I grind my teeth together. “You were at a strip club? So what, were you out testing the merchandise, or something?”
His jaw goes tight. I don’t know why he’s suddenly getting angry. It’s not like I spent the night around a bunch of naked men thrusting their bits and pieces in my face.
“I didn’t sit there and enjoy a free lap dance, if that’s what you’re asking. I was mainly in the office, looking over some figures, chatting with the bouncers—we just hired three new ones, and a few of the women came and said hello, and gave me a hug, that’s it.”
“Really?” I say, dragging the word out, the disbelief in my voice palpable. “Just an innocent little hug? That’s it? They didn’t try and proposition you in any way? Or rub their tits against you? Is that what you’re saying?”
I knew I was acting like a psycho girlfriend, but I was feeling a lot of emotions, none of them good, and didn’t know how to control them.
He grabs me and pins me underneath him. “Of course they rubbed their tits on me, but I didn’t give a fuck because I knew the only tits I wanted to see would be waiting for me in my bed. Did I look onstage? Yes. I’m a man. Did I do anything wrong? No. I didn’t, and I wouldn’t. You think I’d bring you here to be with my family, to be with me in my bed, in my world, and then go out and cheat on you? If I wanted other pussy, then I wouldn’t have stepped up and claimed you as mine.”
We’re both breathing heavily at this point, eyes locked. His say that I should’ve known better, and mine say that he didn’t even tell me they owned a strip club, so his visit was kind of sprung on me. If he explained it beforehand, I wouldn’t have freaked out like this. His lips slam down on mine before I can finish processing my last thought, and his hands are touching me all over my body. Our clothes land on the floor, and I soon find out one thing.
I really love makeup sex.
Or was it angry sex?
Either way—it was fucking amazing.
TWENTY-SEVEN
“SURPRISE!” we all yell as Faye walks outside.
She looks around, her eyes wide and her jaw dropping open. “Oh my god!”
We all cheer, hug her, and wish her an early happy birthday. “How the hell did you manage to pull this off without me finding out? No one can keep a secret around here.”
“We didn’t tell anyone until they arrived here today,” Sin says, glancing up at me over her head. “It was Shay’s idea, actually. She’s the one who organized it all for you.”
“Way to make us look bad,” Tracker teases, hugging Faye and kissing the top of her head. “You’re going to love our present best.”
“I’m sure I’ll love them all; thank you so much,” she says, her eyes starting to water. “Stupid hormones!”
“Now she’s all humble,” Sin adds, laughing. “In the car she was saying how annoying it is couples give presents together, otherwise she’d have double the amount.”
Faye shushes him, then says, “This is really amazing everyone, thank you. And, Shay, thank you for organizing it. I’m so happy Vinnie found someone as great as you.”
My face goes bright red as everyone cheers to that. I look behind me at Vinnie, wondering how he is taking that comment, but all he does is wink at me. The DJ starts to play, and everyone dances, including the kids. I sit next to Rake and Bailey with my plate of food, while Vinnie dances with Clover. Seeing the two of them together is so damn adorable. I don’t have any experience with children, but the sight makes me a little clucky, so I decide to look away and concentrate on the delicious food on my plate instead. I pick up a mini quiche and take a bite.
“This quiche is the best I’ve ever had,” Rake groans, shoving a whole one in his mouth.
“Thanks.” I grin, taking a bite of my own. It’s actually the only thing I made, everything else I ordered in. The sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls, and platters were catered by a local bakery Vinnie and I came across.
“You made this?” he asks, already devouring another one. “It’s the shit, Shay.”
“I’m glad you like it,” I say, my smile turning sad. My father used to love them too. It’s nice that other people can enjoy them now, but it still hurts that he’s not here, and will never be again.
“Your turn,” Vinnie says, offering me his hand. “All My Friends” by Snakehips, Tinashe, and Chance the Rapper plays. “May I have this dance?”
I blush and accept his hand, putting my plate down on my chair. “Yes, you may.”
He brings me right up against his body with his hand on the small of my back, my breasts against the top of his abs. I roll my body against his in a sensual way, grinding my hips. He moves against me, in time with the music. I had no idea he could dance, but he’s actually pretty good. To me, a man who dances terribly is a bit of a turnoff, so I’m glad he can handle his own on the dance floor.
“I forgot you could move like that,” he says into my ear, making me shiver. “I’m pretty sure I told you that you shouldn’t dance like that in public.”
“Yet here we are,” I reply, flashing him a seductive look.
“But this time you’re mine,” he says, kissing behind my ear. “So you can dance like that all you want. If other men look though, just know that you’ll be causing a fight.”
“I’ll make sure to remember that,” I say.