Page 19 of The Truth of Our Secrets

It’s maddening the faith she has in him. But I want her in my life enough that I’m willing to see how this all plays out. Jayce can’t lie forever. And I’ll be there to pick up the pieces when he fucks up.

She’s here and I won’t waste the time with her. “Show me all the tattoos Alec conned you into getting.”

She throws her head back, exposing the long line of her neck and her laugh sounds like bells. “He was relentless in the beginning, but I only let him do temporary designs on me.” Her eyes sparkle and I grin at her.

“Maybe someday you’ll let me ink you.”

“Maybe,” she agrees, and I hold it like a promise.

“What would you get?” Now the idea of my ink on her claws at me.

“I’d let you design something for me. I trust you.”

It’s official. I’m never walking away from her.

Jayce

The apartment is quiet when I get home. Usually, Madyson has music on or an audiobook. I wander into the kitchen withthe flowers. She’s stirring something on the stove with her headphones on so she doesn’t hear me call her name.

Her hips sway and her lips move along with the song. I love watching her dance. I can’t get the full effect while she’s cooking, but her sensual movements get me hard.

When she notices me, she jumps, and the spoon goes flying. She laughs and pulls the headphones down around her neck. “You’re lucky I didn’t tip the bowl over, mister.”

“Sorry, I was enjoying the show.” Crossing the room, I take her lips and press our bodies together. “I brought you these.” Her favorite: purple peonies with pink tulips and eucalyptus.

“They’re gorgeous.” She kisses me again and reaches for the vases. I grab the one she wants and take out the scissors to cut the bottoms off while she fills the vase and adds the flower food.

“I was hoping to take you out for dinner.” I hand her the bouquet.

“I’m in the mood to stay in,” she says, arranging the flowers. “I’m making chicken tacos with margaritas.” Her voice sings margaritas.

“Sounds delicious. Can I help?”

“Stir a little chili powder, cumin, and cilantro into the rice and let it simmer.” She hands me the spices.

We stand side by side as she makes dinner and talk about our day. An artist she’s taken under her wing applied to be her assistant. I listen but don’t remind her that the artist is flaky. She’s often a no-show. But maybe if she gets paid, she’ll step up.

We sit at the island to eat. “Cheers.” I lift my glass and we clink.

“Mmm,” she groans. “I’ve been thinking about margaritas all day.”

“You’re not a drinker. What else happened today?” I fully face her.

“Nothing bad.” Her finger traces the rim of her glass. “Alec barely talks to me and I have no idea what’s going on in his life. Without him, I’m missing a part of myself. I stopped by Unframed Art, but he wasn’t there.”

I gather her in my arms. “How about after dinner, we soak in the tub and I give you a foot massage?” I don’t ask about Emmet. She’d tell me if something happened.

“I’d love that.”

Running the bath, I add lavender Epson salt and a moisturizing bath bar. Madyson strolls in naked and swishes the water with her hand, activating the bubbles.

“The temp is perfect.” She sighs. “You always know what I need.”

I strip off my boxer briefs, climb in the tub, and hold my hand out for her. “I love taking care of you.” We settle in with her back resting on my front. The tub is a luxury we carved out of the guest room closet.

Nudging her forward, I massage her shoulders and work out the knots. She piled her hair in a high bun, so I have access to her gorgeous neck. “Want to flip around so I can get your feet or stay like this?”

Her hands create ripples in the water. “I like you surrounding me.”

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