Chapter 38
38
Millie
“He’s right, you know.”
I jump at Asher’s intrusion, but before I can protest, he takes a seat on the swing.
“What’s going on?” He nudges me with his elbow.
Dammit. My big brother is the kind of person who never gives up. And he’s annoying as fuck. When I had my first big breakup in high school, he dragged me to every social event happening over the next few months. It was a kind gesture, but he also told every person we met that I was newly single and ready to mingle like I was a fifty-year-old divorcée, not a high school sophomore.
As stubborn as I can be, he’s worse. So I relent and spill my guts. He listens intently as I divulge the details about the body-shaming director from hell, and he never once interrupts.
“So that’s my story.” I exhale, feeling lighter after getting it all off my chest.
“Yes, and?—”
“Asher, this isn’t improv.”
“Yes, but you get to rewrite the ending of this story.” He taps me on the leg for emphasis.
The creaking of the swing and the steady buzz of cicadas and crickets are the soundtrack to our silence.
“You’ve got a good man in there, Mills.” He juts his chin in the direction of the door.
A storm of emotions brews inside me as I think about Ezra.
“You’re scared, but don’t push him away. Dolly will never forgive you,” he adds, bringing a little levity to the moment.
With an embrace, he leaves me to stew by myself. After I’ve had a long while to think, I go in search of Ezra. He’s settled on the back porch, a cup of coffee resting on the railing and his attention fixed on the lake.
“Hey,” I say, my tone full of caution.
“C’mere.” He offers an outstretched arm, and I bury my face in his chest.
His shirt absorbs my tears, and when I sniffle, he hugs me a little harder.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” he asks.
“For not giving up on me.”
Six weeks later
“Are you sure about this?” I ask over takeout.
Smiling softly, Ezra eases onto the cushion beside me. “Absolutely, baby.”
“But what if the long-distance thing is too hard? What if?—”
“Hey, hey, hey. One thing at a time.” He rubs calming circles on my wrist. “Yes, long-distance sounds hard, but I listened to that podcast you sent me. You were right. They have a lot of great ideas about how to stay patient and connected. And I’m not just talking about video sex.” He smirks.
“But what if?—”
He stops me with a kiss. “We’ll figure it out,” he says as he pulls away. “I already told you—I’m not going anywhere.”
It’s a relief, knowing that soon, Ezra will be busy transitioning to his new position as school principal and helping Kane adjust to a new school. The podcast claims it’s important for both partners to be close to equally active and occupied, or else one partner may grow bored or resentful.
“Do you promise to tell me if it’s too much?”
If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then what does out of sight, out of mind imply?
“I promise.” With a smirk, he holds a piece of sushi to my mouth, effectively shutting me up.
Rehearsals began immediately after I booked the job. It turns out that I wasn’t the first choice for Ms. Honey, but the other actress injured her vocal cords and had to back out. Fortunately for me, rehearsals took place at a studio in the city, so I had time to find someone to sublease my apartment before I head out on tour.
“Did your friend move in today?”
“They did.”
One of the bartenders at FrenchSHEs recently broke up with their partner and needs a place to stay until they can find a more permanent solution.
“It was nice of your mom to keep Kane tonight.”
“It was Kane’s idea, actually.” Ezra picks up another piece of sushi with his chopsticks. “Said he didn’t want to be around for all the sex .”
I nearly spit out my wine. “Will I get to see him before I fly out tomorrow?” My heart pangs as I regard my suitcase and carry-on by the door.
“Yes, my mom too. They’ll be back in the morning.”
“How early?”
“Knowing Mom, probably nine, if not earlier.”
“In that case…”
I take his wineglass from his hand and set it on the table next to mine, then lead him into the bedroom.
Standing at the side of the bed, I silently examine his face, memorizing every detail. “I’m going to miss you.”
Ezra lightly drags his fingers down my arms and spins me. When he pulls me flush to him, his erection presses into my lower back, and I rub against him like a bear against a tree.
“I’ll miss you so much.” His lips ghost the sensitive spot behind my ear. “I’m going to take my time with you,” he whispers, which is code for I’m going to edge the shit out of you.
“How about we make a bet?”
“What did you have in mind?” He wraps his arms around my midsection, teasing the place where my shirt meets my shorts.
I cover his hands with my own and drag them to cup my pussy. “Wanna see who can make the other come first?”
“Oh, my competitive girl.” He tsk s. “That doesn’t seem very fair.”
“And why not?”
“Because…” He slides a finger beneath the hem of my shorts and teases my entrance. “You’ll lose.”
I scoff, but his arrogance fans the flames of my desire, nonetheless.
“But I’ll play your little game.” He dips a fingertip inside me. “What are we playing for?”
I’ve already thought this through. “Winner gets to do butt stuff to the other person.”
His breath hitches. “Hmm,” he rumbles behind me. “If you win, I’m good with that. My ass is all yours. But if I win, I want something else.”
“What do you want?”
He’s silent a moment, toying with my cunt—in and out, in and out—stoking the fire in my belly into an inferno. “I want nudes for my hidden album.”
I go rigid, trapping his fingers between my legs.
With a growl, he removes them, then spins me so I’m forced to face him.
“I, uh…”
“I know you haven’t taken any in a long time.” He ducks his head, his expression full of understanding. “And I understand you still have insecurities about your body. But baby…” He runs his hands along my silhouette and squeezes my hips. “I fucking love this body.”
God, he’s so good to me.
I don’t realize I’m biting my lip until he forces it free with his thumb.
“Please.” It’s a demand, not a request.
When I nod, he unleashes a wicked grin. “Good. Now prepare to lose, honey .”