Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

“Okay, point taken. That’s gross, by the way.”

“Especially when they’re so proud of their balls.” She makes a face. “Then they ask for a boob shot, and I send them a picture of Sassy’s nipples.” She laughs at her own joke.

Shit, that makes me especially glad I didn’t take Maddie’s advice and join those apps.

“Well, you have fun with that. I need to shower and grab a pizza and wine before I head to Gemma’s.”

“The perfect couple’s date night.” She gags, then snickers. “I really am happy for you guys. Robert wasn’t right for her, and I’m just glad she realized that before it was too late.”

Me too.

“So are you two official yet? Or just friends with benefits?”

I snort. “Are we gossiping like high schoolers now? I’m not one of your girlfriends, Ev.”

“Maybe not, but you’re dating one of mine, so…”

She does have a point.

“We haven’t talked about it, but we’re going slow, and I’m letting her set the pace.”

“I love you, brother, but if you break her heart again, I won’t forgive you twice.”

Nodding, I frown because I know Everleigh was there for Gemma and helped pick up the broken pieces I left behind.

“Trust me, I’m not planning on it. I don’t want to lose her this time, and I’d marry her now if that was an option.”

And it’s the truth.

Gemma is the only girl for me.

“That’s more like it.” Everleigh grins. “Now, go have fun with my best friend and reiterate that she’s yours and always will be.”

Thirty minutes later, I arrive at Gemma’s with goodies in hand and excitement in my step. As much as Everleigh’s a pain in my ass, she makes valid points. Gemma is mine now, and I want her to know I’m in this for the long haul.

“Hello, gorgeous,” I say when she lets me inside her house.

“Mmm, smells delicious,” she purrs. “The pizza, I mean.”

I laugh. “What every man who’s trying to win over the girl of his dreams loves to hear.”

She looks at me and tilts her head. “I don’t think you need to worry about that, considering I just ended a relationship. All I wanna do is spend time with you.”

After I set everything down on the kitchen island, I close the gap between us and wrap her in my arms. Tilting up her chin, I bring her mouth to mine and slowly brush my lips against hers. I slip my tongue inside, tasting her sweetness, wanting to devour her.

“I hope one day we’re doing a lot more than just spending time with each other.” I flash her a wink.

“Same.” She smiles.

“According to my sister, we should already be married with a baby on the way, so caution to the wind the next time you speak to her.”

“Oh, trust me, I’m aware. She’s already sent me a list of baby names.”

I snort. “We seriously need to get her a boyfriend so she’ll stop obsessing over us.”

“Oh, I’ve been trying to hook her up for years. She’ll go on a couple of dates, then find something wrong with them all. It’s stupid things too, like the way the guy chews or the type of socks he wears. Never fails. Every. Single. Time.” Gemma shakes her head. “She’ll sleep with them, though.”

“Ahh, okay, that’s enough about my sister’s sex life. Moving on to our dinner and movie.”

Gemma chuckles, and we fill our plates and glasses.

“So what torturous movie are you making me watch tonight?” she asks as we sit on the couch.

When I tell her the title, she rolls her eyes. “Tomorrow night, we’re watching 27 Dresses or Knocked Up.”

“Actually, tomorrow…” I linger after taking a bite of pizza. “I promised Everleigh we’d hang out with her because she’s getting cranky we’re always together. She said she’d be the third wheel, but I told her to invite someone.” I shrug, certain she won’t.

“Perfect! Definitely a Katherine Heigl movie then.”

“I’ll make sure we’re stocked up on whiskey.”

“You mean margaritas?” she counters.

“No, I’m gonna need the hard stuff to get through one of your movies.”

Gemma lifts her glass of wine with a smirk. “Exactly why I’m planning to drink the whole bottle tonight.”

I laugh, but it doesn’t matter because at this moment, we’re more focused on each other.

There’s no doubt about it—I’m falling even harder and faster for Gemma Reid, and I don’t ever want this feeling to stop.

Chapter Twelve

GEMMA

Though it’s Sunday and I typically sleep in, I get up early. Once I’m dressed and drink a cup of coffee, I head over to Katie’s house. We’re going to some open houses, and I’ve been looking forward to it all week. Considering she wants a fixer-upper, it’ll be fun to walk through rooms with character that have actually been lived in. It’ll be a stark difference from the brand-new cookie-cutter mansions Robert stages with pricey furniture. When I park in her driveway, she opens the front door wearing a smile and waves me inside. Though when I walk in, she seems anxious and fidgety.