233 Setting the Date
(Winona)
+25 BONUS
Jayden and I are in our bedroom, getting ready for bed. The room is dimly lit, just enough to see the soft outlines of the furniture and each other. It’s a peaceful moment, but my mind’s buzzing with everything that’s happened over the past few days.
We climb into bed and automatically gravitate towards each other,
“It’s been amazing having you close at night.”
today with
I manage a small smile, but I’m distracted, my thoughts still on the conversation I had earlier today Gus and Phillip. “I’m glad you think so.” But inside I worry that I should be taking this to the next level. We’re not teenagers.
Jayden tightens his arms around me. “You seem tense, What’s going on?”
I’m not sure I can tell him what’s really bothering me, so I opt for the second line thing that’s bothering me. It is something I do need to tell Jayden anyway. I’m not sure what he’ll make of it all.
“It’s just… Gus came by to talk about Maria and Greg’s kids. To my office.”
“Okay, get it off your chest. What’s Gus been up to this time?”
“He’s got some serious concerns,” I say. “Apparently, there’s an ongoing investigation into Maria’s father and other leading politicians and diplomats from Cuba. They’re allegedly connected to smuggling drugs and people into the U.S.”
“Are you for real?”
“Yes. Apparently, Maria hasn’t spoken to her father in years. She wiped him. But also that there isn’t enough evidence to convict anyone of anything. So maybe there’s nothing to the accusations against this
man.”
“Okay, but what does this have to do with us?”
“Gus doesn’t trust that Maria’s family is as innocent as they seem. The organization grooms kids for the long term. You know, setting him up to use his position here in the U.S. to open new smuggling routes.
“So, you’re saying Greg’s kids might be connected to all this?”
“I don’t know.”
“I mean, if they can’t prove anything and there’s no immediate threat to us and our little family, I don’t really give a flying fuck what happens in Cuba. I’m not about to throw a big family reunion.”
“I know. I just thought you should know. Cass is apparently best friends with Mia and they are going to share a unit.”
“Best friends? She’s known her one weekend.”
know. But no one could tell us we were wrong when we were eighteen either.”
“True.”
+25 BONUS
233 Setting the Date
“Cass wants to go spread Mom’s ashes over the weekend.”
“That’s a positive step.”
“Yes and she has more news, but I’ll let her tell you that herself. Anyway, I do worry about her change in attitude with Mia around. What if she starts using again?”
“You can’t take all this on yourself.”
“I’m trying not to.”
Jayden’s quiet for a moment, his mind clearly working through everything. “I’m not getting dragged into anything with Greg’s family. I gave them my shares, I gave them their piece of the pie, and I’m done with all of them.”
“Okay.”
“I think we give Cass the benefit of the doubt and let her make her own mistakes.”
“I agree.” He’s right.
Jayden runs his hands over my back. “You feel good.” He kisses my lips.
My thoughts are running wild, wondering if tonight’s the night he’ll expect more from me. And even though I love him, even though I want him, I can’t help the stress building up inside.
“Now. Tell me what’s really got you all stressed out. No hiding feelings, remember?”
I bite my lip, he’s right. “I just… I don’t want to disappoint you.”
His hand reaches for mine in the silk sheets. “Disappoint me? What are you talking about?”
“Jayden, I still see you, and Ashlyn, in my dreams. Not always, but enough. I know I need to go back to Barnaby, and I will.”
“Do you need me to come back with you?”
“No. I need to work through it. I know you’ve been patient with me, and I’m so grateful for that. But having sex…” I stop myself, feeling embarrassed. “I don’t know if I’m ready yet. But you must be.”
“Hey. There’s no rush. I’m not expecting anything.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Of course you must be. You’re not made of wood. You have needs.”
His thumb brushes gently over the back of my hand. “I want to wait for the wedding night.”
I blink in surprise, not expecting that. “Wait? But-”
“I want us to be able to take our time,” he says, his voice steady and firm. “No pressure, no expectations. I love you, and I want that night to be special. When we’re both ready. Is that a deal? If you don’t want to have sex with me, I guess we will never get married.”
feel the tension start to melt away, and I can’t help but smile. “That sounds… perfect.”
“Good,” he says, leaning down to kiss my forehead.
+25 BONUS
233 Setting the Date
“In that case, I want to set a date now.”
“Right now? I just got warm and comfortable.”
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