Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4)(45)

Sarah laughed and hugged her husband. “I love you.”

Chelle touched her fiancé’s cheek lightly and teased, “Are you going to let Tony get away with being the most romantic man at this table?”

Mason narrowed his eyes at Tony, then laughed. “I hate that I can’t think of something awesome to say.” He kissed Chelle briefly on the lips and joked, “Is smelling better romantic? Because I have him beat in that area.”

This time everyone laughed.

Lucy’s phone rang. She let it go to voice mail, but then it rang again. She checked the caller ID. It was Michelle from Mavis. With an apologetic wave of her phone, she said, “I should probably take this.”

“Hello,” Lucy said, turning slightly away from her friends so her conversation wouldn’t interrupt theirs.

“Lucy, I went by your house, but Wyatt said you were gone for the weekend.”

“Yes, I’m in Fort Mavis visiting friends.”

“With David?”

Lucy glanced at David. He smiled at her, and she looked at him apologetically. He shook his head as if to say it was no big deal. That was David, always understanding. “Yes.”

“You’ll have to tell me all about it when you get back. Promise?”

“Sure. Is that why you called?”

“No. I have something I want to tell you, but I don’t know how to.”

“Just say it.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Now you’re scaring me. Is it bad?”

“Oh no, nothing like that. This is good, but embarrassing. Lucy, I had my first orgasm all because of you. I did it. I used that toy you told me about, and I waited until I was home alone. At first, I was so nervous and afraid Ron would walk in on me, but then it started to feel good and then it started to feel great. I didn’t know anything could feel that good. Is it always this good? Does it get even better? I have so many questions.”

Lucy lowered her voice. She was happy that her friend had made a self-knowledge breakthrough and wished she were able to say more. I don’t know what the appropriate thing to say is when your friend has her first orgasm, but I’m pretty sure whatever it is shouldn’t be said now, right in the open. “Can we talk about this later?”



David didn’t plan to eavesdrop, but when Lucy’s voice had risen with concern, all conversation at the table ceased. Whoever she was talking to, it was obvious the conversation was an uncomfortable one for Lucy. She looked . . . guilty.

He didn’t like the possessive feelings surging within him at the possibility that she might be talking to a man. When her eyes met his again, he mouthed, “Is everything okay?”

She nodded, but waved one hand in the air in mild panic. He told himself he trusted her. Just because her body language looked like it was proclaiming she was hiding something, it didn’t mean she was. Or that it was a man. She’d never lied to him.

I’ve never asked her if there is anyone else.

Fuck.

No. This has to be about something else.

The more the caller spoke, the more Lucy averted her face. “I really can’t talk right now; I’m out at dinner with friends.” Lucy pushed her chair back so there was an even greater distance between her and everyone at the table. “I don’t know. That’s a decision only you can make.” She suddenly sounded sad. “I’ve asked myself that very question. We’ll talk when I get home.”

Don’t let it be another man.

I’m willing to wait, but I won’t share her.

Lucy pocketed her phone and pulled her chair back beside David. “Sorry about that.”

David placed his arm around the back of her chair. “Is there a problem back home?”

Lucy didn’t meet his eyes. “No.”

Sarah leaned across the table. “Who was that?”

Lucy shrugged. “Just someone with a question.”

Sarah smacked the table as an idea came to her. “Oh, a client.”

“Sort of,” Lucy hedged.

Chelle leaned forward with interest. “A client? That’s awesome. Sarah said you were starting a home business. She wouldn’t tell me what it was. Mason thinks you’re selling makeup. I said there wasn’t enough money in that, but I thought maybe health products. Really, neither of us knows much about either, but it was fun to guess. Were either of us close?”

Lucy glared at Sarah, then smiled, but it looked forced. “You both were close, but I feel weird talking about it. I’m just starting out.”

Chelle reached out and laid a hand on her arm. “I know how you feel. I sold candles one year. I hated asking everyone if they were interested in hosting a party or buying something. They’d say yes, but I was never sure if they felt pressured. You don’t have to feel like that. Whatever you’re selling, we’ll buy ten. Right, Mason? Just to get her started.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Lucy said, shooting what looked like a save-me look at Sarah.

Sarah clearly knew what Lucy’s new business was, and Lucy apparently didn’t want anyone else to know. He watched her squirm and told himself a better man would step in. I’m only human, though, and dammit, I want to know.

Tony added, “No reason why we shouldn’t all do what we can. Sarah, buy as much as you want. We’ll find a purpose for it.”