Chapter 101 “This is a good thing?”
While the men inspected each other’s motorcycles, Emily took the opportunity to talk to Nova about something else. She didn’t want her to get too carried away when it came to Carter.
“Please don’t take Carter seriously,” Emily advised. “He’s a bit of a clown, for lack of a better word.”
“I don’t believe it,” Nova whispered dramatically. “You want all the men to yourself, don’t you? It’s not enough for you that you’re engaged to Byron!”
“That’s not true,” Emily protested, “I just wanted to warn you about getting too interested in Carter. I’ve known him ever since he was young. All he does is putter around, never having a real girlfriend or a real job.”
“Well, thank you for the Employment Bureau report,” Nova huffed, “But I’ll make up my own mind.”
“Suit yourself,” Emily said.
Everyone had a chance to sober up while Emily and Nova played with the dogs and discussed fashion news, and the men went to Byron’s home gym to compete in bench pressing.
They gathered in the living room for coffee, and this time Carter’s flirting with Nova was even more intense.
When the guests prepared to leave, Carter offered to give Nova a ride home on his motorcycle.
“I was going to call a cab,” she said, “but... if you have an extra helmet.”
“Of course, I brought one,” Carter said readily.
“Okay then, off we go. Bye Emily and Byron!”
Carter turned to them and whispered, “Thanks, you guys are the best!”
The motorcycle roared away down the road, and Emily looked over at Byron. He was a little stunned, but he looked back at her with a subtle smile on his lips.
“This is a good thing, right?” Emily asked.
“Who knows, they might make a good match,” Byron said, “And it’s probably good because you can stop being jealous about Nova.”
“And you can stop being jealous about Carter,” Emily countered.
“As if I was ever jealous about a hooligan like him,” Byron scoffed.
“You were. Admit it!”
“Maybe a tiny bit... After all, he’s tough and sensitive. Who can resist that combination?”
Emily laughed, feeling like their troubles were finally behind them.
“You’re not mad at me anymore?” she asked, just to make sure. She was pretty sure Byron was relaxed now that the crazy visit was over. He had a mysterious smile playing about his lips.
“I wasn’t really mad at you.” Byron came closer and tucked a strand of her hair away from her forehead. “We both got a little jealous, but that’s normal in a relationship.”
“I’ll never be jealous again,” Emily said, hugging him, “Nova told me she wouldn’t try to steal you anymore, and I can have you back now.”
“Very generous of her,” Byron remarked.
“I know.”
“Let’s take a break from any unlikely friends for a while and focus on the two of us...” Byron suggested, “Starting now.” He gave her a look that she knew very well... it meant a night of unforgettable sensuous experiences.
“Starting now?” she asked teasingly.
“I’m dying to put this behind us,” he said, lifting her up with ease.
Emily was surprised he wasn’t more tired from all that weightlifting earlier.
Their lips met in sweet, lingering kisses before they even reached the bedroom. It was a gentle overture to a wild makeout session that left Emily craving more.
“I think we’re getting closer to putting it all behind us,” Emily said.
“Much closer,” Byron agreed, making her shiver with anticipation as he kissed her neck and continued kissing down the length of her body. She squirmed, making cat-like sounds of pleasure. Her body pulsed with a single driving desire, to be even closer to him.
Their bodies merged with such fiery energy as Emily hadn’t felt in a long time. All the time apart must have stored up a lot of passion... and now it was all released in a flood of fierce desire.
She knew they could have disagreements, but the level of intensity Emily felt now was a sign that nothing could stop them from being together.
They cuddled under the smooth bed sheets, recovering from the unbelievable elation.
“That was possibly the biggest and longest fight we ever had,” Emily murmured.
“And I intend to make up for it fully,” Byron said, lightly running his hand along her shoulder and down her arm.
“I thought you just did...”
“Not nearly enough.” He kissed her with both a gentleness and a passion she hadn’t experienced lately. It was a kiss that told her just how much he loved and treasured her.
