” She pulled at the arm of Thomas’ shirt. “Hope you don’t mind.”

He shook his head. “Not one bit.” Murray wondered if AJ saw the possessiveness in his eyes when Thomas stared at her. Or the hungry glances he threw her way.

“Cool. Uh, do you think the water is warm? I know we have a busy day ahead of us.” AJ pushed out of her chair and grabbed her cup.

“Should be.” Thomas blocked her path. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Murray snorted then coughed. “Sorry. Wrong pipe.”

“Yeah, sure.” She hesitated for a second then pressed a kiss to Thomas’ cheek.

Yep, the girl had it bad for the man. “Thanks for keeping me company, AJ. It’s been a long time since I could talk to someone who could be my little sister.”

Her cheeks turned a shade of pink. “You’re welcome. I appreciate your help too.”

“Anytime. I hope it all works out for you.”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “Me too.”

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