“Brian’s mom is a total MILF,” Eric said. “And his dad is a living legend. Brian’s parents are way cool.”
“I’m sure they are, but meeting his parents would suggest Brian and I are pretty serious.”
“Yeah, so?” Eric said.
“So that gives the wrong message. Brian and I are—”
“Just having a good time,” Brian finished her sentence.
“Exactly,” she said. “Thank you.”
“If you don’t like parents, you can ‘just have a good time’ with me,” Eric said. “I don’t have any parents.”
“You don’t?”
He shook his head. “I’m a product of the fine state of California’s foster care program.”
She gave Eric a warm hug. He tugged her closer, his jaw resting against her hair. “I love sympathy hugs,” he murmured, and then his hands slid over her satin nightgown from her lower back to her ass.
She elbowed her way out of his grip. “Is it possible for you not to cop a feel when I’m within reach?”
“I take opportunities when they present themselves.”
She glanced at Brian, who was scowling at her.
“Don’t get mad at me,” she said, “that was him.”
“Why do you get to cal al the shots in this relationship?” he asked.
“Huh?”
“Because you’re pu**y-whipped.” Eric retreated to the living area before Brian took out his frustration on him.
“I’m always the one compromising what I want,” Brian said, his voice raised in anger.
“I compromise.”
“That’s bul shit, Myrna. Name one thing you’ve done that you didn’t want to do. One compromise you made because I asked you.”
“I’m always putting off work I need to do for you.”
“I don’t ask you to.”
“Yes, you do. Al the time. As soon as I start working, you show up wanting sex.”
“You can say no. I don’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
“And how would you react if I said no?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never had to deal with that situation.”
Myrna was stunned speechless. Was he insinuating what she thought he was?
“That’s because Myrna is dick-whipped.” Eric hid behind a sofa pil ow.
“Wel , what compromises have you made?” Myrna countered, unable to argue his logic. She didn’t ever say no to him. She didn’t want to.
“This entire relationship is a compromise for me.”
Sed increased the volume of the TV.
Brian talked louder. “I want to tel you how I feel. I want this to be serious. I want to introduce you to my parents. I want this to be permanent and about more than sex. I know this is hard for you, but it’s hard for me, too. Don’t you get that? I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.”
“Then don’t take it,” she said. “Walk away.” She flicked her hands at him as if showing him the door. She never expected him to turn his back and close himself in the bedroom. Her first instinct was to chase after him. That’s what she wanted to do, but she knew she couldn’t do that. She had to stick to her guns or things would get serious between them and she didn’t want that. Right? No, that would be horrible. Then he’d start with the stupid marriage proposals again.
“You real y blew it this time, Myr,” Eric cal ed over the blaring TV.
“Shut up, Eric.” She stood there indecisively for a moment, wondering why she felt like crying. If this “thing” didn’t work out between her and Brian, it was for the best. Right? Yeah, for the best.
She dashed a tear from the corner of her eye and settled into the booth around the dining table. She sat on the opposite side she usual y did, with her back to the living area and facing the bedroom. She didn’t want the distraction of the guys watching TV while she entered her stupid data into her stupid spreadsheet. At least, that’s what she told herself as she booted up her stupid computer with one eye on the bedroom door.
Chapter 27
Around three in the morning, Brian stumbled out of the bedroom in search of the bathroom. He hadn’t been asleep long. His brain wouldn’t shut up long enough for him to drift off, and then Trey kept cuddling up against him, which made for unpleasant sleeping arrangements. He paused in the doorway. Myrna had fal en asleep at her computer, her head resting on a stack of questionnaires. The others on the bus had retired to their bunks. He didn’t know why he should care if she was uncomfortable sleeping on her everimportant work. She obviously didn’t give a shit about him or his feelings. She hadn’t even tried to make up with him after their argument. He had to come to terms with the fact that she only wanted him for one thing. And he didn’t think he could settle for that any more.
After he finished in the bathroom, he headed back for bed. His conscience getting the better of him, he went to the booth and drew Myrna towards him. He’d just toss her in the empty bunk so she didn’t wake up with a huge crick in her neck.
“No,” she groaned, stil asleep. “Gotta get this data entered so I can stay with Brian in L.A.”
He smiled and kissed her temple. Yeah, she obviously didn’t care about him at al . He just had to be patient with her. It was just so hard to have everything he wanted pressed against him but not be able to claim her as his forever. He lifted Myrna and carried her past the empty bunk and into the bedroom. He laid her on the bed next to Trey and climbed in on her other side.
“Slumber party,” Trey murmured and snuggled up against Myrna. Mr. Cuddles was a total bed hog. But was it real y necessary for him to massage Myrna’s breast like that? Brian thought not. He grabbed Trey’s finger and bent it back until he cried out in pain. Myrna scowled in her sleep.
“Hands off, Mil s.”
Trey sighed heavily and rol ed onto his other side. “Party pooper.”
Chapter 28
Myrna opened her eyes and blinked in the bright morning sunshine. When her eyes adjusted to the light, she found Brian sleeping beside her. She wasn’t sure how she ended up in bed with him, but she was grateful to find him so close. It made it easier to apologize. She should have done it last night.
She lifted her hand to touch his face.
His eyes fluttered open and he smiled. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“Oh Brian,” she murmured, her eyes strangely watery. “I’m sorry about last night. And I’m sorry I’m not more available for you. You’re always so good to me and I just can’t bring myself to…” She shook her head. “But I do want to compromise. So if you stil want me to stay with you in L.A., I promise to hang around a couple of days and do anything you want before I go home to get caught up on work. How does that sound?”