Page 55 of Release Me

“But I can’t start something with him and then come back here and do this with you.”

“No, you can’t. That’s not your style.”

I sense that he’s given this thought already. “That would mean tonight’s our last night.”

“You’re right. It would have to be.” He slides one of my nightgown straps down. “What a good run it was.”

I inhale the scent of Ronan. It’s odd, how addicted I’ve become to him. “I’m going to miss you.”

“You and Kyle will hook up and you won’t miss me at all.”

“And you’ll hook up with half the women in Alaska and forget about me too,” I tease.

“Connor will take the other half.”

“And then you’ll swap.”

“Probably.” Ronan flinches as I smack him, but then he chuckles, the deep melody of it comforting to my heart.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m happy you moved in here, even if it was only for a couple of weeks.” I’m not sure I loved David. How could I have gotten over him so quickly if I did?

Ronan hesitates. “I still love Tash and miss her like crazy, but you’ve made it easier for me.” Pain glints in his eyes but only for a second and then it’s gone.

I stretch up to kiss his jaw, a hint of stubble tickling my lips. “You know, you’re a decent guy. In your own twisted way.”

“Thank you.” He presses a kiss against my forehead. “I hope you still feel that way after tomorrow night. I don’t know what your brother has planned, but he’s up to something.”

I groan. While I know Ronan will be with other women at some point, and soon, I don’t want to bear witness to it. “I should crash at Jean’s.”

He hums. “Probably a smart idea. So … friends?”

“Yeah.” I smile. “Yeah, friends.”

He reaches over to rummage in my nightstand drawer where he tucked several condoms. Holding one up, he says, “Once more for shits and giggles,friend?”

“Fine,friend, but make it good.”

“Don’t I always?” He readies himself.

I straddle his hips and close my eyes, reveling in the feel of Ronan as he sinks deep inside me one last time.

27.Ronan

“I’m gonna miss you, man,” Lopez slurs as he leans into me, struggling to reach my shoulder with his arm.

I hide my smirk behind a sip of beer. I don’t fucking know him. I don’t know any of these people who have packed into our place. I only came to Miami two weeks ago and I’m leaving for Alaska tomorrow.

This party is really for Connor, and he is having a great time, over in a corner, pretending to listen to some chick talk while he stares at her chest, a stupid drunk grin on his face. If I know Connor at all—which, oddly, I do—he’s planning on motorboating those soon.

I wander to the kitchen to dump my empty and collect a few others while I’m there. Half an hour and a few trash bags and we’ll have this place ready for the cleaner. If I could crash now, I would. Tomorrow’s going to be a long-ass day of airports and uncomfortable seats.

Strong hands land on my shoulders. “My man! You havin’ a good time?”

I chuckle. “You’re gonna be a wreck on the plane.”

“No shit. But did you see the tits on Mary?” Connorglances over his shoulder at the girl, now huddled with her friends. “I think they’re real.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” They’re real. I pride myself on being able to tell the difference. That, and she already pressed them against me earlier tonight.

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