Page 55 of Bedded by a Playboy

‘Maybe it’s not, but, whatever the problem is, he refuses to talk about it.’

‘Shall I tell you what I told Linc?’

Jessie straightened, nodded.

‘I told him to give Monroe space.’

Jessie’s brow creased. ‘How do you mean?’

‘Well, for starters, you should stop going over there every night.’

Jessie felt her heart sink. ‘I’ve been an idiot, haven’t I? He doesn’t need me at all. It’s just the sex.’

‘No, that’s not what I meant.’ Ali grabbed Jessie’s hand, holding her down when she tried to rise. ‘I don’t think that, Jess. He does need you. I think he needs you much more than he knows. But he has to admit it to himself, before he’ll ever admit it to you. As long as you keep doing everything his way, he’s not having to confront his own feelings.’

Jessie got up slowly, walked over to the bedroom window. She studied the garage apartment. He was in there now, she thought, painting. Waiting for her to come over tonight.

How hard would it be not to go to him, to deny herself what little joy they might have left? But what if Ali was right? What if, by not going, she could make him see what he was really pushing away?

/> She looked back at her sister. ‘You’re right. I know you are. But, Ali…’ Jessie could feel the heat in her cheeks but forced herself to say it ‘…the sex is so wonderful. I never knew it could be like that before Monroe. I’m really going to miss it.’

‘If he’s anything like his brother, I know just what you mean.’ Ali’s eyes took on a wicked gleam. ‘Linc and I haven’t been able to do it for over a month. I’m ready to tear his clothes off now every time I see him.’

‘Just listen to us.’ Jessie smiled for what felt like the first time in weeks. ‘We sound like a couple of nymphomaniacs.’

‘Good sex happens to be essential to a happy life. Don’t knock it.’ Ali sobered, her voice going soft. ‘But it sounds like you and Monroe already have that bit sorted. It’s all the complicated stuff that needs figuring out now.’

‘I still don’t understand why you can’t come over tonight.’ Monroe struggled to keep the desperation out of his voice.

‘I told you. I promised Linc and Ali I’d babysit so they can have a bit of privacy tonight. It’s been weeks now since Ethan was born and they’re…’ Jessie paused ‘…they’re ready to have a bit of alone time.’

Monroe’s temper spiked. ‘I get it. So because my brother wants to have his way with his wife, we have to do without.’ He threw the paintbrush down that had been clenched in his fist.

‘I’m sure we’ll survive for one night.’ Jessie didn’t sound exactly devastated at the prospect, which bothered Monroe a lot more than he wanted to admit.

She turned to leave.

‘Hold up.’ He snagged her wrist, pulled her round. ‘Where are you going now?’

‘Out.’ She hesitated. ‘Just out.’ He watched her teeth tug on her bottom lip. ‘With Emmy. I’m taking Emmy down to the beach.’

He drew his hands up her arms. Stroked his thumbs across the sensitive skin inside her elbows. ‘You sure you’ve got to go right away?’

‘Yes. Yes, I have.’

He let his thumbs drift across her breasts, lightly circled the nipples. He felt her shivered response, saw her eyes flare with desire. He grinned. That was more like it. ‘Can’t you stay a little while?’

He reached up to caress her shoulders. Then slipped his fingers beneath the thin cotton straps holding up the vest-top she was wearing over a denim skirt. ‘We could maybe, make up for tonight, before you go.’

He bent to nibble her neck. He knew she loved to be kissed there. Her head fell back, giving him better access. She gave a breathy moan and he hardened in his jeans. She smelt gorgeous, the light flowery scent she used making his nostrils flare as he reached down. He pulled up her skirt, slipped his hands under the lacy panties she wore. He massaged the soft skin of her butt with his fingers. He wanted her, now.

‘Stop it.’ Suddenly, she was pushing him away.

He watched astonished as she pulled her panties frantically back into place, smoothed her skirt down.

‘I said, I’ve got to go.’

‘What the hell’s going on here?’ He tried to snag her arm again but she raised her hand.

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