Page 43 of The Truth of Our Secrets

I doubt Emmet’s been with two people, but I dove in, taking him as if he’s mine to possess.

My head’s a mess.

Madyson winds a chunk of hair in her fingers, and she’s not sure who needs her more, me or Emmet.

I don’t have a clue either.

Emmet inhales deeply with his head still hanging down. “I should go.”

“Not yet,” Madyson cries in alarm. “We should talk.”

His head lifts. “I want to have a conversation when I’m not lust drunk and confused.”

“I want to help.” Madyson rubs his back, but his eyes find mine.

He needs something from me, but I’m not convinced I can give it.

Whatever he sees on my face, he decides and stands, causing Madyson’s hand to fall helplessly away from him.

She’s wobbly, and he catches her arm before I can.

“I’ll text you.” He assures her and gives me a chin nod.

I fist my hands so I don’t reach for him. Making him stay would be a huge mistake.

We can’t force him into something he’s not ready for.

Alec always jokes about our desire to find a third person for our relationship. It surprises me that Emmet didn’t know that. It’s a symptom of the breakdown in Madyson’s relationship with Alec.

Her heart was in the right place, but sometimes she pushes when she shouldn’t. I’m glad she’s not doing that with Emmet. For so many reasons.

We walk him to the door in silence. Madyson’s eyes fill with tears and I wrap an arm around her as he hugs her. The simple brush of his skin sends goosebumps racing over my forearm.

My body is hungry for his, but I let him open the door and walk out without a word.

I scoop Madyson up in my arms and carry her to the bedroom.

A few tears track down her cheeks, but she doesn’t tell me what she’s thinking.

“Is it my fault he left? Did I force him into it?” she finally asks when I lay her down and cover her with my body.

“You didn’t force him. You couldn’t miss the iron rod in his pants. He could classify that thing as an illegal weapon.” I smooth her hair back.

“He brings out your playful side. I like it.” Her hands glide up my sides under my shirt.

“Baby girl,” I warn. She’s got stars in her eyes and I imagine she’s planning our entire lives based on a few electrifying kisses. “He’s friends with Alec and we can’t bring him into our bed for fun.”

He’s so young, I can’t imagine he’d give up a booming sex life for us. The man’s a catch. He purposely uses humor to set people at ease. He’s fun-loving with a personality as big as the fucking sky.

I picture him singing into the mixing spoon and dancing in the kitchen. Cooking has never been so much fun. An adventure—not a chore.

“True.” Her hand drops away. “What if it’s more than casual?”

My body and mind have exactly opposite opinions. “We said we aren’t doing relationships with other people. Not until we sort everything out. You’re the one who said we shouldn’t involve another person.” My voice stays steady even though I’m not.

I’d do anything to make her happy, but it’s difficult when she’s indecisive. Those are Peter’s words worming their way into my head.

Her big green eyes are begging me to understand. “I said that about having sex. We have things to work through, but I think it would be so much better if we had an emotional connection and trust with a person. Emmet would be perfect for us. Jayce, I can see it.”

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