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“Think I can still fuck you in the van?” I ask, my grin wolfish as he reddens. “Is that a yes?”
He tries to play off his flustered state and clears his throat, pretending to be all modest and accommodating. “I suppose. If that’s what you need to feel better about losing.”
“Oh, that’s definitely what I need,” I rasp. Dropping my head, I can lick a path up to his ear. “How about a quick fuck and then we can keep playing?”
It’s comical how quickly we book it out of the arcade and to the van. He might think I lost, but come on?—
I’m the real winner here.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Cassius
Continuingto glance down at my watch, I’m impatient as I wait for Skylar to come home. In an unusual turn of events, he decided to spend his one free day hanging out with Max and Everest.
I shoot up off the couch when the million deadbolts are unlocked. Rushing to the door, I don’t care that I look like an over-eager puppy. Skylar’s eyes are wide as he takes me in, almost like he’s shocked, but it quickly morphs into happiness as he drops his bag and steps into my arms.
“Hey,” he says, burying his nose in my neck. “I missed you.”
I inhale the smell of strawberry shampoo and smile against the top of his head. “I missed you too.” Pulling back, I rub his flushed cheek with the back of my hand. “You look a bit red.”
Nodding, his delicate fingers hook into my shorts. “We went to the beach.” He bites down on his bottom lip and smirks. “Were you waiting up for me?”
“Fuck yeah,” I growl, tugging him closer by his throat. “You know I can’t sleep without knowing where you are.”
He hums as he lays his head on my chest. “I know. I love you, Cassy.”
“I love you too, sunshine.” I gulp, my fingers tightening on his hips as I clear my throat. “I actually have something to tell you.”
“Yeah?”
“I, um…” I lick my lips, suddenly a little bit nervous. “I think, well, no. Iknowthat I want to talk to that producer again.”
I didn’t come to this decision lightly. I was adamant about not wanting that, but I think I was just being stubborn. I never really gave it the serious consideration that it deserved. But ever since meeting Nancy, there’s been this nagging feeling in my gut, like maybe I missed out on a chance. I think the feeling is regret. Not necessarily because getting signed is something I dreamed of, but because I closed a door that I might have wanted to walk through.
I’m not doing this for Skylar, no matter how much he wanted me too. I’m actually doing this for myself. Because who knows? I could talk to her and hate the idea. I could talk to her and love it. The point is, there are so many possibilities I hadn’t considered, and I don't want to close myself off to any of them.
Skylar reacts just as predicted. He squeals, but it’s tame, like he’s super excited for me but doesn’t want to show it. Testing the waters, he tamps down his enthusiasm and clears his throat. “And how does that make you feel?”
I snort and roll my eyes, guiding him backwards into the living room. “Like it’s something new. Like I’m a bit scared but in a good way?”
“That’s great,” he coos, rubbing a hand up and down my thigh as we sit. “Oh, I’m just so proud of you.” His eyes widen. “Well, I’m always proud, but?—”
I chuckle and kiss his temple. “I know what you mean.”
“I just want you to be happy,” he says adamantly. “That’s all I ever wanted, and I’ll support however I can help get you there.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. I make us more comfortable on the couch and quirk an eyebrow. “So, what did you get up to all day?”
He suppresses a laugh. “Max had never before, so we had a few cocktails and just chilled. Oh!” Leaving me for a moment to rummage through his bag, he returns with his pink notebook in hand. “We added to the list!”
He opens the notebook, and I see that they have, indeed, added quite a few things.
MUST LOOK GOOD NAKED.
MUST BE HONEST.
MUST HAVE GOOD TOENAILS.
