Page 31 of Falling for Red
She huffs, closing her eyes for a moment before saying, “Since I have primary custody, he pays me child support and I also have alimony. He thinks it’s more than enough for me to live some fabulous life, but it barely covers the basic expenses like rent, food, and everything. But … it is enough that I don’t have to work forty hours, which is really amazing for me and Gabby.”
“It’s good to hear that he isn’t a deadbeat.”
“He isn’t a deadbeat, but heisan asshole. I’m pretty sure he moved a lot of money around to try to act like he has less than he does. I mean … our life together was a lot more extravagant. It’s so frustrating that he wouldn’t want to give us … give Gabby more. Like the guy goes out for two-hundred-dollar dinners multiple times a week but when I ask for a couple hundred dollars for dance lessons, it’s a whole production.”
I bear hug her, squeezing her tight.
“I’m tired of asking,” she says, resting her head on my shoulder. “So I don’t ask unless I really need it. It’s not worth the stress and all the other emotions that come up.”
“Gabby’s lucky to have a mom like you.” I cup her face in my hand and kiss her deep. “The effort you put in is all around, and I know she is your top priority.”
“Thanks … it’s really hard. But I want her to have a nice childhood.” Claire looks down. “Dating me means that you get all the baggage.”
“I understand you’re a multidimensional person.”
“My ex is really triggering, so you’re going to get annoyed with me about that.”
I chuckle. “What else will I get annoyed by?”
“The lack of time I have for you.”
I flip her over so her back is on the couch. “I like when you’re real with me.” I run my tongue along her neck, and she squirms. Hovering above her, I instruct, “Keep talking.”
19
“You’re going to hate how I organize. I always have piles.” I giggle, turned on by the way Jake’s touching and kissing me. “It’s my way of organizing before I actually do it.”
“Clutter is annoying.” He smirks, then crashes his lips into mine. He is a great kisser. “But … worth it,” he says, pulling back.
Tugging at his shirt, it needs to come off.
“I also really like foreplay,” he says, pinning my arms down, not letting me take his shirt off. “You’re going to have to accept that I move slow.”
I huff, although I am not complaining. I’m sweating. I love the way he takes control. Releasing my wrists, his hands explore my body as he’s kissing all over my neck. His lips move up my jaw and then deeply kiss me. It’s teasing, but it’s taking my breath away.
Jake leans back, looking into my eyes, smiling down at me. “You’re so beautiful. I love your freckles,” he says, swiping his thumb across my cheek. “You already know I love your hair, but it’s amazing.”
“You will probably be annoyed with how long it takes to tame,” I say, staring into his blue eyes, loving the sight of him hovering above me.
He cocks his head. “Is it naturally curlier than this?” he asks, grabbing at the ends of my hair, and all I can think about is how long it’s been since I got a haircut.
“It wants to be Shirley-Temple-level curly but that is too much.”
“Mmm … I’ll need to see it.”
“We could shower …” I test. “Then you would see it.”
“I want to be naked with you, but isn’t this fun?” He lifts my shirt, trailing his tongue up my stomach.
“Fun for who?” I sass, but this is great. Jake kissing and licking my hips and stomach is a lot of fun.
“Why does sex have to have a goal?” he asks, flicking his eyes up to meet mine.
A goal?“What do you mean?” I ask softly.
“Don’t be so focused on the finish line.” He places three baby kisses up my hip, before adding, “There’s so much more to intimacy.”
I think I get what he’s saying, but I also might be reading it wrong. “What are you saying?”
