“I’ve always understood her, Banner. I’ve never once held her childhood, her past against her, but I’ve also felt like we’ve made strides toward better communication while being together.”

“You have,” he answers and finishes off his éclair. “But do you know what’s interesting?” He licks his finger. “When people feel threatened and out of control, like they’re spinning, not even the strongest humans can revert to new coping behaviors. They revert to the patterns of behavior they know best. And even though they’re not handling their emotions appropriately, they’re still managing, they’re still breathing, and they’re still walking along in this world.”

I tug on my hair. “Yeah, you’re right. And if I put myself in her shoes, she’s told me time and time again that I’ve saved her from her thoughts, from her negative feelings. If I did something wrong, causing her to lose comfort previously found in me, that trust, she’d roll back to old habits. That means shutting down, and no amount of thoughtful gifts or actions will change her mind.”

“Yup.” He drapes his arm over the back of the couch. “It’s why Nichole is out here, because she’s a solid in Myla’s life. She can count on her. She needs that right now.” Banner glances in my direction. “So maybe be fucking nice to her.”

Where the hell is that coming from?

My brow raises in question as I ask, “Is that for Myla’s sake . . . or for yours?”

“Maybe a little of both.” He smirks.

“Are you seeing her?”

“Nah, man. Just fooling around after Myla falls asleep. I drive over, we fuck in the car, and that’s it.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “She’s in town, so why not?”

“You’re having sex in front of my neighbors?”

“Grow up. We’re all adults. I’m sure if they were ever dick deep in Nichole’s pussy, they’d understand.” He turns back to the TV and says, “Now, do me a solid and fetch me another of those éclairs? If Myla doesn’t want them, I have no problem devouring them for you.”

Chapter Ten

MYLA

Seven years ago . . .

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Hey.

DrinkWithMe: Hey? Is that your opening?

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Got you talking, didn’t it?

DrinkWithMe: Just because I’m so insulted by the simplicity.

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Sometimes simple is good. What are you doing?

DrinkWithMe: Painting rocks.

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: That’s not what I expected you to say.

DrinkWithMe: Oh sorry, let me change my answer . . . *ahem* Oh well, I’m so glad you asked because I’m just lounging on my bed, in my lingerie, trying to decide if my nipples are closer in shade to pink or to purple.

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: You know, I can always bring over my color wheel and put the wondering to rest.

DrinkWithMe: What a white knight you are.

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: I try. But hey, do you need help painting those rocks?

DrinkWithMe: What do you mean?

Ryot.Bisley.Balls: I got home last night from our two-week road trip and have the day off. I figured I would come by, and when I say come by, I mean I’m standing outside your apartment right now, so it would be pretty cool if you could let me in.