Page 86 of Book Boyfriends
“Yes!” Hope whoops. “As soon as I saw you in your booty-popping yoga pants, I knew you’d finally come to your good senses.” Eyebrows waggling, Hope slaps my behind.
It’s my sexiest leisure-wear ensemble. A pair of curve-hugging black yoga pants and a teal V-neck tank top. Despite the casual vibe, I washed, dried, and straightened my hair. The outfit says, “Oh, this old thing?” while my loose strands almost purr, “Hey, big fella.”
“Not to mention, do I detect some mascara and—” she clutches her chest and mock gasps. “And lipstick?”
“Hush!” I toss a napkin at her.
“Leave her alone, Hope,” Rem chides softly.
“Thanks.” I grin.
“Though, I’m also happy she listened to me about Davis.”
Laughing, I roll my eyes.
Last night’s conversation melted away that undercurrent of tension between Rem and me. One conversation doesn’t fix things, but it’s a start. Our newfound lightness relaxes us to just be with each other. Him not telling me what to do, me not being tied up in knots about making him happy, because no matter what I know he loves me.
“Baby, the doctor said to be mindful of your sugar intake,” Rem cautions as Hope plucks up a pecan bar from the pastry box.
“Don’t worry, warden. I grabbed keto bars, so she can have it with some berries to ensure no negative impact to her glucose levels.” I bump his hip with mine. A big smile belts across his face.
“You’re teaming up on me.” Pouting, she tips her head down to her belly. “Little Georgia, you best be on your mama’s side when you get here.”
The surge of emotion in my chest causes my mouth to lift in the biggest smile. Every single inch of my being radiates the happiness that overflows inside me.
Last night, emerging from the ER, the moment Hope saw me, she squealed, “We’re naming her Georgia!” Even though I knew it was going to happen, tear-filled laughter fell out of me, causing Davis to loop his arm around me.
“I still can’t believe you’re naming her after me.” I wipe at my eyes.
“Not if you make me cry in my own kitchen.” She sniffles.
“Do not make my wife cry.” Rem comes up behind Hope and wraps his arms around her, nuzzling her neck.
“My wife.” Head tipped back, her sigh his contented. “Will I ever get tired of hearing you call me that?”
He places his palm on her round belly. “I hope never, because I plan on calling you it for a very long time.”
“Get a room!”
“Don’t be hateful.” Hope wiggles her finger playfully.
“Yeah, or I’ll have to grill your new guy,” he teases.
“You’re going to do that anyway.” I bat at the air.
“True.”
“I need details, woman. When’s this happening or did it happen last night?” Hope tilts her head.
“Today, I hope… I just need to talk to my book boyfriends first, and then I’ll talk to Davis. Hopefully, he still wants me.”
Even if last night offers the certainty that Davis still likes me, despite my less-than-stellar behavior, there’s no guarantee that he’ll want to start something. My life is still messy. We both have our own past hurts that may impact things. There are a number of things that could lead him to say no. All that matters is that I’m letting myself say yes, and if I get my heart broken, I know I can come back from it. I’ve done it before, but I hope I don’t have to again.
“Not want you?” Hope scoffs. “Oh, that man will be on his knees by the end of the night, especially with you inthoseyoga pants.”
“I’d prefer not to have that mental image—” Rem crinkles his nose. “Also,book boyfriends?”
“I’m going to let you handle that one, Hope,” I tease, pulling my buzzing phone from my bag. “Jackson is out front, so I’m off to pickleball. Should I drop Wentworth off at my place?”
