“Yeah, I figured that was the case.”
What? “You did?”
He nodded. “I saw the date of the wedding. Traced it back to the night you went out for Stephanie’s bachelorette party. And, uh … hacked the security cameras at the chapel. Man, you guys were trashed,” he snickered.
“Yeah, we were. And it’s embarrassing for me to admit that to you. That’s why I couldn’t explain it right away. And I didn’t want you finding out.”
“Really?” Genuine shock crossed his face. “You were embarrassed? But why?”
“Because I’m your older sister,” she admitted. “And I have to be the adult you can depend on. Rely on. The one who you can trust will make the right decisions and protect you.”
“You’ve been doing that for me and Darcey since we were kids. You don’t have to do it forever. You shouldn’t have to. And, well … you deserve to be happy too.”
“I am happy, Adam. With you guys. I don’t regret any single moment we’ve all been together.”
He flashed her a lopsided smile that made his dimples deepen. “I know. But, well … you need to live your life too. And maybe you can find something of your own, you know?” He snorted as the tough, teen facade slipped back in. “That way you can stop hoverin’ over me and Darcey.”
“I do not—right.” She pressed her lips together. “Anyway, you must be tired after the long day you’ve had. Do you need help getting to bed?”
“Ugh, hovering,” he rolled his eyes. “But … maybe you could just … help me with the covers … and stuff.”
A lump grew in her throat, and she had to swallow it before she said, “Sure.” She watched him lift himself up and get on the mattress, then helped him under the covers. After arranging them the way he liked it and tucking the ends under him, she said, “’Night, Adam.”
“’Night, Sarah,” he yawned.
Chapter Ten
As Sarah slipped out of the room, her first thought was, That went surprisingly well. It was like a heavy burden had lifted off her shoulders now that she knew Adam wasn’t mad at her anymore. He was growing up so fast, but it was nice that he still wanted her to do things like tuck him into bed, like she used to do when he was little.
Looking up at the stairs, a different feeling came over her. Daniel. They were going to have a talk. The door was closed to his room, so she went into hers.
This thing between them … it was like a powder keg waiting to explode. And, well, she wanted it. Wanted to feel the heat, be consumed by it, even for just one night.
Because the truth was, she would rather have the memory of Daniel—a real one that her drunk brain wouldn’t erase—and have her heart broken than have nothing of him to remember. Like Adam said, she needed to live her life too.
Would he want that? He wanted her; she knew that. But what if he’d changed his mind and decided he didn’t want any complications.
As she mulled her options, she remembered that Daniel could come by any second now and the room was a disaster zone as she hadn’t cleaned up after getting all of the fall collection photographed. Various pieces of underwear were still spread out on the bed, and she quickly scooped them up to put away. However, an idea struck her as she remembered how Daniel reacted to seeing her in her creations last night. So, she headed into the bathroom, hands still full of silk and lace.
Designing lingerie wasn’t just a job for her, but also a passion. She loved the feeling of wearing all those naughty things under her regular clothes, as they gave her a feeling of empowerment even while she walked around doing normal everyday stuff like going to the supermarket or to the bank. However, she’d never felt as powerful as she did yesterday when she literally brought Daniel to his knees. The thought of it made her knees weak again, but somehow, she managed to put on a silky blue bra with matching panties and stockings.
“Sarah? Are you in here?”
Her hearth thumped wildly in her chest. But she squared her shoulders and marched out of the bathroom before she lost her nerve. “Yes,” she called out as she circled around the bed and sat on the edge, stretching one leg out in a pose that she knew would make her torso look longer. “Come in.” Anticipation thrummed in her veins as the door swung open.
“Sarah, I wanted to—”
“Wanted to what?” she asked.
Daniel stood there, unmoving, his blue-gray stare practically burning a hole into her. “S-Sarah?” He muttered a curse under his breath.
Since he didn’t make another move, she stood up and sauntered over to him, swaying her hips. “Yes, Daniel?” Though her hands shook, she managed to place them on his chest.
“Sarah.” His eyes glittered and darkened with desire. “Do you really want this?”
“Yes.” Her hands slid up to his shoulders. “I’m very sure.”
A dark look passed over his face, making her shiver in delight. Before she knew what was happening, Daniel swooped her up into his arms and then deposited her on top of the bed reverently.
Her head spun from the heat coursing through her as he covered her body with his. She threaded her fingers through the still-damp hair at his nape, the smell of fresh soap on his warm skin tickling her nostrils as his mouth devoured hers. His hands roamed all over her neck and head, his fingers threading through her hair. He paused every few seconds to pull away and just look at her, as if he couldn’t believe she was real and they were here, now.
She clawed at his shirt, helping him take it off as they continued to kiss and taste each other. He reached down and popped her
