Page 70 of Affinity

The grin tugging at her lips grew into a wicked smile. “Are you planning on doing it again?”

A huff of laughter escaped me. “If I can’t have sex with you for two weeks, I’m going to have to get off some way.”

Her hand that had been wrapped around my waist, slid down and then underneath my shirt. She let her nails scrape along my skin, knowing how much it drove me wild. “Maybe I can help.” She popped the ‘p’ and looked up at me innocently.

Finding her hand, I pressed it flat against my stomach. “As much as I would love that, and I really would, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I think I know what will and won’t hurt me,” she shot back.

“Maybe, but we shouldn’t risk it.” I removed myself from the bed so she couldn’t tempt me.

“I’ll wear you down sooner or later.”

I had no doubt she’d be successful.

* * *

Abbi stood at the door, waiting for me to help her down.

“Are you regretting deciding to RV halfway across the country?” I asked Abbi as I gripped her hips and helped her down the stairs. Carrying her over to the picnic table, I made sure she was comfortable before I went inside and got her crutches. I then sat across from her on the other side of the table.

“I think it would be a better experience if I wasn’t hobbling around everywhere. If I could explore more, but it’s not bad. We could be stuck in your ugly, repressing house.” She laughed, holding herself up on the picnic table as she lost herself. “But no seriously, I appreciate you taking me camping like this. Giving me this experience even when you have to deal with Paul.” She wiped a tear from her cheek, leaned forward, and lowered her voice. “I promise you he wasn’t always like this. He’s only doing it out of love.”

It must be nice to have a family to love you. Once I thought I had someone who loved me, but it turned out she was only with me for my fame and money.

“Does knowing he’s doing it out of love make his interfering and comments any easier?”

“At the moment, no, but when I have time to think about it, it does help. Most of the time.” One side of her mouth tipped up. “Was Alex really okay with two complete strangers coming to stay with her? I can’t imagine her letting people get close when they’re so private.”

“First of all, she invited you, and second, I think she’s so happy I’m coming to visit that she’d let just about anyone come stay with her. It does help that your brother is ex-military and acting as your security.”

Footsteps sounded in the distance. It was probably Paul letting us know he was about ready to make an appearance.

Abbi leaned forward. “I hate to say this, but I hope things get a lot less awkward. I want to get to know your friendsandfor them to not hate me.”

“They won’t hate you. I’m pretty sure Alex already loves you. After being in your presence for only a few minutes, she was advising me to give you a chance. She’ll be happy to know we’re . . . ”

Paul stepped out from behind a tree, causing us both to retreat from each other.

“There’s a sandwich and some chips in there for you if you’re hungry,” Abbi called out as her brother bypassed us and went straight for the door.

Turning to look at her over his shoulder, he replied. “Thanks, I’m going to eat and then hit the hay. It’s been a long day.”

Letting out a stifled sigh, Abbi looked back at me with her eyes and mouth downcast.

“Maybe when he sees her security system, he’ll leave and go back home to Virginia.”

“As much of an asshole as he’s being, I’m happy to spend time with him. He was deployed for much of my college years. I think he needs a girlfriend or to get laid. Maybe Alex has a friend?” she asked, hopeful.

I hated to burst her bubble, but I doubted that was going to happen. “Her group of friends is pretty tight-knit, and from what I know, they are all married or in committed relationships. She did have a friend who was single, but she met a guy.”

Cocking her head to the side, she tapped her fingertip on the top of my hand. “You seem to know an awful lot about her friends and their lives.”

Quick as lightning, I wrap my fingers around the one she was tapping me with. “If a person matters to me, I’m a great listener. And Alex has been there for me through all the Poppy shit. She sat on the phone with me and listened to all the crazy things I came up with as to why my ex was acting the way she was. She listened and then tried to reason with me.”

“That’s why I like her.” She looked around our area. “This is nice and peaceful.”

“It is,” I agreed, and a total change in subject. I’d let it slide, though. I’m sure it couldn’t be easy for her to hear about my ex, and knowing Poppy might have something to do with running Abbi off the road was even worse.

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