Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“What about Preston?”

She shrugged. “He can come over if he wants.”

It hadn’t occurred to me how much I liked that my roommate was absent until my freedom was being threatened. I liked the setup, but I knew that was because of Vaughn. When he was here I felt safe. I had fun. I had amazing, mind-blowing sex all over the apartment. More Greer wasn’t a good thing.

“Are things ok between you two?” I asked.

“They’re fine. But it wouldn’t hurt him to spend a night or two over here.”

There were other advantages to Greer staying at his place. I didn’t have to deal with him.

“I have an idea,” Greer spoke. “Why don’t we make dinner tonight? The four of us. Here.”

I looked at Vaughn. I didn’t know what his reaction would be. We had never done anything with another couple. We hadn’t hung out with other people. It was as if we lived in our own bubble. And I liked it that way. I thought he did too.

But at some point, we had to let other people into it. We had families and friends. We had jobs. The cocoon couldn’t last forever.

“We’ll have to go to the store. I think the only thing left is cereal,” I reported.

“That’s ok. We could go together,” she suggested.

Vaughn still hadn’t said if he was up for a double date with my roommate. It felt strange.

“What do you think?” I tried to read his expression.

“It will have to be an early night. I have a big client meeting in the morning, but sounds good. What are we having?”

I let out a sigh. I had been holding my breath without realizing it. I didn’t know if I was nervous that somehow pressure to do something as a couple would scare him off. That was absurd. But it was as if he had passed a mini relationship test.

I hadn’t wanted to test him. I didn’t think about Vaughn like that. I didn’t put him in a category with past boyfriends. What connected us was different. I didn’t think it needed a definition because I felt it so strongly in my bones.

But Greer reminded me there were other elements in the real world that would tumble into our path. And because of that at some point I would have to determine how real this thing was between us. Could we navigate the everyday ups and downs? Could sex sustain us through emotional challenges or stress and crisis? Did the physical bond strengthen everything else between us? Could we hang out with other couples over dinner and talk about movies? Would we dominate a game of bar trivia? My head spun, picturing us in every scenario.

“Want to go to the store now?” Greer asked.

“Now?” I groaned.

I was comfortable and warm. I liked how Vaughn’s body felt next to me. I didn’t want to move.

“Want me to go with you?” he offered.

“You grocery shop?” I let a giggle slip.

“For donuts I do.” He winked and I knew my cheeks instantly reddened.

“Come on. We can catch up,” Greer prodded.

“Are you ok staying here?” I wanted to make sure he didn’t feel as if I was leaving him for extra girl time. I’d rather stay with him.

He nodded. “I think I’ll be fine with the coffee and this crossword.”

“Ok. Let me get dressed.” I rolled out of the chaise, but not before his arm circled my waist and pulled me in for a rough kiss. I tasted the sugar on his lips. The kiss caught me off guard.

“Wow,” Greer whispered.

I staggered to my feet and followed her in the apartment. She closed the door behind us.

“Is he always like that?”