Page 19 of More Than a Friend
My ex-husband’s name flashing on the screen is a bucket of cold water over the heat previously burning inside me.
Skylar’s chest is heaving just as heavily as mine underneath her shirt, and I kick myself for skipping so far ahead I never got to play with her beautiful breasts. I just know her nipples would feel incredible pebbled underneath my tongue.
Shaking off those thoughts, I pick up my phone and swipe to answer the call. “Hello?” My voice comes out breathier than I thought it would, and I cringe. I hope he can’t tell I was just thoroughly ravished by my best friend.
“Hey, I just wanted to ask if you wanted me to bring any leftovers from my mom’s? We’re about to head out, and you know how she likes to shove food at us.” Shea chuckles, and I force one out myself.
“I’m okay, thanks.”
“Cool, more for me. We’ll see you in half an hour.”
“Okay. Bye.”
After saying goodbye, he hangs up, and my eyes automatically drift to Skylar, who’s pulling her thong and leggings back on.
“They’re on their way?” she asks.
“Yeah. Jan wanted to supply me with leftovers.”
Sky rolls her eyes. She’s not a fan of my ex-mother-in-law. “Okay, well, I’ll get out of your hair.”
I don’t want her to leave. I want her to stay and cuddle me tonight. I want to wake up together again tomorrow.
But I agreed to the same things she did. One time, and we don’t talk about it anymore.
“Thank you for hanging out with me yesterday and today. I had a really great time.” I cringe at how awkward I sound. Why does it sound like the end of a first date?
Skylar gives me a soft smile. “Me too, Aves. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
I dress myself as Skylar gathers her things, then awkwardly stand by the door as she puts her shoes on.
Skylar gives me a hug goodbye, lingering a little longer than appropriate for platonic friends, and when she opens the door, Shea is on the other side poised to knock, the kids standing next to him.
“Skylar,” Shea deadpans.
Skylar rolls her lips inward and gives him a curt nod. “Shea.” Then she smiles brightly and gets down on the kids’ level. “Hey, kiddos. It’s good to see you.”
“Auntie Sky! Did you come to play with us?” Zoe asks, throwing her arms around Skylar’s neck.
“I just came over to hang out with your mom, but I have to go back to my house now. I promise to come play soon, okay?”
Zoe pouts. “Okay. See you soon.”
Gus gives Skylar a hug, too, but doesn’t say anything. Whenever he comes back from a family dinner at his grandparents, he’s quiet and needs some alone time to recharge.
Skylar knows this, so she doesn’t get offended. She just tells him she loves him and then waves goodbye as she heads out.
My eyes follow her as she leaves, and my heart feels like it’s being picked at by crows, but I try to put on a smile because I am happy to see my babies again.
Shea brings their bags into the apartment and sets them on the couch. I give Zoe and Gus hugs, and Gus asks me if he can go play in his room. I give him the okay before setting Zoe up with her dolls on the living room floor.
I motion for Shea to join me in the kitchen, and he follows with a pinched brow.
“How did it go with Alisa?” I ask quietly, not wanting the kids to overhear.
“It was fine. Gus was a bit rude to her, so that’s why he’s sulking now. He didn’t want her to join our plans, and I told him he didn’t get to make that choice.”
I don’t think that’s why he’s sulking.But I don’t need to start drama with my ex, so I don’t say anything, I simply nod and make a mental note to talk to Gus about it later.
