My rough growl is like a slap. She lowers her chin to her chest and twists her hands in her lap. “Well, I just wanted to tell you that I’m not, and I’m clean. I got tested after I found out Tony was cheating on me.”
Shit. Now I feel like even more of an asshole. She’s trying to have a serious, adult conversation with me, and I respond with some possessive, macho comment.
Lifting her chin, I force her gaze to mine. “That’s good to know. I don’t have anyone else I’m seeing right now, and I’m clean too. But whenever we play, we can use condoms if you prefer.”
A small smile forms on her lips. “No,” she murmurs. “If it’s just me and you, we don’t have to.”
Fucking hell. The erection I was sporting all throughout dinner? That motherfucker is back, pressing on my zipper and throbbing like it’s his damn job. Knowing I’ll be balls deep inside her without a layer of latex between us is . . . indescribable.
Macey rises from the couch. “I better get some sleep. I’m meeting Cameron’s new fiancée tomorrow.”
Shit, that’s right. Hale proposed, and Brielle said yes. “You’ll like Brielle. She’s sweet, and she’s good for him.” I rise to my feet and Macey gives me a hug to thank me for dinner. “How long until your new place is ready?”
“Not long. Is that a problem?”
“You can stay as long as you like. I’m just trying to figure out if I should have you a key made.”
“No, I’ll be out of your hair in a few days.”
I nod, ignoring the deeper meaning behind her words, and the sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. “Good night.”
Chapter Six
Macey
Of course I’m running late. Today will be my first time meeting Brielle, the new woman in my brother’s life. From the little bits I’ve picked up through conversations with Reece and Cameron, I sense that this is something he’s serious about, which surprises me given his past.
After the fiasco with his ex, that bitch-face Tara, I watched my brother change into a man I barely recognized. He grew hard, cold, and distant. I knew he was spending a lot of time with Reece, and now I understand why. He was sinking deep into the world of BDSM, a world I don’t understand, but I aim to. A world with mystery and sex and possibilities. It’s not lost on me that the exact thing Cameron ran to after licking his wounds is the same thing I’m doing post-breakup. Maybe it runs in the family.
Locating a parking spot at the restaurant/wine bar where we’re meeting, I maneuver my car into the tight space and kill the engine. This next hour should be nothing if not interesting.
As I make my way inside, I smooth my silk top over my hips, which seem to have grown rounder. Unless these jeans shrank. Geez. Refusing to feel self-conscious, I brush the thought away. That dipshit Tony would have slept with Pinky regardless of what I looked like, I’m pretty sure. Besides, Reece seemed to have no problem with my appearance. The way his dark brown eyes caressed every curve, every detail made me feel flushed and warm. I’ve filled out from the girl of eighteen he once knew.
Entering the restaurant, I pause to allow my eyes a moment to adjust to the dim interior. We’re meeting at a new wine bar in the heart of Chicago, and despite it being a little early in the afternoon for happy hour, there are couples and a few small groups seated at the bar and high-top tables filling the space.
I spot Cameron immediately. He sees me too, rising to his feet with a warm smile to greet me.
“You found it,” he says, putting his arm around me for a hug.
Despite not living here for the last several years, my brain seems to recall the city. “Your directions were perfect. Good to see you.” I return his hug.
The woman with him rises to her feet too. She’s petite and pretty, with wide eyes and a pouty mouth. It’s clear why he likes her. But when I notice her hair is in a casual ponytail and she’s dressed simply—wearing jeans, flats, and a plain cotton sweater—I decide I like her too. At first glance, she’s nothing like the overdone designer-wearing, fully manicured ex I despise. That’s an automatic ten points right there.
“Macey, I’d like you to meet Brielle.”
“Hello,” she says, softly, looking between Cameron and me as if she’s nervous.
I suppose this is akin to meeting his family, because with our parents gone, it’s only me. Well, and Nana.
“It’s great to finally meet you,” I say, leaning toward her with open arms for a hug.
She squeezes me and then we each take a step back, and when we do, we’re both smiling.
Cameron watches us, his contemplative mood hard to read. He’s quiet, and whenever his gaze flicks over to me, he frowns.
The waitress strolls up, delivering the drink menu.
“Shall I pick us a bottle?” Cameron asks us, glancing at the selection.
“Sure,” Brielle and I both say at the same time.
Trying to keep the mood light and friendly, I ask Brielle about her work and where she grew up, and she chats steadily as we sip our wine. My first hunch was correct—I like her. She’s sweet and smart, obviously a nice, normal girl, which is all I’ve ever wanted for my brother.
Cameron is so quiet, I ask him what’s wrong, but he merely shakes his head, frowning at me again. What the hell crawled up his ass? It’s the first time I’ve seen him since Reece spoke with him about our arrangement. I guess he’s not as okay with it as I thought.