Over the Edge (Bridge #3)(22)

I wilted, drained from the whole exchange. “Save your instincts for your baby, Cam. I’m a big girl. I can cross the street on my own now.”

“This can’t affect the build-out or the business.”

“It won’t.” I hoped I could absolutely keep that promise.

“And he better not hurt you…” His hand turned into a fist.

“I’m going to be fine,” I said, wanting to believe that, too.

Cam turned away after a long moment. We finished cleaning the kitchen in silence. His concerns tumbled through my head. I wanted to be indignant, but I knew his words, even if gruffly and pigheadedly delivered, came from his heart.

Cam had always been there for me when I was little. When Darren would pick on me endlessly, Cameron was always the compassionate one who would play with me and keep me entertained when no one else would. He was the ultimate big brother, always making me feel safe and protected. When he was deployed and I was in college, he wrote me letters, brief but heartfelt. The smallest gesture was enough to remind me that he cared, that our bond was still as strong as ever, even if he was battling his own demons overseas.

I was grateful for Cam, and I always would be. But if I was going to carve out my own path here in the city and in this new life, I had to do it on my own. I had to make my own decisions and own my mistakes. Otherwise, the risk was worth nothing.



The night ended early. Maya was tired, understandably so, and Darren had a look in his eyes like he wanted to hurry home and talk Vanessa into making a baby. After a nearly sleepless night in Will’s bed, I was ready to put the day behind me too.

I walked around my apartment, tidying up as I went, tired but unable to really rest. I had too much on my mind, and even as midnight approached, I couldn’t slow down enough to sleep. I reached for my phone and contemplated calling Will. He’d asked me to, but I also didn’t want to come across as needy, even though I missed his presence already.

I put my reservations aside and pulled up his number. He answered after the first ring.

“Olivia.”

“Hi,” I said softly. “Can you talk?”

“Of course. I’ve been watching bad TV for two hours, waiting for you to call.”

I smiled. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. How was dinner?”

I blew out a breath. “Awkward, to be completely honest.”

“I rely on your honesty.”

I didn’t reply, because I worried he was talking about what happened between Ian and me that morning. A wave of heat rushed over me, embarrassment mixing with the lust-fueled memory.

“I can’t stop thinking about this morning,” I said finally, because something felt unresolved about all of it. I wanted to get past it and move on, one way or the other.

He hummed quietly on the other end. “Me neither. I’d love a repeat performance tomorrow.”

I smiled again, warming further at the memory of his mouth on me, licking me straight into one of the most incredible orgasms of my life. “I meant…before that.”

He was silent a moment. “Ian?”

I nodded, even knowing he couldn’t see me. “What would you have done if he’d kissed me? Tell me the truth.”

“I would have laid you out on the island and eaten you like my last meal, same as I did this morning.”

“I know we’re not exclusive—”

“We are.” The abrupt way he said it left no doubt. “I’d planned to tell you once we passed the trial run. But I swear to God, if you let someone else into that luscious body while we’re together, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”

“Okay, but if that’s what you want, why don’t you care that Ian…” What could I say? Came on to me, put his hands on me…

“Because things are different with him.” His voice was low, like he was confessing a dark secret.

“Explain that.”

“This is really something we should talk about in person. If you come over, I can explain.”

I hesitated, gauging my energy for a late-night ride to his place.

“Right after I take advantage of you, of course,” he continued. “Savagely and repeatedly.”

His was a tempting offer. Not only was I burning with curiosity, I was already craving his company. But that could be another scenario that didn’t leave me time to think. His lack of concern when it came to the attraction between Ian and me was troubling, and I was compelled to get to the bottom of it.

“Just tell me, Will. I can handle it.”

“I’d hoped to spend a little more time with you before this came up.” He sighed, and more seconds passed. “I told you I don’t do relationships, Olivia.”

My heart sank a little, even though he’d been perfectly clear on those terms. Was I already starting to care more than I should? I waited, hopeful and anxious at once about what he wanted to tell me.

“Ian and I have similar tastes when it comes to women.”

“And…”

“And sometimes we share them.”

My heart fell, landing like a cold stone in my stomach. Any latent hope I’d had about getting to know Will better, about exploring our chemistry and wondering if it could possibly go anywhere, shattered. If my thoughts had been a jumble before, they were a whirlwind now.