“If you don’t stop doing that, we’re going to violate our ‘going slow’ rule,” I tell him.
He squints one eye and tilts the corner of his lips. “Pretty sure that was just your rule.”
I playfully smack him and get off his lap, then sit down next to him. “I had to lie to my mother tonight, and it sucked.”
He reaches over and grabs my hand. “We don’t have to, you know? I can take care of whatever backlash Riley gives me. Or hell, your father. They’ll probably both want their turn to knock me on my ass individually, but it’d be one hundred percent worth it.”
Groaning, I throw my head back on the couch. “Don’t say that. I’d just like to explore this without everyone’s comments. I recently got out of a relationship, and I’m sure my mom and cousins will have something to say about it.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“I’m worried they’ll put doubt in my head about dating someone so soon, being with you, or that we’re moving too fast.”
“Okay…” He nods, then brings our hands up to his lips and sweetly kisses my knuckles. “Then we’ll keep it our secret for now. I’m sure it’s not the worst thing you’ve lied to your mother about.” He flashes a devilish grin, knowing damn well he’s right.
“Well, no. But that’s besides the point. I don’t like violating the trust between us.”
“I’m sure once it’s out there, she’ll understand why you did.”
I inhale slowly and sigh. “I hope so.”
“Until then, we’ll secretly make out in the back of my truck.”
I laugh at how smooth he tries to be, but I don’t exactly hate the idea either.
“So I know I wanted to take your mind off your ex, but can you tell me what happened between you two? How long did you date? How’d you meet?”
“You really wanna know that stuff?”
“Only if you feel comfortable telling me, but I want to know everything about you. The good, the bad, and even the ugly.”
“And Nick is definitely the ugly part.”
He chuckles, brushing his hand over his scruffy chin. I love that he leaves it just long enough for me to scratch my nails through it.
“We met at a college party and were actually friends for a few months before he asked me out. We dated for a total of fourteen months. It was after I hung out with Trace a few times.”
Diesel audibly groans, and I smirk at how jealous he gets.
“Do you still talk to him?” he asks.
“Just as friends,” I reassure him. “That’s all we ever were, so don’t get your panties in a bunch.”
“He sure as fuck didn’t look at you like y’all were only friends.”
“You met him one time,” I remind him, smirking. “Calm your tits.”
“As long as when our secret is out, he knows it too.”
“It’s a small town. Everyone will know within twenty minutes.”
He grunts, squeezing my hand tighter. “Good.”
“Anyway…” I grin. “When I found out Nick had cheated on me, he apologized and begged me to give him another chance. He promised over and over he’d never do it again and tried to win me back. I told him there was no chance in hell because he’d broken our trust, and I couldn’t forgive a man who did that to me. Being honest and having open communication are two of the most important things to me, and he violated them both.”
“Well, I’m truly sorry he did that, but I’m also thankful as fuck because it brought you to me.”
Diesel and I talk for hours. Even though we seem to know a lot about the other, we share more intimate and personal things. We laugh and tease each other, and before the night is over, I feel closer than ever to him.
It’s just what I needed after the shitty way my day started.
Chapter Nine
DIESEL
Ever since that night a week ago when Rowan came over almost in tears, we’ve grown closer both physically and emotionally. We’re still taking things slow and sneaking around, but after years of pining for her, it feels amazing to have my feelings for her reciprocated. Though I’m not getting much sleep, every second I spend with her is well worth the three hours I do get.
“You wake up gettin’ your dick sucked or something?” Riley taunts as we walk out of the shop.
“That or he’s gettin’ it regularly,” Grayson adds.
“How about y’all mind ya damn business,” I say smugly, flashing my teeth.
“Shoulda seen him in Vegas,” Riley tells Grayson. “Could barely handle himself around all the blondes.”
“Look who’s talkin’? You married one of them.”
He points at me, smirking. “True, but she wasn’t blond.”
Riley’s back to working full-time, which means he’s returned to giving me shit as much as possible. Baby Zach was born over a month ago, and even though he was a little early, he’s doing great.