Page 148 of Cougar

“Because she had a dance studio to run.”

“Did you cheat?”

“No.”

“Why did you get divorced?”

“Because Jules and I are better off as friends. We always have been, and we both know it. We were good in bed, but outside the bedroom, our relationship didn’t work. I don’t want to badmouth her because she’s one of my best friends, but I can only take her in small doses. Which is probably why we broke up a dozen times?”

“Meaning?”

I lean my head against the back of the couch and stare up at the ceiling. “If I say it out loud, it’s going to make me sound like a huge prick.” I blow out a breath. “We were good at the sex part. She’s not a cleat chaser or a diamond girl. She’s my best friend, and I didn’t have to worry about her trying to trap me with a pregnancy or force me into marriage, but I didn’t want to be in a relationship with her. She’s a bit of a free spirit, if you know what I mean.” I wiggle my brows.

Emerson’s brows dip down. “You mean she sleeps around?”

“Not exactly.” I chuckle.She’s so naïve.“I mean Jules doesn’t have a preference.”

“She’s bisexual?”

“Yes.”

“Did you share women with her?”

“A few times, yes.”

“And she was okay with being your booty call for the past ten years?”

“She wasn’t my booty call.”

“Oh, excuse me.” She rolls her eyes. “Fuck buddy.”

“We were both single.” I shrug. “Any more questions?”

“Just one.”

“Shoot.”

“What changed?”

“I’m in love with you, and she wants butterflies.”

“Is that a euphemism for something?”

I laugh. “She wants to be with someone who gives her butterflies, like you give me.”

She runs her fingers through my hair. “I give you butterflies?”

“From head to toe,” I reply, grabbing the back of her head and bringing her lips to mine.

“You give me butterflies, too,” she whispers against my lips.

“I know.”

“I have one more question.” She pulls back. “Why did Vanessa really leave Liam?”

I shake my head. “Nice try, but I’m not airing any more of your brother’s business. You’re gonna have to ask him.”

“He’s always giving Max and me shit for keeping secrets from our kids.” She shakes her head. “He’s such a hypocrite.”

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