Ask Me Why(53)

“You’re not missing much. At least where I grew up. My hometown is tiny. You can drive along Main Street without blinking.”

He laughs. “Not a lifer?”

“Not even close. I left with zero intention of going back.”

“Same here. I’m from a suburb of Chicago. Like the city fine enough. There’re just too many bad memories.”

“We have that in common.” I’m constantly plagued with them.

“Family?”

“Still living in same house. They’ll never leave. How about your parents?”

His lips purse and I’m sure he’s about to shut me down. But Brance is full of surprises today. “My dad is retired in Florida. He travels a lot. Hopefully he’ll make it up here to visit Ollie before summer ends.” Something dark passes over his features. I barely hold back a shudder. His nostrils flare, and he looks ready to spit nails. “My mother is on the east coast, terrorizing her current husband.”

I wait for more, not wanting to pry. He moves his jaw back and forth, chewing on something big. In the end, he swallows it down without sharing.

I’m about to resume the organization mission when forty pounds of little boy plows into my leg. I topple sideways, bracing for the unforgiving ground. A strong arm loops around my waist and keeps me upright. Brance tugs me into his body while Ollie wraps around my leg. We’re all in a cuddle huddle. For a brief moment, I wish this wouldn’t end. But that’s crazy ridiculous.

Brance is the first to pull away, keeping his hands on my shoulders. I offer a smile and mouth a silent bit of gratitude. Ollie clings tight to my thigh without showing any signs of letting go. I laugh and comb through his hair.

“Hey, sweetie.”

He looks up, resting his chin on my hip. “Hi.”

Brance pats Ollie’s back. “Having fun?”

His son shoots him a wide smile. “Uh-huh. The best. Thanks for bringing me.”

“As if I had a choice.” There’s laughter in Brance’s tone, but I detect a slight edge.

I quirk a brow at him, and he nods to the romance novel perched on my register. The grin stretching my lips explains plans for next time we’re alone. A low noise escapes Brance’s throat.

Ollie’s gaze bounces between us. “Whatcha talking about?”

I draw my lips between my teeth, hoping Brance will take this one.

“You, of course. It’s always you, Ollie.” He swipes a thumb down his son’s cheek. A tiny piece of me melts beyond recognition. This man is ruining me.

Ollie makes a running lap around us. “I want ice cream.”

“We need dinner first,” Brance reminds him.

The Tasmanian tornado comes to a halt. His pout could put child actors out of business. “But I’m not hungry.”

I tap my lips. “How about we clean up and go to Dapper? We’ll share a bunch of stuff.”

I almost expect Brance to lunge at the chance to correct me about who knows what. But he remains silent. His eyes bore into me, and I’m helpless to look away.

Ollie giggles. “I’m gonna pick up my puzzles. Have fun with your staring contest. I hope you win, Miss Braelyn.”

I blink my gaze off Brance, focusing on his son’s retreating form. He’s so damn perceptive. Can we really keep this a secret?

Brance tugs on my belt loop. “Quick. Give me something good to tide us over. This might be a long-ass meal.”

I bounce up on my toes, reaching his ear. “I read dirty romance novels.”

He scoffs. “You already gave that up.”

I tsk. “I never officially admitted it. You know what they say about assuming.”

Brance buries his nose in my neck. “I wouldn’t mind making an ass out of you and me together.”

I stretch, giving him more room to explore. “You’re bad.”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

“I might have a hint.”

He bumps his hips into mine, giving me a feel of exactly what he’s suggesting. “You’re asking for trouble.”

“Read chapter seventeen in that book,” I purr. “It’s a really good scene.”

Brance leans back, his jaw slack. “Yeah?”

“Hell yeah. There’s some great unconventional position inspiration.”

His lips press against my temple. “In that case, you better get the recliner ready for later.”





Brance



Swing



The memory of bending Braelyn over her storage crate flashes before my eyes. The high from yesterday hasn’t worn off yet. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to sneak a quickie later. It’s been two weeks of fucking her at every stolen opportunity. She’s extremely flexible and down for anything, in all ways that matter. Each hidden location has given us inspiration for trying something new. The sex is damn hot, and it still feels like we’re only scratching the surface.

We’ve managed to keep our hookups a secret. But this could set off waves and rock our arrangement.

I reach for the tickets and fan them out. There’s three, same as when I checked five minutes ago. The debate builds strength, two sides rioting and demanding to be heard. My mind is ripping in half. Is this crossing a line? Those boundaries I’ve been so damn adamant to keep.