Free Pure Lust Vol. 3 by M. S. Parker, Cassie Wild

through the phone.
    “You’re having a rough day. I was calling to tell you I’d be late, but now I’m wondering if I should come home as planned.”
    “No!” I couldn’t yank back the tone I’d used, but I covered it fast, saying again softly, “Edward, you can’t leave everything when I have a bad day. I’m guaranteed to be cranky at least five days out of the month, what are you going to do then?”
    He paused and then chuckled wryly. “Well, I see what you mean. Very well. What did you have planned for the day? I know my mother mentioned she had plans this afternoon, looking at swatches and dress designs for the bridal party?”
    “Yes.” I was delighted I managed to say it without clenching my teeth. If I made it through this afternoon without committing matricide, I’d been amazed. Was it matricide if you killed your soon-to-be mother-in-law? I didn’t know, and hopefully I wouldn't find out. “But for now, I thought I’d find a coffee shop and get some more work done, maybe look for some leads on my next job.”
    “Your next…? Oh, yes. You said you’d be finishing up this project soon.” He hesitated.
    I could all but feel the words building inside him. I knew what was coming and hoped he wouldn't say it.
    He did.
    “You know, it’s not necessary that you work right now, Gabriella. You’ve got your hands full with the wedding and adjusting to everything that’s changed.”
    “I need to work.” If I didn’t, I’d go nuts, but I couldn't tell him that, not without sounding like he wasn't enough for me. “I like working, Edward.”
    “Of course.”
    A car pulled up in front of me and the sight of Paul climbing out shouldn’t have made me scowl, but it did. It would be a lot easier to find a coffee shop with him around, no doubt. I just wanted to be alone. Me and my bad mood. “I’m going to get going, Edward. Get to work at all.”
    “Of course. Call me around lunch so we can talk.”
    “If I can.”
    ***
     
    I didn’t call.
    I forgot.
    Between an actual idea for a new TV show—one that I suspected wouldn’t sell just as nothing else had—and my focus on job opportunities both on freelance sites and classified ads, I completely lost track of time. By the time my phone went off to remind me about texting Paul for a ride to the offices of Magnifique for my meeting with Claire and Estelle, hours had gone by and I hadn't even noticed.
    When the phone did go off, I jerked my head up and looked around, confused as I took in my surroundings. Loud music, louder voices and the general chaos of a New York coffee shop. It was familiar and comforting.
    Home.
    Sucking in a huge breath through my nostrils, I breathed in the scent and realized that for the first time in weeks, I actually felt relaxed. It was pitiful, but the noise was more soothing to me than the blissful silence and sweet serenity of Edward’s home—I couldn't quite bring myself to call it mine—and definitely far more comfortable than things had been with Kendra lately.
    Maybe I should have just moved into a local barista.
    Amused at the idea, I sent off a message to Paul and started clearing up my work area, including the cups from all the coffee I’d consumed. I was surprised my hands weren't shaking. Paul responded back and told me he’d be there in ten minutes. That allowed time for a pit stop and then I was out the door just as he pulled up.
    Once I was tucked inside and he was navigating the mean streets of New York, I asked whimsically and wistfully, “I don’t suppose I could talk you into joining us, could I?”
    “Joining you, Miss?”
    “I’m doing some wedding stuff with Edward’s mom, Claire.” I sighed. “She's not exactly...fond of me. It'd be nice to have a buffer.”
    “I wouldn’t be much of a buffer, Miss Gabriella.” He flicked me a look in the rearview mirror after he’d come to a halt at a red light. “Mrs. Bouvier doesn’t take much notice of me. She’d act as if I wasn’t even