Page 87 of Just Wait

Jealousy check incoming…

I check in with my gut and my chest.

Nope.

I’m all good.

No feelings of discomfort.

That would have been shitty.

Since I was a little kid, I’ve known I want to be part of a pack one day. I loved having a bunch of parents all focused on me. Yeah, maybe I was a selfish little shit, but I would have been happy if I’d had siblings. It just never happened.

That’s probably why I ended up so spoiled.

Huh.

Talk about revelations.

Anyway, I want the built-in friendship that I would get in a pack. My dads provide different things that my mom needs. I’ll never be as in tune or emotionally intelligent as someone like Riser, and I’ll never be as decisive as someone like K.

Kincaid is a natural leader. He wants to be the one making the calls, and as long as I get input on any major decisions, I’d prefer not to be the one to have to mentally carry that load.

That’s why a pack is perfect, even if I’ll have to share Lumen’s affection. If I ever mess something up, I’ll have backup to help me fix it. Or hell, maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll stop me from doing dumb shit before it happens.

I drop the water on the dresser before tossing my pillow up near the head of the bed and putting the cigarettes down on the nightstand.

I palm the lotion bottle, stopping next to Riser and Lumen. If they’ve noticed me, they sure haven’t ceased making out to acknowledge me.

“Eh-hmm,” I say, grinning. “I have lotion. I think we should climb into the shower to avoid any mess, then lube each other up. It will feel phenomenal. We’ll also already be in the perfect place to clean up.”

Riser growls as he pulls back, and I roll my eyes. If I can avoid any jealousy after walking in to find him shoving his tongue down Lumen’s throat, he can get over being interrupted.

I really fucking like that chick.

“Mal,” Lumen says breathlessly. “I missed you so much. Come lie with us.”

“Is that a no to the lotion lube up in the shower?” I pull my T-shirt off with a hand at the back of my neck and toss the lotion down on the bedside table.

Riser is in only his boxer briefs, and Lumen is just in her bra and panties.

See?

I would totally be the one to have a legit reason to be jealous.

“We danced for ages,” Lumen says as I move to get myself out of my jeans. “Then I was standing forever. The bed is comfortable. Bring the lotion. We can take turns massaging each other.”

“That works for me.” I chuckle, moving to work my belt and jeans.

Shit.

Tell me I have boxer briefs on.

Otherwise, I’m going to have to go grab pajama pants or something.

Phew.

Thank God.