Deal Breakers (Dealing with Love 1)

I kiss Nathan on the cheek. “I’ll tell you when you’re a little older.”

“Aw, mom!” Nathan whines.

I laugh as I stand up and look at Riley. “He’s all yours. Good luck with that.”

Riley takes Nate’s hand and starts walking down the hall. Nathan continues asking about the birds and bees and Riley looks petrified as he dodges each question. He casts a backwards glance as they step into the bedroom. I give him a thumbs-up and a smile as he mouths, Help.

RILEY

I PLOP DOWN ON the couch next to Devyn about forty-five minutes later. “I can’t believe you just threw me to the wolves like that!”

She laughs. “Oh please! That’s not the worst he’s ever given me. You should’ve been there when he asked, ‘Mom, why does my wiener get big when I touch it a bunch?’”

My eyes widen. “What? He gets boners?”

“Yep. Playing with his junk is his new obsession. It’s totally normal at this age. Kids are curious. He doesn’t really understand what he’s doing.”

My jaw drops. “How do I not know this? I’m a guy! I don’t remember being obsessed with my junk until I was at least thirteen.”

She starts laughing so hard tears are coming out of her eyes. God, she’s beautiful. “You’re obsessed with your junk, huh?”

“What? No, that’s not what I meant,” I smirk. “These days, I’m much more obsessed with boob

s. Come to think of it, it was pretty much the same back then too.”

She looks down at her chest. “Yeah, well, sorry I don’t really have the goods to help you out there.”

I follow her gaze. “Boobs are boobs, Devyn. Big or small, I love them all.”

She looks up and catches me staring at her chest. “Yeah, right. That’s what every guy says when he gets stuck with someone who has small boobs. I know you all really wish we looked like porn stars.”

I clench my jaw. It pisses me off that she still has these insecurities. If Jackson were a real man, he would’ve squashed them by now. I lean forward and look directly in her eyes to punctuate my next words. “Are you really doubting me? Do I need to prove it, Devyn? Say the word and I’ll make sure you have no question about it.”

DEVYN

“SAY THE WORD AND I’ll make sure you have no question about it,” Riley says.

Oh God, why did he have to say that? Now all I can think about are unbidden images of me and Riley together. Naked and sweaty —in all sorts of compromising positions. The sexual tension in the air is palpable. I think I groan. I’ve never felt something this electric with anyone but him. Jackson’s the only other man I’ve slept with, but I dated other guys before. The chemistry was never even close to what Riley and I have. Sadly, not even with Jackson. Sure, I’m attracted to him, and our sex is…good. But with Riley, I could practically orgasm just hearing his voice. I feel like some sex-starved demon possesses my body right now.

I take a few deep breaths before replying, “Riley, I think it’s time for you to go home.”

He blinks a few times. “Is that what you really want?”

Yes. No. Ugh, I don’t know.

I close my eyes. “It’s the right thing to do.”

“Devyn, look at me.”

My eyes snap open. “What do you want me to say here, Riley?”

“I want the truth. Do you really think I can’t feel how much you want me right now? Do you really want me to leave?”

I steel my resolve to do the right thing and not be ruled by my stupid hormones. “Yes, I really want you to leave.”

His jaw tics as he stands up. “Fine. Go ahead and lie to yourself if it makes you feel better.” He walks to the front door and opens it. Before leaving he adds, “But Devyn, you and I both know that won’t last long. You need to think long and hard about what you’re going to do about it. I think you know me well enough to know where I stand on the subject. And if there’s any confusion, I’d be happy to clear it up. Just say the word.”

RILEY