Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Jami pulled into the long gravel drive, headlights sweeping over the dark stretch of palm trees before the house came into view. He parked near the porch, killed the engine, and waited until Carlene’s car rolled to a stop behind him.
When she stepped out, she looked smaller than usual, the faint porch light catching the tension in her shoulders. She crossed her arms like she was cold, though the night was warm.
He met her halfway. “You sure you’re okay?”
Her nod was small. “I will be.”
That wasn’t good enough for him. “Carlene.”
She looked up, and in that one glance, he saw everything she wasn’t saying: anger, disbelief, and something that looked like guilt.
“Come inside,” he said gently. “You look like you could use a drink.”
She didn’t argue.
Inside, the house smelled like cedar and coffee. He poured two glasses of bourbon and handed her one. She took a small sip, staring at the glass before setting it on the counter.
“I met with Vivian,” she said finally.
He leaned against the island, watching her carefully. “And?”
“She confirmed it.”
He froze. “Confirmed what?”
“That the leak wasn’t an accident. The label orchestrated it.”
The words hit him like a punch. He’d suspected, but hearing it out loud made his stomach twist. “They used Reed his fingers cupped them and molded them as she moved.
She moved faster. He met her thrust for thrust. The tightness in his balls grew painful, and his orgasm squeezed up his penis. Every muscle in his body tightened the instant he saw the ecstasy of her orgasm on her face, and he allowed himself to let go.