Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
She turns around, out of breath and a little sweaty. “I love you like that,” I say, staring at her with a happy twist in my stomach.
“What? Messy with you? I’m pretty sure your cum’s dripping down my freaking thigh.” She finds her panties and uses them to clean herself up. “You think that’s attractive?”
“Actually, that’s the hottest fucking thing you’ve ever said.”
She rolls her eyes, but she likes it when I drag her into my lap and kiss her neck.
“Go talk to your brother, Saul,” she says as she curls up against me.
“Can we not talk about that right now?”
“I guess, but you should listen to me.”
“Why?”
“Because your family is important to you just like mine’s important to me. You’ve given me so much and I feel at a total loss right now. I don’t know how to help you.”
“There’s nothing you can do.”
“I can keep trying to convince you to talk to them. That’s a start.”
I grunt and kiss her. I know she means well, but I can’t face that house, and I don’t want to keep talking about them right now.
Renzo took it too far. He crossed a line, and now I don’t think there’s any way to get back to where we were before. Even if he apologizes, even if I accept his apology, I can’t forget what he said. “You’re dead to me.” I can’t forget how that obliterated everything I’ve given to him over the years.
And right now, with Molly in my lap, I can imagine a new family. Smaller, a lot more Irish than I’d like, but all mine.
Chapter 32
Molly
Saul gets extremely good at avoiding his problems.
Every time I bring up the topic of his family, some pressing issue magically appears. The floor needs to be cleaned, the toilets need to be scrubbed, the showerhead needs to be tightened. The house is immaculate because he’s too busy cleaning and screwing my brains out to face his problems.
I want to help him. It kills me that I can’t figure out how. After what he’s done for Nana and Jason, there’s nothing I want more than to make him feel better. If I could patch up his relationship with his brother, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But he won’t even talk about Renzo, much less let me get more involved. Each time I try, he gives me a stern glare, and ends up shoving his tongue between my legs. Which is nice, don’t get me wrong, but a girl can only handle so many avoidance-orgasms before she gets frustrated.
I’m still working at the diner. I’m happy, even though I feel guilty for my happiness. This is the most stable my life’s ever been, and meanwhile, the man that I love is spiraling into what looks a lot like depression.
Marsha gives me a look as I clock out for the day about a month after everything went down with Renzo. “You know how they say pregnant women glow? I thought it was bullshit, but I swear, the last few weeks you’ve been like a freaking lightbulb.”
“You think so?” I bat my eyes and fluff my hair. “I have been looking good.”
“You and the man are happy.”
“Yep, we’re happy.”
“He’s taking care of you, right?”
“Meeting every need.” I waggle my eyebrows. “All of them.”
“We’ll come back to your husband’s sexual abilities at some later date. I’m just kind of curious why you keep returning to work. I mean, it’s not because you like the uniforms.”
“Saul does.”
“You disgust me.” She leans forward on her elbows. “I’m not complaining. I love you more than life itself, you know that. I just hate to see you busting your ass while pregnant if you don’t need to.”
“What’s the alternative? Sit at home and fuss around? I’d rather earn a paycheck, even if it’s basically lunch money compared to what he has.”
“God, I’ll never stop feeling jealous. He’s gorgeous and rich, and he isn’t afraid to be a father. You bagged a winner.”
“I really, really did.”
Except as I head out to Nana’s, I keep thinking about how great Saul is, and how much I haven’t been able to do for him. It breaks my heart, and while he puts on a brave face, I know he’s hurting inside.
Jason goes on about how great school’s going, and Nana seems like she’s in a great mood, which is why I’m not paying all that much attention on the short walk back to our place after my visit. I barely notice the car when it pulls up next to me, and it takes a second to recognize the girls that get out of the back.
“Maddie?” I say, staring at her. I’m standing in the middle of the sidewalk like I just saw a ghost.
“Hey, Molly. Look at my good luck.” She comes over, smiling awkwardly, and gives me a friendly hug. “I figured I’d have to face Saul if I wanted to talk to you.”